1962 vs '63 Rambler Americans
OfflineI own a 1962 Rambler American convertible, but when I went to tune it up it appears to have a 1963 engine in it, or at least a ‘63 distributor cap. I also know that the grills were different for the model years of ‘62-‘63 and was told that seatbelts were standard for 63 but optional for ‘62. Can you tell me any other differences between the two models? I have just bought a ‘63 convertible parts car and I don’t won’t to be in for any major surprises. If you do not have room to explain the differences here can you tell me a person (member) or website that will help? Also, my OHV 196 with automatic maxes out at about 55 mph even though it has recently been tuned-up. I have been told by other owners of similar vintage Americans (both straight sixes and OHV) that there is something wrong - that the 196 should cruise at highway speeds without any significant effort. Can you give me some clues as to what might be causing my lack of power?
i have a 63 440H.i have had it up to 90 (ya, stupid but had to see if it would) with no problem. if i had a little bigger nuts, i could been at 100. it was still pulling hard. it has auto also.have you rebuilt your carb? jets may be plugged off a little bit. run a couple cans of sea foam thru the fuel tank. that stuff works AWSOME!!! your timing could be a little off. do you have a good strong coil? if carb has been rebuilt and working good, timing is good, new plugs/wires/points/cap/rotor... coil could be not putting out enough spark to burnhot enough. i had that happen last fall on my 63 440H. i also have a 62 classic. had an issue where the carb got a little plugging in the carb. it would work fine at low speeds. high speeds, it ran to lean, and had no power. you also might check the compression of the motor. if it has sat for a while, compression may be low due to stuck rings. try a little auto trans fluid down the cylinders for a couple days. if that dont work, then it may be time for a rebuild. others may chime in with there suggestions.
dave stohler
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