Yeah I know, it's an odd idea doing a 66 convertible. And it is certainly a challenge. I want to do it for several reasons.

1- I am big into convertibles. As I mentioned, I already have a very healthly 69 firebird coupe. It drives me nuts to drive around on nice warn sunny days(here in Wilmington, NC we have plenty of them year round) with a lid. I also have a real nice condition 1976 CJ5, mildly warmed over 360, 33in BFG all terrain TKOs, 4.10's, dana 44 posi rear. I've had CJs for over 10 years, and I have grown quite fond of AMC v8s from the beginning. To give you an idea of how much I like going top down, I ran my first cj year round in NJ with no more than a bikini top and a set of half doors. Granted it was way back when I was young and busting my but to pay the mortgage on a house and stay debt free on my own in my early 20's, but with a Carhart onepiece and gloves and hat, I loved it! Not to say that I don't appreciate having the best soft top available on my ride now, but I still take the top down on plenty of 50 degree days still. I'd rather drive the jeep 10 to 1...because I can take the top off. So for a car that I intend to set up to drive alot, a convertible it must be. Obviously it must also be an AMC. I have been collecting way too much AMC v8(304, 360, and especially 401) stuff not to want to put one in an AMC where it belongs. I can't get into the Rogue, American body style. They are just not for me. The 67 or so rebel conv. is workable, but it just doesn't do it for me either. The Ambassador...we won't even go there. If the 68-70 Javelin came as a convertible.....

2- I want an overdrive tranny. the t-85 with a Borg Warner overdrive will allow the cruise gearing that I want. I like the idea of using the original "type"driveline. I have had several conversations with mostly Marlin owners who love their drivelines(love the way they ride on the highway and handle when good sway bars, shocks, springs, tires, brakes, are used) and several have either modified their 327's(one with a healthy nitrous diet) or swapped in 360/401s and have enjoyed the results. By the way, I will be saving the running original 327/auto driveline intact for storage. I'll be using the parts that I need from my 66 rebel (it also has factory air, power windows, black bucket seats, perfect console, front disc brakes, sure grip rear, t-10 tranny(very rare for a torque tube car) and a factory American Motors tach still mounted on the dash that is in great shape) Plus the drivelines' limitations will help me keep a lid on the all out performance ideas for the motor. The t-85/overderive setup is "supposed" to be as strong as the early generation t-10's that they were based off of. My very respected tranny builder seems to think that it will all survive with no problem as long as I don't go too crazy with the 401 and I keep street tires on it. Not entirely convinced, I suppose it all depends on what exactly "too crazy with the 401" means!

3- I think with the right treatment, the car could have a nice look to it. A member of the AMC club in Finland(of all places) did one up in Red with a white top, stripped the side molding, put nice aluminum rims and BFG radial ta's of respectabvle size on all corners, lifted the rear about 2" for a better stance and it looks good. (kinda mid 60's hot rodded chevelle/nova..ish!) Plus I like the fact that it is for all intents and purposes a forgotten car. I like the idea of putting together what AMC should and could have put together in 1966 to compete in the mid sized, 400 cubic inch, square bodied muscle car market...and using as many AMC parts as realistic in the process. I guess that I'm a dork for something different this time around!

As far as selling you all my 401 stuff...not so much. I have been hoarding for a reason. Seriously, if you need something, let me know, I just might have it, and POSSIBLY part with it. As for doing a total driveline swap, I looked into it. Actually it was my original intention. Modern HD aftermarket overdrive manual trans, rear disc ford 9" 32" ladder bars(fit quite nicely) etc, etc. Total swap outs have been done to several 65-66 classic/marlins that I know of with good success. Perhaps I like going the hard way. I believe the 57 rebel was only beaten by the fuel injected corvette that year in the 1/4. Yeah, it had factory 4.10s but it was still a turque tube. So ya think people will mock me?

George