JoHan 1970 AMC Rebel Restoration

[Drag Monster]

This is the progress so far on a restoration of a Johan 1970 AMC Rebel Machine I started. I picked it up at a swap meet as a built-up it was painted blue. I used Super Clean and it removed 100% of the paint overnite. I decided not to go with the standard Red, White & Blue paint scheme. 

[DrKerry]

Ooooo that's looking oh so nice so far!!!!!!!!!

[kelson]

Nice!glad you're building it in a different color,can't wait to see more.

[Repstock]

 

 

 

Not a knock on your model, which is off to a great start, but for those who might be interested, this is how the rear suspension really looks on a Rebel. I don't know why JoHan made the chassis plate the way they did.

[PARTSMARTY]

A great car and yours is looking great-can't wait to see more !!!

[Monty]

 

 

 

Not a knock on your model, which is off to a great start, but for those who might be interested, this is how the rear suspension really looks on a Rebel. I don't know why JoHan made the chassis plate the way they did.

I noticed the torque tube as well and wondered if Johan just reused the Marlin chassis.  From what I've read, the V8 engines in most/all Johan AMC kits are a previous generation old (think Y-block in a Mustang) so they're not accurate either.  I've seen many builders replace them with the engine from the AMT Matador stock cars 'cuz they're dirt cheap and have a more correct appearance.

Edited September 4, 2017 by Monty

[smhardesty]

This is the progress so far on a restoration of a Johan 1970 AMC Rebel Machine I started.  I decided not to go with the standard Red, White & Blue paint scheme.

 

 

Just to point out, AMC produced the Rebel as a choice, as opposed to "The Machine". There were a lot of Rebels produced in 1970, in varying trim packages, that weren't "Machines". My dad had a '70 Rebel that was green with black accents and had the base 290 V8 in it. It was a sassy little car even with the little 290. Personally, I really like seeing Rebels done as something other than "The Machine". That car garners a LOT of attention, leaving way too many other great old Rebels ignored.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this one finished. Keep those photos coming!

 

 

[MrObsessive]

I'm following this one too! Not too many of these I've seen built, and I happen to have a clean builtup which I haven't done a thing with yet, so I'm curious to see what happens with yours.

As far as V8's------yeah, you could use the engines out of the NASCAR kits, or if you come across any old junk Jeep kits with a V8 that would work too as all late '60s AMC V8's were pretty much the same externally from 290 to 401 CI.

Years ago (early '90's) I had a neighbor that lived a few houses from me that had a black '70. IIRC, his just said "Rebel" on it and not The Machine moniker. His had a 390, and it could REALLY get up and go! Frankly, I like the toned down look of the Rebels over The Machines-----they're just a bit too over the top for me with that wild paint job!

[Mr mopar]

looks cool ! ............. I'm thinking about doing my Rebel Machine Big Bad Green ?

[Drag Monster]

I believe that this kit shares many parts with Johan's ambassador kit, the dash has the ambassador script. It may not be too accurate but its the only 1970 Rebel kit available.

[smhardesty]

Hmmm. If the kits share parts then that's a shame. The Ambassador and the Rebel were very definitely different creatures. We had a Rambler/AMC dealer in my small home town. My folks drove lots of Ramblers, then a few AMCs as I grew up. Not only did my dad have the '70 Rebel, but Mom had a '68 Ambassador. Both cars were solid and provided smooth rides, but were totally different too.

[espo]

Great looking, I agree with the "toned down look". With just a little chrome trim it looks like you're about done.

[Merkur XR4Ti]

Just to point out, AMC produced the Rebel as a choice, as opposed to "The Machine". There were a lot of Rebels produced in 1970, in varying trim packages, that weren't "Machines". My dad had a '70 Rebel that was green with black accents and had the base 290 V8 in it. It was a sassy little car even with the little 290. Personally, I really like seeing Rebels done as something other than "The Machine". That car garners a LOT of attention, leaving way too many other great old Rebels ignored.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this one finished. Keep those photos coming!

 

 

 

Agreed, the Rebel SST was a fine looking car and a good alternative to the Machine. Trickiest part of building one would be the crossbars on the grille. Modelhaus made a flat hood for this kit and the rest of the car is pretty straightforward.

[Drag Monster]

Extra time has been scarce lately but I have managed to complete the grill. I hope to foil the trim on the body this weekend.

[Drag Monster]

 The next posting will be in the Under Glass section, it's been awhile sense I've completed something. Almost there.

 

Edited September 19, 2017 by Drag Monster
extra photo

[Len Woodruff]

I have one of those and the glass broke. Any ideas where I could get a replacement?

[Trendsetta68]

I believe that Okey Spaulding of Johan models still has some of the glass .....

[Len Woodruff]

16 minutes ago, Trendsetta68 said:

I believe that Okey Spaulding of Johan models still has some of the glass .....

Do you have any contact information?

[Trendsetta68]

I can try to get some for you...

[Len Woodruff]

47 minutes ago, Trendsetta68 said:

I can try to get some for you...

That would be great. How soon would you know?

[Snake45]

Very, VERY nice! Great color choice and you're doing great with it! Drive on! 

[Scott8950]

that turned out very nice