61 Nash Metro - Lateral-g Forums

69MyWay · #1 03-01-2012, 06:33 AM

Please feel free to question my sanity. Truth is that Radrambler has little by little rubbed off on me with these pre AMC products and the early AMC products. I started looking first at the Metro then switched to the 50s Nash Rambler Wagons...and settled back here. I LOVE the dropped fenders and saw some V8 models...etc with some sweet wheels - etc.

I usually prefer to pick up "project cars" that are in a deep state of disrepair or unfinished. I probably paid too much for this one, but from what I can see it is solid leaving more time for the good stuff instead of trying to rebuild the entire car before I get to the goodies.

Because gas prices and other issues have put a squeeze on my "hot rod" budget, I have all sorts of odd ideas running around my mind head about this 1.5 liter three on the tree teacup on wheels.

Also, I want a car I can drive everyday that is both economical and fun. I know that those two words and cars built in 1961 aren't suppose to go in the same sentence.

So...here is the ebay auction I won with the pictures.

Let me know what you think - or what you would do with one of these little puddle jumpers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...:US:1120#v4-40

coolwelder62 · #2 03-01-2012, 07:07 AM

I think there's an amusment park missing one of their kiddie car's.

No, it look's like a soild car.I think it need's a twin turbo Big Block.

69MyWay · #3 03-01-2012, 07:17 AM

I know - they are TINY - Like Cartoon tiny!

I've been on youtube and seen one of these with a big block super charged where the blower was bigger than the stock engine!

At a minimum I'd like to see it running again with fresh tires, brakes...etc and be able to zoom to and from work.

On the flip side, I think if the continental spare was shaved, bumper holes shaved and fresh rear LED late model lamps of some sort in there - HID kit in the front, dropped low, fresh tight suspension and some nice wheels it would be a sharp looking ride - very clean.

Engine wise, a stock 2.5 S10 with five speed drive train would be a nice start. Of course an LS would be amazing - or even a Saturn Sky turbo four and six manual would be neat.

But - right now I'll be satisfied to drag it to my garage and just figure out how to get the stock mill fired up and get some soft parts on the inside.

Rick D · #4 03-01-2012, 07:47 AM

I have a friend that has on of these. I have always thought it would make a cool hot rod kinda pro-touring?? I can get for next to nothing?
This is just a picture from Google not the one my friend has, his is in MUCH better shape. Cool project should be fun, and my vote is for Sky turbo motor. You know different like the car.

64pontiac · #5 03-01-2012, 09:05 AM

I'll give you my idea, but don't be mad if you see me do something like it on a different car.......

Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky Turbo ecotec drivetrain..... manual trans, rear wheel drive configuration, ecotec aluminum 4 banger and a turbo. And you can get them for a decent price.

Then in keeping with that theme, do a removable hard top and a flip front end.

daemon2 · #6 03-01-2012, 09:22 AM

Heres a link to the article, they stuffed a V8 in her: http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicl..._metropolitan/

OLDFLM · #7 03-01-2012, 09:23 AM

Engine looks very similar to the one in my 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye!

You could also do a full Miata swap with drivetrain and suspension!

69MyWay · #8 03-11-2012, 01:08 PM

So tell me what is involved in adding a turbo to a 1991 Ford 2.3 mustang engine? I have a line on a complete 91 mustang take out but think adding a turbo would be the thing. Would have to narrow the axle and swap that too.

69MyWay · #9 03-13-2012, 09:15 AM

Okay, I found a Met with a 2.3 Ford and a C4 stuffed in. It is all motor from the radiator to the steering link (that runs above the trans).

I think this gives a great deal of insight into the potential of a EFI 2.3 and AOD trans or five speed option - then adding a turbo would be the real trick. There is a ton of room inside the fenders to run plumbling.

69MyWay · #10 03-31-2012, 05:31 AM

Rust...the great leveler of all that dare to venture out into the elements - rich, poor, big, small...and in-between!

Been tearing this thing down and letting the gears in my head roll around. I had hoped to have it ready for the blaster by Thursday, but it didn't happen. For the most part the nuts and bolts are coming out without too much trouble, but I did lose all of the door hinge bolts in the plate (had to drill out) and ended up pulling the whole front clip. You don't see Mets often without a front clip because it is welded and bolted on. After my wife pulled all the bolts I cut the welds and off it came. Now we can get down to business.

Still tearing down - have to yank the rear window, the battery box, and remove the door hareware/side glass - then I'm ready to fully assess.