My HM Ambassador Grand (2011): Restoration


Thread Starter #1
Joined
Dec 18, 2012
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Hi All,
Posting here after a very long time.
Recently went ahead with the crazy idea of Purchasing an used AMBY (King of Indian Roads).
Planning to Restore with fewer mods & more original condition.

Amby (Yet to Name him), I purchased is in good (NOT SO Great) condition, yet I went ahead with purchase cause (call me crazy)
1. Decent condition Amby, that can be found in Pondicherry area under PY Regn (after a long search/wait).
2. Am Third owner of vehicle. Luckily Reg No, matches my Year of Birth.
3. As I am residing abroad, my brother (after giving be loadful of !@#$%!@%!@^*, for my amby craziness) took a me mechanic to check & gave below feedback.
a. Engine need minor workover, nothing major (lot of life left).
b. Weak PS, need to check.
c. Pickup is fine.
d. NO black smoke
e. Speedo said 54K+ , We never believed it, might be 94k or 154K also.
f. Need to do Tinkering/work (thanks to coastal Pondy)
g. All tyres (atleast 2 rear & 1 stepney) needs change.
h. AC is Chill on Februray hot noon, after 10mins of ON.
i. No problem in pulling with AC.

4. Grinning ear-to -ear, said OK. My brother also agreed, because of me and Reg No.
5. After not so big negotation, we agreed, dealt & immediately did name transfer.
6. According to mechanic, we over paid 20-30K (say it's for reg number)
All these happened in FEB 2021

After Name transfer, Insurance transfer, there came second wave lockdown. Amby rested for 3-4 good months rest, with minimal local running. (all smooth).

After re-open, Amby travelled to my BIL place at Erode, for Renovation. As I am in abroad, Amby will be in my BIL's home until my return to India (may be a couple of years, until after all travel restrictions loosened/removed).
Plan is to make Amby robust & Fit, including engine and body works, barring interior & fancy mods.
Below are priority the to-do-list.
1. Complete Engine/ Gearbox service overhaul.
2. Power Steering Overhaul.
3. All fluids change.
4. Complete Body Make over, tinkering, make sure ZERO RUST.
5. Change to Gypsy Rims (Front have Disc brake, Rear have Drum, as of now).
6. Complete new Electrical Harness.
7. Fix internal Rattlings & replace any spares required.
8. Mats/ Seat covers change (Later stage). Planning to retain front bench.
9. Possible to procure spares from Coimbatore, if needed.
10. Planning to keep in same white for now, until I return & take over. later will change to Metallic paint maybe after 5 Years

SUGGESTIONS/INPUTS NEEDED:
1. Gypsy Rims Change (Does Gypsy rims affect Disc/Drum, brake setup)
2. Brake booster needed? Alternator upgrade needed for brake booster?

3.IF change to Gypsy rims, Recommended Tyre Size, in AMBY, 205/70 R15?
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Thread Starter #2
Joined
Dec 18, 2012
Messages
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Location
Pondicherry/Singapore
SUGGESTIONS/INPUTS NEEDED:

1. Gypsy Rims Change (Does Gypsy rims affect Disc/Drum, brake setup)?
2. Brake booster needed? Alternator upgrade needed for brake booster?
3. IF change to Gypsy rims, Recommended Tyre Size, in AMBY, 205/70 R15?
4. Mechanic is Finalized in Erode itself, who's only dealing with Vintage cars. (Small but highly effective , recommended from a Landmaster (or)MK1 owner)
5. CONTACTS for Any workshops/ Automobile spares shops/Scrap yard in Coimbatore area are welcome.

Gurus, kindly help to shed some light.
Please Consider me as Noob/dummy with some theoretic knowledge.
 
Joined
Aug 17, 2012
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S
1. Gypsy Rims Change (Does Gypsy rims affect Disc/Drum, brake setup)?
2. Brake booster needed? Alternator upgrade needed for brake booster?
3. IF change to Gypsy rims, Recommended Tyre Size, in AMBY, 205/70 R15?
4. Mechanic is Finalized in Erode itself, who's only dealing with Vintage cars. (Small but highly effective , recommended from a Landmaster (or)MK1 owner)
5. CONTACTS for Any workshops/ Automobile spares shops/Scrap yard in Coimbatore area are welcome.
.
Congratulations on your new buy.
1. The PCD and centre hole size of Gypsy rim are different, A new set of holes need to be drilled and tapped in the brake drums.
2. Since there is a brake booster already installed, the needed vaccum type alternator should be in place, Replace the booster only if you hear any hissing noise near the pedal while you depress it.
3. 205 will look macho, but 175 or 185 is more than enough
5. Will PM you.
 
Thread Starter #4
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Thanks Ilango for the support and information.

1.Mine has the Disk brake setup in front. So the new drills are to be drilled on the disk hub also?
My mechanic saying, if change to Gyspy Rims, Braking is not sharp, so he is advising against gypsy rims. Need to check with him again.
His feedback might be based on CBE make Amby drums with Gypsy PCD.
I am communicating with him thru my BIL only, so will take some time to get reply.
Yet to start work.
3. How about 195/65 R15 Vs 185/65 R15?
5. Thanks

Thanks
 
Thread Starter #6
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Hi, Congratulations ..
I am also recently purchased ambassador and restoration work is in progress. I too changed it to gypsy rim with front tyre 185, rear one 205 . Can you share me your mail I'd so that I can get back to you.
Thanks.
Congrats on your Purchase Bro.. Start a New Restoration Thread, to share the info also.
PM-ed you
 
Joined
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Dear Saran008
Good Job , please Keep posting the work updated, and kindly suggest you to maintain the maximum originality, (showroom .condition ). of the vehicle
 
Joined
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Congrats, Usually, Restoring A Car Is A Difficult Process (Especially If The Car Has Been Discontinued) Appreciate It Man. Have Fun!
 
Joined
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Hi Saran,
Good to see another member proceeding with Restoration job on Amby.
All the best. Kindly let me know if you need any pointers in Erode, Salem and Coimbatore.
 
Thread Starter #12
Joined
Dec 18, 2012
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Hi,
Sorry for very late reply.
Restoration work going slower than snail pace.

Car in paint shop.
Engine removed for overhaul & engine work undergoing

Color finalized: Graphite Grey.
I will upload photos soon.
 

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