1976 AMC Pacer D/L from North America - Comments

Rubber parts (for example motor mounts) needed replacing after a while.

Rack and pinion steering leaked and was replaced.

Exhaust manifold leaks are the biggest problem with a generally reliable and interesting car.

One of the most unique cars ever produced. Extremely roomy and comfortable to drive.

With the curved glass in back, it's great for parallel parking in crowded cities.

I have a 1977 AMC Pacer D/L and have many of the same problems as mentioned in the past review. However, None of them out-way the fun I've had owning and restoring my 77 pacer. As I have picked away at the few areas that my pacer lacked in, I have found ways to use todays tech. support to improve as I go. The 258 engine has a wealth of untapped H.P. The two toughest areas to overcome have been the motor mounts and the rack and pinion problems. Both solved with time and a lot of patience. I am currently doing a frame off on the pacer as I have been in Pearl Harbor H.I. for the past four years and the salt has taken it's toll. This has been my daily driver for the past 15 years and I still turn heads every time I roll out of the driveway. It's not a belly button car that everyone has, but I take a great deal of pride in ownership and it still looks great. My son recently brought home his first car and to my great surprise, it was a bright orange 1975 AMC Pacer with a three speed and white leather interior.

I remember the pacer when it first came out. I was ten years old and my parents were excited about the car. We went to the AMC dealer when they got their first truck load. My mother wanted to test drive one. My parents liked everything about the car except the underpowered engine. That was the sole thing that kept them from buying the car. After driving V8's for years they could not get over how underpowered the car was. I remember how smooth the car rode and how funny it was to be able to see all around you because of all the glass. I of course didn't understand anything about power and was disappointed that we didn't leave that huge Chrysler at the dealers and bring the cool Pacer home. If they were in production today I would buy one in a heart beat.

Here is the bottom line. When I pull into a parking lot with my reliable 96 Vette, nobody even notices. When I am driving my Pacer, people want to talk about it, take pictures and ask question after question. It is as much fun as you can have driving. It can be a headache but it is always lots of fun. In todays world of cookie cutter cars, in which you can't tell a Toyota from a Mazda from a Ford, no one ever ever mistakes a AMC for another brand. Remember an AMC will never leave you stranded, but it will always leave you broke.

"I am currently doing a frame off on the pacer as I have been in Pearl Harbor H.I. for the past four years and the salt has taken it's toll"

Curious how you do a "frame off" on a car with a unitized body which has no frame to speak of?

I truly enjoy my 1979 Pacer wagon, however, when the original power rack and pinion failed, it's been nothing but a big pain. I've replaced two AC Delco rebuilds so far with a total of less than 500 miles on them. Yes...500 miles. Now I have to replace a third. Not a fun job!

Has anyone else had this problem?? I need some advice.

Thanks in advance! Joe.

Can anyone tell me were I can buy Motor Mounts for my 1977 AMC Pacer?

Thanks,

Rick

istilllovenpr@yahoo.com