Hi Fellow Amazon fans,

I plan to upgrade to rear discs on my next 2-door Amazon. vclassics states that this is a straight-forward bolt on (sourcing parts from a '70+ 1800) for '68+ Amazons, but that it is a bit more involved for '67 due to a one-year bushing design. However, I have read that some late '66 Amazons can also be converted as they too have the beefier "late" rear suspension (By this theory the new suspension design was rolled out just before the '67 model year on sedans).

1. Can any one support the theory that late '66 sedans (I mean 2- and 4-doors, not wagons) have the beefier suspension?

2. If so, is it the same as the '67, or a third, early variant?

3. If the late '66 has the late suspension, can rear discs be fitted in a similar fashion as can be done on '67+?

Thanks

PS:
I am looking for a very original '67 or later 2-door Amazon.
Please let me know if any of you know of a very nice original for sale.

The one in the classifieds section (offered by kevin) looks pretty sweet, but I an't get in touch with him unless I sign in (which I am unable to do at this time).

Kevin, if you are out there, please email me your photos and info about the car: natcramer@hotmail.com)

Please excuse me if I am not following correct protocol, but I am unable to sign in at this time to view the seller's contact info.

Thanks All,

Thor

Starting from the top.
Don't be in a rush to convert to rear discs unless you want it to look trick.
We have a 122 converted to vintage racer. The builder used a 140 rear axle and fitted '70s Buick 9" aluminum drum set up. That upgrades you to the Spicer 30 type axle and keeps the discs. He also used the 140 proportioning valves and I had to go to 1" wheel cylinders to balance the rear braking. All the comments about mounting still apply. If you pursue this don't forget to get the front hubs or you will have 2 different wheel bolt patterns.
The tapered rear axles are pretty strong. The only time I have heard of them breaking is when you mix up left and right and twist them in the opposite direction. The ultimate on that one was Don McKnight at Mosport rolling a very competitive 122 into a ball on Mosport's fastest corner. Showing my age, but that was in about 1970, not vintage.

I have heard that the "one year" cylidrical bushings last longer than '68-on "hourglass" bushings. Your '67 trailing arms WILL mount to that later disc axle.
If you have the "wrap around the axle" trailing arms there will be some cutting, drilling and possibly welding involved in updating it.

1. Can any one support the theory that late '66 sedans (I mean 2- and 4-doors, not wagons) have the beefier suspension?
I think that titles and registration have a lot to do with this stuff.
I had a '67 titled car with '66 (early)rear suspension.
I have a '64 wagon that is titled as a '65. VIN # 16121 (look it up if ya like).
I hope this helps a little.
Shayne.

So,

the pre '67 is the "wrap-around-the-axle" type?

And this older type can be updated to the rear disc axle w/ a bit of fabrication, huh?

So when looking for that ultimate 122, I can search for the best body and color first and worry about updating to 4-wheel discs later (knowing that it will be more involved w. a pre-'67 car).

Right?

Cool.

Thanks,

Nat

What's the deal with the 122 wagon rear axles anyways. Are they stronger then the sedan? Do they have the same tappered axle fatigue problem? Just curious.

Wagon axles are not stronger by any means. I would compare it to the Dana type 27 found in '66 and earlier cars. It is a Salisbury Type 25. It has the same tapered axles but mounts to the car completely different than any year 122 sedan.
Springs are perched behind the axle like 140/240.
Best,
Shayne