Pre-Purchase Inspection

Comprehensive pre-purchase inspection of a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to evaluate overall condition, identify mechanical issues, and assess authenticity of performance components specific to this rare muscle car model.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground with adequate lighting and ventilation
2. Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify engine is cold before beginning inspection
4. Have seller present with all vehicle documentation including title, build sheet if available, and service records
5. Document current odometer reading and photograph VIN locations (dash, door jamb, engine block stamp)

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify Rebel Machine Authenticity and Documentation
   Check VIN plate on driver's side dash visible through windshield (should be A0M397X followed by sequential number). Verify fender tag on left inner fender for paint code (Machine came in white, red, or blue with specific stripe packages). Inspect engine block casting number and date code on passenger side rear of block (390 should show 3236585 casting). Check transmission case for T-10 four-speed identification. Verify rear axle for Twin-Grip limited slip differential. Document all numbers and compare to factory specifications for this model.
2. 2

   Exterior and Body Condition Assessment
   Inspect body panels for rust, particularly in rocker panels, wheel wells, floor pans, and trunk floor which are common rust areas on these vehicles. Use magnet to check for excessive body filler in quarter panels, fenders, and doors. Check panel gaps and door/hood/trunk alignment. Inspect condition of Machine-specific hood scoop (ram air functional scoop) for proper fitment and condition. Check front and rear bumpers for chrome pitting. Examine windshield and glass for cracks. Look for paint overspray on weatherstripping, rubber seals, or trim pieces that may indicate repainting.
3. 3

   Interior and Trim Inspection
   Check condition of seats (Machine came with high-back bucket seats), door panels, headliner, and carpeting. Verify presence of correct 8000 RPM Sun tachometer mounted on hood. Test all gauges, lights, turn signals, wipers, and horn operation. Check operation of heater and defroster controls. Inspect steering wheel for cracks (Machine came with specific rim-blow steering wheel). Test window regulators and door latches. Check condition of dash pad for cracks. Verify presence and condition of correct Machine graphics and stripe package.
4. 4

   Engine Bay Visual Inspection
   Inspect 390ci V8 engine for oil leaks around valve covers, oil pan, timing cover, and rear main seal. Check for coolant leaks at water pump, radiator, hoses, and freeze plugs. Verify correct air cleaner assembly (should be Ram Air setup with ducting to hood scoop). Inspect condition of wiring harnesses for brittle insulation or amateur modifications. Check battery cables and connections. Inspect carburetor (original was Carter AFB) for fuel leaks. Check power steering pump and hoses for leaks. Verify condition of belts and pulleys. Look for evidence of engine overheating (discolored paint on block or heads).
5. 5

   Fluid Level and Condition Check
   Check engine oil level and condition (look for milky appearance indicating coolant contamination or metal particles). Check transmission fluid level with engine warm and running in neutral (T-10 four-speed uses gear oil, check at fill plug on side of case). Inspect coolant level and condition in radiator when cold (look for rust or oil contamination). Check brake fluid level in master cylinder and inspect fluid color (should be clear to light amber, dark fluid indicates age). Check power steering fluid level and color. Inspect differential for proper fluid level at fill plug and check for leaks at pinion seal and axle seals.
6. 6

   Engine Performance Testing - Cold
   Before starting engine, remove all spark plugs and perform compression test on all eight cylinders. Record readings for each cylinder (should be 145-165 psi with no more than 10% variation between cylinders). Inspect spark plug condition, gap, and fouling patterns. Check plug wires for cracks and proper seating. After reinstalling plugs, start engine and listen for abnormal noises including rod knock, lifter tick, or valve train noise. Note any smoke from exhaust (blue indicates oil burning, white indicates coolant burning).
7. 7

   Engine Performance Testing - Warm
   Allow engine to reach operating temperature (160-180°F thermostat range). Connect vacuum gauge to manifold vacuum port and check reading at idle (should be steady 15-20 inches Hg). Fluctuating needle indicates valve or ignition issues. Use timing light to verify initial timing (factory spec typically 5-10 degrees BTDC, verify against underhood decal if present). Check for proper advance with RPM increase. Listen for detonation or pinging under load. Monitor temperature gauge for proper thermostat operation and cooling system function.
8. 8

   Undercarriage Inspection - Front
   Safely raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at frame rails. Inspect front frame rails for rust, damage, or evidence of collision repair. Check front suspension components including upper and lower control arm bushings, ball joints for play, tie rod ends, and idler arm wear. Inspect steering box for leaks and excessive play. Check shock absorbers for leaks and damage. Examine brake lines for rust or damage. Inspect front disc brake calipers, rotors for thickness and scoring, and pads for remaining material. Check wheel bearings for play by attempting to rock wheel top-to-bottom.
9. 9

   Undercarriage Inspection - Rear
   Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at rear axle or frame. Inspect rear frame rails and crossmembers for rust or damage. Check rear leaf springs for sagging, broken leaves, or worn bushings. Inspect rear shackles and spring mounting points. Examine rear shock absorbers for leaks. Check rear axle housing for damage or leaks at differential cover and axle tube seals. Inspect rear drum brakes by removing drums if possible (check drum condition, shoe lining thickness, wheel cylinder leaks, and brake hardware condition). Verify Twin-Grip differential operation by rotating one wheel and observing if opposite wheel rotates in same direction.
10. 10

    Exhaust System Inspection
    Inspect entire exhaust system from manifolds to tailpipes while vehicle is raised. Check exhaust manifolds for cracks (common on these engines). Verify exhaust pipe routing and condition. Check for leaks at all connections and gaskets. Inspect mufflers for rust-through or internal deterioration. Verify proper clearance from fuel tank, brake lines, and body. Check exhaust hangers and mounting brackets for security. Machine-specific dual exhaust should exit at rear of vehicle.
11. 11

    Drivetrain and Chassis Inspection
    Inspect transmission case for cracks or leaks. Check clutch operation and adjustment (feel for smooth engagement, proper pedal height and travel). Examine driveshaft for balance weight integrity, U-joint play, and slip yoke condition. Check transmission mount and engine mounts for deterioration. Inspect fuel tank for rust or damage and check all fuel lines for leaks or deterioration. Examine parking brake cables for fraying or seizing. Check floor pans from underneath for rust perforation or previous repair work.
12. 12

    Road Test Evaluation
    Test drive vehicle only if all previous inspections indicate it is safe to operate. Check clutch engagement smoothness and transmission shifting through all four gears. Listen for differential noise during acceleration and deceleration. Test brakes for proper stopping power, pulling, or pulsation. Verify steering for excessive play, wandering, or difficulty returning to center. Listen for any drivetrain vibrations or unusual noises at various speeds. Test acceleration performance (390 should provide strong power delivery). Check for overheating during extended operation. Note any driveability issues such as stumbling, hesitation, or backfiring.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove all tools from engine bay
2. Verify all fluid caps are properly reinstalled and secured
3. Reconnect any components that were removed for inspection access

Verification

• Compile comprehensive inspection report documenting all findings, measurements, and condition ratings for each system
• Compare all numbers (VIN, engine, transmission, rear axle) against AMC Rebel Machine production records if available
• Provide potential buyer with realistic assessment of vehicle condition, authenticity, required repairs, and estimated costs
• Recommend obtaining copies of all documentation and service history from seller
• Advise buyer on market value considerations based on matching numbers, originality, and overall condition of this collectible muscle car

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