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Introduction
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Market Position
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Positioning:
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Targeted at AMC owners and independent repair shops seeking a comprehensive guide to maintain and repair their 1973 Gremlin, Matador, Javelin, or Hornet vehicles. Offers significant cost savings over professional servicing.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Manufacturer's official service manuals, aftermarket repair manuals (e.g., Chilton, Haynes) for the same period. This manual likely offers the depth and specificity of an OEM manual.
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Key Features
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Features:
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Step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, comprehensive coverage of all models and systems, DIY-friendly approach, instant digital delivery.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline, axles
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Chassis:
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Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, power assist, parking brake)
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Electrical:
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Ignition system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, power accessories
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Body And Frame:
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Body construction, sheet metal repair, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, chassis lubrication
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures
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Repair And Rebuild:
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Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, symptom-based repair guidance
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations and diagrams for both routine maintenance and major overhauls. Covers disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major components.
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Engine Rebuild:
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Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection of wear components (pistons, rings, bearings, camshaft, valves), cylinder head rebuilding, torque specifications, and reassembly.
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Transmission Overhaul:
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Includes step-by-step instructions for removal, disassembly, identification of worn parts (seals, clutch packs, bands for automatics), inspection, and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions.
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Electrical Diagnostics:
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Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, troubleshooting charts for common electrical issues, testing procedures for components like alternator, voltage regulator, starter motor, ignition coil, and various switches.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Gremlin Base:
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232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6
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Gremlin Optional:
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258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6; 304 cu in (5.0 L) AMC V8; 360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8
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Hornet Base:
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232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6
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Hornet Optional:
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258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6; 304 cu in (5.0 L) AMC V8
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Javelin Base:
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258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6
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Javelin Optional:
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304 cu in (5.0 L) AMC V8; 360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8; 401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8
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Matador Base:
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258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6
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Matador Optional:
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304 cu in (5.0 L) AMC V8; 360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8; 401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8
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Performance
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Power Delivery:
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Torquey inline-six engines and powerful V8 options typical of the era, tuned for a balance of performance and reliability.
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Fuel System
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Carburetion:
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Typically single-barrel or two-barrel downdraft carburetors (e.g., Rochester, Carter) depending on engine and model. High-performance V8s may feature four-barrel carburetors.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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Era Specific Standards:
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Vehicles from 1973 adhere to early US federal safety standards, including mandated seat belts, padded dashboards, and collapsible steering columns. Specific crash test ratings as understood today were not widely published or standardized.
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Active Features
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Braking System:
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Front disc brakes (standard on most models/options), rear drum brakes. Power brakes generally available on V8 models and as an option on six-cylinder models.
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Passive Features
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Restraints:
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Lap belts (front and rear), optional shoulder belts for front occupants.
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Construction:
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Body-on-frame construction for Matador sedan/coupe/wagon. Unibody construction for Gremlin, Hornet, Javelin.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 3,000 to 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (as per typical recommendations of the era). Consult specific manual sections for precise intervals based on driving conditions.
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Tune Up Interval:
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Spark plugs, points, condenser replacement recommended every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or annually.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Viscosity:
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Typically SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 for gasoline engines, depending on ambient temperature. Manual specifies exact grades.
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Transmission Fluid Automatic:
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Dexron II (or equivalent for the era) for TorqueFlite transmissions.
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Coolant Type:
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Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (typically 50/50 ratio). Manual will specify capacity and type.
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Known Issues
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Gremlin Hornet Common:
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Rust and corrosion, particularly in floor pans, rocker panels, and wheel arches. Carburetor and ignition system tuning can be sensitive. Some instances of weak rear main seals on engines.
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Javelin Matador Common:
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Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), brake system component aging (wheel cylinders, brake hoses), electrical gremlins (faulty grounds, wiring harness issues), exhaust manifold leaks on V8s, U-joint wear on driveline.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Amc Legacy:
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AMC was an independent American automobile manufacturer known for its innovative designs and value-oriented vehicles. It often competed by offering unique styling and robust engineering, particularly in the compact and muscle car segments.
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Model Evolution
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Gremlin Development:
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Introduced in 1970 as a subcompact, the Gremlin was AMC's response to the growing import car market and the early compact segment. Its distinctive 'kammback' design was a cost-saving measure, using a shortened Hornet platform.
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Hornet Development:
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Launched in 1970, the Hornet was AMC's compact car, replacing the Rambler American. It was built on a unibody platform and offered in various body styles, serving as a practical and affordable family car.
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Javelin Development:
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The Javelin was AMC's pony car, introduced in 1968 to compete with the Mustang and Camaro. It was known for its sporty styling and powerful engine options, especially with the AMX performance variants.
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Matador Development:
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The Matador evolved from the larger AMC Rebel. For 1973, it featured a significant facelift with a prominent 'federal' bumper to comply with new impact regulations, and offered distinct coupe, sedan, and station wagon body styles. It was AMC's mid-size to full-size offering.
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Production
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1973 Context:
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The 1973 model year for AMC was characterized by styling updates to meet bumper standards and continued offering of their distinctive range of vehicles. The oil crisis of the mid-1970s would later significantly impact the market for larger V8-powered vehicles like the Matador and Javelin.
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