AMC Eagle Den Forum

AMC Eagle Archives => Model Years => Topic started by: IowaEagle on December 23, 2006, 09:46:18 AM

Title: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on December 23, 2006, 09:46:18 AM
1988 Eagle

A more comprehensive history of the AMC Eagle can be found on the AMC Eaglepedia at http://www.amceaglesden.com/guide/index.php?title=Historical (http://www.amceaglesden.com/guide/index.php?title=Historical)  to access the Eaglepedia you must have at least 10 posts here on the Forum and be registered at the AMC Eaglepedia as well.

  The last model year for the AMC Eagle.  AMC's was no longer an independent company just a part of the Chrysler Corpoartion.  Mainly Jeep was all that was left of the former American Motors Corporation.  The only true AMC car available in 1988 was the American Eagle Wagon.  All of the cars sold during the 1988 model year were produced in calendar year 1987 between September and December 11th, when the last AMC rolled off the production line.  These cars were not 1987 left overs as stated by others elsewhere, they were produced for the 1988 model year.  Chrysler continued the Eagle name as a new Make, but the cars were Renault/AMC based models, models from Mitsubuishi and some Chrysler based cars.

88 Myths Corrected:
- 1988 AMC Eagles do exist!
- As stated above, the 88's were not 87 leftovers.
- Chrysler did not remove the AMC badges or trim pieces, and the VIN still indicates American Motors.
- The term "American Eagle" was used in advertisments as far back as 1980, not just for the 88's.
- AMC did not load them up with options to purge excess stock before closing.  Standard equipment was the same as the 87's.

The below dealer update proves this:

(http://home.comcast.net/~eaglewagon/Eaglewagon//eagle/New_For_88.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Gilspix/1980%201988%20AMC%20Eagles/88EagleWagonKenosha1.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Gilspix/1980%201988%20AMC%20Eagles/88EagleWagon2.jpg)
1988 Eagle Wagon with wood trim. Last Eagle to take flight. (Owner member: 88Eagle).



(http://home.comcast.net/~desoto60/1988_Eagle_Window_Sticker.jpg)
1988 Window Sticker Courtesy of Eagle1985.  Note the VIN # is identical to earlier model years, with J indicating 1988.

2 = Canada
C = American Motors Canada
C = MPV
K = 4WD Auto Floor Shift
38 = Eagle 4 Door Wagon
6 = ?
7 = Check Digit
J = 1988
B = Brampton Plant



(http://home.comcast.net/~desoto60/1988_Eagle_Window_Sticker_Style_2.jpg)
1988 Shipping Order.  Thanks again to Eagle 1985.



Total 1988 production:  2,306.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: T5258 on December 23, 2006, 10:33:35 AM
Evidently Chrysler wasn't in a rush to eliminate AMC references...the window sticker & warranty coverage both reference to AMC.  I remember going to Gesner AMC in Somerset, MA in late 87, tried to convince my parents to buy the last Eagle they had; ended up with a Renault Medallion sedan,  It was one of the few I ever saw not re-badged as an Eagle.  Nice car, but quirky.....hey that sounds familliar  ;)
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on December 23, 2006, 01:35:23 PM
Also note the reference to the American Motors Sales Corporation at the bottom right of the second window sticker.  I believe the "cheapie" '88 brochure also says the same.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: EFI Eagle on December 23, 2006, 10:46:39 PM
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h23/Nicholas_D_Mack_Photography/EagleBuildSheetscreensize.jpg)

88 build sheet.  If anyone has any info on "American Military Sales Corp" I sure would love to hear from you.  Thanks
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on December 24, 2006, 10:48:58 AM
I have never heard of that one.  Now to research.  You know we have kept these model year topics locked from day 1 but the great responses lately in this thread which was accidently left unlocked makes me wonder if we should not unlock the others.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: T5258 on December 24, 2006, 12:10:18 PM
I've seen brochures from earlier model years from other parts of the world where the US had military bases & I believe the PX/Commisary had a program w/AMC for GI's to purchase vehicles.....to bad I enlisted in 1989, just a little to late...
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: eaglemailman on December 25, 2006, 10:55:02 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/frogpicts/eaglead.jpg)

This is a picture of an American Eagle brochure from the mid 80's. This Eagle has the older type hood with the newer type wheels.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: eaglemailman on December 25, 2006, 11:09:09 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/frogpicts/eaglead003.jpg)

This is the back side of a brochure from 1982 refering to the American Eagle.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 83Eagle! on December 25, 2006, 11:58:58 AM
I wish I had some of this type of advertisements and brochures and stuff.  Anywhere that I could track some of this literature down??  Other than Ebay?
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: Pack Rat on December 25, 2006, 02:15:33 PM
Swap meets, flea markets, consignment places, yard sales. Don't overlook places like thrift stores or Goodwill either, never know what kind of old stuff is going to show up there
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: ted354 on January 08, 2007, 11:12:18 PM


My 1988 wagon came with an 87 owners manual (#295) and the O/O was told that they AMC, would send the correct 1988 owners manual...which they did.  The car was sold new in Oregon.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on January 09, 2007, 06:45:54 AM
At least they followed thru with the new one.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on January 25, 2007, 09:15:57 AM
Is it possible to "decode" the vehicle building order? I'm interested to know what, for example: TIRES 69, OPTION WC 8 or RP 5 stands for and so on...
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on January 25, 2007, 01:27:01 PM
Some we can, some we can't.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on January 26, 2007, 03:45:39 AM
Some we can, some we can't.

How do we do that? Is there a "decode-list" for it here on the forum that I can check myself or must I have someone to scan my building order and send it in here for "decoding"?
Would be nice to know if the car has the original equipment or if something is changed along the way.  :)
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on January 26, 2007, 06:41:13 AM
We really don't have anything formal here.  Perhaps post a picture of it (a scan) and maybe then we can help you figure it out.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on January 28, 2007, 10:36:38 AM
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u10/Robban_photos/eaglesheet2.jpg?t=1169997669)

This is my Vehicle Building Order, one of three that was hidden in my car. not the best picture but hopefully readable. I've managed to find out what some of it means but not all.

Line 2: Wheel code: 9, don't know what that means. Paint: BHBK That's silver met./vivid red met. Tires: 69, found out that it was 195/75R15 WSW Arriva. Axle: 308, speaks for it self's. RAX (Rear axle I guess): F, don't know what that means. Gear: 2, don't know what that means.

Line 3: No.2: CG: 1, that's Convenience Group. No.14: WC: 8, wheel covers, possibly the wire covers I got with the car. No.16: RP: 5, don't know what that is. No.18: SALES: S, don't know. No.19: CC: 2, I've seen two different answers to this in the forum, Cruise Control or Cold Climate Group.

Line 4: SPRINGS: LF:BH, RF:BF, standard or what? SHOCKS: 3, standard? BAT: 5, must be HD, because of the towing package. ALT: DS, is that standard or HD?  HDC: 2, Heavy Duty Cooling. GUARD: 4, Bumper Guards. S.W. COLOR: 5, means red? WEEK: 51, don't know. RAD: B, Radio?

Line 5: No.4: CRUISE: 1, is that the cruise control? No.8: RWW: 3, Rear Wiper Washer. No.10: TOW: 2, Towing Package 2. No.13: CLUST: R, don't know. No.16: MIRROR, don't know. No.18: ZONE: 1C, don't know.

Line 6: No.1: SP/C: 1, Special Color Combination. No.2: EPS: 1, don't know. No.6: BODY HARN: 4, don't know. No.13: LPB: 1, don't know.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on January 28, 2007, 10:50:03 AM
Boy, those '88 build sheets did not have a lot of information.  It kind of looks like they just coded optional equipment or equipment that differs from the standard wagon configuration.  It appears yours was near the very end of those ordered for production.  2,306 were built and yours was the 2,261st one to be ordered.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on January 28, 2007, 11:14:05 AM
Boy, those '88 build sheets did not have a lot of information.  It kind of looks like they just coded optional equipment or equipment that differs from the standard wagon configuration.  It appears yours was near the very end of those ordered for production.  2,306 were built and yours was the 2,261st one to be ordered.

Updated my message with some questions that hopefully can be answered.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on January 28, 2007, 11:39:38 AM
IIRC "1" or "2" in some of the boxes meant "yes" or "no" OR "no" or "yes".  But I think "2" meant "yes", looking at my build sheet.  The alternator "DS" probably meant Delco Standard.  The build sheets for '88 when compared to mine from '82 are not as detailed -- probably because of the one model status.  I think the week is the week number of the calendar year the car was supposed to be built -- your's being "51" indicates it was one of the last.  Mine shows week "34" which is correct as it was built in late August of '81.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on January 28, 2007, 11:50:14 AM
IIRC "1" or "2" in some of the boxes meant "yes" or "no" OR "no" or "yes".  But I think "2" meant "yes", looking at my build sheet.  The alternator "DS" probably meant Delco Standard.  The build sheets for '88 when compared to mine from '82 are not as detailed -- probably because of the one model status.  I think the week is the week number of the calendar year the car was supposed to be built -- your's being "51" indicates it was one of the last.  Mine shows week "34" which is correct as it was built in late August of '81.

That sounds strange because I have the Convenience Group, marked "1" and I have the HDC and TOW, marked "2".
I wonder if car no. 2306 still exists?
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on January 28, 2007, 11:52:53 AM
Not all "1"'s and "2"''s mean yes or no.  Only specific items.  The workers on the line knew the differences according to their job.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on January 28, 2007, 12:15:32 PM
Sounds very logic!  ;D
That kind of illogic logic is called "womens-logic" here in Sweden.  ;D
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: nightrider on July 30, 2007, 10:23:32 PM
Are you certain on the build dates from Sept to Dec? I have an 88 that the door decal says it was built on June 25, 1987 and has "J" it the seventh digit in the VIN purchase order #00079.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on July 30, 2007, 10:28:36 PM
Real certain on the end date.  Not so sure on the start date.  It is not far fetched at all to think they started production in June.  I don't know where I came up with the start date, must have been thinking model year.  Most factories changed over in July to start production for the next model year so late June would be plausible.  Thanks for the info NR.  I think you need a good egg for that.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: Pack Rat on July 30, 2007, 10:46:46 PM
I was thinking because there were no real changes that they would have had to shut down the lines for, other than holidays of course and they knew there would be no more produced they may have started the 88 production run early. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: Eagle Kammback on August 01, 2007, 02:24:59 PM
Estimated annual fuel cost: $882, not anymore triple that
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: DarthGremlin on May 01, 2011, 03:45:05 PM
I had an '88 two tone (white/red)  :eagle: and I found that sales brochure to be an interesting read.

I am curious how many Eagles out there have the "garnet" (red) leather interior?  I have seen one in my life.  Looks like it was an addition for the '88s. 

Anybody have one or seen another?
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: 88AmcEagle on June 07, 2011, 04:25:50 AM
I had an '88 two tone (white/red)  :eagle: and I found that sales brochure to be an interesting read.

I am curious how many Eagles out there have the "garnet" (red) leather interior?  I have seen one in my life.  Looks like it was an addition for the '88s. 

Anybody have one or seen another?

My Eagle has got it.  :)
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: ditdit on February 05, 2012, 10:38:55 PM
this week end i purchased from the salvation army auto sales a 1988 eagle all white w honey leather interior ,this thing is a time capsle, and i was wondering if this unit came with a lock up converter i have the build sheet and would like to know if we can decode the dealers code ,its 0140 ,the sequence number is 002076,
thanks
jim ditty
augusta ga 
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: rollguy on February 05, 2012, 11:42:59 PM
this week end i purchased from the salvation army auto sales a 1988 eagle all white w honey leather interior ,this thing is a time capsle, and i was wondering if this unit came with a lock up converter i have the build sheet and would like to know if we can decode the dealers code ,its 0140 ,the sequence number is 002076,
thanks
jim ditty
augusta ga 
We would all like to see photos.  Here or on another thread, but photos would be great.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on February 07, 2012, 06:20:07 PM
If it has the original transmission, then it is not a lock up in '88.  If your Eagle was #2076 in '88 then it was one of the last ones built as the generally accepted total for '88 was 2,306.  Although at AMC the sequence number is not always a good indicator of when a car was actually finished as the number was assigned to a car when it was ordered and they were not built in the sequence of the order number.  What does the door date sticker say as the build date?
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: ditdit on February 07, 2012, 11:13:05 PM
the date on the door is november 27,1987 & as i understand the last one was produced on dec 10 and shipped from factory on the 15 of december, I will post photos soonest,everything is still on the car as it came from the factory,if anyone is interested there is a photo of it on the salvation army augusta ga web site under auto auction is was lot 12 under eagle ,it is white with gold pin stripes and factory mag wheels,all the smog lines are in great shape leather seats,even the air blows cold and still has r12 in it
jim ditty
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: IowaEagle on February 08, 2012, 06:11:14 AM
Yup, you have one of the last ones.   From the sounds of it, a well preserved one as well.
Title: Re: Our 1980 - 1988 AMC Eagles 1988 Models
Post by: ditdit on February 20, 2012, 12:40:25 AM
I tried to load photos but it did not work will try again tonight