The Imperialist: February 2008

I thought I would be updating this blog on a more regular basis than this, but due to the holidays, and other issues, I haven't had much to update, until now. Sorry that I have not been more diligent in posting, but I would rather have lots of content and farther (further?) posts in between, than lots of posts, and not have anything to say.

Anyway, for the first post of 2008, I do have some updates. First, I'll start with Blackie. Late last year, I took Blackie in for it's usual oil change. The technician noticed the engine was leaking some fluids. Since I don't want to ruin a good 440 cubic inch engine, I took it into a shop that was recommended to me, which mainly deals with, and works on, Mopar products. I took it in, and after a thorough going over by the mechanic, the shop determined where the leaks were located, and asked me if and how they should proceed. Let's just say Blackie had some issues that weren't readily apparent. I am glad we got to those issues in time. Problems with a 35 year old engine need to be dealt with soonest, it could have been much worse.

The repairs was back in October of 2007, and so far, so signs of any continuing leaking problems. Although it did set me back financially quite a bit (Labor, holy cow!!). Blackie continues to be a great car to drive around. I don't take it out much, except for weekends. When I do drive it, it's always fun.

Now on to Red. This Imperial has been at my parents place for a year now. My dad (the shade tree mechanic that he is) knew the fuel system needed some major repairs before the car would start. He dismantled the fuel tank, and took it to a shop to have it refurbished. He also replaced the fuel filter and blew out the fuel lines from the fuel tank to the engine. He had the carburetor rebuilt, and re-installed the fuel system pieces back on Red.

While those repairs were in progress, he also had the radiator re-cored (it was in very bad condition), and repaired a fan shroud I had purchased, since the original fan shroud was broken beyond repair. Those too were installed back on the car, and now dad has tried to get the car started. No luck.

He has replaced the battery on Red, and put a new coil on the engine, but that hasn't been enough to start the engine. He is currently looking at the spark plugs to see if the gap is correct for the electronic ignition system. I'll keep you posted on that progress.

I have included pictures below of the refurbished fuel tank, before and after pictures of the fan shroud and radiator. I have also included a picture of the roof where we scraped off the old, and badly tattered vinyl. I am still not sure what I want to do to the roof when Red gets the full restoration. Vinyl or Paint?

One other thing; I have been tracking down the original equipment options for this model year car. The Imperials always had a very long list of options, including rear seat air conditioning system, or a rear seat heating system. You could also order (around $350) the Sure Brake system, which was an American auto industry first, as it was a four wheel anti-lock brake system. Yes, anti-lock brakes that were available from 1971 to 1973. Who knew? Other options included AM/FM 8 track player, cruise control, power door locks, tilt-o-scope steering wheel (it not only tilted, but you could push-pull it to fit your ergonomics for driving), automatic headlights and dimmer system, sun roof and another interesting option, a cassette player, with a microphone, so you could record dictation while you were on the road for business travel. Of course, no luxury car would be complete without power leather seats, and you could order a sun roof. This list isn't complete, but it gives you an idea about the range of options for Imperial.

Of the list above, I have found a few of the more desirable options. I have the AM/FM 8 track tape player, the power locks and the rear A/C system (see the pictures below). I have thought about finding the Sure Brake system, but it may prove too rare to find, and too complicated to install. I am also on the hunt for a center console for Red. The center consoles were available on the Chrysler 300 from 1969 to 1971, when they stopped building the 300's. The consoles had the floor shifter, instead of the column shifter, for the automatic transmission, which gives it a more sporty look and feel. My reasoning for this addition is this: Red needs more storage space (cup holders and a center bin) and the 300 console would be the perfect fit, as it has the '70s styling and size for the Imperial, it just wouldn't be a 'true' Imperial component. Red IS a two door hardtop coupe. Aren't those supposed to be rather sporty?

Before the pictures, I want to apologize for the quality of some of them. Dad (bless him) took some of the pictures with a disposable camera, as his digital camera is not working (I know what to get him for his birthday). This about wraps it up for this update. Thanks for reading!!!