Re: IML: General restoration questions on a 68 Convertable

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

If you aren't using the Auto-pilot, then you should move the dial up to 8 or 9. That way it will not interfere with your speedometer. As far as repairing it, I have fixed mine on my other cars, but I haven't worked on the one in my '68 convertible. I don't even know if it works the same as the older ones do. The older ones are much different than those that we are use to today. They exert pressure on your foot if you try to drive faster than the preset speed, acting as a speed regulator, even when not engaged electrically. I don't know if '68 does that or not.

Others here will chime in on the dash. I use McGuires products for everything. I am sure that they have a suitable vinyl preservative. Usually products specifically made for dash covers don't cause glare from the sun. Some vinyl products can cause this, which is irritating in any car, but especially in the '68 Imperial if it reflects back in the windshield.

The brass ornamental trim has a plastic covering/coating over it. If you polish through that, you will have to refinish all of your brass pieces to match. Most '68 Imperials have tarnished brass. Some people like it that way. I do not, and haven't gotten around to doing anything about it on my car yet. I am also missing some of the pieces. I hope to figure out a way to replace all of it so that it will match. I am missing some of the long narrow pieces on the door panels. I have seen a few cars where this has been replaced with wood veneer. Though it looks nice, it isn't correct. Any Imperial buff would know it didn't come that way.

Eric Ruud provided me with a possible vendor for the brass trim, but I can't find it. Eric, are you out there???

Paul W.

In an email dated 17/6/2005 8:10:33 pm GMT Daylight time, Ron M <rfm10@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

>I would like some general info and suggestions. ?I just bought my Imp 
>and want to keep her looking nice. So I have the following questions:
>
>1. Suggestions on what to put in the dash to keep it from cracking and 
>curling. ?Right now there are a few hairline cracks you can see if the 
>light is just right but mostly shee looks good. ?But it feels dry and 
>does have on inch long or so crack at the corner of a speaker? cover. ?
>Any good products to preserve it ?
>2. The brass needs polished. ?Any suggestions on products or techniqes? ?
>Also there are two pieces missing. ?Any sources for sheet material from 
>which to make replacements would be appreciated.
>3. I didn't see a good reference in the library on the auto pilot. ?Mine 
>is not working but what really bothers me is it seems to be interacting 
>with the speedometer. ?If I don't have the auto pilot speed dial set to 
>about the speed I am going, the speedometer needle swings back and forth 
>by about 35 mph rather than setting in on a speed. ?If I do move the 
>auto pilot dial to about what I am going then the speedometer needle 
>settles right down and sits steady. ?Any hints or suggestions on the 
>problem and the fix please. 
>
>Thanks,
>
>Ron
>
>-- 
>"Never suppose that in any possible situation, or under
>any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable
>thing..." --Thomas Jefferson
>
>
>
>
>
>
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