Re: IML: Rear Ended - 1972 Imperial GT

[sosmi@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Kenyon, just wondering what drive train mods you also made? Hotter cam, intake, center float Holley, windage tray, increased oil capacity, swinging oil pick-up, converter, shift improvements, axle ratio. I guess that's just the hot rodder in me. Sounds like quite an Auto Cross car. Ya'll have a nice day, Dave.

 

> -------------- Original message -------------- 
> From: Kenyon Wills <imperialist1960@xxxxxxxxx> 
>
> > I got the rear suspension on the GT installed. 
> > 
> > This consisted of new Energy Suspension polyurethane 
> > inserts into the now wire-wheeled and painted leaf 
> > spring set from the car. The leaf springs have 
> > elastic isolators clamping the spring to the axle, and 
> > these went away as well. 
> > 
> > I had to conjure the inserts from the Energy 
> > parts-section, since there is no IMPERIAL application, 
> > so I had to use std Chrysler fronts and larger generic 
> > rears, it came out super. 
> > 
> > This made a GIANT difference in firmness, and nudging 
> > the rear end of the car shell with your hip now 
> > results in a firm, solid feel rather than the wiggle 
> > and sway that was present previou
> sly. It's amaxing 
> > how much give the stock suspension has - several of 
> > the parts were fairly worn, and it's a 70k mile car 
> > (only). 
> > 
> > Then got the 8.5 inch wheels with the HP truck tires 
> > mounted up. These are 17" steel wheels (can't top the 
> > $100 each price) that I had custom made. 
> > 
> > The people at 4-wheel parts have made life easy, since 
> > that market is used to custom applications and is fine 
> > with doing things that are "not stock". Also a great 
> > potential source for shocks, as the "stock" resources 
> > are drying up when you tell people that you need 
> > something for a 72 Imperial. 
> > 
> > I had to wait 8 weeks for the wheels. I'm into the 
> > project at least 15 months, so what's one or two more? 
> > 
> > The car sits higher now (most likely stock, the wider 
> > wheels make it look taller) and I'll try to lower it a 
> > little. Think I'm j
> ust going to have to skip the plan 
> > to slam it down low, since doing so seems to play 
> > havoc with the alignment and handling, which I value 
> > more. The tire place at the corner has a 12 month 
> > warranty on alignment, and I've had them adjust it 3 
> > times. They like me cause I keep them occupied and am 
> > very patient, so therefore get great service. 
> > 
> > Why the (second letter of the alpha_et is _roken on 
> > this computer) _all joints were worn out the third 
> > time and not the first two was strange, so they 
> > replaced them. 
> > 
> > Anyway, next step is a trip to Hellwig in Visalia, CA 
> > in Nov. They'll make some custom sway _ars for the 
> > car so that it stays very flat. Hopefully, I'll have 
> > a car that surprises some folks on the cloverleafs 
> > soon. 
> > 
> > Last Mechanical steps: redo the now leaking valve 
> > cover gasket, figure out what to do on the a
> ir cleaner 
> > - the aftermarket ones are too tall and I don't like 
> > the snorkel setup - will likely have the stock one cut 
> > and opened up for freer flow... 
> > 
> > Then it's on to cosmetics, with a new front 
> > windscreen, install the Porsche seats, install a 
> > stereo and center console, and then do paint and we're 
> > done with the project. Oh, and fix the darned 
> > headlight door motor wiring connection - I'm opening 
> > them manually right now, and that's a loser. 
> > 
> > I'll have photos of the new stance posted soon. 
> > 
> > Kenyon Wills 
> > 
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> > ________________________________________________________________________________ 
> > ____ 
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