I would agree that rust is probably the largest killer of Imperials.
But that might just be the opinion of one Canadian who is used to seeing
roads white because of the salt and not because of the snow. I put up a
good search this summer for a 76-77 NYB (yeah, I know not a real
Imperial) and even finding something that new (by IML standards) is
really hard here. I've found lots of cars that are mechanically in
decent shape, along with the interior. But the body is absolutely
beyond saving. The rear quarters are the worst, but I've seen the lower
body panels, doors and all, almost completely gone on some cars.
There's not much you can do at that point. Sad but true.
Jim, I'd save your money on the electric rust prevention system. To
cathodise (the cathode being the more positive electrode, this may be
different in engineering land) every single portion of metal on your car
with a relatively small amount of current seems like a difficult
proposition. The principle behind the device is sound, but the
practicality is limited.
James
Jim Gathmann wrote:
> --- kenyon wills <imperialist60@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > unique trim and body parts
> > that go only on our cars.
>
> Actually, this shouldn't stay a huge problem.. just a
> costly one. Many other collector cars out there
> already are almost impossible (if not impossible) to
> get trim parts for. As a result there are many people
> and shops out there which can remake old trim.. even
> when going by just the car and a picture. 'course it
> would be expensive. But possible.
>
> > Imperials ARE pretty cheap to get and run, judging
> > by the percentage of
> > people that have multiple Imeprials on the list.
>
> Well, assuming you don't have A604 problems with the
> 90's Imperials...
>
> > Despite my restoration expereince being "expensive"
> > relative to my
> > personal budget, it's not really all that expensive
> > as far as scarcity
> > goes. I don't have to walk up and down Hershey or
> > other swap meet aisles
> > looking for an alternator or a hood ornament. I
> > also have a great
> > resource in the IML for advice on anything, even
> > putting Delco parts on my
> > car (hey! What?).
>
> Actually, my whole Imperial/Dynasty project is dirt
> cheap comparied to what I'm used to when it comes to
> car restorations. But that may be because many of the
> projects I've been involve with prior are ones which
> require those custom trim pieces being made, the
> perfessional striping and repainting, etc. Nice thing
> about newer models is its cheaper to just replace a
> section of chrome as opposed to having it re-plated.
>
> Personally, I fell that rust is the biggest Imperial
> killer out there right now. Sure a few get taken by
> the derby's, but of all the deby's I've seen, I've yet
> to actually see an Imperial in one. Many is the
> restore project which has failed do to conditions
> being too rusty (which reminds me, anyone know if
> those electric rust stopping systems work?).
>
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