Just letting everyone know that my 1960
LeBaron Sedan is now residing in Sydney Australia. I touched an Imperial
for the very first time.
She arrived last Monday at 1 am, released by
customs on Wednesday, taken to Quarantine on Thursday where I assisted to
unpack her from her container. People came from all over the holding yard to
"inspect her". "Has to be a Plymouth" was one comment. Everyone loved her and
so they should. Getting her out of the container was a nightmare. The
container is 20 foot long and only about 2 foot wider than the
vehicle.
Quarantine held her till Friday afternoon as
she needed to be cleaned. I had her cleaned in the States before shipping
however the job was not up to our quarantine standards and they washed and
scrubbed her for 7 hours - yes that's right 7 hours. Australia has some very
very strict Quarantine regulations. Every nook and cranny was cleaned. I
towed her home and left her while I flew to South Australia for my eldest
son's wedding. Yesterday I started on her.
So far I have removed radiator hoses, sprayed
all rust areas which are minimal and hooked up a battery to test the
electricals. Both outside headlights work, inside headlights do not - high
beam pedal makes no difference. Parking lights work. Left hand blinkers front
and rear work. Right side do not. Stop light does not work. Number plate light
works. Window wipers work. Only the right hand side front small window works.
Central locking works. Seats do not. Lights on radio work - radio does not.
Lights behind heater buttons work. Lights behind gear change buttons do not.
Foot brake release handle light blinks when peddle depressed. lighters work
front and rear. All instrument lighting works. Outside rear view mirror
works. Boot light does not. Arial does not work
Brakes do not work which is to be expected.
Today I will attempt to free the plugs. They were very tight yesterday so I
sprayed all 8 liberally with WD40. I will also remove the belts and oil
filter, petrol filter and airfilter and see if I can replace them
today. I have a view to starting the engine next week. She has not been
started for 8 years so I want to make sure I don't rush things.
That's just a very quick rundown on her at the
moment. A more in depth story of how I found and bought her and brought her
down under will follow. It was a very unique experience which I would like to
share with you all.
All the best
Larry Blomberg
(1960 LeBaron Sedan - finally in my
driveway)