IML: Imperials; Modifications and Defensive Driving
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IML: Imperials; Modifications and Defensive Driving
- From: "Hugh & Therese" <hugtrees@xxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 19:10:47 -0600
We are blending two topics here, which is fine by me, but let's remember
what they are.
1. Installing newer equipment on our Imperials.
2. Driving our Imperials safely.
Regarding number one, no one has ever had a good time here when they have
suggested that they are choosing to upgrade their cars, for whatever
reasons. This is, by and large, a "Keep 'Em As Is" group. I tend to agree
with this. If your minimum requirement for a car is front disk brakes and
fuel injection, buying a car from a vintage that predates these developments
does not make any sense. In some instances it is acceptable. If you are
rebuilding a total junker, for example, or if your local jurisdiction
demands it, as is the case, I think, in France and Germany. Otherwise, I
think if a car has managed to survice for forty five years intact it should
be left that way. With enormous misgivings, I replaced my 58's original
single pot master cylinder after an accident. I replaced the original style
of MC so many times and they all failed. Every single one. Also, the
single pot MC was impossible for me to bleed. I installed a MOPAR twin pot
unit that attatched onto the original bolts, fitted the pedal and was
designed for all around drum brakes. My brakes work noticably better and
bleeding air, though still not easy, with the big accordian brake booster,
is now a task that can be accomplished.
Regarding topic two, I could not agree with Paul more. You must drive each
car differently, to maximise it performance in every respect. I know people
who cannot do this. They get mad when a 1969 Buick does not perform like
their Suburban. The difference freaks them out and does nothing for my
piece of mind, either. I drive all sorts of things on the street. A 1929
Model A truck with heavy duty rear end. It won't go above thirty MPH but it
can put out a tree stump. Or a 1924 fire truck, with mechanical brakes and
no synchromesh. It's a work out and you need to plan for any braking whole
blocks ahead. The 58 Imperial - I've said this so many times - gives the
best driving experience of anything I have ever driven. It's hard to
explain. It's probably only minor degrees of difference in a multitude of
aspects from other cars but the overall effect is so satisfying. You need
to tune yourself into each car you drive, get the feel of it and get to know
how it handles. The 'new' brakes on my Imperial were almost scary to start
with. The car wanted to stop so quickly, which was a major difference from
before, where each brake application became a potential religious
experience.
Hugh
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