I did this with a 63 many years ago, although it
was in Massachusetts in the warm weather. The car had sat for several years
& started occasionally before I bought it. A few miles from home, the car
died & wouldn't restart. Fortunately I had brought a few tools & found
the problem to be a plugged fuel filter. I was close to a sore & went over
& bought a new one. The Car started right up & was fine after
that.
In addition to fresh
gas, I suggest a fuel filter also. I also discovered a couple of the wheels had
3 lug nuts holding them on.
Going 9 miles isn't too
far. I'd chance it.
John
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 6:29
PM
Subject: Re: IML: Bringing home my 1956
Imperial for the first time
Go for it Tom. Mine was in the same condition
except it didnt have plates so I had to use a car hauler. Like you said a
truck is only a cell phone call away. Take a few gallons of new gas to mix in
with the old. Good luck!
Dan
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 3:46
PM
Subject: Re: IML: Bringing home my 1956
Imperial for the first time
I am trying to decide whether to drive my new 63 across town
on mostly side streets. Distance is 9 miles. The seller is
telling me not to try because the gas in the tank has been in there for two
years. There is no way to drain and refill with fresh prior to this
attempt. This is in tucson arizona where temps have ranged from 35 to
105 over that period of time. The car is starting and running OK in
the driveway. A clear glass filter shows decent transparency of the
liquid entering the carb. Am I nuts for thinking this will be no more
than an adventure? After all, a tow truck is a cell call
away. What is worst that can happen? Who has experience driving
old cars that have sat for two years in a desert climate? Is there a
screen in the tank that could stop up en route? Brakes, motor and
tranny respond to all commands. Thank you for input.
--Tom
sosmi@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I can relate, to your situation, I just returned from Detroit
,Woodward Cruise, with a 1977 Dodge Royal Sportsman Van, with
50K.Original miles 440 powered, garage kept since new. My dad bought it
new. The whole trip was, DID YOU HERE THAT , and looking at gauges, and
the rear view mirror for 1327 miles. Just Love Dem Ol Cars! Ya'll have a
nice day Dave. 81 Imp, & TOO many Dodges . (It wouldn't be
too many if I was single)
--------------
Original message -------------- From: HemiDriver@xxxxxxx
I bought my 1956 Imperial in the Philadelphia suburbs after driving
it for something like 20 minutes, looking it over for maybe half an
hour, and getting a lot of blather from the owner. Anyhow, it was late
November, cloudy and cold, as I headed down I-95 toward Washington full
of hope and fear. The wiring was a disaster (the car has since
been totally rewired), so I was afraid to turn on the headlights; every
time I stepped on the brakes, I prayed that the car would stop;
the car had a South Wind heater and, although it was bitter cold, I was
afraid to fire that monster of a heater up; I kept the window down so
that the windshield wouldn't fog; I had no idea about oil consumption;
and, last but not least, I had no idea how good the gas gauge was or
what kind of mileage I was getting.
In a nutshell, I was terrified, but on a real high -- after all, I
would have to face HER HIGHNESS (wife) on arrival who wasn't exactly
excited about me bringing home another antique auto. But, hey, that's
part of the fun.
Trust me, adrenaline was pumping as I roared down the
Interstate and kept up with traffic hauling along about 80. Fellow
travelers tooted, gave thumbs up, and waved, as I raced home trying to
arrive before dark and before I froze to death.. I finally made it, and
my teeth chattered for about two days..
Although nothing untoward happened, I shall never forget that trip.
Yes, you listen to every rattle and every squeak, and you worry about
every bump in the road. I highly recommend a good trip in your old
car.... it's a thrill a minute. I could have sold tickets if other guys
felt the same sense of adventure that I did.
Stay in the know. Pulse on the new Yahoo.com. Check
it out.
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