IML: Rear Ended - 1972 Imperial GT

[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 previously.  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 just 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 air 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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