If memory serves, a federal law required interior surfaces to be made of
reduced-glare materials sometime around the late sixties. Lots of cars
changed interior moldings from the chrome look to painted, and it wasn't for
cost reduction - it was the law.
Exterior metal wipers had to have a brushed finish, the tops of dashboards
had to be low gloss, etc. I'm not sure if this all happened at the same
time, but it was within a 3-4 year period.
Actually, I'm surprised Imperial put the bronze panels in the car in '68,
due to the possibility of glare. But I guess they aren't really located
where that would be a huge problem. Don't the '68 bronze inserts kind of
light up if the sun is shining in over the driver's shoulder?
Anyway, I like both the '67 and the '68. It would be very difficult for me
to choose one or the other. (If I could only have one.)
Andy
-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Mike Pittinaro
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 2:23 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: Collectible Automobile
> For better or worse, the article in CA played up the
> wood on the 67 Imperial,
> but did they mention the beautiful antique bronze
> trim on the 68?
Once, yes. "Inside, an antiqued bronze finish
replaced the wood veneer..." Also, they seem to
diminish the '68 as a cost-cutter's attempt at making
the '67 profitable. Things like the cheaper grille,
painted interior trim instead of chromed, and the lack
of a body paint buffing operation were mentioned.
=====
--Mike Pittinaro
Piles of pitted chrome
Hubcaps along the floorboard
My junkyard-bedroom
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