Last evening I paid the man and brought my Imperial home. It sure is nice
to finally have a REAL Imperial (regardless of what some might say about its
Imperialistic ligitimacy) The car ran well and drove smoothly all the way
home. I did notice a few things that would need attention soon. I noticed
that the steering was heavy at idle and the rear shocks are as good as not
there. Remember Uncle Buck's car? Mine bounces in the rear almost as much.
I drove the car straight to my mechanic's shop for a safetly inspection.
This is required to get plates and insurance here in Manitoba. My
appointment was set for next Tuesday so I was ready to just wait for the
verdict. At about 1:00 OM this afternoon, the shop called with the results.
It seems they had a slow day (very rare for that shop) and were able to get
it in. Here are the results...
Headlight aim is off
License plate lights out
Left and right front floor rusted through (about a 6 inch area)
Left lower ball joint loose
Right inner tie rod end loose
Rear shocks bouncy
Right rear brake hose cracked
Left outer CV boot open
Right inner CV boot open
Both front and left rear rotors below discard
Rear brake linings worn and rotten
Rear brake caliper supports badly grooved
Power steering rack has no assist cold
Power steering pressure hose leaking
The only thing they DIDN'T call was the windshield. The crack is not in
driver's view so it is ok. Ironic huh!
Needless to say, I didn't have them go ahead with all this right away.
Rather, I picked up the car and brought it home. I'll get parts and repair
what I can over the next few weeks and then take it back for final
inspection. I stopped on my way home and priced out some parts at Canadian
Tire. They have most of it in stock so as soon as I want to start spending
money, I can go ahead with this stuff. The only thing that I am wondering
about is what can I do about the rear shocks? Can I install the shocks that
would go into a Dynasty right into that car? Will they bolt up?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Hogg" <roadhogg@xxxxxxx>
To: "IML" <Mailing-List@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2002 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1990 Imperial Coming Home
Good eye! The rear wheels are from a NYer. I can't remember why he changed
them but the original wheels and covers are in the trunk. I'll try to get
those back on asap for originality. I'll have to scare up a hood ornament
too. Anybody see one, please let me know! The car IS is very good
condition considering the mileage. I hope it doesn't offer any major
mechanical issues for at least a couple more years. The windshiled has a
long crack clear across it near the bottom. I can probably get a
replacement from a salvage yard. I will check the price on a new one first
though. Might as well get new if it is cheap enough.
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