'59 back to square one

["Tim Hulse" <thulse@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Just my two cents, I recentley had to replace the 413 in the 60. I found
another engine from Lowell who is on the list and Im sure there is
someone like that not to far from where you are. Anyway rebuilt my
heads,new belts, everything else was left alone including the plug
wires,points, cap. Pulled it out as a unit, engine and tranny, looked
her over real good, put it backed in all together and there you go!
Before I get attact here I will be putting new wires ect.... On in the
future. Keep in mind this was done outside on the side of the house with
one helper who only cost was soda pop and peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches. My total investment so far is around $1200.00. I don’t know
how mechanicaly inclined you are but if some of the guys at those shops
can do it. So can I or most of us on the list can. 

Best wishes
I wish I was close by to help. I love peanut butter and jelly.
Tim
1960 Imperial

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
imperial59@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 7:27 AM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: '59 back to square one


>      Just got the pleasant news today from the mechanic I brought
> my Imperial to for the engine rebuild, that his cost alone on the 
> rebuild was going to be around $4,000.00, and that I would end up 
> paying around $6,000.00. I told him for six thousand I could go 

Hi Bill:
   I agree that $6K is ridiculous for a rebuild.  Pistons are the only
piece that would be hard to find and those are readily available if you
are willing to pay $50 each.  I spent around 2K on my engine with me
doing the removal and reinstall.  I think you will find someone to do it
for your original estimate of $3500.

  I hate to say the same thing over again but I really think you need
more diagnosis before committing to a whole engine rebuild.  From your
description I believe that you have carb issues that could be cured for
a couple hundred instead of a couple thousand.  I sure wish we lived
closer together so that I could look at it with you.

    I know how hard it can be to find a good mechanic willing to work on
these beasts.  In their defense you could probably fit three normal cars
in the space that the Imperial takes up and make twice as much money in
the same amount of time replacing throw away parts on new cars...  You
have to find someone who shares your passion for the old cars.  I
haven't been lucky enough to find anyone like that myself but I have the
added advantage of having a garage and have been working on them for 20
years now.  

   Good luck to you.  
   Steve