Re: IML: I need opinions

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

Roy is right. The majority of cars that are taken completely apart never get put back together for all of the reasons that he mentioned in his post. 

If the car is solid (good body and frame) I would get it running and make the necessary repairs to the engine, transmission, front-end, brakes, etc. Try to get as many of the accessories working as you can. Then go for the paint, chrome, and upholstery. As your Imperial is upgraded you will be able to enjoy it along the way, and learn everything that you could ever want to know about it.

I personally enjoy cars that I can drive more than "trailer queens" so my methods tend to reflect that philosophy.

Paul

In a message dated 9/24/2004 7:53:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ViaJoaquin@xxxxxxx writes:

>Joe,
>Doing an "off-frame restore" (on a car with a frame that is!) is the only way to do the job right, however, that requires a great deal of space, time, money and ability. Or, lacking ability, even more money! When doing a project of such magnitude there is always a danger of running out of something, space, time, money or even interest since there is no real ongoing gratification. You might want to go the preservation route that you have in mind. Preservation is arresting decay by making necessary repairs as you enjoy your Imperial between upgrades. It will never be perfect, but few have all the resources available to really restore a car. Also, a car is really only original once!
>
>Roy
>67 Crown FDHT ?
>
>In a message dated 9/24/2004 6:20:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, JosephStil@xxxxxxx writes:
>
>>Afternoon all:
>>
>>I recently bought a 1961 4D Crown Southampton. ?(you know, there are times when I think this is like group therapy: ?"hi, my name is Joe. ?I own an Imperial." ?group response: ?"Hi Joe!" heheheh). ?Nuthin' like a 12-step program to get one through the day....
>>
>>I have a bunch of work to do to make The Big Red Sled drivable. ?This work includes fuel system repair(rebuild the carburetor, replace the fuel pump, boil & reseal the gas tank), repair the braking system, repair the power steering (the aftermarket A/C compressor was mounted over the P/S pump in such close proximity that the pump reservoir cap cannot be removed so it is likely dry), and figure out why "R"everse doesn't work.
>>
>>Not to mention repairing the seat upholstery and a paint job (solid body, very small bubble-type rust at the rear quarter panels).
>>
>>My brother-in-law is a former body shop guy and he is suggesting that I just off-frame restore it right now (sort of hard to do with the front end of a '61 but you get the idea). ?Get it started and get it over with (about 2 years). ?My goal initially was to get it drivable (SAFELY) and then work on the pieces of the puzzle that require attention (paint & body, interior upholstery, etc.). ?I sure would love to drive the car sooner rather than later even if she is rough around the edges (safe to drive however) but I can also see the value in doing it all at once.
>>
>>Let me know your thoughts or opinions on the topic. ?I would especially like to hear from those of you who have gone the off-frame restoration route.
>>
>>I look forward to hearing from y'all.
>>
>>Joe
>>
>>
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>
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