Imperial Car Club Forum

I am just so darned proud of my new chrome plated hood ornament and fresh painted hood, I just had to share. Restoration can be so rewarding sometimes.

That looks really nice! That will be one good looking car when you are done. Are you painting it yourself or having it done elsewhere?

That is gorgeous!

Thanks guys, not painting it myself, at 83 I can hardly keep my balance anymore.

You'll be missing that original "organic" paint soon enough. You should have clear coated all that moss in place.

Very tempting to make a rat rod out of Ruby. Right now it has a total rebuild on the engine, transmission overhauled, new brakes, new fuel system, new exhausts and new tires. The ultimate sleeper I think.

Make whatever makes you happy. I personally go for 95% original. As original as I can make it with maybe a few minor improvements. Might consider disc brakes, maybe a better carb or intake manifold, but always retain the option and parts to go back to stock at a moments notice.

You just have to go with what makes you happy though - what will bring a smile to your face when you look at her?

Yeah I am a "purist" in the total sense of the word I guess. An Edelbrock carb and disc brakes are the epitome of "non stock" to me! It bothers me to have Coker tires on it even!. I have sourced parts from all over the world and if it is not original, it is only because it no longer exists. Heck, I am even thinking of having the original keys made in China!

I'm with you... like my Imps have the original drum brakes and they work well enough. My 60 tbird has such tiny drum bakes it is just dangerous, so I replaced the fronts with disc for safety reasons. My wife mostly drives that tbird, and I didn't feel safe letting her drive around with such lousy brakes.

I put a LOT of miles on my original back in 59-60 and NEVER can I remember feeling there was anything in the brakes that could be improved on. Never!