Imperial Car Club Forum

Not a big deal really, you cut out all the rusted part and weld in a new metal. For most cars you just buy the metal, for a 1959 Imp you must actually form and make the piece! Some very talented Mexican actually MADE the new piece. Not easy, took some real skill! The photo below shows better the process more clearly.
This car should have been crushed by any normal standards. The fact that it is so darned rare and was restorable led me to do this, and it had a totally overhauled engine and transmission, never even started already installed. There are only 8 on the Imperial Registry, and I have tracked down only 17 left, with most of them overseas or are being parted out. Nothing except my love for the 1959 model was the motive for this task.

More progress on Ruby, got some shiny paint on today, fenders, trunk lid, radiator surround etc. Hood already done as well.

That looks really nice. Really going all out on her. Glad to see such a great car saved and restored to it's former glory.

Thanks for the support, sometimes I feel like I am the only one that thinks the way I do or feels they are worth saving.

And the restoration continues:

And now the body has some base coat and clear coat on. I think it is going to be absolutely fantastic beautiful!

It was a happy day in the life of Ruby. I had sent every last part of her chrome to be rechromed, and it came back today. Actually handling all the chrome on a 59 Imperial and seeing it a bit better than when it was new, is quite inspiring.

Can't wait to see the finished car, it's going to look great!

Nothing prettier than new chrome!

Some more pretty stuff!