A Few More Steps.....

MacLebaron

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Well, I have a few more photos to share on my slow going progress.

I worked on cleaning more small items and checking the condition of the trunk. I have included pictures and descriptions to share my surprise.

First, I worked on some of the door interiors. I thought the switches were rusted based upon their appearances. Once I cleaned them I was surprised, check out the pics below.

Door before cleaning:
DoorBE.jpg

Note how nasty the switches are, I thought they were rusted.

These photos are after they were cleaned. (Obviously different door due to me getting excited and having to recompose myself).
DoorWholeAF.jpg

DoorInsetAF.jpg


Here is a picture of the trunk after I removed the carpet and everything else. This really surprised me, again I had to recompose myself!

Trunk.jpg

No rust issues, just very light surface rust and a few remnants of sound insulation. Whew, was I glad to see that.

Here are a couple of before and after pics for the lower door lights.

Before:
DoorLightBE.jpg


Ater:
Door LightAF.jpg


If you are still with me, I have a question for the people familiar with the Imperials. After cleaning the parts I have so far, did Chrysler use a higher quality of parts for the Imperial?

The reason I ask is, I have been shocked by how good the parts clean up for a car that is 50 years old and has not been restored???? Plus, the methods I am using are just regular common products and plain elbow grease. As I stated in my earlier post 'Cleaning Products'.

My first car was a 1968 Plymouth Satellite and it had the rusted out trunk from a leaky window and the parts were not in as good of shape and that was back in the mid 80's.

I would appreciate any input.
 
The paint and rust proofing protocols are the same for the whole line of Mopars. Better attention to detail on the the higher end models, but the same materials. I suspect the interior parts may have been covered by "smokers residue" not rust. In any case, it cleaned up really nice.

Dave
 
The paint and rust proofing protocols are the same for the whole line of Mopars. Better attention to detail on the the higher end models, but the same materials. I suspect the interior parts may have been covered by "smokers residue" not rust. In any case, it cleaned up really nice.

Dave
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the info. That is a good point, I was wondering if it was maybe the body oils from your fingertips. The car has been sitting for I know at least 13 years (last registered in 2006) and I suspect longer than that. All 4 doors look like the pics I posted.
 
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the info. That is a good point, I was wondering if it was maybe the body oils from your fingertips. The car has been sitting for I know at least 13 years (last registered in 2006) and I suspect longer than that. All 4 doors look like the pics I posted.

Check the ashtrays, if they are well used, probably smokers residue. If not probably just dirt. If the headliner is yellowed, sure sign of a smoker.

Dave
 
Check the ashtrays, if they are well used, probably smokers residue. If not probably just dirt. If the headliner is yellowed, sure sign of a smoker.

Dave
The ashtrays have had light usage, unfortunately the headliner is discolored, and black (supposed to be tan). I have to get the vinyl top and headliner replaced. The seats need to be cleaned but the fabric is in great shape.
 
The ashtrays have had light usage, unfortunately the headliner is discolored, and black (supposed to be tan). I have to get the vinyl top and headliner replaced. The seats need to be cleaned but the fabric is in great shape.
Well, overall it seems you've been lucky, especially the trunk as they're often nasty.

Keep up the great work, she's looking good.
 
Time and patience, cleaning and detailing really pays off. :thumbsup:
 
I finally have another update on my 69 Imperial.

Today I dropped the gas tank and pulled the fuel sending unit. I have a few pictures below of the sending unit and the tank. After seeing how nasty they were I am glad I dropped them. Again, this car has sat for way too long.

I was wondering if anyone has used the VansAuto for replacement fuel sending units and gas tanks? I saw a link from a previous article. Thank you in advance for any input.
FuelSender1.jpg
FuelSender3.jpg

FuelSender4.jpg
Fuel Sender2.jpg

FuelTank2.jpg




I had to cut the straps to drop the tank because the bolts had so much undercoating I could not get the bolts loosened enough. I am debating on just getting all new hardware because I am not sure the tank is worth saving, it does have a few dents on the bottom, plus there is some rust on the inside.

FuelTank1.jpg
 
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Replace the tank and sending unit. Do the job right the first time and save yourself a lot of grief later. You existing tank will continue to rust pretty much no matter what you coat it with and it will be just a matter of time until it leaks. Be sure to save the lock ring off the old sending unit, the replacement ones are mostly too light and leak.

Dave
 
Replace the tank and sending unit. Do the job right the first time and save yourself a lot of grief later. You existing tank will continue to rust pretty much no matter what you coat it with and it will be just a matter of time until it leaks. Be sure to save the lock ring off the old sending unit, the replacement ones are mostly too light and leak.

Dave
Hi Dave,
That is what I am thinking. I learned years ago, trying to save a buck can end up costing you more in the long run. Plus, I want to have the car fixed so I can enjoy it.
 
I finally have another update on my 69 Imperial.

Today I dropped the gas tank and pulled the fuel sending unit. I have a few pictures below of the sending unit and the tank. After seeing how nasty they were I am glad I dropped them. Again, this car has sat for way too long.

I was wondering if anyone has used the VansAuto for replacement fuel sending units and gas tanks? I saw a link from a previous article. Thank you in advance for any input. View attachment 324109View attachment 324111
View attachment 324112View attachment 324110
View attachment 324114
I just installed the complete setup from Vans on my 66 Fury and it went pretty good. I did have issues with the locking ring leaving the connection too loose but we just doubled the rubber gasket and I haven't experienced any problems so far. If you call them they'll walk you thru the process of getting everything you need. Good Luck!


I had to cut the straps to drop the tank because the bolts had so much undercoating I could not get the bolts loosened enough. I am debating on just getting all new hardware because I am not sure the tank is worth saving, it does have a few dents on the bottom, plus there is some rust on the inside.

View attachment 324113
 
For what it's worth I had the original tank on my 70 polara cleaned and coated by a rad shop in 2003. Still no issues and going strong today.
 
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