Re: Re: IML: question @ my 1951 Imperial

["A. Foster" <monkeypuzzle1@xxxxxxx>]

Hi;
 Clutch-o-Matic you say? I always thought that the 51's had an M6 Fluid
Torque semi automatic where you use the clutch to shift ranges (each range
has two speeds that shift automatically), or into reverse, but don't need it
to stop at an intersection. From what I understand those units are very
reliable, perhaps the clutch just needs adjustment or the unit itself needs
oil. The clutch can be rebuilt by places that redo brake shoes, the
solenoids can be found as well but usually only as six volt units.
 As for the hemi engine a gasket set for a 354 hemi is interchangable with a
331 and most of the parts are either available from Egge machine or PAW.
Cork and paper gaskets can be made from raw material (using the old gaskets
as patterns) available at any auto parts store, my first stop in locating
any parts. Ignition parts can be cross referenced with NAPA number which I
have if you need them.
  The tube radio is actually a good quality set manufactured for Chrysler by
Philco. It has two seperate units behind the dash; one is the tuner and the
other acts as the power supply and audio amplifier which has an oval speaker
mounted to it, they are connected by a cable and socket. It can be repaired
as well but one would have to know what it does or does not do before
diagnosing what's wrong. I would look for some old radio collectors in your
area and ask for advice.Usually the achiles heel of tube car radios is the
vibrator in the power supply, they can wear out or stick causing the fuse to
blow or the radio not to work.
  My honest opinion about the door handles is to leave them alone. Driving a
51' Imperial is rather like driving a Studebaker bullet nose, they are
unique enough that one doesn't have to customize it for it to stand out in a
row of 55'-57' Chebbies and Fords.
Best Regards
Arran Foster
1954 Imperial Newport
Needing A Left Side Tailight Bezel and other trim parts
1975 Chrysler Newport
Need to pick up a new speedo cable and a master cylinder.
1978 Puch Newport
I think that I will do a bearing job on the rear wheel.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <agraybill@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2005 6:28 PM
Subject: Re: Re: IML: question @ my 1951 Imperial



Well the only thing is that it is so hard to get parts for this car. I mean
it is in great shape but there is only so much you can do with it. I am only
25 so maybe I can't appriciate what the car really means but I know that I
have been searching for things for the car for a long time. For example. The
car is a clutch-o-matic. There is a slight problem in the tranny. The clutch
works but you can push the pedal all the way to the floor. I can't find
anyone who knows a thing about it. The same with the engine. It is a 331
Hemi. I just want to paint the heads and clean it up but no one knows enough
about it to help.  And in the condition it is in, I am afraid to drive it
because I dont want to do any damage to it. When my grandpa had it appraised
in 2000(the car was 49) it was valued at 10000 dollars, but I have no use
for a car that is just going to sit around. I believe it needs to be driven.
So that is why I want to do the custom work to it so I can have it the way I
really want it.

P.S. The radio runs on tubes and doesn't work, but no one seems to know how
to fix that either.



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