Re: Re: IML: Fuselage Era cars - 69-71 as only Fuselages a tough sell

[Brad Hogg <luxoliner@xxxxxxx>]

I don't know how long it lasted (I suspect until 1973) but the 1969 
"redesigned" Chrysler was the same chassis design as the 67/68.  Maybe hard 
to believe but true.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Watson" <wwatson5@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 12:28 PM
Subject: Re: Re: IML: Fuselage Era cars - 69-71 as only Fuselages a tough 
sell



All 1969-73 Imperials shared windshields (2-door & 4-door hardtops share the
same glass) while the 4-door hardtops used the same rooflne and side
windows.  They also shared the same rocker panels and doors sills.   The
changes in 1972 amounted to a reskinning - the basic understructure remained
the same from 1969 through 1973.

When you look at the 1972-73 Imperials from the front, you are looking at
those large fender caps/bumper ends  I mentioned on an earlier post.  They
give the car a more square design from the side and most definitely from the
front.  If you check a front view of a 1972 Chrysler, which uses the same
body and basic sheetmetal as the Imperial and does not have those boxy
fender ends, you can see the side flare.

To see just how much tumblehome there was on a 1972-73 Imperial, park a
1969-71 Imperial next to a 1972-73 model and open the doors.   You will see
the outside curve on the 1972-73 model  is virtually identical to the
1969-71.   The 1972 reskinning removed the upper character line from the
sides while the lower one was changed to a line parallel to the body sill,
making the car look boxier and more massive.  But, the curve is still there.
You just cannot see it from the front due to those massive fender
caps/bumper ends.

If you have a copy of Uncle Tom's test of the 1973 Imperial, look at the
front end shot on the article's first page.  You can the see the curvature
on the body sides between the wheelwells and the lack thereof on the fender
ends ahead of the front wheelwell.

I am a great fan of Engel's fuselage C bodies.and, in particular, the
Imperials.  The saddest part about them is how unappreciated and undervalued
they are today.  And sadly, the same situation existed when they were new.
(Well, maybe undervalued is not so bad if you want to buy one . . .)

Bill
Vancouver, BC



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