IML: Imperials; Modifications and Defensive Driving

["Hugh & Therese" <hugtrees@xxxxxxxx>]

We are blending two topics here, which is fine by me, but let's remember 
what they are.

1.  Installing newer equipment on our Imperials.
2.  Driving our Imperials safely.

Regarding number one, no one has ever had a good time here when they have 
suggested that they are choosing to upgrade their cars, for whatever 
reasons.  This is, by and large, a "Keep 'Em As Is" group.  I tend to agree 
with this.  If your minimum requirement for a car is front disk brakes and 
fuel injection, buying a car from a vintage that predates these developments 
does not make any sense.  In some instances it is acceptable.  If you are 
rebuilding a total junker, for example, or if your local jurisdiction 
demands it, as is the case, I think, in France and Germany.  Otherwise, I 
think if a car has managed to survice for forty five years intact it should 
be left that way.  With enormous misgivings, I replaced my 58's original 
single pot master cylinder after an accident.  I replaced the original style 
of MC so many times and they all failed.  Every single one.  Also, the 
single pot MC was impossible for me to bleed.  I installed a MOPAR twin pot 
unit that attatched onto the original bolts, fitted the pedal and was 
designed for all around drum brakes.  My brakes work noticably better and 
bleeding air, though still not easy, with the big accordian brake booster, 
is now a task that can be accomplished.

Regarding topic two, I could not agree with Paul more.  You must drive each 
car differently, to maximise it performance in every respect.  I know people 
who cannot do this.  They get mad when a 1969 Buick does not perform like 
their Suburban.  The difference freaks them out and does nothing for my 
piece of mind, either.  I drive all sorts of things on the street.  A 1929 
Model A truck with heavy duty rear end.  It won't go above thirty MPH but it 
can put out a tree stump.  Or a 1924 fire truck, with mechanical brakes and 
no synchromesh.  It's a work out and you need to plan for any braking whole 
blocks ahead.  The 58 Imperial - I've said this so many times - gives the 
best driving experience of anything I have ever driven.  It's hard to 
explain.  It's probably only minor degrees of difference in a multitude of 
aspects from other cars but the overall effect is so satisfying.  You need 
to tune yourself into each car you drive, get the feel of it and get to know 
how it handles.  The 'new' brakes on my Imperial were almost scary to start 
with.  The car wanted to stop so quickly, which was a major difference from 
before, where each brake application became a potential religious 
experience.

Hugh 




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