My son is about to start the process of replacing the dash wiring harness in his '66 Imperial. I recommended that he do some preventative maintenance while the dash is out. Heater core and Evaporator core pressure test just to be sure. We have been discussing replacing the duct work. Are there any recommendations on sources for the duct hoses? I would think that buying footage and cutting to length would be most cost effective. Additionally, any recommendations on other items that should/could be addressed while the dash is out would be appreciated!
AC/Heater Duct
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Getting some other things done with the instrument panel disassembled is a very good idea.
Duct hose tubing? Are the ends of the hoses just cut or do they have a snap-together at the end band clamp for a finished end? If they have the snaps, they were sold in dedicated lengths, IIRC. The bulk hose was in "a length". Might need to get the diameter of the hose and check with local auto supplies who might still have some in stock.
As to the ducts themselves, in many cases, the female end had some thin foam sealer that went inside them, which the male end indexed with, for a seal and better air flow output. Might be similar for the ducts which bolt to the hvac case? Browse the a/c duct seals at Home Depot or similar. Checking the operation of the actuators and doors can be done, too. Checking the condition of the rubber on the sealing areas of the flaps.
I suspect you'll find some traces/trails of coolant on the heater core, possibly. Might start looking for a new one. Might check the Online Imperial Club's website for sources, too.
I wish everybody well in that venture and hope it all ends well!
CBODY67
Duct hose tubing? Are the ends of the hoses just cut or do they have a snap-together at the end band clamp for a finished end? If they have the snaps, they were sold in dedicated lengths, IIRC. The bulk hose was in "a length". Might need to get the diameter of the hose and check with local auto supplies who might still have some in stock.
As to the ducts themselves, in many cases, the female end had some thin foam sealer that went inside them, which the male end indexed with, for a seal and better air flow output. Might be similar for the ducts which bolt to the hvac case? Browse the a/c duct seals at Home Depot or similar. Checking the operation of the actuators and doors can be done, too. Checking the condition of the rubber on the sealing areas of the flaps.
I suspect you'll find some traces/trails of coolant on the heater core, possibly. Might start looking for a new one. Might check the Online Imperial Club's website for sources, too.
I wish everybody well in that venture and hope it all ends well!
CBODY67
Thanks CBODY67! As per usual some other projects have taken precedence so no progress to report. Matt @detmatt was kind enough to sell me a great instrument cluster and wiring harness earlier this year. PO couldn't figure out the lack of power to the dash and did a real hack job so we decided to start fresh with a factory original harness. I will be testing the harness before install just to be sure everything is good.
It also provided the opportunity to take a look at all the under dash systems. I have pulled many dashes but this will be our first Imperial. Do you happen to know if the dash will unbolt or is it welded in? Car is currently in storage and the space is dark and working space is very limited or I would have already been underneath looking at how it is mounted. Any information on things to look out for or gotch-ya's would be appreciated.
My son bought the car from a charity auction last year and drove it 250 miles home. Car runs well but there is a leaking front wheel cylinder that needs to be addressed. Additionally a PO has lowered the front torsion bars and the ride quality is poor. I did try to crank the bars back up but even with a 4ft cheater could not get them to move. Guessing that we will need to remove them and have a look at what is going on. Haven't tried to unwind them and hoping that they will not be as difficult going down as they were going up. There is lots of cosmetic items to be addressed but no real mechanical issues other than the front suspension. Like most projects it's just gonna require some time and money to sort out. Would also like to recover the seats, currently has the ivory factory brocade seat inserts with the vinyl/leather surrounding. As you can imagine the cloth is extremely discolored but other wise in good shape. Would like to find a nice set of full leather covers for front and back to recover what we have currently.
It also provided the opportunity to take a look at all the under dash systems. I have pulled many dashes but this will be our first Imperial. Do you happen to know if the dash will unbolt or is it welded in? Car is currently in storage and the space is dark and working space is very limited or I would have already been underneath looking at how it is mounted. Any information on things to look out for or gotch-ya's would be appreciated.
My son bought the car from a charity auction last year and drove it 250 miles home. Car runs well but there is a leaking front wheel cylinder that needs to be addressed. Additionally a PO has lowered the front torsion bars and the ride quality is poor. I did try to crank the bars back up but even with a 4ft cheater could not get them to move. Guessing that we will need to remove them and have a look at what is going on. Haven't tried to unwind them and hoping that they will not be as difficult going down as they were going up. There is lots of cosmetic items to be addressed but no real mechanical issues other than the front suspension. Like most projects it's just gonna require some time and money to sort out. Would also like to recover the seats, currently has the ivory factory brocade seat inserts with the vinyl/leather surrounding. As you can imagine the cloth is extremely discolored but other wise in good shape. Would like to find a nice set of full leather covers for front and back to recover what we have currently.
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The dash is not welded in.
Thanks Matt! That's good info and will make it much easier. Any ideas regarding a place to start looking for upholstery? Prefer to purchase just covers as the power seats work well. Like to find the dark green leather. Had a line on a parts car at auction had exactly what I wanted but missed the sale.
BTW saw some of your wood work, gorgeous!!
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