UGW
New Member
Hi, everyone! I've wanted an Imperial since before I could drive. I know a lot of Mopar fans hate demolition derbies, but as a child at the county fair, I became obsessed with the one car that just would not die! I had to know everything about the car that could take any hit and keep going. That was path to learning just how amazing these luxury cars are. Over the decades, I had several encounters with Imperials for sale, but the time was never right. (An Imperial will not make you popular in your apartment parking garage!)
This summer, I finally reached the point in life where it became possible. I found a 1963 Imperial Custom with what I believe to be only about 60,000 miles for sale by a long-term owner. It's not perfect, but it's incredibly solid, complete, and (so far) a reliable driver, which is exactly what I wanted. Don't worry, this car will never go near a derby, but I live in a big city, and I wanted a car I could enjoy and use without worrying too much about wear and tear. The paint isn't original, but the body is solid, and the car is remarkably complete. I've even found 1963 date stamps on the carb and alternator! As a Custom, the car has almost no options, just a passenger mirror and Mopar under-dash AC that looks like it was dealer installed in the 60s.
I'm a Millennial who grew up in the sport compact scene; I've never worked on a car that wasn't 100% metric. The Imperial continues to amaze me with just how simple it is. I don't mind the lack of options, because it's just so easy to work on. There's so much space, and everything is mechanical or analog: very few sensors or computers to go bad, and almost no plastic to break when you look at it wrong. I've been using this forum since the day I brought the car home, so I figured it was time to sign up and give back!
Here's what I've done so far. My goal isn't a show car, but the most enjoyable driver I can build and use.
- RTE solid-state regulator for gauges
- New oil pressure sender
- New fuel tank (original leaked)
- Rear seatbelts
- New high pressure power steering hose
- Accessory belts
- Dual-snorkel, OE air cleaner (1966? My father had it in his garage for 40 years!)
- Shocks, all corners
- Radiator overflow tank (so it wouldn't puke on my garage floor)
- Oil change
- Valve cover gaskets
- Reverse lights replaced
- Window switches repaired
- LOTS of cleaning and polishing
My plans for the future:
- Hidden radio/speaker install (I'm so tired of AM radio, but I don't want to cut anything!)
- 1967+ dual master cylinder conversion
- Front suspension refresh
- Wipe-on clear coat (it's not worth painting, but I don't want it to rust!)
- Custom center console in the style of a '63 300, with tachometer
- Dual exhaust
- Front seat repair
- Windlacing/rubber replacement
- New temperature sensor (as soon as I figure out how to move the AC compressor!)
- 4-way flashers (super important in a city)
- Electric trunk release
- Timing & carb adjustment
- Wheels (if I can ever find any good looking ones that fit)
This summer, I finally reached the point in life where it became possible. I found a 1963 Imperial Custom with what I believe to be only about 60,000 miles for sale by a long-term owner. It's not perfect, but it's incredibly solid, complete, and (so far) a reliable driver, which is exactly what I wanted. Don't worry, this car will never go near a derby, but I live in a big city, and I wanted a car I could enjoy and use without worrying too much about wear and tear. The paint isn't original, but the body is solid, and the car is remarkably complete. I've even found 1963 date stamps on the carb and alternator! As a Custom, the car has almost no options, just a passenger mirror and Mopar under-dash AC that looks like it was dealer installed in the 60s.
I'm a Millennial who grew up in the sport compact scene; I've never worked on a car that wasn't 100% metric. The Imperial continues to amaze me with just how simple it is. I don't mind the lack of options, because it's just so easy to work on. There's so much space, and everything is mechanical or analog: very few sensors or computers to go bad, and almost no plastic to break when you look at it wrong. I've been using this forum since the day I brought the car home, so I figured it was time to sign up and give back!
Here's what I've done so far. My goal isn't a show car, but the most enjoyable driver I can build and use.
- RTE solid-state regulator for gauges
- New oil pressure sender
- New fuel tank (original leaked)
- Rear seatbelts
- New high pressure power steering hose
- Accessory belts
- Dual-snorkel, OE air cleaner (1966? My father had it in his garage for 40 years!)
- Shocks, all corners
- Radiator overflow tank (so it wouldn't puke on my garage floor)
- Oil change
- Valve cover gaskets
- Reverse lights replaced
- Window switches repaired
- LOTS of cleaning and polishing
My plans for the future:
- Hidden radio/speaker install (I'm so tired of AM radio, but I don't want to cut anything!)
- 1967+ dual master cylinder conversion
- Front suspension refresh
- Wipe-on clear coat (it's not worth painting, but I don't want it to rust!)
- Custom center console in the style of a '63 300, with tachometer
- Dual exhaust
- Front seat repair
- Windlacing/rubber replacement
- New temperature sensor (as soon as I figure out how to move the AC compressor!)
- 4-way flashers (super important in a city)
- Electric trunk release
- Timing & carb adjustment
- Wheels (if I can ever find any good looking ones that fit)
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