I may have a chance to “Save” a very derelict ’57 Imperial convertible. No engine, trans, interior or a lot of other stuff. I may also be able to get a ‘65 Imperial Crown 4 door parts car reasonably complete. I am thinking about a total mechanical change out, kind of making it a ’59. Install a 413, I have both a cast iron Torqueflite and a ’62 aluminum Torqueflite with the brake drum, rear axle with flanged axles and new style brakes from the '65. The only issue I can think about is the power steering box. The ’57 is different but do they mount differently? And maybe the brake booster mounting for the ‘65 booster. Or use the Torqueflite from the ’65 with the slip spline driveshaft and yes I know the hardtop and convertibles are different. But 50 years ago I installed a convertible driveshaft into a hardtop! Forty five years ago I put a ’62 rear axle in my ’65 Crown Coupe so I guess it will go the other way. I know also that if I used a C I Torqueflite I need to change out the crankshaft. So what think you experts, can I do it or am I flogging a dead horse?
these cars are usually tons of welding. Also if not going totally orig, its not that bad.
