Just got a 1960 Imperial Crown. A few things are needed.

[Nick C]

Hi Everyone,

Just picked up a 1960 Imperial Crown with 54K original miles on it. (I have documentation going back to 12/24/1963 supporting the mileage.) The car is in overall good condition. Looks like it has had paint work back in the day and maybe some re-chroming. All the rubber around the car is still soft and pliable. The car is not perfect but still presents well. There are a few things that are needed and was wondering if I could get some help.

Here is the list:

The car is in need of tires as the ones on it are at least 30 years old. I want to keep it looking original. What are the recommendation for tires and how wide were the factory white walls.

Shocks could use replacing.

The dash lights do not turn on. I need some suggestion on how to diagnoses and repair it. (The push buttons do light up)

Power antenna. I can hear the motor working but the antenna does not move on its own. It moves up by hand 'up' but does not push all the way down. Is stops about 1/2 way down.

Also, can someone decode the fender tag for me?

Thank you everyone ahead of time.

I apricate the help and suggestions.

Nick

 

[Big_John]

Beautiful car!

The car is in need of tires as the ones on it are at least 30 years old. I want to keep it looking original. What are the recommendation for tires and how wide were the factory white walls.

No suggestions where to buy, but from everything I've read and heard, stay away from Coker Tire.

The dash lights do not turn on. I need some suggestion on how to diagnoses and repair it.

Get yourself a copy of the Factory Service Manual from Service Manuals – MyMopar And have a look around the "Online Imperial Club" pages.

Online Imperial Club (OIC) for Imperial, Chrysler Imperial, and Chrysler New Yorker Brougham Enthusiasts

Imperial and Chrysler Electrical System Repair Information

Some screen shots of the service manual before everyone starts telling you to change the bulbs.

 

[Big_John]

More on the dash lights.

Panelescent Instrument Panel and Electroluminescent Power Supply Repair

 

[Nick C]

More on the dash lights.

Panelescent Instrument Panel and Electroluminescent Power Supply Repair

Thank you Big John!!!

 

[3175375]

Gorgeous!

 

[Boydsdodge]

What a beauty. Congratulations on your new baby. The white wall size you have now looks pretty good, but from the original photos the white walls were a bit wider. Not full on 50s wide.

 

[saforwardlook]

If the power pack replacement doesn't solve your instrument lighting issue, check with the Chrysler 300 Club International, Inc. about repairing electroluminescent lighting. They have a specific resource for repairing those clusters located in the upper west coast area, maybe Oregon/Washington. Their source is expert in renewing these instrument clusters.

 

[Big_John]

If the power pack replacement doesn't solve your instrument lighting issue, check with the Chrysler 300 Club International, Inc. about repairing electroluminescent lighting. They have a specific resource for repairing those clusters located in the upper west coast area, maybe Oregon/Washington. Their source is expert in renewing these instrument clusters.

JC Auto? JC Auto Restoration, Inc. | Vintage MoPar Auto Parts & Restoration


A screen shot from the 300 club page.

 

[hergfest]

JC Auto in Lynnwood WA is currently the source to rebuild electroluminescent lighting.

 

[azblackhemi]

Beautiful Imperial you have there! I bought these tires from Priority Tire on E Bay. The 1 1/2 inch white walls are correct. Cost was just over $500 with free shipping. 4 Tires Gripmax MaxGrip Classic G/T 235/70R15 102H AS A/S All Season | eBay

 

[Nick C]

Thank you for the suggestion. I was thinking of something closer to the 1960 look with the pie crust. Last night I found a 8.20R15 online. The white wall is 3.25. Has anyone had any experience with American Classic tires? It's not a Coker band but I found it at the Coker website. Is it safe to buy from them or is their customer service terrible?

820R15 American Classic Bias Look Radial Wide Whitewall Tire​

 

[Imperialist67]

Congrats on your find - check out the OIC, which was one of the first on-line car clubs. www.imperialclub.com

There is a pretty significant section on the electro-luminescent guages. An old friend of mine had a '60 Lebaron, and the luminescent panel at night was like riding in a space ship, it will be worth the trouble.....

 

[Mntac]

Nice find! What did you end up paying for it if you dont mind me asking? Looking for a 59 or 60 myself.

 

[Nick C]

Nice find! What did you end up paying for it if you dont mind me asking? Looking for a 59 or 60 myself.

Here is one that is for sale. NOT MINE - 1960 Imperial Crown