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Fletch's Own Imperial LeBaron Rebuild: Classic Restos - Series 48
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ต.ค. 2021
- With Classic Restos, we usually find Fletch travelling vast distances to see classic cars and discover the owner's story of where they got the car, its history, and what they have done with it since. Well, this time, Fletch tells the story of his own Chrysler Imperial LeBaron, purchased on one of his frequent trips to the USA - back in 2019.
Fletch initially looked at the car back in 2018 but was not taken by it and passed up the opportunity to purchase. Instead, he acquired a 1974 Dodge Monaco that he had eyed off for a couple of years but was not for sale. However, this time Fletch got his way.
2019 was Fletch's last trip to see Murray in Ohio, and this time the Imperial LeBaron was inside a shed where it took on a new light. Fletch was attracted to the high-end model with its many features in absolutely original condition. The LeBaron was not without its issues, an engine rebuild being just one. Once committed to the purchase, Fletch's attitude was that he would do whatever it took to save the car.
Fletch takes us through the initial restoration process and discovers several confronting issues. He then takes his Chrylser 440 big block to his friends at the Goulburn Engine Centre. Where Andy and Kevin dismantle the seized engine to discover just what type of condition it is in, while Fletch is on hand to record the entire process. It's technical, but you see the enjoyment that Fletch and his colleagues have during this discovery. They report the block is in pretty good condition. Now the rebuild process steps up, with more than a few laughs along the way.
Great stuff Fletch ,can,t wait to see the next installment.
Thanks for saving an imperial mate
I’ve always been keen on them due to their drivetrain and strength
My pleasure Benjamin. Strong indeed. You don't realise "how strong" until you get around underneath these things. The steel used is incredible. Thank you for watching Benjamin. Fletch.
Beautiful car.
Well done Fletch. This was a good watch.
Enjoyed watching today’s episode looking forward to the next instalment 👍
Well done mate. Congratulations. I've had great dealings with Murray over the years. Enjoy.
Good stuff Fletch really enjoyed it
Love it Fletch
Hi Mark. Thank you SO much for your comment here. Absolutely, these American cars are truly awesome aren't they? Part Two is down the track. Regards Fletch :-)
Going to be a cracking ride that one fletch when you get it sorted
That is one big engine
Will be great to see back together
👍👍👍
Thanks David !!
Very well done video.
Fletch , this is superb , so looking to follow the progress. Love your hands approach, gotta admire your organised shed. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for checking out the video! Glad you enjoyed it :) -Ollie
Absolutely George. I love getting in amongst it. Not just a pretty suit jacket ey ?? lol. I have my workshop here at home and pride myself in getting these cars back to life & saved. Cheers George, Fletch.
Can’t wait to see the next episode!
A great episode, of course, Mr. Fletch. Hurry up with the next part! I reckon the battle with heater core of that Chrysler keep you awake some at night trying to sort out how to remove it. Then on day three you return to the project and wiggle the box just a little and it falls right out. I look forward to seeing the end results.
Donald - I can appreciate every word you have said. Cheers my friend & thank you for watching. Cheers Fletch 🙂
That engine came up sweet Fletch, Ive got a 318 for my Val resto in the same state as that, when I get it stripped down I will contact those guys for my machining.
Hi Grant. Just ask for Andy or Kelvin, mention Fletch, and the rest will flow for you mate. Thank you very much & for watching. I am glad that you enjoyed the episode. Part Two soon. Cheers, Fletch.
Nice tank Fletchy!!
Tank you Ben 🙂
HA - I like the 'patented' radiator guard when pulling out the engine. The 'mile squared' area of the bonnet and boot lid are AMAZING - HA - I am sure the designers in those days got together at the coffee machine and said - "Lets add an extra foot here and here" - HA. The original features are a treat - that is one NEATO vehicle. HA - at least that heater box job was not a 11/10 job (HA - getting it out is the EASY bit with gravity on your side - putting it back - HA - that will surely hit the 11/10 + plus as gravity fights you). Me personally - I cannot drive a LHD and hence I convert all mine to RHD (have several LHD to RHD underway at the moment) - but it is certainly nice to see it exactly as the day it rolled off the assembly line (albeit a bit dustier - HA) - the exterior and interior colors add a real class - what a cruiser. I had a 6.9 Mercedes some 40=years ago - I wish I never sold it - but hopefully I can locate another for my cruising (HA - to add to the 'pile' of cars in my new shed) Great country mechanics - and I noticed something that to me indicates QUALITY - notice when the rods were being pulled out that there was a protective plastic cap on one of the rod bolts --- it amazes me when I see so-called 'top' engine builders not covering rod bolt threads. It is the little things that count and those little things make the difference between a 'mechanic and a 'craftsman'. It will be a treat to hear that engine fire up and watch you drive off down the road - what a car. I have new high-end cars - but NOTHING gives you the feeling of something classic - no matter from what country or what maker - they all have that SPECIAL aura about them. I may have a job or two heading their way. Have a safe and nice day all. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.
Hey Private - thank you for your great comment. I drank a full cup of coffee whilst I read this. Absolutely same page stuff here - I am sure we could talk for hours. Cheers & thanks for watching. Fletch.
Love yah work Fletch
When it comes to Mopars, the 1968 Imperial LeBaron (Imperial was actually a seperate make at that time; Chrysler Corporation`s version of GM`s Cadillac and Ford`s Lincoln Continental) is hands-down one of my all-time favorites (rare as it is; only 1,852 `68 LeBarons were ever made and at $6,939.00 starting price, it was Chrysler Corporation`s most expensive car for 1968; it was the Mopar counterpart to GM`s Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special/Fleetwood Brougham models, which are my favorite Cadillacs)! To me, there`s just something about it (styling-wise) where everything`s just right.
Thank you for NOT calling it a Chrysler Imperial!
Interesting to watch.
It was a great episode JB. Do you have any classics at home? - Andres.
@@ShannonsInsurance I do, but not to the standard of what we see on classic restos.
The Chrysler imperial was a car used in original tv series the green hornet
Hey Fletch, when are you going to get Danny a 2 door HJ Monaro? He's been regretting the day he let his go
Hey Stench. Danny is CONTINUALLY inspired every week to get himself another classic. I am sure while he edits every episode of Classic Restos, there's a little part of him that wants to go buy. I am sure he will one day - and I hope he does, as it's so deserved for him. Cheers buddy, thank you for watching. Regards, Fletch
Why didn't the fuses keep the wires from burning?
Hey B dot. Great question. Well...would you believe the 30amp metal block type circuit breaker up under dash - just sitting in front of the heater core box, was bypassed. As you know there are 2 metal thread posts here? well, the 2 main wires went to ONE post and connected there...had this been wired correctly, that circuit breaker would have done its job, and yes, blown. Again, thanks for asking & glad you enjoyed the episode. Regards, Fletch.
@@classicrestostv1fletch764 Thanks much and good luck!!
Great video. Maybe it should inspire you to get an NC Fairlane/LTD instead of the base EA/EB Falcon
I already have a 5.o litre Fairlane? These U.S things are the real deal...Our cars were based on these things. Nothing rides likes these full-size U.S Limos. Cheers.
Problems you will encounter : Budd 4 piston brake calipers , overheating headlight switch , turn signal switch that snaps , wipers that won't park , horrible carburetor recommend Edelbrock, need a phenolic spacer between the carb and intake manifold, don't romp it too hard it will pop the motor mounts. Gas tank if sitting for long period will rust out top corner drivers side. Top end speed - about 140.
Dear Anton. Wow. Thank you for the positives. Anton, the above scenarios is the VERY reason WHY I carry out a full mechanical restoration. The above symptoms you have listed to me, is possibly "how a person finds the cars" - not after work being done correctly. If you had one of these and "put up" with these dramas and did not have them fixed, well you're a better guy than I am. Overheating will not be happening. My cooling systems are paramount when finished. I have an original 440 in my 1967 New Yorker along with a factory 360 in my 1974 Dodge Monaco, and they both run cool as cucumbers never exceeding 90 degrees Celsius. My carby is now a brand new Holley 750 replacement. No phenolic spacer is required if you run "cool" engines, but yes, I believe in those. Breaking motor mounts? well, that my friend is simply a reflection on how smooth you drive, but yes, brand new motor mounts here. The gas tank is also brand new, so no problems there. There you go Anton, not all Imperials have to be driven around with the problems that you have listed. Cheers Anton, take care & thank you for watching. Fletch
@@classicrestostv1fletch764
Hi Fletch , I had a 1967 Crown Coupe that had fewer than 50K on the clock when I got it - the reason it was so low was due to sitting in a boat storage warehouse for decades . The systems I highlighted decayed as a result . I had the transmission rebuilt and had all the problems I encountered fixed . The Holley carb had chronic problems with the floats hence changing to the Edelbrock product . I switched from the stock single exhaust to a dual with a crossover pipe with stock mufflers and resonators . I found a company that would rebuild the Budd brakes . The other problem was the fuel supply - the standard pump gas in Texas was 91 octane no lead - I found a source for 100 octane low lead . Here's what I had done for the cooling systems : had the radiator flushed boiled pressure tested , replaced the clutch for the fan , new anti collapse springs for the new hoses and for the transmission a stack plate auxiliary trans fluid cooler. I drove this car regularly and because it had been sitting so long I had the rear leafs replaced and had the rear axle bearings and seals replaced - I wanted this car to be reliable and endeavored to eliminate prophylactically any problems that might arise due to age & abuse. It was very fast and handled like a dream. First year for unibody construction.
Probably easier to pull the dash out, i did the same on a WB caprice....
No it wasn't easier to pull the dash out Jim - otherwise I would have. Cheers.