For sure, you have no clue. If lightly tapping a quarter panel with my foot to show you that it is constituted of a potato chip-like material that was once metal upsets you, we wouldn’t be friends - and you definitely don’t need to keep watching. I have done more to revive and preserve these cars directly and through helping others through these videos than anyone else you are likely to meet. Good day!
I did the same on my 60 Fury! To make it better.....Ya gotta get that shit out! If he was not a CAR Lover.....He would not be makinbg these vids and sharing them!
Every job has sporty side and it has some sense. Might have heard some dudes using spit in sex sports how about that does that mean disrespecting a female. No one helps if one has no sense in reasoning rationally and moreover voicing concern to fool self. I have seen car lovers bang the bonnet harshly when it revs up after long endurance and patience may be kicking the wheels.
@studebrazil2276 mayhaps you don't live in the rust belt? So yea kicking a car that resides in a salt free climate doesn't make sense to you but you should trust the process here cuz that's what we gotta do sometimes lol
This took me back. Back in 89 or 90 i bought my first car a 1955 DeSoto fireflight 4dr. 291hemi and 4barrel 3 on the tree and overdrive. It was in a shed and had been disasembled back in 1970 and lifted off the fram. I spent years restoring that car. It was really hard in Sweden in the 90's finding parts to it.
Seeing that old imperial drive out of it's spot in the grass brought on a "Yeah-hah-hah-heahya". Nearly 50% of the joy level of actually reviving something I dragged out of the bushes, myself. Thank you. Of course, If I was reviving it FOR myself, there is no comparison to the joy of the first time it moves itself. Still, thanks for the high, minus the blood, sweat mouse piss and old gas smell, and empty bank account. You truly provide a service.
Hi Jamie, I am a 70 year old Mopar guy. It does my heart good to see young guys like you who are very knowledgeable, skilled, hard-working, and passionate about old Mopars. My first car was a $75, 1961 Plymouth Fury 2 door hardtop with a high performance 361 Golden Commando engine, push button automatic, that I bought with money I earned mowing neighbors lawns when I was 15. That 361 was a well-used, loose screamer, and I knew that it was time to hit the shift button when the valves would float. Thereafter, I owned a dozen different 60's Mopars. My father worked as a Chrysler Corporation new car salesman (Chrysler, Imperial, Plymouth, Desoto at one dealership, then Dodge at another) from around 1955 to 1985. It has been many years since I worked on any car. I have the bodies (almost rollers) for 4 project cars. A 63 Fury, a 64 Valiant, a 66 Dodge Panel truck, and an 80 D150. I am hoping to have a shop and get started on all 4 project cars by the time I am 80 with a projected completion date of the 4 cars when I am 90 years old. I will keep you updated. I love your dry sense of humor, Jamie. And, I have been accused of suffering from the same malady. Regards, Craig
Thanks Craig! Much appreciated. I’ve been told the correct time to shift is when the valves fly out and dance on the hood… I’ve yet to try that technique. Perhaps some day. At any rate, best of luck with your projects.
The power steering in these models were completely different from those used in the late 1950s and up. The design was called coaxial and the pump was mounted on the rear of the generator. The steering wheel movement you noticed is normal when the system is not energized by hydraulic oil pressure. Once there is hydraulic oil circulating, the apparent major looseness goes away. There is very low road feel feedback. It only took the force of a single finger to steer these cars. There are adjustments in the power steering mechanism to control how much play is evident while driving. I grew up driving a 1955 Chrysler Windsor which used the same power steering system as this Imperial. It was the first car I ever drove. I got used to the slight amount of road feed-back and never considered it a detriment. It just took getting used to. Hope you get this one operating again!
I learned to drive with a '54 Chrysler Windsor DeLuxe! It was "powered" by the GREAT FLATHEAD "6" and had power steering just like this! At 12 years-old, I ADORED this GREAT old car!
Yours is the best Mopar tube channel far and away! None of the episodes ever disappoint, way more interesting than throwing an unlimited amount of money to make a relic run again. And you leave any politics out of your content and stick to the subject at hand. And remember: Everything is good till it isn't.
Ohhh that’s a good one, I’m writing that down. Haha. Thank you! I very much appreciate that. Even my “fancy” builds like the turbo slant are still performed with a very limited budget. I am glad that is appreciated!
Way to go Jamie! When I was 14 (1964) I bought a 52 Saratoga club coupe from a local, semi defunct Chrysler dealer. He had a boneyard of old trade in iron out back, and the Chrysler was the only thing with a hemi. 2 BBL with "Fluid Drive" half automatic, half standard shift trans. Paid $85 cash American dollars for it. What a tank, but it went pretty good, surprisingly. I decided to pull the front bumper off to try and add some cool factor (that was a miserable fail) and the thing must have weighed 400 pounds! The front end ride height gained about 2 inches LOL. I removed the approximately 6 foot, 200 pound single exhaust muffler (with a sledge hammer) and then it sounded halfway mean. That tranny sucked....I figured out the best way to launch was in low range, wind it out, the slam it into high range, which was actually 3rd gear. My buddies and I had a blast in that old Chrysler right up until I was about get my license at 16, then I put the bumper and the muffler back on, sold it for $150, and bought a 57 Chrysler Saratoga (354 poly motor with an AFB) for 200 bucks. That was a way better car. Loved it.
I had a 1957 👑 Imperial 🦅as a teenager. I found her in a cow pasture, she was black, got that Hemi running. I loved that beautiful old car. Thanks for the memory's, enjoyed the video. 👍👍
In 1955 my grandpa bought a new 55 Dodge Coronet in Heather Rose, which is probably what this Imperial is painted. My parents took it on their honeymoon to the Smokies. The whole family thought it was the coolest looking car because of the color. It may have been a two tone car with a black upper and a pink lower section. Glad you got it going again. She was quite a machine in 55!
I cry For Chryslers current statis..... We own 6 FL cars including two Plymouths......Us keeping them going is showing our respect! Two 1960 Chrysler two doors....1961 NewYorker two door, 1960 Plymouth Fury two door, 1956 NewYorker Town and Country Wagon, and a 1959 Plymouth four door Suburban wagon.....Keep up the great work!
77 is that yer Birth/HS grad either how thanks for keep`n Gramps pride & joys alive & kick`n... I learned to drive, wrench & moan over his hand me downs in the 60s & 70s dead of winter
That was an impressive thrash, racing against fading light, and total success, running and driving! I love the styling cue of the rounded corners at the front of the hood, less expensive cars had squared corners, customizers of the era would adapt the rounded corners.
Nancy's guy Frank here... I noticed that you just splashed a little gas in the carb... WELL, when I bought my old Imperial (back when I was in high school) I could not flood it no matter how I tried (I didn't really TRY to flood it but it did look that way). But because I was still in high school I never had much money (it went to "cost of car", insurance, lic., title & repairs, not much left for gas). When it ran out of gas, and it did quite often, I got my friends to chip in for more... then help restart it. After lots of experience, I found that I had to have someone POUR gas down the carb, I do mean Pour, if you just splashed some in, it wouldn't even POP! While they were pouring in the gas in I tried to start it. It would fire right up... RIGHT away and keep running... as long as they were pouring the gas in. Again, I mean POURING in the gas!!! If someone didn't pour gas down the carb, it would NEVER start. So pour we did, and If we continued long enough, for "gas tank gas" to get up to the carb, it would all be fine. So many guys with "car knowledge" told me it will flood if you POUR that gas down the carb. Well, that Imperial LOVED GAS! IT NEVER flooded! Never backfired, never caught fire, just drank the gas. I never found out why it worked like that but it always did. 😆
Yeah, that absolutely matches my experience here. I’ve started a whole lot of engines, and I don’t think any have ever been as thirsty as this thing. Incredible!
I had a 6 volt 241 Red Ram in one on my M37’s. Converted it to 12 using an LA electronic distributor, orange box and GM, 1 wire alternator. Never changed out the 6 volt starter. Had to laugh at your comment on the portable air tank. Have the exact same one, and have thought the same thing many times over the past 35 years!
Sorry this is so long. WOW! We owned one! In the early '80s. It was a two door. Same color, (which I was told was rare), white leather with mohair inserts. Two way power seat. Even the vent windows were power. It ran and drove great. It never gave any real problems. My wife drove it every day and refused to sell it many times. We would drive it 200 miles or so on small trips. She became an x wife a long time ago and finally sold it. We always loved that car. She has since passed away. The TH-cam algorithm is weird. This just popped up. Brought back a lot of memories. It was surreal to see it driving. The rarity of seeing one , ( especially in the same color), had me a little, uh, well... Anyway: Instead of converting to 12 volts, put an 8 volt tractor battery on it. Set up the voltage regulator for 8 volts. My Pop said it was a common thing in the old days. It will crank so much better. It won't blow all the bulbs and fuses. The wiring will not burn up, and the headlights will be extra bright.😁 We did our '55 this way. The hub caps are correct. The master cylinder and booster are not. I know, you said that. I always felt like the taillights were an afterthought. Almost like they forgot to put any on and installed the "gun sights". On a '56, they are in the fender where you think they should be. Oh yeah, I subscribed.😎
I really appreciate and enjoy your videos on reviving these cars, you have a great sense of humor. I know you don't need this car, but it would be nice to see it driving down the road, best regards.
You are right about oil changes not being a thing back in the day. I bought a 331 Firepower from a guy in Salt Lake City and had it shipped here. When I took the valve covers off the rockers and heads were covered with sludge. I’m guessing they just added oil and never changed it. Thankfully it cleaned up nicely and actually does make more than 300 hp. Thanks for saving another classic. Oh and that power steering goes back at least to 1952 as my dads Saratoga has the same setup.
They stuck with cheap garbage non-detergent oil even though modern detergent oil was available. Don't ever use anything currently labeled as "non-detergent" oil in anything mechanical. They have no additives and are basically laxative oil.
That imperial is awesome! The original 6 volt system reminds me of my grandpa’s work beater 1939 Chrysler that he said he had around 1961. He put a knife switch in the ashtray to switch an extra 6 volt battery in series so it could crank on 12 volts on winter mornings. He said guys would yell “get that old junk off the road!” And he would yell back “hey! At least it’s paid for!”
Hi Ryan, cool storey with your grampa! I'm wondering, did he hook up the extra battery in parallel for extra amperage or in series for extra voltage? Usually, extra voltage cooks the good stuff.
He configured the knife switch so that he could start the engine with both 6 volt batteries in series for 12 volts to spin the engine over faster and make a hotter spark. He said he would make sure the heater blower, lights, etc. were off before he switched it to 12 volts.
Man… part of the frame is in the lower radiator hose. The wheels don’t track anywhere near straight. Things are real bad. So it’s probably a lost cause. But I would love to!!
The steering wheel is made using plastic, just not a modern type. The plastic was originally translucent with a creamy appearance similar to alabaster. The same steering wheel and horn rim was used on the Chrysler New Yorker and the Chrysler Windsor. The horn rim is very easy to break at the smallest point of the spokes near the outer rim. So the moral is, be very gentle when pressing the horn rim if doing a test. No one is making new ones that I am aware of.
The stinky steering wheel share the same stink as the older Craftsman screwdrivers. they are made from Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), a thermoplastic that releases butyric acid and acetic acid as it ages. Regards from Ody Slim
I bought a 1955 New Yorker 4 door Sedan a few years ago to work on, so I was very happy to see this video due to all the similarities. I love the door handles on this year, even though I've had to fix two of them. Unfortunately mine didn't have the hemi or transmission anymore, and they are unobtanium where I live, so I've put a 5.9 magnum and 727 in so it'd run again. Coincidentally, your videos on 5.9 magnums are what lead me to your channel lol. Looking forward to what is next, hope to see some more Forward Look cars in the future.
Nice! You’re not in Washington state, are you? Haha. I sold mine 8 years ago in that condition. I got the feeling they were using it for parts. There certainly will be more Forward Look cars as they come.
One thing I've learned about 6-volt systems is that they originally had much fatter heavier gauge battery cables than the typical (much thinner) parts store replacement ones that you typically find previously installed on them now. Those 6-volt starters need more amps/current than what those thinner cables can supply, I like to think that a 6-volt starter is making up for the lack of voltage with more current. I've seen where just replacing the (relatively new) thinner cables with the heavier gauge ones transform it from a slow cranker, to one that fires right up.
Would you assume the cables were like 10 - 13AWG originally or is that too big of a gauge? *EDIT:* 10-13 gauge would actually be too small of a gauge. 4 gauge or 00 guage it is!
Yes you really need a heavier gauge than what originally came with the car. I put 00 gauge marine battery cables on my 6 volt '52 Chevy and it made a huge difference.
@@marksimendinger3462 00 guage. Okay, thanks for the specification on AWG! I was assuming around the neighborhood of 10 gauge and now thinking that would still be way too little for a 6volt system.
Fabulous. I was working on these in the late 70's, and the memories are fabulous. There is rumor, talk, of a Plymouth Valiant in the works. Perhaps a Dodge Valiant. But said Plymouth.
WOO-HOO! The beard guy does it again! From dead to...SHE DRIVES! Great job Jamie on bringing back a great MOPAR! It's MOPAR or NO CAR! Buy the weigh I owned a heavy 1963 Imperial for many years (1985 to 2006) and loved it from the hood ornament to the way it drove. Keep bringing these back to life!
I’ve just discovered your channel and watched this video as well as the 68 Imperial coupe revival. You immediately earned a subscriber simply by not calling them Chrysler Imperials. I have a 68 Crown 4 door hardtop and it drives me nuts when people call it a Chrysler Imperial. I’ve also got a 55 New Yorker Deluxe, so I’m looking forward to diving down the rabbit hole of your content.
@@DeadDodgeGarageJamie just get rid of your least favorite project. I use to be bad about falling for too many cars but I eventually learned to cut down. But if a car is on the bucket list I would have to say go for it . Seems from the comments that people would seem to want to see alot more on this car ?
Looks like a pretty solid car, Jamie. I am in agreement with the others that you really should consider adding this to your stable. Don’t worry. As many cars as you own she will have difficulty picking it out 👍🏻
1956 had the pushbutton transmission, and Imperial was the first to offer the new 3 speed Torqueflite transmission. It was a mid year intro, it gave you 5 buttons over the Powerflite's 4. I think 300s offered it mid year, too.
I have not been feeling my normal self the last few months, then I just found Dead Dodge latest upload and also discovered I was unsubscribed. I just saw the video, resubscribed, and everything is back to normal. You can't beat DDG's humour and banter!!!
Dad had a ‘55 Chrysler Windsor 2-door (I think) as a second car for a while. I think it was this color. Only 2-door he ever had, as far as I know. And ammeter is short for Amp Meter, I believe. Great job, this!
It’s something like that. It’s not that it’s a *bad* idea or anything. But I’ve sure proven by now it is almost never necessary in an engine that isn’t seized solid.
One body difference between the Chrysler New Yorker or Windsor is the front fenders. The Imperial front fenders extend further toward the rear behind the front wheels than either of the lesser Chrysler models. And yes the wheelbase is longer than Chrysler models and a two-piece drive shaft with an added bearing located between the 1st and 2nd halves of the drive shaft was used.
The Imperial body is four inches longer than Chrysler or Desoto. The added length is in the front doors. Added leg room in front and rear compartments. Also the radius of the roof at the front is different. I have had a sedan, like the one in the video for 12 years.
Man that motor sounds pretty healthy for being sat almost 30 years! I like those old Dinosaurs! They had style! Specially those 50s Chrysler’s and Dodge’s! Great job Dude!👏👏👏👏👌😎👍
Cool had a chance to rebuild a 68 new yorker from engine to suspension and everything else. First mopar was great experience. Bringing classics back to life over here in Maryland
This video sold me on the '55 mopars. I quite like this car, I was indifferent to them before, but I like it. Hopefully we get to see more of it eventually.
They are noble beasts, worthy of efforts to revive them - and beyond the usual "patina" phase so popular these days, they really need brought back to at least daily service/Day 2 condition so that people can see what they were like in their heyday. - Ed on the Ridge
I'm impressed. I've done all this stuff, but mostly to keep cars on the road. Found cheap non running cars spent two days getting going and put on road.
Even tho a big luxury car I don’t know if I’d condescendingly call it a ‘land yacht’, the proportions were tidy. Looks a lot more balanced and far less bloated in appearance than any fuselage car
Oh I agree. I love the lines on these, I’ve never seen the appeal in the fuselage car. But it’s definitely bigger than a dingy - and I don’t think C-body owners mind owning yachts!
I had a imperial 66 I think. It belonged to the Arab Embassy UK. Bullet proof windows and doors. Remote start. Flag hole on fenders. Motifs on the seats. One cool car. Maybe I told you once.
Great video Jamie ! I always liked the "sparrow strainer" tail lights the 50s Imperials used. The 331 I turned into a 354 for my current project came from a 55 Imperial 2dr HT. In its day it was a beautiful car, if it hadn't been so far gone and so heavy I sure would have been tempted to build it. I suspect you probably already know but the Triple Nickle heads which were reportedly the best factory 1st Gen HEMI heads produced, were one year only and that year was 1955. That's what should be hiding under the valve covers. Don't you just love dual points at the back of the engine. At least the distributor is easy to pull. If you ever run across a junk 301/331/354 Poly you might want to snag the distributor. The Poly (Spitfire) engines got single point distributors and they're a drop in for the 331/354 HEMIs. My vote is you NEED that car (at least for a while) We NEED more 55 Imperial videos LOL.
Oh yeah, I’m hip to the 555 casting. I’m ok with the dual points when they work 😅 judging by the response to this video, everybody wants to see more on the ‘55… that pretty much guarantees a follow up. So yeah, good chance it’s coming home with me. But it’s too heavy to tow… so I’ll have to make it drive for real, I suppose.
Wow what a suite 55, all the details ,Chrome and holy smoley all the badges, loving those giant chunks of trim. So what's that,next year it'll be 70 years old,,? The power windows must have been a luxury in 55, dude,, I would totally rock that car, what a cream puff, and yay a turd it's not.. the top fender brake lights are like the cherry on the cake,, so cool❤.
WOOOHOOOOO when that engine started a legit yelled in my living room, lol. I enjoyed the video and oyur narration. love it! Keep it up! What are you going to do with that car??
you're right about the Mopar smell. back in the early 90's I was in college and for some reason I was blindfolded, "kidnapped", and driven out somewhere outside of campus with instructions to find my way back. I don't remember the exact circumstances of why this all happened, but I was 18, probably drunk, and these things happened. anyway - they lead me into the back seat of this car and started it up, and even blindfolded the first thing I said was "this smells like an early 70's Chrysler. and by the sound of the engine - that's a 318. also more than likely - and I don't know why, but this car is painted green". it wasn't until after I was dropped off and took off the blindfold that I saw that sharp '72 green Dart driving away that I realized "hey - I was right! and also I have a long walk back"
Well I don't know if it's been sitting there for 30 years since the grass was still green underneath the car some movement I'm assuming it got moved there somewhere between the last few months but it does run and that's good
Imperials had vented wheel covers even into the 60s, they left a 1/2 inch gap or so between the rim of the wheel and edge of the wheel cover all the way around the wheel, as well as using the artillery style wheel with it's own vents. I think they did that up thru '72. Oh, you could check on those 68s.. they may have gone back to vents thru the face of the disk in '66. ...that is if you were burning with curiosity.
I am so curious about the left-side-only exhaust smoke I can't stand it. Is there an H pipe that is clogged? Are only the left side cylinders breathing oil? Is it not really a dual exhaust, and that is why the left tailpipe tip was the rusty one? Who cares! The second that thing lit off I felt the goosebumps. I don't know why, but that is the sound of profound satisfaction.
Considering Walter P, Chrysler bought out Maxwell automobiles and he and his associates brought out the "Chrysler 6" that they had already been designing. Then finding out they were not allowed to present it at the New York auto show as it was still deemed a prototype, but he one upped them by renting the main floor at the adjoining hotel speaks of what a mastermind he truly was. Stelantis appears to be well on the way to killing off Chrysler 😢
This is the one car i'd say to just keep as is with a good clean up and polish. It looks like it would make a nice car show cruiser and family hauler once and a while.
Absolutely! That’s exactly what I would do. The chunk of missing paint on the trunk is unfortunate, and would require some sort of matching. Otherwise I’d leave it alone and pretend the holes aren’t there.
Truly a wizard of such great power & arcane knowledge that even I thought the task impossible & yet, with incancatation & dark spell most powerful, the ancient beast roars back from death sleep into immortality....
Stoped watching in the minute you kicked the car. For sure you are no car lover.
For sure, you have no clue. If lightly tapping a quarter panel with my foot to show you that it is constituted of a potato chip-like material that was once metal upsets you, we wouldn’t be friends - and you definitely don’t need to keep watching. I have done more to revive and preserve these cars directly and through helping others through these videos than anyone else you are likely to meet. Good day!
I did the same on my 60 Fury! To make it better.....Ya gotta get that shit out! If he was not a CAR Lover.....He would not be makinbg these vids and sharing them!
cuk
Every job has sporty side and it has some sense. Might have heard some dudes using spit in sex sports how about that does that mean disrespecting a female. No one helps if one has no sense in reasoning rationally and moreover voicing concern to fool self. I have seen car lovers bang the bonnet harshly when it revs up after long endurance and patience may be kicking the wheels.
@studebrazil2276 mayhaps you don't live in the rust belt? So yea kicking a car that resides in a salt free climate doesn't make sense to you but you should trust the process here cuz that's what we gotta do sometimes lol
One of the greatest sounds any car guy can hear is a long dormant engine coming back from the dead. Good job Jamie!
A MIGHTY MOPAR! These cars were AWESOME! Chrysler ALWAYS BUILT REAL QUALITY BACK THEN!
That car is very solid, straight, and original-looking. Nice!
AGREED!
I love land yachts just because they’re basically couches with engines,and gotta love the Original Hemi, so cool
Back in '72 (me-16 y.o.) I had a chance to buy a '51 Imperial for $100! I WANTED THIS...(dad did NOT!)
I think we all need one in our lives. Chrysler is in a sad state right now, but that doesn't diminish the vehicles of the past.
I completely agree.
Yes, I am SICKENED by Y2K "chrysler"! AN INSULT TO A GREAT PAST!
I'm going to be "that" friend and encourage you to buy this from Tom. You need it.
Well... dang it. Haha.
@@DeadDodgeGarage The devil in your ear says go for it.
MY UNCLE WAS A GREAT CHRYSLER FAN HAD MANY CHRYSLER PRODUCTS IN HIS DRIVEWAY ALWAYS
1st gen Hemi's are some of the coolest engines ever built.
I wholeheartedly agree!
Field Charger here. Also have a Desoto HEMI in storage, haven't looked into much possibles for one. I think they may be limited. Keep or scrap?
I love the Imperial content! Keep it up!
Back then it was straight 30 weight, non-detergent oil. It was thought quite impressive if you reached 100K miles.
This took me back.
Back in 89 or 90 i bought my first car a 1955 DeSoto fireflight 4dr.
291hemi and 4barrel 3 on the tree and overdrive.
It was in a shed and had been disasembled back in 1970 and lifted off the fram.
I spent years restoring that car.
It was really hard in Sweden in the 90's finding parts to it.
That’s so cool! That would be the perfect DeSoto for me.
Having recently becoming the owner of a 56 New Yorker Sedan the subtle differences were interesting to see
332 hemi.
@@williamgunter6801 are you asking
Another classic that needs to live. Well done Dude!
Sweeeettt! It’s ready for the next Cars and Coffee! I’m impressed….we’re all impressed. Well deserved thumbs up.
Seeing that old imperial drive out of it's spot in the grass brought on a "Yeah-hah-hah-heahya". Nearly 50% of the joy level of actually reviving something I dragged out of the bushes, myself. Thank you. Of course, If I was reviving it FOR myself, there is no comparison to the joy of the first time it moves itself. Still, thanks for the high, minus the blood, sweat mouse piss and old gas smell, and empty bank account. You truly provide a service.
You’re welcome 😅 it’s nice to be seen and appreciated.
Bud you are appreciated
Awesome!! So cool seeing this thing run and drive under her own power after so many years
A GREAT CAR!
My grandpa used to have one of them back in the 60s. He said you had to worry about kids breaking off those taillights with a bat or similar items. 😂
Hi Jamie,
I am a 70 year old Mopar guy. It does my heart good to see young guys like you who are very knowledgeable, skilled, hard-working, and passionate about old Mopars.
My first car was a $75, 1961 Plymouth Fury 2 door hardtop with a high performance 361 Golden Commando engine, push button automatic, that I bought with money I earned mowing neighbors lawns when I was 15. That 361 was a well-used, loose screamer, and I knew that it was time to hit the shift button when the valves would float. Thereafter, I owned a dozen different 60's Mopars.
My father worked as a Chrysler Corporation new car salesman (Chrysler, Imperial, Plymouth, Desoto at one dealership, then Dodge at another) from around 1955 to 1985.
It has been many years since I worked on any car. I have the bodies (almost rollers) for 4 project cars. A 63 Fury, a 64 Valiant, a 66 Dodge Panel truck, and an 80 D150. I am hoping to have a shop and get started on all 4 project cars by the time I am 80 with a projected completion date of the 4 cars when I am 90 years old. I will keep you updated. I love your dry sense of humor, Jamie. And, I have been accused of suffering from the same malady.
Regards, Craig
Thanks Craig! Much appreciated. I’ve been told the correct time to shift is when the valves fly out and dance on the hood… I’ve yet to try that technique. Perhaps some day. At any rate, best of luck with your projects.
The power steering in these models were completely different from those used in the late 1950s and up. The design was called coaxial and the pump was mounted on the rear of the generator. The steering wheel movement you noticed is normal when the system is not energized by hydraulic oil pressure. Once there is hydraulic oil circulating, the apparent major looseness goes away. There is very low road feel feedback. It only took the force of a single finger to steer these cars. There are adjustments in the power steering mechanism to control how much play is evident while driving. I grew up driving a 1955 Chrysler Windsor which used the same power steering system as this Imperial. It was the first car I ever drove. I got used to the slight amount of road feed-back and never considered it a detriment. It just took getting used to. Hope you get this one operating again!
I learned to drive with a '54 Chrysler Windsor DeLuxe! It was "powered" by the GREAT FLATHEAD "6" and had power steering just like this! At 12 years-old, I ADORED this GREAT old car!
Yours is the best Mopar tube channel far and away! None of the episodes ever disappoint, way more interesting than throwing an unlimited amount of money to make a relic run again.
And you leave any politics out of your content and stick to the subject at hand.
And remember: Everything is good till it isn't.
Ohhh that’s a good one, I’m writing that down. Haha. Thank you! I very much appreciate that. Even my “fancy” builds like the turbo slant are still performed with a very limited budget. I am glad that is appreciated!
Way to go Jamie! When I was 14 (1964) I bought a 52 Saratoga club coupe from a local, semi defunct Chrysler dealer. He had a boneyard of old trade in iron out back, and the Chrysler was the only thing with a hemi. 2 BBL with "Fluid Drive" half automatic, half standard shift trans. Paid $85 cash American dollars for it. What a tank, but it went pretty good, surprisingly. I decided to pull the front bumper off to try and add some cool factor (that was a miserable fail) and the thing must have weighed 400 pounds! The front end ride height gained about 2 inches LOL. I removed the approximately 6 foot, 200 pound single exhaust muffler (with a sledge hammer) and then it sounded halfway mean. That tranny sucked....I figured out the best way to launch was in low range, wind it out, the slam it into high range, which was actually 3rd gear. My buddies and I had a blast in that old Chrysler right up until I was about get my license at 16, then I put the bumper and the muffler back on, sold it for $150, and bought a 57 Chrysler Saratoga (354 poly motor with an AFB) for 200 bucks. That was a way better car. Loved it.
I had a 1957 👑 Imperial 🦅as a teenager. I found her in a cow pasture, she was black, got that Hemi running. I loved that beautiful old car. Thanks for the memory's, enjoyed the video. 👍👍
I love to watch it drive. It looks elegant.
In 1955 my grandpa bought a new 55 Dodge Coronet in Heather Rose, which is probably what this Imperial is painted. My parents took it on their honeymoon to the Smokies. The whole family thought it was the coolest looking car because of the color. It may have been a two tone car with a black upper and a pink lower section. Glad you got it going again. She was quite a machine in 55!
You crack me up Jamie lol, I always look forward to your videos, keep up the awesome work my man.
Thank you!
I cry For Chryslers current statis..... We own 6 FL cars including two Plymouths......Us keeping them going is showing our respect! Two 1960 Chrysler two doors....1961 NewYorker two door, 1960 Plymouth Fury two door, 1956 NewYorker Town and Country Wagon, and a 1959 Plymouth four door Suburban wagon.....Keep up the great work!
That sounds like an amazing collection. Thank you!
MoPars USED to be MIGHTY! So sad about the post-80s CRAP!
Wow! Great collection there Jed.
77 is that yer Birth/HS grad either how thanks for keep`n Gramps pride & joys alive & kick`n... I learned to drive, wrench & moan over his hand me downs in the 60s & 70s dead of winter
A chalky pink gem of a video. Two thumbs up. Tks Jamie.
That was an impressive thrash, racing against fading light, and total success, running and driving! I love the styling cue of the rounded corners at the front of the hood, less expensive cars had squared corners, customizers of the era would adapt the rounded corners.
Love the 2 Imperials side-by-side. Style and class.
GREAT CARS!
Jamie, that was a awesome job. Awesome thank you for bringing back to life a great car and a great engine.
Nancy's guy Frank here... I noticed that you just splashed a little gas in the carb... WELL, when I bought my old Imperial (back when I was in high school) I could not flood it no matter how I tried (I didn't really TRY to flood it but it did look that way). But because I was still in high school I never had much money (it went to "cost of car", insurance, lic., title & repairs, not much left for gas). When it ran out of gas, and it did quite often, I got my friends to chip in for more... then help restart it. After lots of experience, I found that I had to have someone POUR gas down the carb, I do mean Pour, if you just splashed some in, it wouldn't even POP! While they were pouring in the gas in I tried to start it. It would fire right up... RIGHT away and keep running... as long as they were pouring the gas in. Again, I mean POURING in the gas!!! If someone didn't pour gas down the carb, it would NEVER start. So pour we did, and If we continued long enough, for "gas tank gas" to get up to the carb, it would all be fine. So many guys with "car knowledge" told me it will flood if you POUR that gas down the carb. Well, that Imperial LOVED GAS! IT NEVER flooded! Never backfired, never caught fire, just drank the gas. I never found out why it worked like that but it always did. 😆
Yeah, that absolutely matches my experience here. I’ve started a whole lot of engines, and I don’t think any have ever been as thirsty as this thing. Incredible!
I had a 6 volt 241 Red Ram in one on my M37’s. Converted it to 12 using an LA electronic distributor, orange box and GM, 1 wire alternator. Never changed out the 6 volt starter.
Had to laugh at your comment on the portable air tank. Have the exact same one, and have thought the same thing many times over the past 35 years!
Sorry this is so long.
WOW! We owned one! In the early '80s. It was a two door. Same color, (which I was told was rare), white leather with mohair inserts. Two way power seat. Even the vent windows were power. It ran and drove great. It never gave any real problems.
My wife drove it every day and refused to sell it many times. We would drive it 200 miles or so on small trips. She became an x wife a long time ago and finally sold it. We always loved that car. She has since passed away. The TH-cam algorithm is weird. This just popped up. Brought back a lot of memories. It was surreal to see it driving. The rarity of seeing one , ( especially in the same color), had me a little, uh, well...
Anyway:
Instead of converting to 12 volts, put an 8 volt tractor battery on it. Set up the voltage regulator for 8 volts. My Pop said it was a common thing in the old days. It will crank so much better. It won't blow all the bulbs and fuses. The wiring will not burn up, and the headlights will be extra bright.😁 We did our '55 this way.
The hub caps are correct. The master cylinder and booster are not. I know, you said that. I always felt like the taillights were an afterthought. Almost like they forgot to put any on and installed the "gun sights". On a '56, they are in the fender where you think they should be.
Oh yeah, I subscribed.😎
I’m hip to the 8 volt battery 🙂 thank you!
Love this channel and how you call the idiots out on spark and stuff Mopar master tech
Great job. You really "hung in there" getting it to live again (run AND drive). I like that.
I really appreciate and enjoy your videos on reviving these cars, you have a great sense of humor. I know you don't need this car, but it would be nice to see it driving down the road, best regards.
I completely agree. It has to live on. Thank you!
You are right about oil changes not being a thing back in the day. I bought a 331 Firepower from a guy in Salt Lake City and had it shipped here. When I took the valve covers off the rockers and heads were covered with sludge. I’m guessing they just added oil and never changed it. Thankfully it cleaned up nicely and actually does make more than 300 hp. Thanks for saving another classic. Oh and that power steering goes back at least to 1952 as my dads Saratoga has the same setup.
They stuck with cheap garbage non-detergent oil even though modern detergent oil was available. Don't ever use anything currently labeled as "non-detergent" oil in anything mechanical. They have no additives and are basically laxative oil.
That imperial is awesome! The original 6 volt system reminds me of my grandpa’s work beater 1939 Chrysler that he said he had around 1961. He put a knife switch in the ashtray to switch an extra 6 volt battery in series so it could crank on 12 volts on winter mornings. He said guys would yell “get that old junk off the road!” And he would yell back “hey! At least it’s paid for!”
Hi Ryan, cool storey with your grampa!
I'm wondering, did he hook up the extra battery in parallel for extra amperage or in series for extra voltage? Usually, extra voltage cooks the good stuff.
He configured the knife switch so that he could start the engine with both 6 volt batteries in series for 12 volts to spin the engine over faster and make a hotter spark. He said he would make sure the heater blower, lights, etc. were off before he switched it to 12 volts.
@ryanomalley430 👍 now there's a cool grandpa!
That rig is so cool, thx for touchin er off!
Yes, I dig these videos. Often you crank out more than 1/week, unlike some of your contemporaries. Keep'em comin',
That a keeper!!! Bro!!! And i believe it would look good in your arsenal 👍🏻💯
I'm totally here for the Exner-era content! It'd be really cool to see more of that crunched '61 Saratoga. Perhaps even running and driving??
Man… part of the frame is in the lower radiator hose. The wheels don’t track anywhere near straight. Things are real bad. So it’s probably a lost cause. But I would love to!!
The steering wheel is made using plastic, just not a modern type. The plastic was originally translucent with a creamy appearance similar to alabaster. The same steering wheel and horn rim was used on the Chrysler New Yorker and the Chrysler Windsor. The horn rim is very easy to break at the smallest point of the spokes near the outer rim. So the moral is, be very gentle when pressing the horn rim if doing a test. No one is making new ones that I am aware of.
I remember these steering wheels like yesterday!
The stinky steering wheel share the same stink as the older Craftsman screwdrivers. they are made from
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), a thermoplastic that releases butyric acid and acetic acid as it ages.
Regards from Ody Slim
Is that the same stuff known as "Tenite 1" or "Tenite 2" that smell like vomit as they break down?
@@gregorymalchuk272 Every time I open my tool box I have wished to have bought Snap On screwdrivers. The Craftsman drivers stink up my shop.
Great information thanks
@OdySlim
I wondered why they stunk so bad.
Learn something everyday. Thanks.
Enjoyed every minute of that. Thanks Jamie!
Thank you!
Those tail lights are on the Imperial Parade Cars...so cool.
I can’t wait for part two when it’s in your driveway
Excellent as always Jamie
I bought a 1955 New Yorker 4 door Sedan a few years ago to work on, so I was very happy to see this video due to all the similarities. I love the door handles on this year, even though I've had to fix two of them. Unfortunately mine didn't have the hemi or transmission anymore, and they are unobtanium where I live, so I've put a 5.9 magnum and 727 in so it'd run again. Coincidentally, your videos on 5.9 magnums are what lead me to your channel lol. Looking forward to what is next, hope to see some more Forward Look cars in the future.
Nice! You’re not in Washington state, are you? Haha. I sold mine 8 years ago in that condition. I got the feeling they were using it for parts. There certainly will be more Forward Look cars as they come.
One thing I've learned about 6-volt systems is that they originally had much fatter heavier gauge battery cables than the typical (much thinner) parts store replacement ones that you typically find previously installed on them now. Those 6-volt starters need more amps/current than what those thinner cables can supply, I like to think that a 6-volt starter is making up for the lack of voltage with more current. I've seen where just replacing the (relatively new) thinner cables with the heavier gauge ones transform it from a slow cranker, to one that fires right up.
That makes good sense. I’ll have to pay attention to cable sizes in the future. Thanks!
Would you assume the cables were like 10 - 13AWG originally or is that too big of a gauge?
*EDIT:* 10-13 gauge would actually be too small of a gauge. 4 gauge or 00 guage it is!
Yes you really need a heavier gauge than what originally came with the car. I put 00 gauge marine battery cables on my 6 volt '52 Chevy and it made a huge difference.
@@trickyricky121474 gauge or lower , I would do 00 😃
@@marksimendinger3462 00 guage. Okay, thanks for the specification on AWG! I was assuming around the neighborhood of 10 gauge and now thinking that would still be way too little for a 6volt system.
WCFB stands for Will Carter Four Barrel 😎👍🏽
Just subscribed as well! Excellent content . Keep up the great work
I just couldn’t remember what his first name was for certain 😅 thank you very much!
Fabulous. I was working on these in the late 70's, and the memories are fabulous. There is rumor, talk, of a Plymouth Valiant in the works. Perhaps a Dodge Valiant. But said Plymouth.
Fun video... your level of knowledge is pretty obvious, and the snarky delivery is great. Keep it up, im def gonna keep watching!!👍
Thank you! I appreciate it.
WOO-HOO! The beard guy does it again! From dead to...SHE DRIVES! Great job Jamie on bringing back a great MOPAR! It's MOPAR or NO CAR! Buy the weigh I owned a heavy 1963 Imperial for many years (1985 to 2006) and loved it from the hood ornament to the way it drove. Keep bringing these back to life!
I’ve just discovered your channel and watched this video as well as the 68 Imperial coupe revival. You immediately earned a subscriber simply by not calling them Chrysler Imperials. I have a 68 Crown 4 door hardtop and it drives me nuts when people call it a Chrysler Imperial. I’ve also got a 55 New Yorker Deluxe, so I’m looking forward to diving down the rabbit hole of your content.
Oh awesome. Thank you!
Like watching a loved one wake up from a coma.
Just send it Jaime. I love it get in turn the key. You’re right too many VGG lol lol great video.
That car deserves to live on, hopefully you can buy it.
Well… I’ll see what I can do. It’s already getting ridiculously crowded around here.
@@DeadDodgeGarageJamie just get rid of your least favorite project. I use to be bad about falling for too many cars but I eventually learned to cut down. But if a car is on the bucket list I would have to say go for it . Seems from the comments that people would seem to want to see alot more on this car ?
Looks like a pretty solid car, Jamie. I am in agreement with the others that you really should consider adding this to your stable. Don’t worry. As many cars as you own she will have difficulty picking it out 👍🏻
She is not my concern, it’s the surprising lack of uncovered ground space and available funds…
Did it have extra heavy duty front suspension to handle the front chrome ?
Something like that 😅
Thanks!
Thank you!
My father had the same car, same colors, 2 door. I thought it had a push button transmission. Great memories.
1956 had the pushbutton transmission, and Imperial was the first to offer the new 3 speed Torqueflite transmission. It was a mid year intro, it gave you 5 buttons over the Powerflite's 4. I think 300s offered it mid year, too.
Awesome. Love those years. Beautiful grills. Hope it gets the love it deserves.
The grille is just about my favorite part. I hope so too - whether it’s at my hands or someone else’s.
I have not been feeling my normal self the last few months, then I just found Dead Dodge latest upload and also discovered I was unsubscribed. I just saw the video, resubscribed, and everything is back to normal. You can't beat DDG's humour and banter!!!
That keeps happening repeatedly for various people, and unfortunately I have no idea why and obviously no control over it. Anyway, welcome back!!
Oil pressure and temperature gauges were on the passenger side on the Plymouth
Right! And whichever one is furthest to the right is very challenging to read.
Dad had a ‘55 Chrysler Windsor 2-door (I think) as a second car for a while. I think it was this color. Only 2-door he ever had, as far as I know. And ammeter is short for Amp Meter, I believe. Great job, this!
Loved the VGG dig… “Gotta oil up them sparkalators” (or whatever he always says)
It’s something like that. It’s not that it’s a *bad* idea or anything. But I’ve sure proven by now it is almost never necessary in an engine that isn’t seized solid.
hag to laugh too. His biggest dream is to be Derek.
There is never one too many episodes of vice grip garage. I wonder what Derek is doing today.
One body difference between the Chrysler New Yorker or Windsor is the front fenders. The Imperial front fenders extend further toward the rear behind the front wheels than either of the lesser Chrysler models. And yes the wheelbase is longer than Chrysler models and a two-piece drive shaft with an added bearing located between the 1st and 2nd halves of the drive shaft was used.
The Imperial body is four inches longer than Chrysler or Desoto. The added length is in the front doors. Added leg room in front and rear compartments. Also the radius of the roof at the front is different. I have had a sedan, like the one in the video for 12 years.
So cool watching that old beast drive around. Nice job!
Thank you!
Man that motor sounds pretty healthy for being sat almost 30 years! I like those old Dinosaurs! They had style! Specially those 50s Chrysler’s and Dodge’s! Great job Dude!👏👏👏👏👌😎👍
This was a lot of fun, I'm glad I watched..
Love your channel have a 65 AP5 valiant myself cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Cool had a chance to rebuild a 68 new yorker from engine to suspension and everything else. First mopar was great experience. Bringing classics back to life over here in Maryland
These look so good, always thought the taillights looked kind of like trailer lights stuck on top of the fenders but it works
That’s exactly what I thought. Haha. I used to run trailer lights on my Satellite and it definitely reminded me of that.
The sound of the engine is awesome! I wish I could drive one of these....
This video sold me on the '55 mopars. I quite like this car, I was indifferent to them before, but I like it.
Hopefully we get to see more of it eventually.
Smoker windows and the foot switch for Hi/lo beams are my favorite part of old vehicles. Why did that go away?
The inevitable march of time… it’s unfortunate.
Smokers went away, like about 6' & u not suposed to dance around when u driving
I think the steering wheel is made from CAB cellulose acetate butyrate. It is definitely stinky.
That’s what I’ve heard a couple times! Can confirm the baby poop stink…
They are noble beasts, worthy of efforts to revive them - and beyond the usual "patina" phase
so popular these days, they really need brought back to at least daily service/Day 2 condition
so that people can see what they were like in their heyday.
- Ed on the Ridge
I agree. This one deserves a thorough clean up.
Crazy! One of these just hit the local Marketplace. Been sat since 1973ish.
I'm impressed. I've done all this stuff, but mostly to keep cars on the road. Found cheap non running cars spent two days getting going and put on road.
Wow a transmission that still works and brakes 2, after all those years. Looks like it was a good day for Jamie.
Even tho a big luxury car I don’t know if I’d condescendingly call it a ‘land yacht’, the proportions were tidy.
Looks a lot more balanced and far less bloated in appearance than any fuselage car
Oh I agree. I love the lines on these, I’ve never seen the appeal in the fuselage car. But it’s definitely bigger than a dingy - and I don’t think C-body owners mind owning yachts!
@@DeadDodgeGarage
Right on
But they’re light on their feet too, especially 1957 onward
The faster you go, the smaller they feel
@@EyesWideOpen61thats the Doppler effect i believe
@@rogerdodrill4733 try torsion bar suspension
Laughed pretty good when you drove off in the sunset!
"the baby poop smell eminating from the steering wheel" made me almost spit out my drink lmao
I had a imperial 66 I think. It belonged to the Arab Embassy UK. Bullet proof windows and doors. Remote start. Flag hole on fenders. Motifs on the seats. One cool car. Maybe I told you once.
Great video Jamie ! I always liked the "sparrow strainer" tail lights the 50s Imperials used. The 331 I turned into a 354 for my current project came from a 55 Imperial 2dr HT. In its day it was a beautiful car, if it hadn't been so far gone and so heavy I sure would have been tempted to build it.
I suspect you probably already know but the Triple Nickle heads which were reportedly the best factory 1st Gen HEMI heads produced, were one year only and that year was 1955. That's what should be hiding under the valve covers.
Don't you just love dual points at the back of the engine. At least the distributor is easy to pull. If you ever run across a junk 301/331/354 Poly you might want to snag the distributor. The Poly (Spitfire) engines got single point distributors and they're a drop in for the 331/354 HEMIs.
My vote is you NEED that car (at least for a while) We NEED more 55 Imperial videos LOL.
Oh yeah, I’m hip to the 555 casting. I’m ok with the dual points when they work 😅 judging by the response to this video, everybody wants to see more on the ‘55… that pretty much guarantees a follow up. So yeah, good chance it’s coming home with me. But it’s too heavy to tow… so I’ll have to make it drive for real, I suppose.
@@DeadDodgeGarageeven better
Wow what a suite 55, all the details ,Chrome and holy smoley all the badges, loving those giant chunks of trim. So what's that,next year it'll be 70 years old,,? The power windows must have been a luxury in 55, dude,, I would totally rock that car, what a cream puff, and yay a turd it's not.. the top fender brake lights are like the cherry on the cake,, so cool❤.
Oh yeah. These things were seriously high class in their day. I really like it.
WOOOHOOOOO when that engine started a legit yelled in my living room, lol. I enjoyed the video and oyur narration. love it! Keep it up! What are you going to do with that car??
Thank you! I don’t know if I am going to buy it yet or not. If I don’t, Tom will list it for sale and try to find it a good home.
you're right about the Mopar smell. back in the early 90's I was in college and for some reason I was blindfolded, "kidnapped", and driven out somewhere outside of campus with instructions to find my way back. I don't remember the exact circumstances of why this all happened, but I was 18, probably drunk, and these things happened. anyway - they lead me into the back seat of this car and started it up, and even blindfolded the first thing I said was "this smells like an early 70's Chrysler. and by the sound of the engine - that's a 318. also more than likely - and I don't know why, but this car is painted green". it wasn't until after I was dropped off and took off the blindfold that I saw that sharp '72 green Dart driving away that I realized "hey - I was right! and also I have a long walk back"
Well, that’s… something!
Great video! I didn't know anything about the styling of the 55 Imperial. I agree, it is nicer than the 57 Savoy that my parents had.
That car is cool I like those big tuna boats especially the wild crazy stuff from the late '50s early '60s with the grill that looked so angry
Well I don't know if it's been sitting there for 30 years since the grass was still green underneath the car some movement I'm assuming it got moved there somewhere between the last few months but it does run and that's good
Sorry, it was shown and explained in a previous video. It had only been in that spot for a couple weeks.
Imperials had vented wheel covers even into the 60s, they left a 1/2 inch gap or so between the rim of the wheel and edge of the wheel cover all the way around the wheel, as well as using the artillery style wheel with it's own vents. I think they did that up thru '72. Oh, you could check on those 68s.. they may have gone back to vents thru the face of the disk in '66. ...that is if you were burning with curiosity.
I am so curious about the left-side-only exhaust smoke I can't stand it. Is there an H pipe that is clogged? Are only the left side cylinders breathing oil? Is it not really a dual exhaust, and that is why the left tailpipe tip was the rusty one? Who cares! The second that thing lit off I felt the goosebumps. I don't know why, but that is the sound of profound satisfaction.
I think it is a true dual system, and one cylinder on the driver’s bank needs help. I didn’t get goosebumps, but I sure was pleased!
Considering Walter P, Chrysler bought out Maxwell automobiles and he and his associates brought out the "Chrysler 6" that they had already been designing. Then finding out they were not allowed to present it at the New York auto show as it was still deemed a prototype, but he one upped them by renting the main floor at the adjoining hotel speaks of what a mastermind he truly was.
Stelantis appears to be well on the way to killing off Chrysler 😢
My first car was a 57 New Yorker. I prepped and painted two Edsels to get it. Epic first car👍
Always loved '55 Imperials. This one is darn nice despite some dents in the bumpers
I love those. I've always driven mid-late 50s cars. For me, if it's offered and I can afford it, then it always comes home witb me.
This is the one car i'd say to just keep as is with a good clean up and polish. It looks like it would make a nice car show cruiser and family hauler once and a while.
Absolutely! That’s exactly what I would do. The chunk of missing paint on the trunk is unfortunate, and would require some sort of matching. Otherwise I’d leave it alone and pretend the holes aren’t there.
Truly a wizard of such great power & arcane knowledge that even I thought the task impossible & yet, with incancatation & dark spell most powerful, the ancient beast roars back from death sleep into immortality....
We won’t talk about who I had to make a deal with to gain these powers…
@@DeadDodgeGarageu wife?