Let me introduce myself: I’m a long time geek working in the computer industry on open source software. I spend too much time in front of a computer. Way too much time.
I needed to do something to get away from the computer. Something physical – something to get dirt under my fingernails and sore muscles. Something where you can actually touch and see results at the end of the day.
So I decided to restore a car. [Insert scary music here]
Note: while WordPress puts the most recent posts at the top, you can also read the story in order starting with The Car Shows Up.
But what car? A 1960’s or 1970’s American muscle car seemed the obvious choice. I used to have a 1968 Dodge Charger; shouldn’t have ever sold that car! But after thinking things over I decided on something suitable for long trips – a cruiser that you could load up with people and their stuff and head out. Something comfortable, maybe even luxurious. Something with character and presence, distinctive and memorable.
While I like the bodies of many 1960’s cars, I don’t care much for their interiors. The dashboard on many of these cars is bland and boring. I wanted something with character, inside and out.
After considering many alternatives I decided on a 1963 Chrysler Imperial. I liked the podded headlights of the 1961-1963 Imperial. The 1961 had tailfins – attractive, but more retro than I wanted. The 1962 had “gunsight” tail lights mounted on top of the rear fenders, which I didn’t care for. The 1963 was ideal – great lines, great presence, and the tail lights integrated into the rear fenders.
The dashboard definitely has character – a V shaped pod with pushbuttons on each side and an attractive instrument panel. I like this more than the interior of other cars from the same era.
So, the die was cast – track down a 1963 Imperial and start the multi-year journey to restore it!