Curt McConnell

When is the last time you saw one of these sleek beauties in such nice unrestored condition? I'm guessing the sightings have been few, given that Chrysler built just 1,537 top-of-the-line Imperial LeBarons in 1963! (Source: Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946-1975.) This particular car retains all the bobbles and do-dads with which it was equipped at the factory - even the rare trim pieces that typically go missing on a nearly 60-year-old car. It has its four chromed free-standing headlamps; eagle hood ornament; all four "turbine-tower" hubcaps; a beautiful grill; gorgeous full-length side trim; intact plastic taillight and turn-signal lenses; remote-control (cable) driver's-side outdoor rearview mirror; and even the plastic ornament at the center of the Imperial LeBaron's iconic "spare tire" molded into the trunk lid. And, of course, the car is loaded. Under the hood is a 413-cid, 340-hp V-8, equipped with a Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor. Other features include a push-button automatic transmission, factory AC, power brakes, power steering, power windows, 6-way power-adjusting front seat, Chrysler's Auto Pilot cruise control, automatic-scanning radio with a power antenna, a lever-action day-night inside rearview mirror, center armrests for both the front and back seats, and a locking glove box. The car was running when I bought it from an Imperial collector several years ago. Because the engine still cranks with vigor, I suspect that following a quick flush of the fuel lines it will start up again with ease. All the body mounts - a rust-prone area - are rock-solid. On the downside: Inside, the seat cushions' foam rubber has hardened; the fabric portion of the back seat upholstery has frayed in places; the right front corner of the headliner is dangling; and the carpeting is generally loose on the lower edges of the door panels. Outside, the paint is peeling in spots, especially on the roof, the tops of the front fenders and ahead of the trunk deck. The lower door corners need patching. If you want to buy a perfect '63 LeBaron, be sure to stop by the bank to withdraw lots of cash on your way to a Barrett-Jackson auction. If, however, you don't mind honing your restoration skills on a solid, nice-looking and complete Imperial road rocket at a fraction of the money a pristine car would command, this LeBaron could be yours. Title note: As sometimes happens with older vehicles, this Imperial came to me lacking a title. I will provide a notarized bill of sale, which for a car of this age is sufficient to acquire a new title in many states. Location: Lincoln, Neb. Contact Curt at 402-432-1179 or curtmack2961@gmail.com. I'll gladly send any further photos you may desire.

When is the last time you saw one of these sleek beauties in such nice unrestored condition? I'm guessing the sightings have been few, given that Chrysler built just 1,537 top-of-the-line Imperial LeBarons in 1963! (Source: Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946-1975.) This particular car retains all the bobbles and do-dads with which it was equipped at the factory - even the rare trim pieces that typically go missing on a nearly 60-year-old car. It has its four chromed free-standing headlamps; eagle hood ornament; all four "turbine-tower" hubcaps; a beautiful grill; gorgeous full-length side trim; intact plastic taillight and turn-signal lenses; remote-control (cable) driver's-side outdoor rearview mirror; and even the plastic ornament at the center of the Imperial LeBaron's iconic "spare tire" molded into the trunk lid. And, of course, the car is loaded. Under the hood is a 413-cid, 340-hp V-8, equipped with a Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor. Other features include a push-button automatic transmission, factory AC, power brakes, power steering, power windows, 6-way power-adjusting front seat, Chrysler's Auto Pilot cruise control, automatic-scanning radio with a power antenna, a lever-action day-night inside rearview mirror, center armrests for both the front and back seats, and a locking glove box. The car was running when I bought it from an Imperial collector several years ago. Because the engine still cranks with vigor, I suspect that following a quick flush of the fuel lines it will start up again with ease. All the body mounts - a rust-prone area - are rock-solid. On the downside: Inside, the seat cushions' foam rubber has hardened; the fabric portion of the back seat upholstery has frayed in places; the right front corner of the headliner is dangling; and the carpeting is generally loose on the lower edges of the door panels. Outside, the paint is peeling in spots, especially on the roof, the tops of the front fenders and ahead of the trunk deck. The lower door corners need patching. If you want to buy a perfect '63 LeBaron, be sure to stop by the bank to withdraw lots of cash on your way to a Barrett-Jackson auction. If, however, you don't mind honing your restoration skills on a solid, nice-looking and complete Imperial road rocket at a fraction of the money a pristine car would command, this LeBaron could be yours. Location: Lincoln, Neb. Contact Curt at 402-432-1179 or curtmack2961@gmail.com. I'll gladly send any further photos you may desire.

Can anyone tell me a safe way to remove the trunk's lid-opening coil springs from a '51 Chrysler? (See photo for details.) These springs are so strong that the lid virtually lifts itself. Now, with the trunk lid removed, I can barely depress the hinges: plenty of potential energy remains stored in these springs. The shop manual is silent on the question of removing them. I'm stripping a parts car so I want to remove every piece I can. Cheers, Curt