Chapter 8: Resurrecting the Imp

Frank and Daniel watched nervously as the Impala was backed into a bay and unloaded. Since high school had not yet started, Jacob was with them too.

“Thanks, Rick, I appreciate you being gentle with our prize here. Let’s go to the office and get you paid. Daniel, start a list of what parts we need for the Impala.”

Daniel got a pad and started working on the list. He listed: “tires (what size/type?), belts, hoses, wiper blades, filters, spark plugs and wires, ignition parts (distributor cap?), grease for suspension, brake fluid, brake pads (or what?), oil and filter, coolant, transmission fluid, fuel filter, drain and refill fuel tank, and gas treatments (?).”

Jacob had wandered off, absorbed in his smartphone.

Frank returned to review the list. “OK, tires. The original tire was marked ‘8.00D14LT 4PR’ so I’ll get the modern equivalent, it’s probably P215/75R14. I know some sources for classic car parts like the belts and hoses. Now, you noticed the brakes are both disk and drum types. More important, the pads and shoes are asbestos. We must be super careful with that.”

“Don’t you dare touch any of the plug wires until you have exactly mapped and tagged each wire from the distributor to the plug. This sequencing must be perfectly matched! We also need to replace the rotor, points, and coil. Probably the alternator and regulator are still OK.”

“The fuel is a big question. Left long enough, gasoline can turn into jelly. Particularly the ethanol blends everybody sells now. The good news is that if the motor is not run with sticky old gas, the problem stays in the tank. We will pull the tank out and send it to a radiator shop for cleaning. When everything in the system is reconnected, we will add fresh premium fuel and bottles of lead substitute and fuel system cleaner.”

- Two Weeks Later -

Only two things had been done so far to the Impala. The engine compartment had been degreased and steam cleaned. The exterior had been washed and polished. But Frank had collected all the required replacement parts and they were ready to begin.

“First, we’re going to drop the fuel tank and radiator to send them out for cleaning. Jacob and I are going to guard you, Daniel, with extinguishers ready just in case. And this big electric fan is to blow the fumes away from you while you work.”

After the tank extraction, the wheels were removed. Frank and Daniel geared up with masks and gloves to get the old brake dust off the wheels and then remove the asbestos parts and dust from the brakes.

By the end of the first day the Impala had modern brake parts installed and the cleaned wheels were back on with new radial tires.

The next morning Daniel was working on his own. He concentrated on the softer parts, replacing the belts, wiper blades, and air filter. He applied a protective coating to the rubber seals around the doors and trunk lids. The driver’s door hinges were loudly complaining, so they were appropriately greased.

The day ended when he finished tagging and documenting the engine’s electrical system. Along with his written notes, Daniel used his phone to photograph all the plug wires.

On the third day, Frank was back to work with Daniel. After replacing the battery, they huddled over the wiring notes and map.

“OK, Son. I’m going to step through each wire and make sure each connection matches your notes. Then we will install the new coil, rotor, and distributor cap to match your notes. Next, we will connect each cylinder one by one for real with the right wire and a new spark plug.”

After lunch, the cleaned gas tank and radiator were delivered. Daniel re-attached the radiator, connected the new hoses, and filled the radiator with the appropriate antifreeze-coolant mixture. They finished the day reinstalling the fuel tank, pump, filter, and float sensor. Ten gallons of premium gas and two bottles of additives were loaded in.

- Wrapping Up -

Daniel phoned Emmie: “Good morning, Em. Dad thinks we might finish today, if we work hard and have some good luck. It’s not running yet, but the Impala looks great and almost every part we needed to replace has been installed.”

“That’s wonderful news. You guys are amazing.”

“Well, let me confirm our progress with you this evening, but if I do that, can you and Ernie be ready tomorrow at 9:00? I’ll bring you here to the shop and you can watch us start her up and maybe you can drive around a few blocks, just for grins.”

“Grandpa will be thrilled! And you and your dad are going to get my best cooking. And something else hot just for you, Daniel.”