Putting an Engine in the '59 Imperial

[Falcon Ranchero]

I've been spitballing a possible idea if I get the '59 Imperial kit; I know it's a curbside so no engine, but my '53 Ford Truck kit came with a DeSoto Hemi that I did build and put into that truck. Thought that might be a nice engine for the Imperial, but not sure if I could get that engine in there though. Again, it's just an idea; I don't even have the kit yet, but this idea is the deciding factor of whether or not I'd buy the kit- if I can get an engine in there, I'd pick up the kit.

Has anyone ever done something similar; just want to know how that would go if I did that.

[Ace-Garageguy]

First off, a DeSoto engine, though indeed a Mopar Hemi, is an entirely different engine from the Chrysler Firepower hemi that belongs in an Imperial.

The particular version of the Firepower hemi would also most likely have valve covers that say "Imperial".

There's a set out there somewhere in styrene land, according to a fairly recent thread here.

AND...there's no reason you couldn't put an engine in that kit.

Opening the hood isn't too difficult, and removing the molded blob from the chassis plate isn't too difficult either.

Actually, it sounds like an excellent project to get your feet wet in the highly rewarding sub-hobby of never being able to leave any kit the way it came. 

Edited February 17 by Ace-Garageguy

[boss 302 mustang]

But no hemi in 1959 so would not be stock if that matters

Edited February 17 by boss 302 mustang
clarify

[Ace-Garageguy]

24 minutes ago, boss 302 mustang said:

But no hemi in 1959 so would not be stock if that matters

Just say it was an early '59 using up the end of the 392s.   

The 413's a great engine, but the Firepower hemi looks so much cooler...

EDIT: Unless you have the cross-ram setup on the wedge...

Boy...this went off the rails quick, didn't it?

Edited February 17 by Ace-Garageguy

[Mark]

The Imperial chassis and inner body were pretty much the same 1957-1966.  SMP made the kits through '61 but none had an engine.  The '62 (a handful of convertible kits came in SMP boxes, but the vast majority were AMT) did have an engine.  The same engine and chassis were used with some minor changes through '66, then in the Hero/Western Pickup version.  If you could find one of those with a damaged or missing body, those parts would work.

You would not want the Revell '62 Imperial (or a possible Atlantis reissue of same) as it has incorrect Unibody detail (and maybe even a manual transmission, I'm not 100% certain on that though).

[Falcon Ranchero]

1 hour ago, boss 302 mustang said:

But no hemi in 1959 so would not be stock if that matters

Yeah it would be more of a custom; the engine itself is custom 

[Falcon Ranchero]

I guess I shoulda put the picture of the engine in question

[StevenGuthmiller]

Personally, I’d just use the chassis and engine bay/firewall from the AMT ‘57 Chrysler 300 kit and.a Mopar big block from some other kit.

But then again I’m not inclined to just plop an engine into a curbside kit.

If I were going to commit, I’d go all the way, with a full detail engine, chassis and interior.

But that’s just how psychotic I am.

 

Steve

[Fat Brian]

If it's going to be a custom you could use the early Hemi from the Revell 32 5 window kit. Texas 3d Customs also does the cross ram engine from tha era. If you do use the engine from the 53 Ford kit i would swap the transmission, I'm pretty sure it's for a flathead.

[Falcon Ranchero]

13 hours ago, Fat Brian said:

Hemi from the Revell 32 5 window kit.

This could work too, as I have this kit with the engine already painted, just not assembled.

[Falcon Ranchero]

I guess another question I have would be (if I use the DeSoto engine) what would the clearance be beneath the hood; the engine looks a little tall for a low car like the Imperial, and obviusly I'd like to not cut a hole in the hood.

[Mike 1017]

VCG has some Mopar Engines that might work for you

Mopar — Shop Model Car Wheels, Parts and Accessories — VCG Resins by Reese

[Dave G.]

Now see, I didn't know that 59 was a curbside. I'd like the kit just for the real estate to be painted.  Because honestly, I've gotten to the stage where I enjoy paint and airbrushing more than building power trains. Not that I don't build full models, but I like a curb side sometimes. I learned something here today, that's always good.

[ranma]

20 hours ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

Personally, I’d just use the chassis and engine bay/firewall from the AMT ‘57 Chrysler 300 kit

And that is what I did to mine. Just switch the dash/steering wheel in the interior as well. Then make the 300 a promo type car.

[espo]

Maybe try and find an old AMT '57 Chrysler 300 kit. This has a Hemi engine, and the chassis is a fair representation of a Chrysler chassis of the era. With the inner fenders you would have most if not all the parts you may need to build your Imperial. 

[Falcon Ranchero]

Thanks for all those tips and advice guys, I appreciate it. Funny thing about using the '57 Chrysler 300; I do in fact have the kit but as of this typing I am building the kit and am basically done building it already so I can't really use the one I have now. 

Once I get the Imperial kit I'll figure it out; I've already come up with a custom idea for it even though I don't actually have it yet. I'm sure I can do something neat with it.