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Fletch's Imperial LeBaron Rebuild Part 2: Classic Restos - Series 49

By Shannons - Published on 09 May 2022

Fletch is at home for a critical time in the restoration process of his 1968 Imperial LeBaron. The engine is back from the Goulbourn Engine Centre, and Fletch begins putting the engine back in the Imperial. There are numerous aspects to the reassembly, and Fletch walks us through each of these, including a paint job of the engine, fitting of the exhaust manifolds, fuel pump, torque converter and radiator, to name a few, before we get to the main event.

Andy, the engine rebuilder, travels down to Fletch's shed for the all-important final connection of all the electricals, timing, firing order and start-up. Fletch is a little anxious, and it takes a little time for the fuel to come through. It's a very long way from the fuel tank on the LeBaron, but it finally does, and it's happiness all around. A significant milestone in the process.

Fletch only gets a short 6 metre run with the new engine because it doesn't have any brakes right now, but just enough to be satisfied that all is in working order. Part 2 is complete, and the ’68 Imperial LeBaron restoration is edging closer to completion and a final reveal.