My IM transformation

More recent photos. Sorry they are so small.

One more. The interior looks brown in this shot, but it is a nice, deep burgundy/wine colour.

NICE!!

Old Blue is being transformed. Opinions may vary on this change over from blue to silver, but I think I finally have the IM Speedster that I have wanted ever since I drove George Brown's beautiful car at Carlisle.

Here are some shots of the transformation taking place. Beehives instead of teardrop tail lights.

She's going to be beauty, Bob.

I sure hope you have it in time for Carlisle. Very nice.

Very nice, silver/ deep red is always classic.

Excellent choices, Bob!

Bob,
That's a very nice ride hope to see it and you at Carlisle ! Alan

Beautiful color upholstery.

Bob

Robert, Very nice! Aside from color change,what other modifications are you planning?

Allan:

I really liked the mechanicals of this car. It's a fantastic driver with the 2332 c.c. engine and the Porsche 901 5 speed transmission, rack and pinion, plus all the suspension stuff that Henry adds to these cars.

So, I asked Henry to do the following:

Full repaint from Blue to Iridium Silver (all new seals, etc.)
Switch out the Teardrops to Beehives
Change from a Nardi to Derrington wheel
Replace the chrome shine down licence light with Spyder style
Add an Aluminum pedal pad set
Change the Speedster mirrors to Raydyots
Add a Dead Pedal
Replace the standard stereo with a rebuilt Blaupunkt radio
Delete the body script front and rear
Add a full tonneau cover in Stayfast to match the top and half tonneau.
Install custom prop rods for trunk and engine lids.

I decided to change it to what I wanted in a Speedster, and I hope it will all look right when it is completed. It means I don't retire as soon as I wanted, but what the heck, driving one of these cars makes you twenty-one all over again.

Bob

You know, I always loved that car when Nicholas owned it. Nicely fitted, finished and accessorized, and the sound! wow. Probably shoulda bought it when I had the chance, but "woulda-shoulda", you know?

Then I looked at your list of "alterations" and started to smile. That is going to be one wicked cool roadster and I just know you're going to love it for a long time.

Good for you, Bob!

Thanks for your thoughts, Gord, and everyone else's comments.

I really hated to 'destroy' what was a very beautiful car as it was, but this was my chance to get what I wanted at a price I could afford. Like you, I had a prior chance to buy this car but things weren't just right at the time.

As old George Brown used to say, 'how many summers do any of us have left?'. And I think of Jim Ward and others who have left us but who had some good times with their cars while they were able.

If I can get to Carlisle this Spring, I will. I need another egg sammich....and to re-connect with some old buddies.

...'how many summers do any of us have left?'...
Many of us have had health issues and have survived them, hence we have seen the light and altered our priorities.
Bob, So glad you are getting the car you want...I will sponsor your first artery clogging egg sammich :~)

Bob, I hope I get a chance to see you and your IM this Spring. After driving mine on a 1600 km road trip I wish I had asked Henry to install a dead pedal when my IM was being rebuilt.

Ron:

I'm not sure of my plans re: claiming the car. We may fly out for a vacation and then have it shipped here, or just have it shipped.

It all depends on timing and other events.

Finally figured out how to get a decent sized photo here.

Two more shots of my IM, with what I believe to be Marty's lovely car in the pictures.

Very nice! Like the Blue Top.

What a wonderful transformation. Very smart approach to have Henry re work the car like that. Congrats on your choices!

Bob, that's amazing. I think I'm repeating myself.

Well, I knew Henry would work his usual magic on this car, and he did.

It's almost like getting a brand new IM but at a price I can afford.

A more recent shot. The car is almost done, and I should be getting some 'show' shots in a while.

Looks pretty good so far.

Somebody else's cream Roadster in the background there...

Just saw your car at Intermeccanica today Bob. It looks great. I know the car and it is a perfect speedster. ENJOY YOUR RIDE

What!?

You were there and you didn't take any pictures??? :-)

Seriously, glad you saw the car, and that it looks good. Henry has sent a few 'in progress' shots, and it seems to be coming together nicely.

I really can't wait to get it on the road and open it up.

Thanks for posting on this.

I think you should have it delivered down here so I can properly break it in for you.

I could even deliver it to you free-of-charge, some time after the break-in period, fully checked and sorted out, complete with a "Five Cent Racing" seal of approval.

Let me know when I should expect it.

Gordon:

I'm getting the car shipped out here in April, which will allow me to make it to Carlisle. For the last few years, we have gone to the Outer Banks for a week or so in May, and this year we'll hit Carlisle on our way back.

If you're nice, I'll let you ride in it...

All right, Bob. We'll look forward to having you there!

If I'm a pain-in-the-ass, will you let me DRIVE it?

"If you're nice, I'll let you ride in it..."

I dunno, Bob... You're setting the bar pretty high for our Gordon.

"If I'm a pain-in-the-ass, will you let me DRIVE it?"

Gordon, this statement guarantees you a drive!

Just had the Speedster appraised for insurance purposes, and it's in storage at Henry's until April, when I'll have it shipped out here.

Carlisle still looks good.

Hey Robert...I'll be in Vancouver next week then driving back to Ontario the following week. I can let the wife drive the Mercedes back and I'll drive your IM back for you if you like? ;-)

Thanks, Brian

Are you heading to NOTL? If so, you will go right past my house, so wave when you do (from your Mercedes, that is).

:-)

Yep, moved there last August finally. Came up here to experience some winter cause we got none in NOTL. Tried to change my location in the registry but it won`t let me do it. Sorry, I don`t even know where Campbellville is...

Glad you are back south. NOTL is a lovely place to be.

Campbellville is north of Burlington, and west of Milton, at the 401 and Guelph Line.

Brian,
Now that you are living in NOTL, you are within striking distance of Carlisle. Are you interested in joining us in May? Bob Carley will be cruising right past you on the way there so you guys could caravan.

I'm planning on going up to Hudson's Bay in May to do some kite skiing. We didn't have a winter in NOTL, that's why I'm up in Yellowknife but its been too damn cold to get out on the lake.

I've also got an overheating problem with my IM that I haven't sorted out yet. The rebuild 2.4 S engine heats up way too high and too fast. I have a feeling it has something to do with oil pressure but haven't checked it out yet. The T engine was able to push oil up to the front mounted cooler but this S engine does not.

Talked to Henry today. The car is all ready, and will head to the train for shipping on Monday, for delivery the week of May 7th. Lots of time to get it safetied, registered, etc. for the trip to Carlisle.

I had asked Henry to check a little noise in the clutch. As usual, he really tackled the problem, pulled the engine and replaced the pressure plate with a new Kennedy Stage 1 and left the center ring in place, to eliminate the problem from recurring. He also installed a new Kennedy clutch disc as well as a new release bearing and spacers. They also made some changes to the release arm to accommodate the new pressure plate with ring. They took this opportunity to clean the engine as well as the engine compartment.

What great service!