Here is probably the most modified Imp in the world. It started out as a Thiokol 1402 built in the early 70's. Originally, it had no cab and a Wisconsin air cooled engine. The early models 1402 were the test bed for the 1404, run year round in all conditions and terrain.
I purchased this cat from Bill at Snowtrans. It looked like this when I brought it home. As you can see there was a lot work ahead!
It previously had a Ford 2.0 L engine installed and a lifted chassis.
My first goal was to build an engine cover and a cab on the unit. I wish I had taken more pictures of it during this process, but didn't in fear of failure of the project.
I immediatly set out to improve the suspension and track setup. I decided to go to a wider asymetrical track as shown above. After running it for a year, I was not happy with the ride and constant manual shifting of the transmission. :1062
I also had problems with the track striking the axles due to the lifting (spacers between axle and springs) and geometry changes.
Finally, it all had to go...
After a month of calculating, I ordered torsion axles to replace the leaf springs.
I decided to move the front axle forward 6" over the original wheel position to gain some more surface area. That also required the front idler to be relocated forward and longer tracks made.
My desire was to make an all new custom track with strait grousers to add more clearance too.
In the middle of all of this, I set out to do something about the manual transmission. I found out that the 2.0 L engine was German built and used in the Ford Pinto between '72 - '74. It was the best engine ever made for the Pinto, with very few automatics. However, after two months of searching, I found a Pinto collector in St Louis that had two automatics for this engine. BINGO!
I ran this cat about 250 miles this winter in all conditions. It finally has become the machine I set out to have after four years of testing and improvements. It handles and feels nothing like an IMP with the new torsion axles and tracks. The automatic and torsion axles make it much smoother to operate compared to a 1404. It is probably between an IMP and LMC1200 in overall performance and handling.