Register now to get rid of these ads!

Art & Inspiration 61 impala find

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by davidh73750, Oct 3, 2012.

  1. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    I went to look at some cars hoping for more wagon finds, the 60 wagon was crushed in qp and way overpriced. I wound up getting this little 61. I've always liked the 61's for their distinctive look, almost duck-tailed rear. My boys even helped dig it out. Were going to change tires and put it on the trailer. Luckily we got a lift to come over and load it.
    Sunday I spent the afternoon cleaning it out. turned out this car only has 23,750 miles. 283 power package 4bb, dual exhaust the oil sticker showed 13995 in april of 1977
     

    Attached Files:

  2. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    My hopes were high and then
     

    Attached Files:

  3. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,933

    squirrel
    Member

    neat car! and it looks like you have good help

    I'd guess it's 123k miles, although it's hard to tell for sure if the brake pedal pad is worn away on the right side in that picture. That usually doesn't happen in 23k miles. Also most cars get driven a lot the first 10-15 years of their life, then they get replaced and mostly sit around.
     
  4. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    then I saw the reason after I cleaned the engine compartment. rod thru the oil pan. DOH!!
    the trunk is fairly clean one small spot of rust. front floor pans good, rear passenger has rust and one small spot under the seat.
    I bet the rear end is limited slip 3.36.
    I think the tent I pulled out of the back was a 12man. lol it just kept coming and coming.
    Looking at the car first owner likely took care of it and didn't put many miles on it. Then the 2nd guy in his mid 20's did not. I found the same name on several papers, dr's bills from 83'. I actually looked the guy up and sent him a letter in dodge city ks. He was 25 or so back then and in his mid 50's now. I'm sure he'll be surprised.

    other reason I believe miles are original is the seats are barely worn, just a small spot on the drivers carpet barely worn. 106k miles from 1977-83 is a lot back in those days. The car was picked up from an impound and sold through auction originally
     

    Attached Files:


  5. 3wLarry
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 12,804

    3wLarry
    Member Emeritus
    from Owasso, Ok

    If the valve covers are original to the car, I'd be interested in them if you're not gonna use them. Larry
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  6. BOWTIE BROWN
    Joined: Mar 30, 2010
    Posts: 3,252

    BOWTIE BROWN
    Member

    Never could have done it without all that good help . Some interesting stuff in the background.
    KANSAS tag too . what you doing taking our cars...?
     
  7. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    I have a 63 bel air. I got it when it had 97K and this car doesnt show the same wear at all it's a shame it sat so long. I thought of parting the top end of motor, and the pg and dropping in a running sbc, turbo 350 and giving it another chance at life
    if this was a 100k plus miles doubt you could read the numbers on the motor mounts like that. little things give clues to its low mileage
     

    Attached Files:

  8. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    car is from dodge city but car was just east of stillwater, ok
     
  9. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,933

    squirrel
    Member

    True, but 113k from 1961-1977 is normal.
     
  10. biscaynes
    Joined: Mar 16, 2008
    Posts: 1,647

    biscaynes
    Member

    great car, my '61 4dr impala, sold a few years ago...

    [​IMG]
     
  11. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    now thats the inspiration I need not to part this thing out!:D
     
  12. 1964countrysedan
    Joined: Apr 14, 2011
    Posts: 1,131

    1964countrysedan
    Member
    from Texas

    NO WAY would I put out that one.
     
  13. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    I went out and lunch hooked up jumper cables, lights work, brights, even when you press the horn button you here the relay clicking, then reached over and the heater blower fan works even??!!! Yeah she's saying please give me another chance
     
  14. henryj1951
    Joined: Sep 23, 2012
    Posts: 2,306

    henryj1951
    Member
    from USA

  15. Oh yeah, coming back to life... always a great feeling when you tickle the car and it laughs back. This was the deal with my long-dormant '65 Belair wagon back in 1978. Even the back window worked.

    I had a '61 back in 1975 or so... whatta Flintstone car. It actually had the seats bridged up on pieces of 2 x 4 and it had roofing shingles under the carpet to keep it somewhat dry inside. Musta been owned by a carpenter.
    The little 283 ran amazingly well.

    Have fun with yours.
    Bob
     
  16. Deuces
    Joined: Nov 3, 2009
    Posts: 23,752

    Deuces

    Got her running yet???....
    What's taking you so long???....;):D
     
  17. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    dad it says it DB code for 8-283 230hp 300tq Powerglide 4 BC( just kidding I checked it at lunch too when fiddling with lights)
     

    Attached Files:

  18. 61 chevy
    Joined: Apr 11, 2007
    Posts: 891

    61 chevy
    Member

    looks to good to part out
     
  19. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    thinking a little lowering, astro supremes, and pinner whites. anyone know of a front and rear valance(under bumpers) just let me know. Will need some front fenders eventually.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Oct 3, 2012
  20. KustomCars
    Joined: Jul 31, 2011
    Posts: 3,465

    KustomCars
    Member
    from Minnesota

    Cool! I love 61s!!
     
  21. inkstain27
    Joined: Feb 8, 2006
    Posts: 500

    inkstain27
    Member

    I like what your thinking, good job on putting those boys to work!
     
  22. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    Here are some more clues(to me ) its low mileage. Look at the radiator, the gas cap still has cork on the back side. The pics before show numbers readable on motor mounts. I hope I hear from the guy who's name was in the car to find out
     

    Attached Files:

  23. Rusty Heaps
    Joined: May 19, 2011
    Posts: 949

    Rusty Heaps
    Member

    x2!
     
  24. INTRUDER
    Joined: Mar 3, 2007
    Posts: 206

    INTRUDER
    Member
    from NW Indiana

    the 1961 GM cars were designed to be an "organic object".
    The 61' Chevy was patterned on WASP side panels are wings and the trunk POINT is the stinger. Look at it from a rear quarter view and you will see it.
    The 61' OLds Dynamic 88 is a SHARK. Front and rear bumpers are fins, front side chrome are GILLS an the grill is shark teeth.
    In 61' PONTIAC started the tiger stance. Look at a full side view it's a cat ready to leap.
    61" Buicks ..I've forgotten...
    Good luck with the car. Always love stories like your adventure.
    Keep us posted.
     
  25. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    thats some great information. I can totally see that. I was thinking ducktailed trunk at first.
     
  26. niceguyede
    Joined: Jan 19, 2009
    Posts: 633

    niceguyede
    Member
    from dallas

    Another good find David! Looks like your boys are having a blast helping...good for them!! Hope to see her on the road soon... See ya at pistons!
     
  27. HamD
    Joined: Mar 3, 2011
    Posts: 298

    HamD
    Member

    Congrats on finding a bit of history.
     
  28. davidh73750
    Joined: Apr 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,598

    davidh73750
    Member

    well I had a process server doing some work for me so for $10 I got the last owners address and sent him a letter. Talked to him 15 minutes ago. Talk about smoker's voice. lol(explains the full ashtrays) and as I thought I was right. He bought the car of an older couple and drove it for a while. Said he was younger back then and didn't take care of things. He did verify those were the original miles!!!!! woo woo! part of me wants to find a 283 short block and put it back fairly original on drive train. hmmm
     
  29. Jobe
    Joined: Oct 19, 2004
    Posts: 1,248

    Jobe
    Member
    from Austin, Tx

    Nice find and verification!
     
  30. enloe
    Joined: May 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,534

    enloe
    Member
    from east , tn.

    this is going to be a good family hauler
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.