Art & Inspiration 61 impala find

[davidh73750]

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

[davidh73750]

My hopes were high and then

[squirrel]

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.

[davidh73750]

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

[3wLarry]

If the valve covers are original to the car, I'd be interested in them if you're not gonna use them. Larry

[BOWTIE BROWN]

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...?

[davidh73750]

Originally Posted by squirrel

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.

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

[davidh73750]

Originally Posted by BOWTIE BROWN

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...?

car is from dodge city but car was just east of stillwater, ok

[squirrel]

Originally Posted by davidh73750

106k miles from 1977-83 is a lot back in those days.

True, but 113k from 1961-1977 is normal.

[biscaynes]

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

[davidh73750]

Originally Posted by biscaynes

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

now thats the inspiration I need not to part this thing out!

[1964countrysedan]

NO WAY would I put out that one.

[davidh73750]

Originally Posted by 1964countrysedan

NO WAY would I put out that one.

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

[henryj1951]

do it

[bobss396]

Originally Posted by davidh73750

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

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

[Deuces]

Got her running yet???....
What's taking you so long???....

[davidh73750]

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)

[61 chevy]

looks to good to part out

[davidh73750]

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.

[KustomCars]

Cool! I love 61s!!