My dad purchached this '63 Impala over 20 years ago from a guy who had dug it out of a barn. Story has it was in the barn for 15-20 years. We had a lot of fun going to cruise nights and car shows in this when I was younger. A few years after leaving for the Army dad parked it and started in on the body work and it sat for the next 15 years. I just moved back home 2 years ago and have been after him to get this going again(along with his '52 chevy 2 door deluxe that has been parked since the late 60's). So last weekend we sat down and started ordering parts. We are going to keep it simple. 2" drop spindles, front disc brakes, 300HP/350 crate engine, th350. The goal is to get it going for the lone star roundup next year.
Great project, those 61-64 models are always desirable. Plus, you've got some history with that one, always good too.
One of my favourtite GM cars, too bad it is not a Citation (just kidding). Have fun and hopefully you will keep us up to date on the progress. Nice.
My second car was a 63 SS Impala 327 4 bl, dual exhaust, when I was 16 years young in the 70's! Keep it going great to see it being redone for the road again!!!! Post picks when done. Choff
I wanted the gasser look on my Biscayne so I went with stock springs on front and 2" dropped springs on the rear. The best investment I made was going with the Hotckis suspensions pieces. It handled exceptionally well with those pieces.
The original axle was cut up several years ago to try and fit a new style Camaro axle in the impala. Since we are not going with anything crazy we hit the salvage yard today. My 14 year old is showing an interest in cars so I said great i'll get you up at 6 a.m. She was not to excited about it but when we got to the yard she started to enjoy it. We got lucky and found a complete axle out of a '63 Impala. Just had to pull it out our self's. We even scored a few other items we had been looking for.
Sounds like a great project. Been working on my 64, 409 car for the last couple of days myself. Took it out for a ride today. Been so long I had almost forgot what it is like to drive a W head four speed car. I am sure it will take a couple days to get the grin off my face. We are not to far apart so if you are ever in Marquette stop by "The Shop" and we can talk hot rods over a cold one.
That looks like a cool project. '63s are near and dear to my heart. I've been pecking away on my '63SS off and on since '96.
61 Chevy, That is a couple of old rims welded togeather. 383deuce, Sounds good. Are you going to cruise night in Kearney this weekend?
skinny cragers on pinner whitewalls like Tony did on his or traditional tru spokes or maybe even daytons to roll on?
63 Impala is one of my favorites and is still on my list of need to own soon. I will look for it next year at Roundup. Good luck!
61-64 Chevy was one of the cleanest periods designwise for GM IMO. Such pretty cars. Good luck with your build. Don
I have not updated this in a couple of months but here it is. We rebuild the rear axle that includes a new auburn posi unit, new ring and pinion, ect. Installed that into the car and pushed it outside to wash off 15 years of dirt. Got it back in the shop and tore down the front end. I'll take some more picture this weekend.
Wow power steering & A/C car too. Life was good and those cars were so easy to work on,back seat and trunk large enough for a family of 4 to live in. LOL Keep us informed.
Here is the latest. We have gone through the front end with all new bushings, steering components, drop spindles and disc brakes. Got the 700r4 rebuilt, ordered in a new crate engine and wheels/tires. What do ya think so far?
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