About the 62 Impala
Shoestring 62' project
Follow along as I do a restro-mod of a 1962 Impala SS.
I am a Architect by training, and this is my first car restoration. I will be doing as much of the work as I can. I will be learning new skills (welding, body work, etc.) This is my hobby project so there are no time constraints just the pure joy of building and . I have always loved old cars and always wanted to restore one.
The goal for the car is to make a nice cruiser for weekend outings, and local car shows. Also I am planning on finishing the car and taking my Dad who gave me the car on the Power tour.
The car was in good shape overall when I got it. The body was straight, not a lot of rust issues, and only one minor dent. The interior as you will see left a lot to be desired, but that is what the restoration process is all about, sometimes we need to remove what others have done.
The Exterior: There were a few rust spots on the car at the front wheel wells on both sides and a little at the rear wheels. There was also a dent just behind the drivers door that would need attention. but over all the body was straight and sound.
Front view
Rear view
The Interior: Well the interior was another story. Red Valour every were and the original seats had been replaced with something else. This was really the starting point for the restoration. The intent was to redo the interior get the minor body work done and be back on the road in a year. Well all good plans change and as I started this project I discovered that there was a lot more to be done then I first thought.
AHH the Red Valour interior
More Red
The interior in this car was what really started me on this project. I decided that it was time to get rid of the red interior and go back to the original bucket seats and bench seat. After months of looking all over the internet I found a bench seat from a 62' Impala in South Carolina, and bucket seats with the chrome on Ebay and I was ready to embark on the interior restoration. But what happens from there is another post....
About: This blog will follow the Restoration and customizaion of a 1962 Impala SS. The budget is tight, so I will be learning as I go body work, welding, and general repair and restoration.
This car has a unique history in how it came to be in my hands. A few years back my father entered a contest to win a classic 1962 Impala SS restored. Well long story short he won the car and a few years later gave it to me. We drove it and enjoyed taking it out, but it was in need of some work as I have been discovering.
So come along and follow along as I restore this classic car
The plan: To rebuild this car from the ground up into a mostly-stock car with upgrades to suspension breaks, and some custom touches. The final look of the car has not yet been set in stone but is centered around the idea shown below.
Concept Art for the Car
