1961 Impala 2 Door Sedan - Let's Get Started...

tcb-1

tcb-1

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Thanks Phil! I'll make up my list and contact him. Hey, I'll be calling or emailing you Monday.

Speaking of brakes, would anyone think less of me for going manual, instead of power boosted brakes? Out of the many brake systems I've installed, I have always liked the feel and simplicity of a manual master cylinder setup.
 
tcb-1

tcb-1

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I have 1 torn lumbar disc, and 1 bulging... doctor said to take it easy and not do lifting or bending. Perfect! Sounds like a great time to lay on the floor pans and further dismantle the interior bits.

After scratching my head for an hour, I finally figured out how to remove the plastic wire tracks under the kick plates. The simplest of tasks usually screw me completely up. So I finally get the tracks and the kick panels out. Thought I could salvage the panels, but the cardboard was just crumbling. I'll remove the fresh air vents, bead blast, and recoat with 60% gloss. The floor is still just as solid in the hard to reach places. I have taken several pics of what I call, "beautiful solid metal that I rarely see in any of my cars!" In a few days, I will be painting on POR15 on the seams, and red oxide painting the rest. Lot's of wire brushing and cleaning to do in the interim!






Oh, as for my back, I'm in pain. But I got to play with the Impala, and that makes it all better, as my mom would say... Happy Sunday.
 
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skipxt4

skipxt4

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WOW! Where has that car, been hiding for 54 years?:dunno Southern Car?? It doesn't take long, to become a Flintstone car, if left out in the elements. That's gonna be, a very rewarding project.:clap:clap:clap Yeah, Doug, don't screw your back up, any worse than it is.:doh Then, you won't be working on the car, at all.:eek1
 
tcb-1

tcb-1

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Skip, this was an interesting car. It's not a southern or western cart either. It's a lifelong Missouri car where salt is used by the tons! I can only give you a possible scenario why this car is so dry.

1. The two owners lived on gravel roads. Everywhere in the car is dry silt and mud. I can only assume that most of the rust prone was packed with dirt and mud early into it's life. The mud pack then sealed moisture out. Matter of fact, there was even mud in the rear box frame rails. It wasn't driven much either, 76k original miles.

2. It was constantly parked covered on a gravel drive. I have seen cars parked on concrete dormant for only 5 years that started the rust. The concrete tends to reflect moisture back into the undercarriage. Soil with a layer of gravel over the top of it tends to dehumidify the stale air under the vehicle. This could be completely bogus thinking, but I have seen countless vintage vehicles parked in different locations and always took a mental note. Side note: I always have a fan blowing air around and under my older vehicles. This helps stir up stale air and turns over humid air.

As far as the back, you guys are thoughtful for telling me to take care of it :) I have too much to lose if I screw it up; I have to be reminded of that sometimes.

Jason, I read your post last night around 2am and started laughing out loud. Bravo sir. Bravo.
 
DonSSDD

DonSSDD

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It must have been stored in a dry place. Mud will wick moisture which I think is why almost all these old cars have rusted body mounts behind the back tires. You don't need the salt, just the wet and something to hold it like mud or leaves, or carpet wet from a leak.

A wood floor is pretty good to keep rust at bay.

Don
 
tcb-1

tcb-1

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You are correct Don. Maybe it was because it was a very small town it resided in that was 90% gravel roads? I know first hand from living on a gravel road growing up that you just wait until it thaws to get the snow cleared! Who knows, the owners could have also been very particular about upkeep. I know the second owner used to drive it in the local 4th of July parade. There were speaker cables run to the back seat where he would put a set of home speakers. Gotta love small town life.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting a very knowledgable gentleman today. Phil Reed had contacted me about part I was needing and I ducked out of work early to head up to his place. I wish I had more time for him to give me the big tour! What a place, and what a nice, nice guy! Phil, I will be back up soon, I'm sure you'll have something else I can't live without!!

So I have the driver's side floorboards coated with POR15. Not the entire thing, just the lowest spots. Next will come red oxide and then noise reduction material. Can anyone suggest a good, tough brushable red oxide?

Lastly, I was getting ready to come back in from the garage and the urge hit me to get a fresh buff pad work a small spot of the original paint to "see" if it's presentable. Wow! Only one application, going in one direction, and the ol' Magic Mirror lacquer sparkles. Not perfect, but it does sparkle. Man, I love old items that were built for the long run!

Again, thanks to Phil for his hospitality. I can see why you all like him. Good evening, gents...
 
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tripower

tripower

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Phil Reed said:
Doug......................don't buy any disc brakes until you contact Mike (58 delivery). He is our specialist on brakes. I've sold several of his front brake setups and they look great. We have members here who have installed his parts. He'll save you some money too!!!
Click to expand...
Doug, Nice car... As Phil said talk to Mike about the brakes. I have three cars I have used his brakes on.
 
tcb-1

tcb-1

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Had to share. The first pic is what the car has a thick coating of. Dirt and oxidation from 25 or so years of inattention. I haven't even had a chance to wash and clean it since I rolled it in to the garage a month and half ago. So on a whim, I took some rubbing compound and worked on a small section below the driver's side passenger window. Man, you just have to love the tough lacquer GM used in the early 60's. I can't wait to get time to clean and polish the entire exterior. Just had to share! Hope everyone is having a good week....
What the car is cover with. Dried grime.

This is what a few coats of rubbing compound and a glaze does to the paint.

What a huge difference. I'm leaving the original paint, so now I know it will at least be somewhat shiny!
 
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Tom Kochtanek

Tom Kochtanek

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Supporting Member 13
Doug:

That does look good! I did that compounding thing some twelve years back when I first got my '62 SS car. Had original Ermine White paint with some oxidation showing through. A little compound and some wax and it went back to one color. I drove it that way for maybe five years before I did a body-off and stripped her down to bare. That acrylic lacquer comes off easily, its' pretty thin, so be careful around the curves and the ridges :). I went a little tooooo deep in a few spots before I figured it out.

BTW, when it did come down to stripping that original paint, the finish coat came off quickly, it was that red oxide primer that gave me a hard time :).

Keep yours original and you won't have that problem!

Cheers! TomK
 
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