Dan Gurney 1961 409 Impala

[EdFoster1]

EdFoster
I seem to recall a photo that might have been in the 1962 Hot Rod magazine revealing the car. I have that magazine saved in my pile of somewhat useless stuff. I thought the car was ordered with a tach and EB9 transmitter?
Robert

Hi Robert - thanks for that, I think I have the magazine so will dig it out!

 

[EdFoster1]

Y

EdFoster
The reason I asked about the goal for completing the project is that I am fortunate to own a 61 Impala SS 409. I noticed the items Tommy pointed out as well as others observed. I would be willing to email you detailed photos of any of the questioned items. PM if you need anything
Good Luck with this historic project.
Robert

Yes please! The more images we have the better - do email me on edjffoster@gmail.com.

 

[EdFoster1]

The correct 268 generator is available from Chicago Corvette., 1 800 872-2446 not cheap but I've bought one from them and was very happy with it. Also, most any of the other parts that you need should be available from Show Cars inc.

Thanks so much - Bruce didn't have the generator, but has been amazing with everything else. Will have a look at Chicago Corvette!

 

[EdFoster1]

Ed:

I provided the earlier links last week to your Goodwood Road and Racing stories here because of the great interest in the Gurney car.

I don't believe any of the comments from members of this forum were meant in a malicious way. As you have seen, there is a great deal of love for all things related to the Chevy 348/409 engines and the vehicles they came in. There is also a HUGE amount of knowledge, research material, parts and skills afforded by the members of this forum that is focused upon the 348/409 engines and applications, as well as a wonderful willingness to share all of that material. I joined this group earlier this year because of that knowledge and the members' willingness to help me on my own project.

I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but I believe you will find that the members of this forum share your interest in bringing this significant vehicle back to life as befitting it's heritage. And I also believe that you will find them a great resource for information and parts sources to support the proper restoration of the Gurney '61.

We welcome you to the 348-409 forum and thank you for resurrecting the '61. Please keep us updated on your progress.

John

Hi John - everyone is being REALLY helpful, you're quite right! Thanks for the welcome.

 

[EdFoster1]

Just my suggestions, get the correct generator and pulley. The generator should be painted black, both ends on the correct generator are cast iron so they should be painted. You will need a decal on the breather, you will need to have a decal shop custom make you one because they are not being reproduced and the decal goes on the left side of the breather, not in front. When you get a chance, please paint that firewall correctly, no matter how nice the rest of the car looks, the black firewall ruins it all. Just being honest here. You got a hellva car there, do it right!

Thanks - the firewall will need to wait until later this year, but do send over a photo (if you have one!) of the decal next to the breather. Will get one made up. Am looking into the generator now.

 

[EdFoster1]

Hi All,

Yet another question... Sorry! We're trying to fit the Corvette sway bar that Dan fitted, but the only information we can find is that it was a 'Corvette sway bar'. Does anyone know what it might have been off? A Corvette, obviously(!), but we can't seem to track anything down that would fit.

Best

Ed

 

[boxerdog]

Might have been from an early 60's Corvette that had very similar suspension. GM made different diameters for different usages, mostly 7/8" and 15/16" I think. Bigger would be better. Or...Hellwig may be able to fix you up with a pretty good replica in a 1".

 

[rstreet]

Ed I just sent some photos and narrative of my 61 Impala SS 409 car. I hope you received the emailed information.
Robert

 

[JED]

From Goodwood this morning:

 

[LMBRJQ 60]

From Goodwood this morning:
View attachment 64234

Nice Jed,

Keep the pics coming

Steve

 

[Ed Foster]

Hi All,

The Revival went really well and, thankfully, the car went like clockwork for Dario Franchitti on both days. There should be a few images on the internet, but I've attached one or two for you. Some were taken at Silverstone (first time the car has been there in 57 years) and then the others are at Goodwood.

All the best

Ed

 

[Phil Reed]

Great pictures Ed!!! And I loved your video about how you acquired the car!!!

 

[JED]

 

[Ed Foster]

Some more images...!

 

[rstreet]

Great Photos Thanks Ed for the history shown again this time in color.
Robert

 

[Phil Reed]

I applaud your decision to bring this car back to it's original glory Ed!!!!!

 

[Ed Foster]

I applaud your decision to bring this car back to it's original glory Ed!!!!!

I think the less we tell the police in the UK about driving it down here on Dan's original plates, with a straight-through exhaust, the better!

 

[61BUBBLE348]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing the photo's Ed

 

[Ed Foster]

Hi All, hope all's well. I was just wondering if anyone could advise how the trunk was finished on a '61 Impala? It's just bare metal at the moment and am keen to add original/repro carpets. Not sure where I can get them either? Also - I need to get an aerial for the radio as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all.

 

[real61ss]

Just had grey/white splatter paint with mats in the well and on the sides