finally restoring family heirloom

Rory m

Active Member
Hello my name is Rory Merke.and i live in BC Canada I received this 61 impala ragtop for my 19th birthday some 31 years ago .my dad said pick a car any car he had .and he had a few lol all were in ok shape not show cars so i went for the imp. he was the second owner and had driven it since he got it in 70 from a little old lady who bought it new in 61 he drove it up north to 100 mile house BC in 84 were he proceeded to crack the block by forgetting to use antifreeze lol the rest of this time its sat under my porch till now as i'm going to build it for my lovely wife! it was a 235 auto of all things in a ragtop but the old lady wanted it that way lol but i have other plans. I acquired a 65 car 409 10 years ago for it and planed on building it for this vert i look forward to being a asset to the site and learning from others . i sure have lots of questions lol
 

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Tom Kochtanek

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 12
I like that it's a Family Heirloom, that's compelling!

I can't tell you how many of us would love to have a 1961 Impala convertible to restore in their stables :) :) :).
Slipping that passenger 409 in her bay will make it all the better!

Keep us posted on your progress, and fire away with questions when you need some collective advise.

Cheers!
TomK
 

david montanbeau

Well Known Member
I did a 409 swap from a 65 to a 62. Oil pan from the 65 will not work on the 61 to 64. The frame was different in 65. Your car is a cool project. Welcome aboard.
 

Rory m

Active Member
I did a 409 swap from a 65 to a 62. Oil pan from the 65 will not work on the 61 to 64. The frame was different in 65. Your car is a cool project. Welcome aboard.
Thanks for the heads up. that would suck if i had buttoned her up and had to run around pulling my hair out trying to figure out what is going on .it was in a 58 and block is the only thing that is 65 so who knows? i have a 64 here {chrome covers)i can compare it to .
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63impalass409

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
That does not look like 65 car pan to me!!! Is your motor from a car or truck as the 65 car pan is for that only ! A car
 

Rory m

Active Member
yes you guys are both correct but i did know that .as i stated it was in a 58 delivery. and the pan is the same as the 64 .and i'm tossing them truck heads for edelbrocks and center dumps for headers any ways Any ideas as to what are the best headers for my car and a 700r4
 
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