63 Impala project continues...

[bobs409]

Thought I'd start a thread where I can occasionally post a few pics of the latest on going progress of the 63 restoration. Anyone that read some of the past posts knows this car keeps getting pushed back for other projects but I'm determined to get it done this time!

Now that I have heat in my garage, I have been getting a lot done. Most recent work was tearing the front suspension apart to put in new a -arm bushings and coil springs, etc. Got that done and just freshened up the old 283 with a new coat of paint. (engine only has about 30K on it's rebuild from 1975 or so!) Installing some new gaskets, fan belt, hoses and some tune up parts like cap, rotor, points, condensor and plug wires.

I've been spending a great deal of time detailing everything as correctly as I can. Not rushing anything, that first impression is so important when someone sees it for the first time!

 

[Fathead Racing]

Hell Bob, that really is correct. If I remember correctly most of my cars back then had bald tires too.

 

[Dewman]

It's about time you shared with us the progress on your 63. I've been patiently waiting.

 

[blkblk63ss]

Yes,been waiting!! Any progress on the rear sheet metal? We are starving for more picture"s. Look"s good,!!

 

[Ronnie Russell]

Nope., cannot accept it. Appears to be power-pack heads and a 2 bbl intake. Will have to deduct points. Sorry Bob. You need to start over.

 

[blkblk63ss]

Now what Bob !!!!!!

 

[Don Jacks]

63 283 2 bbl.engines did have "power pack" heads as stock equipment.I can't remember if 62's did or not,but 63 thru 67 car engines did.

 

[Phil Reed]

Nope., cannot accept it. Appears to be power-pack heads and a 2 bbl intake. Will have to deduct points. Sorry Bob. You need to start over.

I'm disappointed too Ronnie........he painted his nipple Chevrolet orange !!!!!!!

 

[Don Jacks]

Hell Bob, that really is correct. If I remember correctly most of my cars back then had bald tires too. Most likely,as in this cars case,needed an alignment too,right Ray?

 

[1961BelAir427]

I'm disappointed too Ronnie........he painted his nipple Chevrolet orange !!!!!!!

Tempted to show this post to Shannon without showing her any of the rest of this thread and see what she says.

 

[1961BelAir427]

Great to see some pics Bob, after the tow truck we all know that the '63 is going to be excellent!!!

 

[Phil Reed]

Tempted to show this post to Shannon without showing her any of the rest of this thread and see what she says.

let us know what she said!!!!!

 

[Ronnie Russell]

OOOOH ! I'm sure about the '62s but I'm obviously wrong about '63-64. My apology, Bob, proceed.

 

[1961BelAir427]

let us know what she said!!!!!

She said "he painted his nipples orange? who the freak does that? are they insane? too much Viagra for those guys they need to cut it off." Then while I was typing this she said with all seriousness - "who said that?" I said "Phil" She said "no surprise, but who said they painted their nipple orange? Was it Dick MacKenzie?" I'm going to show her the rest and explain it to her in a little while. Actually surprised she didn't know what we were talking about from the beginning as she is somewhat mechanically inclined. Walked her through changing a serpentine belt over the phone a few weeks ago.

 

[bobs409]

Stock intake a heads, nothing special about 'em. Give me back those points!

Phil, I painted the spark plugs orange too but you were too busy looking at my nipples to notice!

 

[bobs409]

Actually those tires were on my old 68 Impala. Had it aligned 17 times and it wore tires so much, Goodyear would be proud! P.S. Those are bias plys baby!

 

[bobs409]

Yes,been waiting!! Any progress on the rear sheet metal? We are starving for more picture"s. Look"s good,!!

Sheet metal was all done years ago. The floors were the last to get done and this past summer, I sprayed the underside with GM black. (love that stuff!!!) Bottom is done minus a few details like factory inspection marks.

 

[Jim Sullivan]

Looks great Bob!

 

[bobs409]

Still bolting it back together on a daily basis. Funny how long it takes when you do things a bit more meticulously. (wow, I spelled that right without spell checker)

Sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back. Having a bad streak of getting parts or should I say the wrong, don't fit parts but still struggling on...

Need to locate my original fuel pump yet but this after market job will have to do. Need to order another set of plug wires and another dist cap to replace the BLUE one I received yesterday!

Once I get the correct seal, I can get the steering box / shaft back on. Still working on the exhaust manifolds, alternator, air cleaner and other assorted parts. Nipples are still orange for now. The rebuild on the brake master actually went well so the brake system is all buttoned up again with all new lines. Once it's all done, I'll add some factory inspection marks where needed to wow the crowds.

Sure is a better winter than some past ones. Having some heat allows you get more done. I feel like doing the bacon dance--->

 

[Jim Sullivan]

Lookin Good Bob!