After 20 yrs of sitting in the garage I decided to put the Impala back together.
I had her repainted and reupholstered then parked it the garage due to hobby changed to fishing and boating.
Due to the Coronavirus social distancing and with all the launch ramp closed it gave me idle time so concentrated on the Impala
I gathered all the parts that were removed when she went to the paint and upholster shop
Gave her the first was in 10 yrs
Then stated re-assembly
With the exception of a few missing parts that will be ordered, the exterior restoration is coming along.
Will update when I tackle the dash component install.
Not a lot of work left to do. I don't think I could have stopped at the point you did. Then again I can get a little obsessed on something once I start it. Then eventually burn out hits and I take a break and go into remodeling the house. The wife likes the house remodeling more than my car projects.
Just waiting for the hood bar and gas tank due to arrive next week. I took the '63 SS Bucket seats out to gain clear access to the dash wiring. I'll order complete harnesses for the entire car.
After the rewiring, I'll be looking at which motor to put back.
I sold the original 283 motor and powerglide back when I brought the car to the body shop. But during that time I had a '60 wagon with a low miles 348. Sold the body and placed the motor on an engine stand and stowed it in the garage with the thought of using it in the this Impala.
But being it's been sitting for so long, it'll need to be refreshed. On the other hand maybe a crate 350 is best suited and sell the 348.
Not looking for torque or speed, just a cruiser.
Well the 348 isn't a bad engine, but they cost a lot more than an SBC to work on. I'm stroking one out to a 438 for my Convertible project, but have been thinking of going old school and building it up for a roots blower and putting it in the Pro Street. Only problem is I can build a BBC without a blower and probably make more power and spend a lot less. So I'm trying to decide what is more important, going fast, or the old school look. My final decision will probably be based on how it looks once the body is done and all the chassis mods are complete.
I think the look of the W-motor in any old car is a classic look and it sets you apart from the crowd. If I had your car and a 348 I'd do the 348 no doubt.
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