1962 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible (mild custom)

Description

This car has had an extensive "Frame Off" restoration, and there is no rust anywhere on this car. It has a 327 V8 motor, Automatic Transmission (cast iron 2 speed Powerglide) and Power Steering.
The trim number on the trim tag is 821. This decodes to (Impala SS Convertible), so the car is an authentic factory SS. However, I will start by saying I restored this car for myself, with a design of my own,choosing some minor cosmetic changes. This is why I call it a mild custom. While at a car show some time ago, side by side there was a 62 Impala SSconvertible, and a 62 Belair 2 door. The Belair had somedifferences I liked. For Instance, the Belair did not have that large aluminum panel that goes behind the tail lights, so this car is without that large aluminum tail panel. Also, the aluminum trim that runs along the sides of the car now has red inserts, rather than the SS silver inserts. I also thought the dashboard lookedbetter in the Belair, with its gauges just sitting in the paint, so this car is without the trim piece that goes behind the gauges. (I did add the Belair thin dash trim that goes under the gauges.) Also, in 1962, the Impala had the Hot/Cold temperature lights instead of a gauge, but I installed an actual temperature gauge that came stock in the 1961 Impala. Since these photos were taken, I have replaced the clock with a volt meter. The original clock is in the glove compartment.
After I purchased the car, (in 2008)the carit wasdisassembled completely. Metal supports were welded across the door openingsto maintain thestructural integrity. Then thebody was removed from the frame. The frame and suspension parts were blasted and painted black. All newsuspension bushings and ball joints were installed, and new rear springs were installed to restore proper ride height. The entire body and all body panels, (fenders, hood, trunk lid, doors, and many small parts) were all media blasted. The body and all body parts were sprayed with a self etching primer, and then it went to the welding shop for all the metal repair, including new inner and outer rockers, floor pans, floor braces, trunk pans, trunk drop down extensions, lower quarters, etc. From there it went to the paint shop, where finish body work was completed and then painted. The car has been painted with urethane base coat / clear coat, (the best), and the color is 2010 Hyundai Cotton White, (a nice vintage vanilla white for a nicevintage convertible).The dash, and all the red metal parts have been painted 2010 Ford Bright Red (code E-4). and then finally it came back to me for re-assembly.
When I ordered the complete new interior, I told them not to put in that silver piping that normally comes on the SS seat covers and door panels, red piping is there instead. The car has new tuxedo carpet and nice red seat belts, front and rear. The window cranks are from a 1960 Impala, they have a nicer vintage look. I have installed a nice set of vintage 14 inch Crager SS Mags, I like these much better that the 1962 wheel covers. Dual antennas have been installed. The results are what you see in the photos.
The motor is a re-built (pistons .030 over) 327. I installed valve covers from a 1960 Impala, (I like the "Chevrolet Script") on them. A rebuilt Rochester 2 barrell carburetor gives this car great drivability and fuel economy. It goes down the road very smooth and quiet, no hesitation, and when you stop at a red light you would not think there is a motor in the car. It has all new single exhaust.I installed a new self regulating alternator, but a nice generator and new voltage regulator come with the car, soif you likeyou can re-install these if you want to bring the charging system back to original. The transmission is a rebuilt cast iron powerglide. An external transmission cooler has been installed. The rear end is a rebuilt open carrier 3:08 ratio, great for cruising. New gas tank. All new braking components, lines, hoses, wheel cylinders, shoes, drums turned and a dual line master cylinder has been added for extra safety. The power steering control valve and slave cylinder have been rebuilt, and the power steering works excellent. Even the radio works, with both front and rear speakers. The top is new, with new hydraulic cylinders, but the top has some wrinkles in it,most likelydue to my lack of experience in installing convertible tops. (this was the 2nd one I had ever done). I wasn't concerned at the time, it is a good solid installation and it works great. I'm sure a good top shop could eliminate the wrinkles, but I was planning on driving itwith the top down most of the time anyway, and it just wasn't that big a deal to me. The car has all new weather-stripping anda new red parade boot as well.
The car is not perfect, the bumpers are of good driver quality and there are a couple of very minor dings in the paint and on a couple of trim pieces, but this car looks stunning and runs excellent. I have been at this hobby for quite some time, and this car is one of the best ones I have ever done.Many people at local car shows and soft serve places have commentedvery positively about it. This car needs nothing to drive and enjoy right now. The car is currently registered, and I encourage anyone who is interested to come and see it.
I have added some photos of the car at the paint shop, with all the metal work done.
There are a lot of extra parts that come with the car. Most, if not all, of the original SS trim is included, but would need to be restored or replaced.(see photos). With all the time and money I have into this car, who ever ends up with it should be very happy. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at413-539-9769 (before 8:00 PM EST) and ask for Dave.