I have owned the Impala since June of 2025. Here is a list of what I have done to the car so far. First thing was an all-new front suspension. with all new shocks front and rear with new rear coil springs.
Then a completely new dual exhaust system from motor to tail pipes. Also replaced was the cast iron power glide trans with a TH200 4R transmission from a 1986 Grand National Buick. Once that was done, I had Dr. Reardone (Tom Merring) build me a 336 Posi rear to replace the original open 308 factory one.
Then I moved on to the factory power plant, a 170 HP 283 SB. I bought a 1967 327 that once belonged to Jim Krous and completely rebuilt the motor. Everything was either refurbished or replaced. Now was the time to concentrate on the interior. I found out that 1962 Impala SS Convertibles have a special interior and only one company make exact replacements. They are in Arizonia and not cheap.
So, once I got them made, I had my interior guy install them, they are beautiful. Because this is a SS car, I decided it deserved the optional padded dash. I bought an original main piece padded section from Mark Mercury and the smaller section on E-bay. It needed to be recovered, so I was able to buy the right grained vinyl from Luttys and recover it. I also recovered the front door arm rest. the carpets were next. I was able to get the right ones from Luttys and installed them over Hush floor padding. The door panels were in good shape, but very faded from sun exposure, so I dyed them along with the sun visors. They look like new.
I removed the aftermarket below dash radio and install an in- dash version that is very similar to the original. I also installed a full set of gauges. The last thing I have done is relocate the battery to the trunk.
I forgot to mention, I replaced all four tires that looked like new, but in reality, were 24 years old and harder than woodpecker lips. One other thing, I just remembered, sometime during this car’s life someone had the hood undercoated. It took me over a week and lots of scaping to remove it and repaint and insulate it along with new hood springs.
I still have things I want to do to this car before I’m done. They will be next year’s project. God willing.