Hopper
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Loc: New Jersey
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 06-12-12 12:34 PM - Post#2236258
Hello all,
I have a 65 Chevy Impala convertible with an automatic trans with a console on the floor. I was ordering the wiring harness's from Autowire in NJ and explaining that my dash has the warning lights (OIL/TEMP/VOLTAGE cluster on the left side of the dash. The rep who was very helpful stated that the Chevy Impala's that came with a console shift did not come with the warning lights and had gauges instead. So I ordered the harness for the one without gauges. The car has the correct vin number that matches an (SS).
My questions are this:
Did the Chevy Impalas with a console shift only come with gauges and the column shift only came with the warning lights.
Does having the (SS) package make any difference in this. I believe from what I've read so far that the (SS) package was an appearance package and came on many Chevy vehicles.
Where can you find or locate the build sheet for your car. I have not been able to locate the build sheet anywhere and I'm not dropping the gas tank any time soon to look on top. Is there an online reference.
Thank you
David
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leon phelps
Valued Contributor
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06-12-12 01:03 PM - Post#2236268
In response to Hopper
build sheet may be under seats or under seat covers.
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 427SS65
"9th Year" Platinum Supporting Member & Moderator
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06-12-12 01:52 PM - Post#2236286
In response to leon phelps
David, all Super Sports have a console and gauges, with bucket seats in the front. There were a few SS cars built with consoles and a column shifter (3 speed manual).
If you have an actual SS (you say you do as the VIN number is correct?), someone before you must have removed the console and changed the dash pad. More correctly, the SS is an actual model, not an option.
Check the cowl tag to determine the body style. I don't want to suggest anything fishy here!
Some owners have found broadcast sheets inside the front seat vinyl on the backrest, others under the rear seat cushion, some others under the rear carpet.
There are lots of articles in my Reference Materials section at the top of the 65-66 Full Size forum.
Good luck in your quest for the truth!
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Hopper
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06-12-12 04:27 PM - Post#2236361
In response to 427SS65
Hello,
The vin number starts with (16667)which is for an Impala SS 8 cylinder 2 dr convertible. Correct me I'm wrong.
Dave
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Hopper
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06-12-12 04:36 PM - Post#2236363
In response to 427SS65
Here is a tad more information. It appears 65 is a toss up and may have been an appearance package also. The VIN decode below states the car is an ss.
I will check the cowl in a little bit.
1 Line Chevrolet
66 Series Impala SS 8 Cyl.
67 Body Convertible 2-Door
5 Year 1965
Y Assembly Wilmington, DE
Series: Impala SS
In 1961, the Impala SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it has often been an appearance package only. The Impala's SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package, beginning with the high-performance 348 in³ (5.7 L) engines (available with 305, 340, and 350 hp (230, 255 and 260 kW)) or the new 409 in³ (6.7 L), which was available with up to 425 hp.
The package also included upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Starting in 1962, the Impala SS could be had with any engine available in the Impala, right down to the 235 in³ 135 hp inline-6. With one exception, from this point until 1969, the SS was an appearance package only, though the heavy-duty parts and big engines could still be ordered. From 1962 on, Super Sports were limited to the hardtop coupe and convertible coupe exclusively.
The exception was the Z24 option package available in combination with the standard Z03 Super Sport package. Starting in 1967, through 1969, buyers of Z24s Impalas got cars badged as "SS427" models. The SS427 included heavy duty suspension and other performance goodies, as well as a Turbo-Jet 427 in either L36 or L72 variations. Special SS427 badging inside and out were the rule, but few were sold, since muscle car enthusiasts were looking toward big-block intermediates like the Chevelle SS396 and Plymouth Hemi Roadrunners, which were lighter and subsequently faster off the line. Interestingly, Z24 cars could be ordered without the Z03 SS package, which meant SS427 equipment but no bucket seats or center console.
The Impala SS could be identified by SS emblems on the rear fenders and trunk lid. The Impala SS became its own series (separate model rather than an option package) for 1964. In 1968, the Impala SS once more became an option package rather than having its own model. 1967 and 68 SS427s got a special domed hood and body emblems, and the '68 featured gills on the front fenders in front of the wheel opening, possible to remind people of its Corvette cousin. In 1969, the Impala SS was only available as the Z24 (SS427), coming only with a 427 in³V8 of 390 or 425 hp. This was the final year for the Impala SS until 1994.
Another plus is that the 1969 Impala SS was the last year it came with the Z24 SS 427 but the only year where front disc brakes became standard equipment, along with 15 inch wheels, which made the 69 SS427 better then its older brother the '68 SS 427 Impala. Although the 427 was replaced by the 454 Turbo-Jet V8 in 1970, the SS option was gone. Thus the 1969 Impala SS427 got the best of both worlds, which is why it is so valuable today.
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leon phelps
Valued Contributor
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06-12-12 05:31 PM - Post#2236389
In response to Hopper
check the cowl tag. car is 45 plus years old, lots of changes by owners were possible.
it will look like this...
Edited by leon phelps on 06-12-12 05:33 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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427SS65
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06-12-12 10:07 PM - Post#2236476
In response to Hopper
Dave, I can assure you, a 65 SS was not a trim option, but rather a model. You could buy an plain Impala, or an Impala SS. No mix and match!
Edited by 427SS65 on 06-13-12 10:23 AM. Reason for edit: remove 66 reference
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 aawtech
American Autowire "Site Sponsor"
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06-13-12 06:11 AM - Post#2236539
In response to Hopper
The rep at our facility told you correctly. ALL SS cars had a Console and Buckets with factory gauges.... no exceptions. ALL standard Impalas had Column Shift and a Bench seat with idiot lights..... no exceptions.
What is the serial number on your car? That will tell you if it is a real SS car that someone swapped out the gauges (not very likely) or if it is an standard Impala that someone cobbled a console into the car (more likely the case).
Donny
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 Fossil_Fuel
Silver Supporting Member
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06-13-12 08:17 AM - Post#2236606
In response to aawtech
I know you two ( Donny & Tom)know what you are talking about but I think we should clarify for other readers that this SS/gage discussion is for 1965 only.
ALL 1965 SS cars had a Console and Buckets with factory gauges.... no exceptions
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ImpalaDave
Member
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Loc: Huntley, Illinois
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06-13-12 09:28 AM - Post#2236635
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Thanks for that Craig.
I was starting to wonder about my '66
Dave
| 1966 Willow Green Impala SS 327 |
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427SS65
"9th Year" Platinum Supporting Member & Moderator
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06-13-12 09:30 AM - Post#2236636
In response to ImpalaDave
I didn't mean to lump the 66's in with the 65's!
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ImpalaDave
Member
Posts: 260
Loc: Huntley, Illinois
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06-13-12 10:05 AM - Post#2236653
In response to 427SS65
I understand Tom...
After all they are very close in design.
But we all know the '66 is more beautiful and desirable.
Uh Oh!...I better shut up...we don't want to go down that road again...
Sorry guys...I just had to...
Back to the topic...
| 1966 Willow Green Impala SS 327 |
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Hopper
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Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 10:06 AM - Post#2236654
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Hello all,
How do you decipher the tag on the fire wall. How do you get a photo to post with this statement as well. Below is from the tag on the fire wall.
04C BW2223 BODY
ST 65-16667 J A PAINT
TR 815E
1011
Thanks again Dave.
Dave
Edited by Hopper on 06-13-12 10:14 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Fossil_Fuel
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06-13-12 10:16 AM - Post#2236660
In response to 427SS65
I know you were referring to '65 only but it just got lost as you read through the post. Thought it best to clarify.
This discussion brings up an interesting point. I think that 1965 was the ONLY year that the Impala SS package (SS model or option depending on the year) included the gages. I believe that in all other years the factory gage package was an option or not available at all.
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Hopper
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06-13-12 10:34 AM - Post#2236668
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Interesting,
I keep finding all different stories on this on the internet.
From what I've seen and from the car shows I have been too. It appears that the 65 was the bastard child for some reason.
Thx Dave
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aawtech
American Autowire "Site Sponsor"
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06-13-12 12:21 PM - Post#2236712
In response to Fossil_Fuel
That is a 100% true statement Craig. The 66 and later cars, that is not so. In 1966, gauges could be had in any SS or Caprice with BUCKETS only, and gauges could be ordered in ANY 8 cylinder 1967 or 68 full sized car regardless of the model or bench/buckets.
Donny
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aawtech
American Autowire "Site Sponsor"
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06-13-12 12:22 PM - Post#2236714
In response to Hopper
16667 is a SS car. No exception. What is the serial number? It should also start off with 166675.
Donny
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Hopper
Forum Newbie
Posts: 84
Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 01:00 PM - Post#2236721
In response to aawtech
Hello Donny,
Yes the numbers are correct. I heard that its not cool to post your VIN number to the public since in certain states it does not take much to go out and get a registration for it.
Can you e-mail me privately. I also don't know how to e-mail you directly either yet sorry to say. I checked the VIN when I got the car and its a 65 SS and the block numbers also come up correct.
It has a console with bucket seats and all the ss tags and emblems. It has a vacuum gauge along with the warning lights. Below is part of the VIN number.
166675Y
Thanks
Dave
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Fossil_Fuel
Silver Supporting Member
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06-13-12 01:05 PM - Post#2236724
In response to aawtech
If I interpret correctly up above he sated his VIN starts with:
1 Line Chevrolet
66 Series Impala SS 8 Cyl.
67 Body Convertible 2-Door
5 Year 1965
Y Assembly Wilmington, DE
So this also looks to verify a 65 SS. Very odd that someone would swap out gages for idiot lights.
I would like to see pictures of that (and the wiring mess)
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Hopper
Forum Newbie
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Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 02:20 PM - Post#2236751
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Hey Donny,
This is where it get interesting. I have been under the dash and it is 47 year old wiring!!!. I keep looking all over the place and seeing articles on how the SS was an appearance package that would explain this. I know everyone keep saying different but I see all over the internet on how that is not true and it was an appearance package for the 65's.
Here is a useful link in the mean time.
http://www.drivinithome.com/gm-body-tag-decoding/
Thanks Dave
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Hopper
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Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 02:33 PM - Post#2236755
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Below is from Wikipedia: If someone could find me documentation that clearly states one way or the other I would really appreciate it. My Chevy friends all stated that it was an appearance package and came with gauges or warning lights and a vacuum gauge.
Thanks Dave
Impala SS (1961–1969)
In 1961, the Impala SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it often has been an appearance package only. The Impala's SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package, beginning with the 348-cubic-inch (5.7 L) V8 engines available with 305 horsepower (227 kW), 340 horsepower (250 kW), and 350 horsepower (260 kW) or the new 409-cubic-inch (6.7 L) V8, which was available with up to 425 horsepower (317 kW). Unlike all other years, the 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala, including sedans and station wagons (the sales brochure shows a 4-door hardtop Sport Sedan with the SS package). The package also included upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Only 142 '61 Impala Super Sports came from the factory with the 409, making it a most rare and desireable collectible. Starting for the 1962 model year, the Impala SS was an appearance package limited to hardtop coupe and convertible coupe models, available with all engines in the Impala series starting with the base 235-cubic-inch (3.9 L), 135 horsepower (101 kW) inline-6 through 1967, though the big-block engines and heavy-duty parts could still be ordered. In 1967–69, an additional model, the SS427, was available.
1964 Impala SS Hardtop Sport Coupe
1966 Impala SS Sport Coupe
The Super Sport was known as Regular Production Option (RPO) Z03, from 1962–63, and again in 1968. 1962–64 Super Sports came with engine-turned aluminum trim, which was replaced by a "blackout" trim strip in '65 which ran under the taillights. 1965 Super Sport exteriors differed only slightly from regular Impalas. Rocker panel trim was deleted. "Super Sport" scripts replaced the "Impala SS" badges. The new center console housed a rally-type electric clock, and full instrumentation now included a vacuum gauge. A total of 243,114 Impala SS coupes and convertibles were built for 1965.
The 1966 Impala SS was face-lifted with a revised grille and new triple rectangular taillights that replaced the triple round units. A chrome beltline strip shared with regular Impalas was added in response to complaints about door dings on the clean-lined 1965s. Inside were new Strato bucket seats with thinner and higher seatbacks, and a center console with an optional gauge package available. Sales of the 1966 Impala SS dropped by more than 50% to around 117,000 units; this was mainly due to the sport/performance car market switching from full-sized models to intermediates (including Chevy's own Chevelle SS396 and Pontiac GTO), along with the emerging market for the even smaller pony car market created by the Ford Mustang in 1964 that Chevrolet would respond to with the Camaro for 1967.
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427SS65
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06-13-12 02:41 PM - Post#2236761
In response to Hopper
I don't think Dave understands! 
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Hopper
Forum Newbie
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Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 03:05 PM - Post#2236769
In response to 427SS65
Ok  Explain.
Dave
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nicke
Contributor
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06-13-12 03:16 PM - Post#2236773
In response to Hopper
We promise you that in 1965, the SS was a model, not a "package", like it was in later years, regardless of what you might have seen and heard. The guys weighing in on this are the experts and you wont find more knowledge on a 65 impala SS than you will right here.... This forum is where mis-information goes to die ;-)
-Nick
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Hopper
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06-13-12 03:33 PM - Post#2236777
In response to nicke
Ok I will take your word on it. I see it every where else and mine is a 65 ss with the warning lights and vacuum gauge. I totally understand what your saying. I just don't understand why all thee sites including the one i posted from Wikipedia are all incorrect.
I doubt someone would go through pulling out an ss dash to put in a an ss dash though.
Thx Dave
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Fossil_Fuel
Silver Supporting Member
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06-13-12 04:08 PM - Post#2236785
In response to Hopper
Dave,
Some of what you hear is just interpretation or wording. The fact is that in the years of 64 thru 67 inclusive the impala SS was its own product model. This means it has its own unique sequence in the VIN just like a Belair is different from the Impala. In the other years the SS was an option. One of the point that you are confusing is the definition of an appearance or performance package, it does not matter for this discussion. True that 61 was the only true performance package for the SS since all the other years you could get a variety of engine choices. This is not the issue with your car though. The fact is that the buckets, console, and gages came with the SS model in 65, just like all Impalas came with three taillights, it was part of that models standard equipment. This was different over the years and why you need the Impala experts here to help you.
Most of the other Chevy experts including your friends I'm sure are experts in other models so keep asking here if you want the correct answer.
We will enjoy digging into this with you to find the answer so don't get discouraged by all the questions back to you.
Edited by Fossil_Fuel on 06-13-12 04:17 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Hopper
Forum Newbie
Posts: 84
Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 08:02 PM - Post#2236911
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Ok. Ohh and there was a misspelling on the earlier post I placed. I meant to say why would anyone take an (SS) dash out and replace it with a non (ss) dash.
Thanks again to everyone's help on this. It is an odd thing considering everything from the block number/ Vin and firewall tag match to an SS.
On another note. Is there any way to get the build sheet without having to look into every nook and panel in my 65.
Thx Dave
Edited by Hopper on 06-13-12 08:19 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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aawtech
American Autowire "Site Sponsor"
Posts: 3736
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06-13-12 08:21 PM - Post#2236918
In response to Hopper
Dave, Sorry, but your car cannot be an SS with lights. There is no dash print to make that harness. It does not and never did exist. Send a picture of the dash to don.bock@americanautowire.com and let me see what you actually have in there.
Donny
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aawtech
American Autowire "Site Sponsor"
Posts: 3736
Loc: Bellmawr, NJ
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06-13-12 08:24 PM - Post#2236921
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Except for 69 Craig as ALL SS cars were 427-390 or 427-425 cars. No SS package otherwise. Also, the SS wa a performance pkg (Z24 -SS427) and could be had with a column shift bench seat deal.
Donny
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Hopper
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Loc: New Jersey
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06-13-12 08:24 PM - Post#2236922
In response to aawtech
Hey there Donny,
How do you get my pictures from FLKR to here?? I have been trying for a while now.
Thanks Dave
Edited by Hopper on 06-13-12 08:38 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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