I_drive_chevy
Contributor
Posts: 245
Reg: 08-21-11
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06-22-12 12:56 AM - Post#2240053
As much as I love the 1961-1964 Chevrolet Impala cars the history behind the cars I enjoy just as much. Around what time period did people start restoring them. I'm sure some here that knew these cars were possible history in the making type. If people could give me around what years people started realizing that these cars were going to be part of our history, and start restoring these cars.
I know some dislike the low rider scene I think the Impala got popular with many people in the mid 70's (for that scene) These cars when built and made I'm sure we're not thought of as history in the making. Also the body style with any car went a big change in 1965. In my era the late 80's and 90's they were in songs and the car to have, as I mentioned some say 64 they think low rider. I was one of them because of my era. The fact these cars made it 45-50 years and some are still stock and not cut up amazes me. Not everyone of these was driven handfull years, than parked put away to be preserved. The more I read the more I want to know not just talking engines but the history of the cars that we enjoy. If anyone can give insight from diffrent point of views. As a teen I would have done what I call mistake now and customize the car. Now I respect the stock ones more than ever. Through the years people resisted in some cases cutting the car up or customizing it. The fact these cars lasted through the years in any shape or form customized or not is history.
Edited by I_drive_chevy on 06-22-12 01:05 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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leon phelps
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3018
Loc: Croydon Manor, PA
Reg: 06-04-05
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06-22-12 03:45 AM - Post#2240076
In response to I_drive_chevy
I blame it on rap videos. they all want a 6-4.
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 dcairns
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1530
Loc: Orange CA
Reg: 11-07-03
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06-22-12 06:13 AM - Post#2240102
In response to leon phelps
I got my 64 back in 82 as my first car. At the time it was a car that was not worth much, but just starting to get old enough to interesting again. I can recall finding out about Late Great Chevys club back then and the "new" business of selling parts for these cars. I can recall feeling like I did not quite fit in at the Late Great Chevy meets, as they were mostly a bunch of 'old' guys, and I was in my 20's (I guess I qualify as an 'old guy' now  ). I remember loving to just drive my 64 around, with no particular destination, just for the fun of driving it. I could still park it and not worry about it being there when I cam back.
Living here in Southern California, lowrider culture is all around, so not that strange to me. I recall striking up some friendships with some 'lowrider' guys with 64's, the shared passion for the cars broke down the usual walls. I still find this true.
I did some minor restoration to my 64 back in the 80's. Mostly mechanical stuff. Since I drove it everywhere, things were wearing out and breaking rather often. I also wanted more power, so the original 283 was replaced with a 383. Even in the 90's I was thinking about a 500+ cubic inch Merlin block for the Impala. When I finally did the restoration in 2009-11, I found myself wanting it very much stock, with a few modifications hidden away  .
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 Bubble
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 37
Loc: Vermont
Reg: 04-01-11
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06-22-12 08:19 AM - Post#2240143
In response to I_drive_chevy
I finally got my first '61 in '91. At that time, it seemed to me that I must be the only person in the world interested in 61's. I would go all over to car shows and swap meets and never see a car or find any parts. It was just like they didn't even exist. All the magazines and TV shows seem to focus on Camaro's Chevelle's and the likes, never giving a nod to the full size Chevy's. At one point I had purchased every '61 I had ever seen in person, for a total of 3. Now through the internet I see that a lot of people are infected with the same sickness. Maybe they were there all along and I was just unaware, living my sheltered little life in Vermont.
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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06-22-12 08:29 AM - Post#2240148
In response to leon phelps
Agree to disagree. Lowriding had been around for a very long time before rap videos. I've been into lowriders since about '90, you didn't really start seeing in them in music videos on mtv till a few years later.
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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Mad Joe
Contributor
Posts: 391
Loc: Wichita Falls, Tx.
Reg: 05-09-07
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06-22-12 08:58 AM - Post#2240159
In response to I_drive_chevy
Let me throw in my take. I grew up with these cars when they were new. Got my '64 in '67 and it was bone stock. I sold it a couple of years later and didn't own another one until I bought a '64 SS off the original little ole lady owner in '78. I would say this was about the time they started drawing interest.
My opinion is they came into the spotlight because the Tri Five (55-57) Chevies were getting out of sight on pricing. Back then, few wanted a 58 and prices were cheap. Same could be said about the rest of the Late Greats as well.
I believe it was in the 80s the the Late Great Chevy club started. I was a member for a few years. As time has gone on, the prices of the late Greats have gone up nicely.
Remember when No One wanted 4 doors on these cars? That was the case 25 years ago. No so today.
Edited by Mad Joe on 06-22-12 08:59 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6084
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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06-22-12 09:10 AM - Post#2240161
In response to I_drive_chevy
thank the 409 motor
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
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64 impala ss
Contributor
Posts: 169
Reg: 02-03-10
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06-22-12 09:40 AM - Post#2240167
In response to I_drive_chevy
I got my '64 in 1968 to replace a '56 Bel Air I hated at the time (wish I had it now). At the time I wanted a "newer" car. Found the SS on a used car lot. The salesman claimed it was a one owner, owned by an elderly man who had to quit driving. I was never able to verify that claim, however it was still bone stock at the time. It only had 21,000 miles on it. I drove it stock for several years before deciding to add 8 track player, more speakers, crager ss wheels, bigger tires, jack up the rearend, added 4 speed (was powerglide originally) and go to bigger engine. As I got older I kept thinking about how the car would look if I went back to stock. I had kept the powerglide, OE engine, wheels, and anything else I had removed or replaced. After the car was rearend in a parking lot by a drunk one evening, I parked the car in my yard where it stayed for about 6 years. After that long sitting in the yard, I thought I needed to either sell it or get it fixed and running again. The urge to sell was the greatest but the attachment to it, caused me to fix the accident damage and get it running. Thinking it would be easier to sell that way. After having all the work on it done, I decided I would keep it. About 4 years ago I made the decision to restore it to stock. That's what I working on at this time. I know it doesn't compare to today's vehicles in performance, mileage, ride etc. but being almost 50 years old, I think it is a beautiful piece of automotive history which deserves to be protected from the salvage yard.
Dale
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 62chevy427
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1499
Loc: laurens sc
Reg: 04-13-06
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06-22-12 09:59 AM - Post#2240178
In response to leon phelps
they aint getting mine. it won't go anywhere until i,m 6 foot under,lord willing.
56 bel air ((since 2002)
62 impala ss (since 1965)
65 el camino (since 1969)
66 nova (since 1987)
67 malibu convertible (since 1981)
72 el camino ss454 (since 1985)
83 gmc 4wd (since 1991)
95 impala (new)
11 malibu (new) |
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 1963SBHD
"3rd Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 133
Loc: south carolina
Reg: 09-01-11
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06-22-12 11:17 AM - Post#2240193
In response to 62chevy427
Always liked the lines of the 62, but hated the dash for some reason but loved the 63 lines and interior. Pretty sure it was the 63 409 wagons that were drag raced at the local drag strip by the late Mr. Jenkins. The opportunity came to buy a 63 wagon, white with red interior, from the son of the first owner, 327 powerglide built in Atlanta GA. It had 30,000 original miles when I got it, about 47000 now after 12 years of ownership. Upgrades are for drivability and safety, some bling but mostly stock. Like the way it sits, censored up nose down, and the thumbs up from all who see it. Also like the car show folks " my dad had one just like it, except it was blue and a ford". Gotta laugh, but I understand car show speak...and we bat the breeze about growing up in the 50's 60's. Lynn can travel coast to coast with style and comfort, throw a sleeping bag in the back and follow the road signs. Smith and Wesson car alarm also comes with the car. Love the fact they make parts for her as some things are starting to wear out.
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BG64SS409
Contributor
Posts: 568
Loc: Edmonton,Alberta Canada
Reg: 05-03-08
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06-22-12 11:45 AM - Post#2240199
In response to 1963SBHD
My grandparents had a white 64 4door with blue interior when I was a kid.. my cousin wrote that one off.. that planted the seed, Cheech and Chong up in smoke just made me want one more, then my Dad married into a family where my new Uncle had a white w/red interior AND a 409..
Done deal...paid a buck for it in '88, rebuilt it completely just a few years ago..
Brett
64SS Impala,Original documented numbers matching 1 of 36 Canadian made SS409 340hp/PG
2013 Callaway Suburban, supercharged 450hp |
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DJ63
Contributor
Posts: 327
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Reg: 04-23-02
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06-22-12 02:08 PM - Post#2240227
In response to 62chevy427
When I was a teen in the 90s one of the neighbors down the road had a black 63 convertible, I was hooked ever since. In 2001 I bought my 63 Convert and she’s been with me ever since. I love the lines, just way different from the 64,62, 61.
1963 Impala Convertible:
Power Brakes, Factory A/C, Power Windows, Power Vent Windows, Power Bench Seat, Tilt and a whole lot of money and time on what one would still consider a project.
2010 GMC Sierra-Lifted
2013 Mercedes E350 Coupe |
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 DZAUTO
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6999
Loc: Mustang, OK, USA
Reg: 12-25-99
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06-22-12 02:12 PM - Post#2240228
In response to BG64SS409
Of that era, my all time favorite is the 61 SS409. And it hasn't changed since for me. About 2yrs ago, I thought I was finally going to get to buy a 61 283/2bl 3sp Impala that I've bee drooling over for 25+yrs. I thought the guy was finally going to sell it to me. Didn't happen. If I got it, the plan was to start off with a healthy SB400, until I could find ANY kind of 409 to build (even a truck 409 would be fine). It was going to get a Muncie and a 3.08 posi as well as SS badges. I was pretty disappointed when the guy backed down. Oh well ------------------------- - 
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kingkreeton
Contributor
Posts: 458
Loc: Wilmington NC
Reg: 04-15-11
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06-22-12 03:38 PM - Post#2240248
In response to I_drive_chevy
First time I saw one that was restored, I wanted one. It only took me 14 years to get one.
Shane
64 Impala SS: 350 4 speed |
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Carl1962
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 581
Loc: Australia
Reg: 04-01-10
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06-22-12 04:51 PM - Post#2240264
In response to kingkreeton
My love for them comes from a different angle, I read an article about Norm Beechey, who raced a 62 4 door pillarless Impala 409 here in Australia in the early 60's. This must have been about 1979 when I just started high school and the article featured many photos and a great story. I never saw him race it in the flesh (I was born in 66), but there are now videos taken from super8 film.
I wanted one from then on and actually found a white 62 4 door pillarless RHD Impala with 283 PG in a car yard in 1986 for $2,800. I thought the yard wanted too much for it because the motor was a bit smokey, but the 265 rears and 245 fronts and the lowered stance were exactly what I wanted. I reluctantly passed on the deal but on the drive home in my crappy Holden ute, I changed my mind and rang him back. He told me that as soon as I left another kid came in and put a $10 holding deposit on it while he tried to get a bank loan. I missed out.
All my mates in the 80's were into old 50's & 60's Holdens and Chevys here in Aus, so I reckon that's when interest started to push prices up a bit. But mostly everyone lusted after 55-57 Chevy's and when their prices went balistic, they started looking each side to the 49-54's and 58-64's.
I bought a 58 Caddy instead and after 2 years and no idea of where to get parts down under, I sold it and went back to Holdens. It was another 24 years before I finally got the 62 SS Impala (I'm more into coupes now), but everything comes to those who wait and it is certainly a car worth waiting for now that it's history is also unfolding with the original owners being located.
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ImpalaSS62
Contributor
Posts: 149
Loc: England
Reg: 10-18-08
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06-23-12 03:06 PM - Post#2240552
In response to Carl1962
Here in England, my dad was a Hot Rodder, he has a '34 Ford Coupe and in the past had quite a few pro-street or stock Camaro's and Pontiacs. I got the bug growing up with him taking me to watch drag racing and riding in the cars to shows.
I love the cars he had and built, but the '58-'65 Impalas were MY THING
He brought me up watching movies like American Graffiti and Christine and 2 Lane Black Top and when I was 7 I wanted a "Christine" Plymouth Fury.
That may be another car I get one day, but I sought out my '62 with it's sexy lines, stance and raw power... it's as if I lived another life and owned one in the '60s and it was my "Christine" then... i'm 32 and don't beleive in past lives, but I always lusted after an Impala and it just feels "right" to have mine... Like while i'm driving it i'm in the right place!
My Fiancee loves old steel as much as me and wants our '62 to bring her to our wedding...
You can't sum it up more than that! 
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I_drive_chevy
Contributor
Posts: 245
Reg: 08-21-11
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06-23-12 04:41 PM - Post#2240578
In response to ImpalaSS62
Is hard to find Cars in england etc? Love the story's from everyone people said in the 90s you could get rust free ones for 2,000. I was into Regal's than still am have my first car it's my baby
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 64cv
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 647
Reg: 06-05-08
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06-23-12 06:54 PM - Post#2240609
In response to I_drive_chevy
The first Impala I saw restored was in the late 70's. It was a light green '62 hardtop with a white top, 4sp with a white ball shifter and Torque Thrust wheels.
It was baaad to the bone. It had a back seat for your buddies and a full size trunk for your tools and your beer. It was a REAL muscle car for REAL men before there was such a thing as Mustangs, Camaros, Torinos and Chevelles. It's probably why I have an Impala.
1964 was a real dividing line in 20th century history, far beyond cars. Vietnam was just warming up, few people knew what a hippy was, the civil rights movement was just hitting it's stride, the Beatles first toured America in February 1964. The biggest 1960's social upheavals were yet to come. The x-frame Impalas live in the time just before that.
I still wonder if I shouldn't have gotten Torque Thrust wheels for my Impala.
Brad
Life is an optimization problem; make the most of it!
'64 Impala Convertible, Blueprint 383, Tremec TKO 5sp, 4-wheel disc brakes. |
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 Black SD
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 892
Loc: TEXAS
Reg: 06-26-05
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06-23-12 07:56 PM - Post#2240624
In response to 64cv
I was in collge in 1966. A Freshman came with a 64ss cpe 327/300hp AUTOMATIC. We became good friends. As i didn't have a car we went everywhere in his ss. Being a poor college kid at the time, i promised myself one day i would have one. Time passed and i had a good job. 1972 i bought from the original owner a 64 ss convertable for the price of $400. Drove her home.
Over the next year i put on a new top and repainted the body. It's still in my garage and i drive it from time to time. Still has the original interior/door panels & carpet. I now have 8 64 ss impalas.
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I_drive_chevy
Contributor
Posts: 245
Reg: 08-21-11
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06-23-12 10:13 PM - Post#2240657
In response to Black SD
Both good story's they seem to be the 1st real muscle car, yet had good looking body and int. it amazing like the poster got his in the 70's still has it. I like how they made it through time like you guys pre Beatles pre civil rights do much was diffrent. To me these cars have a story tell right down to the men that worked in them. They were punching in than out never knew they were making history the upcoming generations to see. I could never read enough story's. Keep them coming and both those were good.
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BigCoop64
Senior Member
Posts: 529
Loc: Milwaukee,Wisconsin
Reg: 02-19-04
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06-24-12 06:00 AM - Post#2240693
In response to Black SD
Sounds like your a "Hoarder" Black SD. lol.  
1964 Impala
Original 283.030over
powerglide,edelbrock/holl y
Pete Jackson gear drive
HEI/msd 6al
2.25" exhaust w/50series flowmasters
other cars:2003 Monte Carlo LS
1996 Dodge Stratus
http://community.webshots.com/user/bigcoop64 |
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BigCoop64
Senior Member
Posts: 529
Loc: Milwaukee,Wisconsin
Reg: 02-19-04
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06-24-12 06:13 AM - Post#2240696
In response to BigCoop64
i first saw the 64 impala on the tv show "chico and the man" during the shows intro,when i was a kid,and was in love ever since.i was finally able to get one 25yrs later. 11years after that,she looks the way she is now. its not perfect,and has many flaws,but i can say i did alot of the work myself.it was a great father/son project that made my son want to have a classic american car rather than an import tuner.
1964 Impala
Original 283.030over
powerglide,edelbrock/holl y
Pete Jackson gear drive
HEI/msd 6al
2.25" exhaust w/50series flowmasters
other cars:2003 Monte Carlo LS
1996 Dodge Stratus
http://community.webshots.com/user/bigcoop64 |
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Tom_Kochtanek
Senior Member
Posts: 366
Loc: Columbia, Missouri, USA
Reg: 11-19-02
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06-24-12 07:06 AM - Post#2240714
In response to BigCoop64
I first heard the Beatles sing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" out the rear speaker of my Dad's 1962 Impala convertible (1964?). I was hooked at 13 years old!
Then in 1967 Dad purchased my first car, a 1961 Belair four door post. That's where I learned to work on cars (out of necessity!).
Fast forward 40 years and I stumble upon a 1961 Belair sport coupe originally with a 348. That honed my interested in the "W" engine. A few years later I purchased a 1962 SS off the original CA owner. Still have them both, one restored, one under restoration.
One of my other vehicles is a 1962 Belair sedan with a 409... Chevy runs deep!
Cheers,
Tom
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Axelrod
Senior Member
Posts: 876
Reg: 02-23-04
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06-24-12 07:41 AM - Post#2240721
In response to 64cv
1964 was a real dividing line in 20th century history, far beyond cars. Vietnam was just warming up, few people knew what a hippy was, the civil rights movement was just hitting it's stride, the Beatles first toured America in February 1964. The biggest 1960's social upheavals were yet to come. The x-frame Impalas live in the time just before that.
I still wonder if I shouldn't have gotten Torque Thrust wheels for my Impala.
Brad
Very well said and yes to the Torque Thrusts. They look great on the early 60's cars.
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Seon
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4954
Loc: Lake Camanche, CA
Reg: 07-14-02
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06-24-12 08:09 AM - Post#2240727
In response to I_drive_chevy
My experience, back in the day, the 40 Ford Coupe was the rage. I was driving a 31 Chevy 2 door sedan with a 427 and Muncie 4. The '55-57 were a dime a dozen. They were my wife and I daily drivers that were selling for $400-$500. Then the '62-'64 started to become popular. IMO the four-model years.'58 -'61 didn't really hit the scene until much later but low and behold look at the prices on the '58 &'59 now! The '60-'61 Bubble top are also bringing big bucks.
One model year I don't see much is the '61 wagon. Is it because they weren't popular back then and most went to the crusher?
Anyway, the next one we’ll see (if it hasn't already) that are still affordable and parts are still readily available are the '65-'69 Impalas.
The unfortunate thing is that, on the whole the "younger" generation aren't restoring classic Chevies or any classic. They're into Hondas and Toyotas that thy modify for street racing and are still able drive daily.
Just this old man's take
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VintageCarryall
Member
Posts: 1557
Loc: Arizona
Reg: 10-08-06
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06-24-12 09:21 AM - Post#2240746
In response to I_drive_chevy
Both good story's they seem to be the 1st real muscle car, yet had good looking body and int. it amazing like the poster got his in the 70's still has it. I like how they made it through time like you guys pre Beatles pre civil rights do much was diffrent. To me these cars have a story tell right down to the men that worked in them. They were punching in than out never knew they were making history the upcoming generations to see. I could never read enough story's. Keep them coming and both those were good.
Your post hit home for me on several levels. I'm from the Wash DC area originally and as a kid under age 10 I spent a few weeks in Charleston W Va each year (summer of course) in the mid 1960's with my grandmother and aunt . They had a 1963 Chevy Impala 2 door hardtop and my aunt used to take me places. Note my 'upbringing' in the DC area wasn't the best so I really cherish my memories in Charleston.
1994 Dodge Caravan SWB 3.3L V6
1962 Studebaker Lark 4 door 350 Chevy/TH350
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VintageCarryall
Member
Posts: 1557
Loc: Arizona
Reg: 10-08-06
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06-24-12 09:25 AM - Post#2240747
In response to Seon
My experience, back in the day, the 40 Ford Coupe was the rage. I was driving a 31 Chevy 2 door sedan with a 427 and Muncie 4. The '55-57 were a dime a dozen. They were my wife and I daily drivers that were selling for $400-$500. Then the '62-'64 started to become popular. IMO the four-model years.'58 -'61 didn't really hit the scene until much later but low and behold look at the prices on the '58 &'59 now! The '60-'61 Bubble top are also bringing big bucks.
One model year I don't see much is the '61 wagon. Is it because they weren't popular back then and most went to the crusher?
Anyway, the next one we’ll see (if it hasn't already) that are still affordable and parts are still readily available are the '65-'69 Impalas.
The unfortunate thing is that, on the whole the "younger" generation aren't restoring classic Chevies or any classic. They're into Hondas and Toyotas that thy modify for street racing and are still able drive daily.
Just this old man's take
Since cars tend to be close to the bottom of their value by the time they're 10-15 years old; us 'Old Folks' (I'll be 55 in a couple of months) would tend to gravitate towards stuff from ca. 1955-65. The young people today: it;s the same thing i.e. 1990-2000 Civics and Mitsu Eclipses.
1994 Dodge Caravan SWB 3.3L V6
1962 Studebaker Lark 4 door 350 Chevy/TH350
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WBrownIV
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 92
Loc: Arnold Mo.
Reg: 02-14-09
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 06-24-12 09:39 AM - Post#2240748
In response to Seon
For me, I had the good fortune to grow up with a 64 Impala SS. If I recall correctly, Mom and Dad got ours in 1968 when I was around 1. The story goes that Mom needed some ribbon and so we went to Sears on Grand Avenue in St. Louis ( some of you from these parts may remember this). Across the street was I believe Charlie's Chevrolet. While Mom and I are in Sears, Dad takes a stroll over to the "OK Used Cars" section and looks at an Ermine White/red interior SS. 283, PS,PB,Air conditioning etc. Dad falls in love with this car and before the day was over we were heading home in it. Mom has always said that was the most expensive ribbon she has ever purchased!
That car hauled us around until 1991 when it just plain wore out. It then went into storage for 9 years until I had a place of my own to park it. She now sits in my garage in very rough shape waiting for me to start on her. I know I would be money ahead starting with a better project but every time I think that, I remember riding around in the back not even able to look over the front seats. It's always been a part of my life, and I just can't picture it without this car.
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I_drive_chevy
Contributor
Posts: 245
Reg: 08-21-11
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06-24-12 03:12 PM - Post#2240846
In response to WBrownIV
That's one nice ribbon and if it means that much to you fix it memory's are forever you could pass the memory's and the ribbon one day. Hopefully you can get around to fixing you should know the car good so your step ahead there right. Let her sit when your read fix it and show us what it's all about story like yours.
By the way you guys aren't old 60s and 50s your young still and your enjoying a hobby you love plus you pass on much needs info to guys like me. Love the story's
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chevydave7
Forum Newbie
Posts: 27
Loc: N Y Long Island
Reg: 03-03-12
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06-24-12 10:20 PM - Post#2241019
In response to I_drive_chevy
I bought my '64 sport coupe in 1986. It was a true barn find. 37,000 miles with a 1969 New York State inspection sticker on the windshield. The PO bought it for a parts car, he took the hood, side aluminum mouldings, bumpers, taillights, cove mouldings, door handles, and rugs. Motor and trans are out, but I got 'em. This car is a true clean original 283 'glide, super straight black with red interior. Over the years, I've accumulated four '64 parts cars and a '64 SS four speed abandoned project. My black '64 has been sitting idle since I bought it. Thank you for starting this thread, it has got me motivated to start bolting it together. I certainly have enough parts to make it happen.
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