chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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08-04-23 08:59 AM - Post#2861103
In response to Gaspains
Thanks Kevin, appreciate the info. Have to say those lines sure do look spindly traversing across the diff.
On another note -- I'm getting ready to order a lower steering column "brass bushing" instead of a ball bearing. If anyone has had a negative experience making this change it would be great to hear of such.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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 08-18-23 05:37 PM - Post#2861691
In response to chlkorg
Deleted post! Asked a question that needed no answer as there was no issue to be solved. 
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
Edited by chlkorg on 08-19-23 06:08 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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10-04-23 11:27 AM - Post#2863098
In response to chlkorg
I'm needing an A/T console shift boot and there looks to be two options -- Classic Industries for $29 and all the other sellers ranging from $120-$200+ (not even NOS). Anyone know if there's an issue with the Classic Industries offering regarding fit on a '65 Impala? Might there be interchanges (no need to be 100% concourse ready as it's hidden and merely requires functionality)?
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
Edited by chlkorg on 10-04-23 11:27 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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 Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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10-04-23 03:14 PM - Post#2863100
In response to chlkorg
When u say “boot” you mean the 2-piece shift indicator bezel? All are Chinese and quality is spotty. Some come with chrome trim. First one I got was from classic-paint on reverse not great- ordered#2 with chrome trim from I5 Chevy- more expensive and better (but usually have good results with Classic)
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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10-04-23 03:36 PM - Post#2863101
In response to Magnetocheck
When u say “boot” you mean the 2-piece shift indicator bezel?
Thanks for the reply Bob. My need is the rubber boot that seals where the shifter passes through the floorpan. Appreciate the heads-up on the indicator bezels. Although mine are still in excellent condition it's good info to know. I may have the need for a conversion if I ever swap in a 200R.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
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Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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10-05-23 03:16 AM - Post#2863109
In response to chlkorg
Got it! Forgot about that little item out of sight. I thought about replacing mine when I re-did my console but didn't want to go through the hassle of pulling the shift linkage. Maybe that was a mistake -we'll see! 
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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 10-05-23 12:01 PM - Post#2863121
In response to Magnetocheck
I did a bit of sleuthing last evening and it looks like many of the generic (or even application specific) bellows style boots can be used by simply trimming off a few of the lower bellows. This is good news as it seems the $30 OER repros are not in stock anywhere. Difficult to justify spending $$$ on an unseen part when a $13-$25 will work and fit like a glove with little more than a trim-down.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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03-03-24 01:05 PM - Post#2867513
In response to chlkorg
On page 45 of the assembly manual it lists for the lower spring mount -- bolt, washer, lock washer, nut -- in that order. To me it looks like the washer is placed between the lower spring clamp and seat. If I didn't see this page I sure wouldn't have thought to placed it there. Would anyone like to confirm I am seeing correctly?
Btw, as per my previous post -- I purchased this boot and after trimming at the last bellow it fits as a very good replacement.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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03-12-24 11:31 AM - Post#2867877
In response to chlkorg
I'll post a few odds-n-ends pictures from my very slow progress. I'm very poor at picture documentation so haphazard is the word of the day.
While the frame and general structure were in relatively good condition the body was in much poorer shape than originally thought. If this weren't of sentimental value I most likely would have parted it out even considering its originality.
While not pictured, the numbers matching 327/300 has been completely overhauled by a friend at his machine shop (RCAutomotive), being stored there for safe keeping. I rebuilt the Powerglide about 20 years ago and it's been stored on a basement shelf since then.
Was able to get the frame finished up last summer. In the fall I completed the floor pans (pass foot-well & kicker, partial drivers foot-well & left rear pass under seat pan). Yeah, fabbed from sheet steel so the beads aren't perfect but quite passable considering I don't have a bead roller. 
Additional metal working included repairs to the inner and outer wheel wells along with the trunk floor braces. The Golden Star trunk floor pans (3 piece from Jegs) were of very good quality and fit. That said -- The inner rib of the left panel was off by about 1/2"-5/8" where it met the tail panel brace. Simply required shifting a 2" square section of the tail panel brace for proper alignment and is imperceptible. Had I noticed this before trimming the floor pan I'd have trimmed differently to include the offending rib.
Much of the sheetmetal work was completed late fall and was too cold even to prime so it was left raw. It's accumulated a little surface rust but nothing a little metal prep can't wipe off. I was able to prime the trunk and passenger interior. Since the underside of the vehicle was painted along with the frame I took advantage of one of those balmy winter days to marry the frame and body. Next couple days are supposed to be spring-like so I'll attempt to get the diff and front suspension installed.
*EDIT* -- Forgot to mention the rockers were in decent condition aside from the left rear section. Everything (except for the outer rocker) in the outlined area required replacement. That includes the inner rocker, outer member and floor brace. Each of these were fabricated from sheet steel in keeping with my cost conscious side.
My goal is to get this back on the road by late summer. Plan is to move out of Maryland to parts unknown as of yet by end of year and having it mobile will make this endeavor a bit easier.
Gallery link
  
  
  
  
  
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
Edited by chlkorg on 03-12-24 01:04 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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03-13-24 02:28 AM - Post#2867895
In response to chlkorg
Boy, lots of work! Congrats on all the progress. Looks good. Have to confess I'm a little nervous about the concrete block/ 4x4 setup in the pics. Looks a little dangerous if you're working under it.
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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03-13-24 09:05 AM - Post#2867910
In response to Magnetocheck
Thanks Bob.
Unfortunately I haven't had much time to work on it, typically only in spurts. As for the blocks -- There was absolutely no weight on the front sets considering it basically teetered on the rear. The rear were solid block with dual 4x4 supports. The rear was additionally supported by straps to the ceiling. I jumped around in, under, and on top of this for years and she never shifted. She's been off the blocks and on jack stands since January. I'll be heading out in an hour or so to install the diff
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
Edited by chlkorg on 03-13-24 09:06 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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03-13-24 10:07 AM - Post#2867912
In response to chlkorg
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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03-18-24 11:19 AM - Post#2868076
In response to chlkorg
Was thinking I'd morph this thread into a quasi build thread along with a place to hopefully have the inevitable questions answered. Given any luck it'll spur me to get her on the road in a timely manner (by the end of summer).
Diff install was completed over the weekend despite a Groundhog Day episode. Amazingly there were two times that I brainlessly lowered the diff from the jack prior to attaching the shocks. Needless to say the coil springs come unseated from the upper mounting positions requiring a partial disassemble each time for repositioning. Grrrrrrrr!
Hiding in one of those pictures you might spy a pair of 80's Sears Dynaglass bias-ply tires still mounted and holding air.
 
Figured I'd attach a snap of the primed trunk.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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04-02-24 02:00 PM - Post#2868538
In response to chlkorg
Finally got to trying my hand at home-brew parking. Seemed to go well. Two days and almost completed.
 
Took some time on a rainy day to bring back to life the spinner centers. Dug out some lacquer HOK Candyapple Vermillion top and silver base last used in 1985 and I think the color match is pretty good to original. Helping to keep me honest and low-budget.
 
Now waiting on weather to improve so the heavy work can resume.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
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chlkorg
Poster
Posts: 79
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 01-24-17
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05-09-24 11:29 AM - Post#2869690
In response to chlkorg
I recall a few years back running across Tom's Comprehensive Links for 65-66 resto and while browsing spied the lower fender attach details. At the time it was indicating '66 but I see now has been updated to include '65. Since I had to redo both of mine I figured I could add additional confirmation that it is universal between the two.
The only adds would be the hole for the j-nut/bolt looks to be 1/2" with a centerline 1/2" back from the inner edge. Original metal thickness measures a fat 16-gauge.
Ej
'65 Impala SS, 327/300/PG, Madeira Maroon/Black (still just getting started on stand-off resto) |
Edited by chlkorg on 05-09-24 11:32 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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