J C
Senior Member
Posts: 588
Loc: Orange Co. Calif
Reg: 04-17-04
|
01-17-22 07:27 PM - Post#2834749
Some 50 yrs ago I sold my 65 SS. Like most I truly regret it. Out side of a few trim pieces how do you tell the difference between a SS and an Impala.
| 69RSZ28
71 Chevelle
79 Silverado 24K mi. |
|
|
donzi544
Newbie
Posts: 23
Reg: 04-18-20
|
01-17-22 09:09 PM - Post#2834752
In response to J C
The VIN will tell you. The first 5 numbers on a 2 door hardtop SS will be 16637, for instance.
Seat upholstery? The SS has a Y pattern on the back of the seats. I wouldn't go by that though. Someone could have replaced the upholstery to look like an SS car.
Best to check the VIN.
Mike
65 Impala SS, 327 300hp, 4 speed |
|
 Gaspains
"8th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 472
Loc: Nomad based out of SD
Reg: 11-23-09
|
01-18-22 12:55 PM - Post#2834785
In response to donzi544
As Mike says, the VIN, on the front of the driver door opening, is the best proof.
Visually, there are other hints. Impalas have molding along the bottom of the side. SSs only came with bucket seats and a console. The rear molding on an SS has 3 black horizontal stripes while the Impala is a brushed aluminum. Some, but not all, SSs have the vertical bars in the grill blacked out giving the grill a more “horizontal and open” character.
Inside, the speedometer/gauge surround in an Impala is chromed while an SS has some areas in matte black. The dash trim in an Impala is wood grained. An SS has brushed aluminum.
Kevin
1965 Impala SS Coupe
Regal Red with Black Interior
L74 327
M-20
3.31 Open, 12 bolt
65-66 FSCC #512 |
|
 steve65
"7th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1084
Age: 64
Loc: Langley, BC
Reg: 09-25-13
|
01-19-22 10:01 PM - Post#2834896
In response to donzi544
My Canadian built '65 SS convert had the 16667 stamped on the top of rocker panel right underneath the sill plate on the drivers side (passenger side also?)
Steve
Steve Duncan
66 Impala 2dr Coupe
Sold, gone to a better home.
|
|
J C
Senior Member
Posts: 588
Loc: Orange Co. Calif
Reg: 04-17-04
|
01-21-22 02:27 PM - Post#2835003
In response to steve65
After I posted I remembered the vin. The exterior trim I was aware of except for the grill mod. Most of the interior I was aware of but didn't consider. The Y seats I did not notice. Wish I still had mine. I think it was fairly rare. Red on Red 327/300hp 4sp no power brakes, no A/C, no power steering. The only power besides the 300hp which was good at the time was it had power windows. Added posi at a later date. Also which I don't understand had 6 tail lights but no center back up lights. I've seen others like this. Also Calif cars had a chrome square oil filler cap. Tried to locate it a few years back but of course no luck.
| 69RSZ28
71 Chevelle
79 Silverado 24K mi. |
Edited by J C on 01-21-22 02:32 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
impalatom
Senior Member
Posts: 332
Loc: Florida
Reg: 03-17-01
|
01-21-22 03:32 PM - Post#2835006
In response to Gaspains
I seem to remember reading that the SS option in 1965 had the bucket seats but the floor shift, center console was optional. Anyone else ever heard of this?
Edit to clarify, I think above is incorrect, an SS could be ordered with column shift, then the console would have a block off pate covering the hole where the floor shifter would normally be located.
65 Impala SS convertible
2018 Silverado LTZ crew cab |
Edited by impalatom on 01-21-22 03:48 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
 BigDogSS
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5043
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
|
01-21-22 03:45 PM - Post#2835007
In response to impalatom
I seem to remember reading that the SS option in 1965 had the bucket seats but the floor shift, center console was optional. Anyone else ever heard of this?
ALL 1965 Impala SS's had bucket seats and console. On 3-speed manual cars, the shifter was on the column and the console was present with a blank plate where the shifter would be located.
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
|
Edited by BigDogSS on 01-21-22 03:45 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
BigDogSS
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5043
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
|
01-21-22 03:49 PM - Post#2835008
In response to J C
... Also Calif cars had a chrome square oil filler cap. ...
Non-breather oil cap. PCV was screwed in the side of the oil tube.
This was the RPO K24 - Closed positive engine ventilation. Require on all cars deliver to California in 1965.
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
|
Edited by BigDogSS on 01-21-22 03:50 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
impalatom
Senior Member
Posts: 332
Loc: Florida
Reg: 03-17-01
|
01-21-22 03:50 PM - Post#2835009
In response to BigDogSS
:shifty :
I was just modifying my post while you noted the correct information. Thanks, the memory is not as good asvit used to be.
65 Impala SS convertible
2018 Silverado LTZ crew cab |
|
1965SS327
Newbie
Posts: 24
Reg: 04-16-18
|
01-22-22 05:55 AM - Post#2835022
In response to BigDogSS
The 3 speed manual SS used the automatic console but had an ashtray installed in the shifter location not a blank plate
| One owner 65 SS 327 3 on the tree |
|
Oshawa65SS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1152
Age: 62
Loc: Grande Prairie AB & N...
Reg: 09-22-14
|
01-22-22 12:51 PM - Post#2835044
In response to 1965SS327
I've seen what looked like a blank plate before so you're saying it's an ashtray lid then?
Ryan
65 Impala SS Evening Orchid convertible 283 2V, PG, 10 bolt 3.08 open by PO, originally 3.36
Build date Dec. 21 '64 Oshawa |
|
Oshawa65SS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1152
Age: 62
Loc: Grande Prairie AB & N...
Reg: 09-22-14
|
01-22-22 12:57 PM - Post#2835045
In response to 1965SS327
Found a pic
http://www.2040-parts.com/1965-chevy-impala-sup er-...
Ryan
65 Impala SS Evening Orchid convertible 283 2V, PG, 10 bolt 3.08 open by PO, originally 3.36
Build date Dec. 21 '64 Oshawa |
|
1965SS327
Newbie
Posts: 24
Reg: 04-16-18
|
01-22-22 02:02 PM - Post#2835047
In response to Oshawa65SS
Yes, it is a flip open ashtray. It does look like a plate when closed
| One owner 65 SS 327 3 on the tree |
|
Gaspains
"8th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 472
Loc: Nomad based out of SD
Reg: 11-23-09
|
01-22-22 02:25 PM - Post#2835048
In response to Oshawa65SS
Nice find Ryan. First I've seen a picture of the delete.
Here's the ashtray to go with it: 3 speed console delete ash tray
These pictures are definitely keepers for my reference library.
Kevin
1965 Impala SS Coupe
Regal Red with Black Interior
L74 327
M-20
3.31 Open, 12 bolt
65-66 FSCC #512 |
|
 docjns1
"2nd Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 272
Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
|
01-23-22 05:48 AM - Post#2835075
In response to BigDogSS
this is absolutely correct as that's what my car is (with papers). The column shift 3spd m/t used the a/t console with a hinged block off plate that covers an additional ash tray. SS vins start with 166 for 8 cyl & 165 for 6 cyl in '65
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
|
docjns1
"2nd Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 272
Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
|
01-23-22 05:52 AM - Post#2835077
In response to BigDogSS
So mine is the L74 327/300 with the PCV off back of the block next to distrbutor and a plain oil fill tube with breather cap. I've seen both styles and not really sure why/what options are a determining factor there
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
|
docjns1
"2nd Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 272
Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
|
01-23-22 06:13 AM - Post#2835079
In response to J C
On my build sheet back-up lamps are listed as an option ( T86 ) although I've never seen a car without them!
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
|
BigDogSS
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5043
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
|
01-23-22 08:40 PM - Post#2835131
In response to docjns1
Cool car, Steve! Awesome that you kept the 3-speed and shifter on the column. I've only seen a few with this set up.
PCV: You have the "open" PCV system, as most cars were built, I believe the "closed" PCV (RPO K24) was required for all cars delivered to California. This was part the smog control required by the state.
The closed PCV system draws fresh air from the air filter housing. ... Consequently, excess vapor will be carried back to the air filter housing and from there into the intake manifold. The closed system prevents vapor, whether normal or excessive, from reaching the open atmosphere.
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
|
|
1965SS327
Newbie
Posts: 24
Reg: 04-16-18
|
01-23-22 09:22 PM - Post#2835138
In response to BigDogSS
In the late 70’s early 80’s we had so many arguments and complaints from people at car shows that our car could not be an original SS with a 3 speed, we almost changed it into a 4speed. Even acquired a 4 speed console and a steering column to make the swap. Luckily we stood our ground and kept the 3 speed. Even as a one owner car with every piece of original paperwork, most did not want to believe it because they all knew “everything”.
| One owner 65 SS 327 3 on the tree |
|
BigDogSS
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5043
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
|
01-24-22 10:11 AM - Post#2835155
In response to 1965SS327
That is awesome that you kept it a 3-speed. There was a time not that long ago that 3 speeds were not cool. I think they are super cool!! Plus built-in anti-theft!
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
|
Edited by BigDogSS on 01-24-22 10:12 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
G. Baker
Poster
Posts: 72
Loc: Ontario Canada
Reg: 12-18-15
|
02-08-22 11:08 AM - Post#2835888
In response to J C
I had a '63 SS Impala Convertible that came with 300/327. I put a '64 400/409 in it and then multiple t-10s and finally a Muncie.
I removed the backup Lights and had 3 reds on each side. It came without Windshield Washers!
Tried to add a photo of it but????
|
Tony1963
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1303
Loc: Orlando Florida
Reg: 07-09-18
|
02-08-22 11:35 AM - Post#2835892
In response to 1965SS327
In my 20s and early 30s, I ran into the same thing when I would take my vehicles to car shows. There was always some guy with his buddy. One would stand there and point to my car, say something to his buddy, his buddy would shake his head and nod.
One of these guys got my attention one time and I walked over, offered my hand and said that he appeared to be an expert on vehicles and restoration and I would like for him to show me his restored vehicle and techniques.
He said that he didn't own a classic car. Enough said.
|
dalescars
Newbie
Posts: 2
Reg: 03-11-18
|
02-08-22 11:51 AM - Post#2835894
In response to BigDogSS
|
Trailbum
Member #727 Longest Supporting Member "22nd. Year"
Posts: 2122
Age: 63
Loc: Woodland Park, CO
Reg: 11-06-00
|
02-09-22 07:28 AM - Post#2835935
In response to G. Baker
I had a '63 SS Impala Convertible that came with 300/327. I put a '64 400/409 in it and then multiple t-10s and finally a Muncie.
I removed the backup Lights and had 3 reds on each side. It came without Windshield Washers!
Tried to add a photo of it but????
I also removed the backup light lenses and added a third working tail-light on each side of my '63 Impala SS. It also doesn't have windshield washers and just has single speed wipers. No power steering, no power brakes, no tinted glass. As far as I can tell, the only options it came with were a powerglide transmission and the SS option.
I also had an "expert" at a car show, tell me it's not a factory SS because it doesn't have a 327 in it!!! 
| "They say men should get in touch with their feminine side.... Well, if I HAD a feminine side.. believe me, I'd be TOUCHING IT!!!" |
|
fsc66
Contributor
Posts: 805
Loc:
Reg: 05-05-12
|
02-09-22 07:57 AM - Post#2835936
In response to Trailbum
No such thing as an SS option in 65, SS was a model not an option. Can you post a pic of your trim tag?
Paul
|
gmike69
Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 10-22-09
|
02-10-22 10:57 AM - Post#2835995
In response to Gaspains
In 65, Buckets may have been the only way for SS. Not so in 67. My all original 67 SS came with Strato-Bench seat with 400 Turbo on Column and 396/325hp. This was a rare option for the Seats.
Mike T
67 Imp SS
57 B A 2dr Cpe
|
DOC396
"16th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 777
Loc: ohio
Reg: 06-10-04
|
02-17-22 05:23 PM - Post#2836457
In response to J C
Like the other reply, I have never seen a 65 Impala, SS or Caprice without reverse lights? They were optional on Biscayne and Bel Air. I will keep my eyes open at car shows now, that would be a rare find.
Edited by DOC396 on 02-17-22 05:23 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
Tony1963
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1303
Loc: Orlando Florida
Reg: 07-09-18
|
02-18-22 05:00 AM - Post#2836475
In response to gmike69
That 454 was another "rare option" in a 1978 Caprice, so I was told long ago...
|
|
Gain extra benefits by becoming a Supporting Member 
Attachment: 
