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Freeper help wanted - car question

Posted on 01/13/2007 3:06:28 PM PST by djf

OK I drove by it three days in a row. Finally, the snow stopped an I was able to read the 4sale sign.

It was a freakin steal. So now it's in my driveway. No pics (yet)

But my question is this: What could/should a fellow do when he's restoring a car? This one is in VERY good shape, I could easily put in on ebay and sell it in hours for much more than I paid.

Is there anything in particular that a guy SHOULDN'T do during a restoration?

The car is:

1966 Chev Impala 327 four door.

Any and all experience/tips with restorations appreciated!!


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To: djf

Take the engine out and put it in a Camaro;)


21 posted on 01/13/2007 4:46:19 PM PST by sodpoodle (Official Thread Nanny)
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To: djf
From your comments, I take it your Impala is a four door hardtop? Nice find. I have refurbed eleven antique tractors in the last four years but have been working on my family's 1924 Dodge Brothers business coupe. I just ordered and received four 33x4 Lester tires for the DB coupe yesterday ($999.64!). Unfortunately I just sold my shop and am having to look for another one right now. Your Impala's tires should not be near as costly as I what I had to give for the 24" tires but be prepared to spend lots of money in any restoration project.

While picking up a non-running 1955 Oliver tractor this summer, I found a 1974 Chevy Nova coupe for $400 in great shape, still running. I usually don't pay much attention unless a vehicle is built before 1970, but I ended up picking up the Nova for my brother who is now working on it.

Good luck with the Impala.

22 posted on 01/13/2007 4:59:30 PM PST by Muleteam1
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To: Muleteam1

Yup. 4dr hardtop. Paid less than 2K and will probably end up spending way more!

A buddy of mine used to have a 71 Nova SS. I drove it a couple times, that was one sweet ride!


23 posted on 01/13/2007 5:10:05 PM PST by djf (Democracy - n, def: The group that gets PAID THE MOST ends up VOTING THE MOST See: TRAGEDY)
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To: djf

Back in 1968, I looked at a beautiful 1964 Nova 2-door hardtop for $1800. Two years later I bought a '68 Nova (rally wheels, floor shifter and a 307 V8). I added a 4-barrel Holley that gave it a bit of punch. It was a nice car but I wish I had gotten that '64 and kept it. I think my brother wanted the '68 Nova too.


24 posted on 01/13/2007 5:19:50 PM PST by Muleteam1
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To: djf

LOL, You were born befor 1972 I am guessing.


25 posted on 01/13/2007 5:20:50 PM PST by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: djf

LOL, You were born after 1972 I am guessing.


26 posted on 01/13/2007 5:21:09 PM PST by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: djf

ignore #25


27 posted on 01/13/2007 5:21:47 PM PST by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: Muleteam1

I think the '68 was a cooler car. Just my opinion.


28 posted on 01/13/2007 5:22:54 PM PST by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: phoenix0468

Actually I was 12 yrs old when this car was made. I remember seeing the Impalas my whole life though, and couldn't resist.

I test drove a 2dr a couple years back, the interior wasn't as good as this one, the guy wanted almost 10K for it, and he didn't have the title (but said he could get it). So I walked.

Well, at least it'll keep me outa trouble working on it!


29 posted on 01/13/2007 5:28:42 PM PST by djf (Democracy - n, def: The group that gets PAID THE MOST ends up VOTING THE MOST See: TRAGEDY)
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To: xcamel

That looks like either a '67 or '68. The '66 Chevy had the first of the wrap around taillights, vacating the standard round taillights.


30 posted on 01/13/2007 5:29:42 PM PST by politicalwit (Freedom doesn't mean a Free Pass.)
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To: phoenix0468

Yes, I would take either the '64 or my old '68 nowadays. However, I always liked the '63 and '64 Chevys. Actually I would like to have the 1962 327 Corvette I was offered in 1972 for $1800! Just out of the service, I had $900 in my wallet, a new wife and no job. "Ain't" that the way it works?


31 posted on 01/13/2007 5:29:59 PM PST by Muleteam1
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To: djf

Now you have done it!

I wish I had never traded off my 1964 Chevrolet Super Sport Impala in 1965. It has leather seat, everything with 350 cu in engine with automatic tranny, A/C. Tan.

I am just a dumbass!


32 posted on 01/13/2007 5:34:22 PM PST by Sen Jack S. Fogbound
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To: Sen Jack S. Fogbound

It's gonna take a while to get used to holding the button down on the door handle to close it, otherwise it just pushes the button back up and stays unlocked.

Even right now I'm gettin nervous about parking it somewhere because jerks just love to key the crap out of old cars. Think that the paint job will be the last thing I do.


33 posted on 01/13/2007 5:39:42 PM PST by djf (Democracy - n, def: The group that gets PAID THE MOST ends up VOTING THE MOST See: TRAGEDY)
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To: djf

The reason I said that is because there were a lot of chevy's and I think pontiacs too that put the gas cap there in the 60's and early 70's. Makes me wonder how many housewives in those days ran out of gas because they couldn't find the gascap, and didn't have a way to call their hubbys. LOL.


34 posted on 01/13/2007 5:39:47 PM PST by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: phoenix0468

There were still service stations in those days.


35 posted on 01/13/2007 6:25:19 PM PST by SouthTexas (May you have a blessed and prosperous New Year.)
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To: djf
I'm kinda partial to 50's cars myself (here's mine)



Sounds like you got a heck of a good deal on yours - remember, you'll never get back the value of what you'll be putting into it, so don't worry about details like that and just ENJOY IT!
36 posted on 01/13/2007 6:32:05 PM PST by reagan_fanatic (You'll shoot your eye out, kid)
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To: SouthTexas

hehe, yeah, they even checked your oil for you.


37 posted on 01/13/2007 6:34:14 PM PST by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: reagan_fanatic

Beautiful!!

The thing for me is I love to take things apart and fix them. Heck, sometimes I almost wish something would break so I can take it apart.

A little bit of elbow grease and tough love and I can get this car in first class shape!


38 posted on 01/13/2007 6:36:29 PM PST by djf (Democracy - n, def: The group that gets PAID THE MOST ends up VOTING THE MOST See: TRAGEDY)
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To: djf

My husband is restoring a matching number '68 Vette. I call it his girlfriend because she takes a lot of time and money. On the other hand, he's right there in the barn working on it and comes in for dinner when I call.

It's a labor of love and has little to do with value. LOL


39 posted on 01/13/2007 7:47:41 PM PST by trimom
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To: djf
1. Replace all after-market parts with original Chevrolet parts. Never add any parts which were not original to that year and make.

2. Obtain all the original paperwork regarding that vehicle you can find.

3. Use only paints that were originally used for that particular vehicle.

These were the instructions I received over and over from restoration buffs when I was selling my restored, 1940 Buick Century.

40 posted on 01/14/2007 9:16:08 AM PST by Rudder
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