I'm back in the game, now with a 1958 Impala

[vwdude]

I'll start off stating Thai has been my dream car for 25 years. Last month my wife gave me authorization to pick this car up if it was everything that I thought it was.

It was originally a 1958 impala with a 283 v8 and 2 speed powerglide on the tree. The motor has since been replaced with a 350 from a 1977 corvette along with a th350 transmission. The front drums were converted to discs and power brakes were added.

When I got the car it had all original suspension with rear air shocks and clamps on the rear springs to lower the car. It also had aftermarket reproduction fiberglass fender skirts.

I will keep updating this thread as I make progress in this car.







The interior is in really good shape but the front seat is not original as the original impala front bench seat only is as tall as going up to the height of the bottoms of the windows, and it has a chrome side trim. That said, these seats are covered with the one year/model only correct seat material, so someone had correct seat material made for incorrect seats, although these are close enough for me.

[vwdude]

I have already dug into the suspension, wheels and brakes. I got the ride tech suspension kit that included progressive springs, adjustable shocks, 1" sway bars (front and rear), front 2" drop spindles and all new bushings. I also replaced both front a arms (upper and lower) with summit racing in house tubular ones and global west rear lower a arms. I also replaced the front single piston calipers with Wilwood 14" rotors and 6 piston calipers and braided stainless lines. Plus I did 19" Intro brand wheels (8" front, 9" rear) with Bridgestone tires (235/35 19 front, 275/35 19 rear).

Next step is the car goes in to the shop next week for seatbelts, trunk tension rods (there's too much tension for me to put them in), new floor pans getting welded in, and they are building a transmission crossmember so that the motor/tranny will sit right.









I've already purchased a custom autosounds factory looking head unit along with a new antenna and new antenna wire. I also have a crap ton of knukonceptz dynamat to go nuts on the car after the new floors are put in. My plan is to use my FAS and an ms-2250 to run the system. I will use all Frank'd pieces to match. I have a question mark by the speakers and subs. I can use the dynaudio out of my daily, I have a set of nice Focal, I also have the ti elite (motel) 6.5" components with the 9" add ons. I also have a bunch of subs, just gotta decide what to use.

[vwdude]

Just wanted to add a few more pictures to show how it sits today.

[dwnrodeo]

Wow, that's a sharp looking car! Congrats on acquiring this beauty and I'm looking forward to more updates.

[vwdude]

Thanks. It's gonna take a while to get the mechanics up to snuff before the audio starts.

[Virtue]

Looks Sweet!

[JK]

Old school is the only way.. congrats!! Looks extra clean...

[BigBrent]

you need to change your Phorum name...