56 replies to this topic

[IMPALA SS 427]

I started this a while ago and decided to post what I have got so far here.

 

This is what I'm aiming for:

 

here is where I'm at now:

 

 

i have glued in the doors, removed all side trim, lengthened the roof and begun filling the door lines to make it a 4 door.

 

 

Edited by IMPALA SS 427, 10 April 2013 - 10:52 PM.

[IMPALA SS 427]

oh and by the way its going to be right hand drive because I'm building this to replicate a car my dad once owned many years ago.

 

 

Even though it looks rough it is getting there.

 

[IMPALA SS 427]

 

Here is a pic of the dash, it was my first dash conversion and i cut it into 9 pieces rearranged it sanded it into shape and:

 

Let me know what you think.

[Funkster]

Wow; That was my grandfathers car(orange & white) back in the late 50's & early 60's. As a little kid my grandfather would come and take me to school & pick me up.  This is going to be an interest to me to see the build!

[Bartster]

Welcome aboard ! The car itself is not my cup of tea, but the build is pretty intense. Very nice work, so far. Let's see some more ! Bart.

[1972coronet]

Cool subject Impala SS 427 !

Now , did you remember to convert the MPH speedo to KpH ? It was hard to ascertain by the photos you've provided .

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks everyone for the comments

[IMPALA SS 427]

 

Its getting there, just a final smooth and fill the last of the imperfections and then the roof and sides are almost done.

[IMPALA SS 427]

 

 hope to have more soon.

[TooOld]

Progressing nicely .  Are you going to try to reshape the taillight area ?  I'm trying to figure that out for a wagon I have in progress .

[Dominik]

Hi James,

another interesting built! Love the 58 Chevy.

 

Where did you lengthened the roof? Have you also replaced the c-pillar?

 

I like the idea with the right hand drive - very cool!

[MrObsessive]

Progressing nicely .  Are you going to try to reshape the taillight area ?  I'm trying to figure that out for a wagon I have in progress .

 

That would be the toughest part if for me if I were doing this! Reshaping the rear "gullwings" to a different angle, making a new decklid, new taillights, etc.

 

You're a braver man than I with this conversion!

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks everyone.

 

I'm not sure about the tail light area yet I'm kinda avoiding that for now.

 

Here's how i did the roof:

 

an old build up:

 

 

i cut the roof away to make this:

 

 

 

 

Then cut a small section of the impala roof and added the other roof which was a bit longer than the piece i cut out (5 scale inches i think)

 

 

 

 

and then lots of sanding.

[Dominik]

Ahhh

 

You're a perfect "recycler" think. Take a roof, make a convertible. Cool! Now "i see clear". Thank you James - for prompt answer.

[impcon]

An abitious project!! Thank you for sharing how you are making this conversion and I am sure that it will give others some ideas as to how to section and convert a model into something that they want. I am especislly interested at this point as to how you will convert the dash to right hand drive.. can you please share that process in detail? Thanks.. and nice work! Don;t give up on this one and again, thank you for sharing.    

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks Dominik and Gary. 

 

Dominik - After taking what I needed from the junk 58 I couldn't help but play around with a set of rims at my desk at the time and it looked really good. I neatened it up a bit and a few spare parts and 70 GTS hood vents for the sides and there you have it. It was a lot better than what I was going to do with it (take parts that were good and parts box the rest).

 

Gary I will find the pics (if I have any) of the dash while I converted it.

 

I am currently working on the rear lights "gullwing" shape and making it to the Biscayne style.

 

I will have pics tomorrow.

[H.A.K]

Need to get rid of that 3rd tail light on each side. But lookin great sofar.

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks Samuel.

 

Ok I got the left light almost done.

 

I cut the centre piece out and then cut along the trunk line and put the pieces together.

 

'

I used epoxy putty to fill the gap and sanded it into shape.

I sanded away the trim and replaced it with metal wire.

 

 

I added a bit of putty underneath in case I sanded through it. 

[IMPALA SS 427]

 

 

 

It is still a bit rough but as you can see its getting there.

 

 

I also re painted the white wall inserts as they were looking a bit sad.

 

 

 

I've dot the side marked out and am ready to re scribe the door lines. I just need to get my hobby knife in the mail. (Im completely out of blades)

 

hope to have more soon.

[Dominik]

Nice progress! Thumps up James!!!