65 Impala SS 396 updated

[bill lanfear]

In keeping with my theme of building cars and trucks as I remember seeing them back in the 70’s, I decided to build a replica of my Uncle’s Impala SS.  As a youngster I remember those rare occasions of my Aunt and Uncle coming all the way from Montana to visit.  Is it sad that I remember more about their car than my relatives????  I drooled over this car every time I saw it.  It was their everyday driver and only car they owned for many years.  This is build number 5 for me and will eventually be a part of my large diorama I’ve been planning for years.  Hope you enjoy it….thanks for looking!  

I started with the tires. The kit tires did not have whitewalls evenly placed on the tire so I found a Youtube video of a modeler using a compass style cutter and label paper to create his.  I found some tires out of my parts box and gave it a shot. I am more than pleased with the outcome!  I then weathered the tires with some road grime , sanding and stuff and this was the result.  I am aware of the slight difference in tire sizes, its on purpose (fronts and backs).

Next up was the engine.  I did my usual weathering technique to achieve the worn daily driven look.

Back to the chassis.....weathered and worn, but maintained.  I need to dull down the mufflers yet!  Gas tank is done.

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Started the interior.  I chose not to flock this as I felt it wasn't necessary due to closed doors and good texture on the kit parts.  The dash is painted and the decals were not used ....neither was the kit dash lens because it looked too toyish  and covered the details too much for me. I painted the dash in 3 shades of blue.  The insert is lighter than the main dash and the dash pad a hair darker as my research always showed this slight variation. It also helps to create depth and variety.  I scratch built the turn signal arm.

For the front and rear bumpers....I weathered and dulled them down a tad and for the front turn signal lenses I used a prescription cough medicine bottle. It worked slick as all I had to do was cut to fit and glue.

Back to the engine.....I scratched out an alternator bracket, AC comp brackets front and back, wired and plumbed, dipstick and temp sending unit plus a bunch more.

Created some power steering hoses.

Radiator support.

Painted the body and did a test fit.

Thanks for looking.....will post more as it comes together!

Edited May 14, 2018 by bill lanfear

[Oldcarfan27]

Those tires look excellent, a little off white, just like the real thing, especially since the rest of the car is going to look weathered too.

Care to give us a picture of the tool you used to make them and the type of tape you cut them out of? How well did they stick? I remember some old whitewall labels in the past would stretch or curl up when you tried to put a wheel in the tires. If these stay stuck, I want to use this method to make my own too.

[bill lanfear]

11 minutes ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

Those tires look excellent, a little off white, just like the real thing, especially since the rest of the car is going to look weathered too.

Care to give us a picture of the tool you used to make them and the type of tape you cut them out of? How well did they stick? I remember some old whitewall labels in the past would stretch or curl up when you tried to put a wheel in the tires. If these stay stuck, I want to use this method to make my own too.

They seem to stick real well.  The hubcaps I used were really tight in the tires I used and they didnt slip at all.  The off white color is from me weathering them...the back need a little more.  The tool I used is this OLFA.  Type in "compass cutter" on Amazon or whatever and you will find it. Its cheap!  10 - 15 bucks!  The labels I used were just run of the mill postage mailing labels (stickers of course).  I can take a pick of the brand if you like and post it tomorrow.

[Oldcarfan27]

Cool, thanks. I'll look for it.

[PARTSMARTY]

Way too cool !!!

[iamsuperdan]

Excellent work so far. Your detailing skills...wow.

 

 

[Farmboy]

Some of the nicest dirty work I've seen.  Excellent!

[bill lanfear]

Thank you everyone for the comments!  Does anyone know how to rotate pics in here?  The bumpers and dash pics loaded vertical by default. 

[crazyjim]

Wonderful detailing.

[Slotto]

great interior

[espo]

Very real looking weathering. Great engine detail and chassis.

[bill lanfear]

Here are some more pics of the progress.  Sorry for the crappy pictures, I am limited to using my phone.  I got the engine all nestled in the bay and finished plumbing and wiring.  Windows are in along with interior tub.  I chose to make the opera dome lights in the back instead of the center ceiling lamp.  Did some chrome with BMF and for the first time used a Molotow pen.  Thanks for checking it out

[Brutalform]

Very nice work. Hard to tell that’s its a model. It looks so real.

[triplelindy]

fantastic work. Did you modify the alternator. or is that after market?

[bill lanfear]

Thanks, the alternator is the kit part...(pretty sure)....I made the bracket and wired it.