I like big fast cars.

[Agent G]

Well I promised an auto build, so here it is. I had planned a '32 roadster with all the period pieces, but gbk1 started his luscious '32. Ok, I'll prevent overload and do a muscle car, naturally three guys started Mopar builds.

So here's my new project, an Impala SS that shoulda been. I always wanted one of these once I drove the real thing. The police version was the same without the fancy interior, and did I love that car. Trouble was wife #2 vowed to take any and everything in the divorce, so all I'm left with now is the plastic one.

Let's start with the obligatory body/wheel mock up shot.

Progressing onward this once simple build spiralled out of control. Searching for an upgraded engine I found the LS1 in a Polar Lights GTO kit.

I wanted to stay true to the concept, but those interior pieces from the GTO just sat there talking to me. So out came the Chevy back seat, and in went the GTO's.

Front buckets too.

That's where I'm at right now.

G

Edited November 9, 2010 by AgentG

[george 53]

Well Wayne, now THIS is interesting. I'll be watching this, it looks like it'll be good!!!

[mikemodeler]

I like how you are getting carried away with this! Funny how a simple kit bash gets to be an involved build.

Keep us updated and show us progress.

Any ideas for colors?

[Agent G]

Thanks guys.

Since I always wanted a green SS, I'm thinking British Racing Green with a tan interior. I was not fond of the gray/green color on the original, so that's my plan. I'll use brown flocking for the carpet, and wood grain accents on the console.

G

[Chuck Most]

I'd have put that new Vette ZR-1 engine in it!

[Harry P.]

Cool concept, but I'd have to say those wheels don't make it. They're too light and airy for a big honkin' Impala SS. You need something with a little more "muscle"...

[Blake Rogers]

now being a mopar guy i do love the body style of this Impala and i have a thing for the SS great work man can't wait to see more!!!!!!!!!!

[charlie8575]

Great ideas, Wayne. It's too bad GM didn't go just a little further with the SS.

I agree with Harry, though. I'd stick to the stock rims on that car, those rims look a little spindly for one of those, although I must say, the provide a refreshing break in the massiveness of the car.

Charlie Larkin

[Agent G]

Thanks guys,

I'm going to re evaluate the wheels and post some more as time permits.

G

[Agent G]

Well between work and life in general all I've finished so far is integrating the GTO rear seats into the Impala. Here's a mockup of the interior. I used the GTO wheel and column, front buckets, and rear seats. What ya can't see is the GTO's pedals and I haven't placed the shifter yet.

The GTO buckets need a lot of seam work yet.

The front end has been modified to allow the LS1 to sit realistically in the frame. A coworker has a GTO so were going to pop his hood for references next Wednesday.

G

[Danno]

Nice work, Wayne. Those seats look like they belong there!

[Agent G]

Thank You Sir!

That's what I wanted to do, so hearing that made my day.

G

[RodneyBad]

Nice work, Wayne. Those seats look like they belong there!

Ditto, I had to keep looking back and forth to see the magic fitting.

sorry to hear about wifie #2.

3rd times a charm?

Check and see what she drives first.

[Agent G]

Actually I'm on #4 !

#2 did manage to take my '03 Dodge Ram Quad cab. Cancelled the order on a Mercury Marauder otherwise she'd have gone after that.

#3 left without claiming anything important to me.

#4 is quite a keeper.

G

[Modellpularn]

Actually I'm on #4 !

#2 did manage to take my '03 Dodge Ram Quad cab. Cancelled the order on a Mercury Marauder otherwise she'd have gone after that.

#3 left without claiming anything important to me.

#4 is quite a keeper.

G

That's a cool interior! And yes, you need some fat wheels on this one.

Hmmm, what is it with some women....?? I've never been married, and don't think I ever will be, hearing stuff like this. But I think I've found a good one now. Sorry if it's OT.

[Agent G]

Hans, it never really is off topic.

Significant others have quite an influence in and on our lives.

Buckets are done, pics to come.

Hey guys can I get some ideas for wheels? I really don't want the kit wheels, so where should I look?

G

[Nick W.]

How bout the wheels from the GTO as well? Or you could go with a corvette wheel, or the wheels from the 06 camaro!

[Agent G]

Nick the GTO wheels arent really big enough. The real ones are 15", I think, and look lost on this car.

Now the Camaro's wheels are a thought...............

Thanks!

G

[Nick W.]

G you are totally welcome! You are building one of my favorite body styles of the Imps!

[charlie8575]

The Impala SS used 17" rims with something in the order of P235/55R-17 BF Goodrich Comp T/As as the original equipment.

Coming out nicely, Wayne, as everything you do does.

Charlie Larkin

[MikeMc]

You need a set of 20's on it. big, but not too fat....

[Eric Stone]

Nick the GTO wheels arent really big enough. The real ones are 15", I think, and look lost on this car.

...

The GTO wheels in the kit represent the 17" wheels standard on them. There was also an optional 18" wheel for the GTO, but not in the kit...

I like this project so far- I always thought an LSX swap into that body Impala would be cool. Are you planning on adding the GTO's IRS as well?

[jeffs396]

Me likey Impalas!

[Agent G]

I'm still leaning toward my decision to use the original wheels from XStuning.

Here's the front seats sans seams.

I got some color on the body. I airbrushed MM British Racing Green metallic, building up the color slowly. I dropped an airifle pellet in the jar to keep the flake agitated.

Once it dried for about 6 hours, I clear coated with MM High Gloss Clear enamel.

It looks smoother in person than in the photos. Thanks to no humidity, and the now luke warm Nevada sun this will be ready soon. I'm thinking a good rub with Novus and this will be almost perfect.

G

[Danno]

Loooooking good!