59 Impala Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 (edited) Here is one that I got way back in the early 80's from a guy that I worked with. He was throwing it away along with some others I said that I would take them. The rest is history. Anyway this turned out to be a real mess. First, the trunk was missing and it set in the box for over 20 years. I got one from a box of parts that a guy brought into the hobby store. Next, when I removed the paint, which was brushed on real thick, it was scraped with a knife over the whole body. I guess that's why the paint was real thick. The front end (axle and stuff) is broken into many little pieces. But all this didn't discourage me from trying to restore it somewhat. I can't restore it to completely stock so I'm doing the next best thing I hope. Well enough gabbing and here are some pics from the beggining to where I'm at now. Hope ya enjoy. Where the red is that's the filler I used to fix the scrapes from the knife he used. The trunk is from a different kit. That's why it is red. All the parts More pics to come. Dan Edited March 20, 2009 by 59 Chevy Impala
59 Impala Posted November 30, 2008 Author Posted November 30, 2008 Here are some pics. After a coat of primer Showing where I had to re-scribe the body lines Filling in of the hole in the floor and the rear fender More to come. Dan
59 Impala Posted November 30, 2008 Author Posted November 30, 2008 These next pics show where I'm at now. They are also just mock up of the stance I'm looking to use. And two more. I was going to wait to show the engine that I'm using but what the heck. Hope ya like. Later. Dan
GOTH KUSTOMS Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Wow! what ummmmm? a mess, to start with, but It's looking like you just might have this restoration all in the bag, gotta watch this, are you going to restore it to it's former glory? Well It look's like its gonna turn out,
Smart-Resins Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Talk about a resurection!! Nice saqve there! Even if it took half of a life time.HEHEHE.Jody
59 Impala Posted November 30, 2008 Author Posted November 30, 2008 Thanks guys. A lot of tender loving care in this one. unforginin, I'm not going to make a gasser out of her. Instead, she is powered by a 4 banger from a Jeep with two carbs. Lots of power or loss of power I guess. She will be a lowbuck hot rod from back in the day Dan
tuffone20 Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Nice save and that willys!! I'm just getting back into building models again and I found a photo of a AMT 57' chevy that I started 21 years ago, here is a photo of the day today and the photo from OCT. 1987 and I just might get it done this time around!
59 Impala Posted December 3, 2008 Author Posted December 3, 2008 I'm using the droped axle from the 40 Ford car kit and had to make the support for it. I drilled lightining holes in the axle. I also adjusted the wheel base I also had to make a firewall using one from the 40 Ford truck kit and scratch building part of it. Well, this is where I'm at at the moment. Hope ya like Dan
59 Impala Posted March 11, 2009 Author Posted March 11, 2009 OK, it's been a long time since I've posted anything on this build and here are some pics of what she looks like now. I thought that I was getting close to being finished but I noticed that she needed inner fenders and I found some in the parts box. They are from the 41 Plymouth kit and I had to fit them a little. I think she looks alot better with the inner fenders. I'm trying to get-er-done. Stay tuned Dan
RJWood Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Great save, what was almost trash is turning into a treasure. great job, you deserve a pat on the back for your effort.
CB Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Nice looking project car you got going there Dan. Love that li'l 4banger Keep up the good work.
Dave Mikrut Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 This is the stuff I really like to see, and it's not just a gluebomb resto. You are making a unique one of a kind Willys that doesn't look like what everyone else is building. Before they were making gassers out of these cars they were customized just like the 40 Fords back in the 40's and 50's. You are doing a great job and really interesting fotos and commentary!
noname Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 What nerves of steel! You have great patience I have to say. Nice to see it saved.
59 Impala Posted March 11, 2009 Author Posted March 11, 2009 Thanks for the kind comments guys. This is turning out to be a work of love for me. When I think I'm almost finished something else pops up. Well, I think the pop ups are about finished now so I can get-er-done. I wanted to do something different than the typical builds you see of the Willy's as gassers or customs, but not going completely stock and this is what came about. It has been frustrating at times but mostly a lot of fun coming up with something different. If it wasn't for some help from Bryan at BnB Auto Builders, this wouldn't have happened. He sent me parts that were needed to complete this build. More pics to come so stay tuned. Dan
59 Impala Posted March 13, 2009 Author Posted March 13, 2009 Well, I got a little done today. Not much though. I painted the bucket seats, inner door panels and primered the inner fenders and some parts on the frame. No pics today. I'm gettin her finished slowly but surely. Dan
59 Impala Posted March 13, 2009 Author Posted March 13, 2009 (edited) Well, I am kinda bummed at the moment. I had to do a little work on the hood and when I primed it and went to put it down, it fell on the floor upside down. So, now I have to sand it down and reprime it again. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes Dan Edited March 13, 2009 by 59 Chevy Impala
59 Impala Posted March 15, 2009 Author Posted March 15, 2009 Well, here are some pics of what I have to put together now. There is still some work that needs done, but I'm gettin there. This is the look that I'm going for. Hope ya like. Thanks fer lookin. Dan
59 Impala Posted March 16, 2009 Author Posted March 16, 2009 Here are some more pics after a little work done today. I had to fabricate a gas tank for this cause there isn't one on the car. I also installed a gas filler tube on the right rear fender from a 53 Ford truck. Hope ya like. I just had to install the Grayhound on the hood. Why, you may ask? I don't know. Thanks fer lookin. Dan
noname Posted March 18, 2009 Posted March 18, 2009 Is that the finish your going with for the body? My kinda guy. The greyhound? Your suppose to have fun with these things right.
59 Impala Posted March 19, 2009 Author Posted March 19, 2009 Thanks CB. I have done a little more work on this. I'm almost done. Here are a couple of pics of what she looks like so far. I have to let it dry for the exhaust. This thing sure is fragile though. Some of the parts keep coming off maybe because of the rebuild and the parts are thinner or maybe just my fumbly fingers I should be finished pretty soon. Dan
59 Impala Posted March 20, 2009 Author Posted March 20, 2009 Well, she's finished as far as I know. I do have a little touch up here and there, but for all purposes, she's finished. I had a lot of fun rebuilding this even with all the set backs. Here are some pics of the finished look. Hope ya like. I can't make up my mind on wheather to use the body side moldings or not. What do you guys think? Thanks fer lookin. Dan
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