1962 Chevrolet Impala SS

[Mike F.]

13 hours ago, Steve H said:

Hi Mike, my dad bought a ‘62 Impala new in that colour. Tamiya has a light metallic blue that is very close to the factory colour. I did a replica of my dad’s car a few years back, it’s in the under glass section from a while back. Regardless of what colour you go with I know I will like it, I’m very partial to those beauties.

Cheers, Steve

Hey Steve,

I searched for your build under glass but could not find. Can you comment in the thread to bring it to the top?

[Airwreck]

Also I did a '62 kit a couple years back and did a multi color paint job on it. Here is a photo of it for reference. 

[Mike F.]

Looks great!

[John Pol]

On 6/6/2021 at 8:58 AM, Zippi said:

Same here.  Love those 409 engines Michael and yours looks great.  Saw one in a 32 Ford coupe yesterday at the car show.  

Put a chevy motor in a ford that is the way to go

[bisc63]

8 hours ago, Mike F. said:

I searched for your build under glass but could not find.

Here it is:

 

[Mike F.]

28 minutes ago, bisc63 said:

Here it is:

 

Wow! Excellent job. Gives me a high bar to achieve.

[Mike F.]

So, a little more progress on the 409.

I got the distributor and plug wires in place.

Manifolds and carbs. I don't like doing the plug wires, but once you've done them, can't not do them. For some reason, the distributor kept breaking off, so I ended up drilling holes in the base of the cap and into the block, then put a post in to mount to. Ended up ok.

[slusher]

Nice looking engine.

[papajohn97]

Hey Mike, this kit is on my wish list so much thanks to you for posting your build. Engine looks great so far. I love these early to mid 60’s GM full size hard tops, they still look stunning to my eyes sixty years later.

If you’re looking for factory original paints and if you have access to an airbrush, I highly recommend Scalefinishes.com flat base paints. Jameston offers all the original ‘62 Chevy colors and his paint is a joy to use. It does require a clearcoat (I use TS-13).

Edited June 22, 2021 by papajohn97
Removed extra word

[Mike F.]

4 hours ago, slusher said:

Nice looking engine.

Thanks!

[Mike F.]

2 hours ago, papajohn97 said:

Hey Mike, this kit is on my wish list so much thanks to you for posting your build. Engine looks great so far. I love these early to mid 60’s GM full size hard tops, they still look stunning to my eyes sixty years later.

If you’re looking for factory original paints and if you have access to an airbrush, I highly recommend Scalefinishes.com flat base paints. Jameston offers all the original ‘62 Chevy colors and his paint is a joy to use. It does require a clearcoat (I use TS-13).

Thanks for the tip John(?), I found some Tamia colors close to what I envisioned, so, will stick with them fo now. Next project I'll check out the website.

I think you will enjoy working with this kit. Nice details and parts seem to line up well, so far.

[Mike F.]

A little more progress.

Did some chassis work, front suspension and steering.

Mounted the engine and custom exhaust.

Heater hoses and positive cables.

On to the drivetrain ?

[mustang1989]

Some good detailing on that engine. 

[Mike F.]

1 hour ago, mustang1989 said:

Some good detailing on that engine. 

Thanks!

[Mike F.]

I always disliked how these springs look, so I sawed between the spring wires then painted flat black, followed by steel on the spring edges.

 

the drivetrain is now installed. 

[mustang1989]

That does indeed help those springs out some. I've done the same thing in the past but started winding my own springs out of wire wound around the threads of an automotive trim panel retaining screw.

[TransAmMike]

Glad to see you back on  this Mike. Keep up the fine work, Engine looks great?

[Mike F.]

9 hours ago, mustang1989 said:

That does indeed help those springs out some. I've done the same thing in the past but started winding my own springs out of wire wound around the threads of an automotive trim panel retaining screw.

Good tip, I'll have to try that next time.

[Mike F.]

8 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

Glad to see you back on  this Mike. Keep up the fine work, Engine looks great?

Thanks Mike!

[Mike F.]

Dang! I just realized I forgot to trim the flashing from those exhaust pipes, duh.

Eyes aren't what they used to be.

Looks like crapola. Guess I'll have to do insitu. 

Edited July 13, 2021 by Mike F.

[Mike F.]

So, with the rear suspension done, the chassis is complete, aside from wheels, which I intend to use the modern custom wheels and low profile tires that came with the kit.

[Mike F.]

Got some paint time in on the interior pieces and top half of the two tone body.

I'm really liking the colors.

[Mike F.]

I little more progress. Started detailing the interior and worked on the radiator assembly.

[slusher]

Real nice work Michael, on your Chassis and engine. Real nice start on your interior..

[Bob Ellis]

On 6/18/2021 at 7:20 PM, bisc63 said:

Here it is:

 

My dad bought a brand new 62 Impala too with a 283 automatic. He always complained that it was really slow ( that year 283 had 175bhp) . My brother had a used 62 Impala with a 327 /250 bhp powerglide. It was better than the 283, except on gasoline.