65 Chevrolet Impala

[Exotics_Builder]

Well, I’ve finally finished this after some real-life interruptions.  As previously noted, this is a model of my first car that I bought from my parents.  It was a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS Coupe in Silver Mist Blue with Black Interior and Vinyl top.  The engine was a 327 CI 300 HP V8 with Powerglide Automatic Transmission.  That’s how they got it, not how I would have liked to spec it.  The only things I did to it was add aftermarket slip on headrests, Firestone Red Stripe Tires and Cragar SS Fronts and Chrome Reverse Rears (I would have love Cragars all around but was at my budget limit).

I included the only photo I have found of the car depicting my Father and my brother’s girl friend (Mom took the photo) on some unremembered trip I did not go on.

To replicate the car, I started with the Monogram 1965 Impala SS Coupe.  I then had to convert the model from a Big Block Chevy to Small Block and delete the Air Conditioning.  I also needed to add the vinyl top.  To help in the conversion, I used the Revell 1964 Impala Small Block engine which has a Powerglide and used parts of the Center Console from that kit to convert the 1965 Console from Manual to Automatic.  I also used the Model Car Garage Detail Set along with a Last Detail decal set for 65/67 Impalas.  Here’s the specifics of what I did.

Interior:    
Adapted center console to automatic using parts from Revell 64 Chevy and scratch built a mount for the clock that was on it.
Removed the power window pieces and added manual window cranks.
Added seat belt hardware.
Scratch built the slip-on headrests.
Detailed the interior.

Engine:
Detailed the engine for a 300 HP version including valve cover labels.
Added oil and transmission dipsticks (non-working)
Altered the firewall to remove the A/C components.

Chassis:
Modified engine/transmission mounts for the small block and made necessary driveline changes.
Modified the dual exhausts to fit the small block Ram Horn stock headers.
Did a basic chassis detailing.

 

Here are some photos of the completion.  Still need to do a little more cleanup.

 

Edited August 17 by Exotics_Builder
Corrections

[ChrisR]

Very nice.

[STU111]

Very nicely built. I think these builds of a real car you once owned have a special place. Top stuff. 👍🏻

[hedotwo]

Congrats, beautiful build!  Had to chuckle when I read that you added aftermarket headrests.  I did the same with my 65 F-85 when I bought it from my girlfriend's brother in law in 69.  What is the material you used for the seatbelts?  

[Tom99]

Very nice.

[Zippi]

That's one good looking 65 Impala.  That engine bay looks spot on with all the detail work.  Nicely done Gerry.

[bbowser]

4 hours ago, STU111 said:

Very nicely built. I think these builds of a real car you once owned have a special place. Top stuff. 👍🏻

I agree!  Very well done.

[Exotics_Builder]

3 hours ago, hedotwo said:

Congrats, beautiful build!  Had to chuckle when I read that you added aftermarket headrests.  I did the same with my 65 F-85 when I bought it from my girlfriend's brother in law in 69.  What is the material you used for the seatbelts?  

I used the ribbon in a Gofer seatbelt set that I won at a show raffle.  It also included the GM buckles.  To add depth the buckles, I added Evergreen Channel Strip.

[hedotwo]

2 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

I used the ribbon in a Gofer seatbelt set that I won at a show raffle.  It also included the GM buckles.  To add depth the buckles, I added Evergreen Channel Strip.

Thanks!

[espo]

Great looking build and like the paint and vinyl roof. The interior looks very original to the '65 Impala SS. 

[Hard_2_Handle_454]

Nice

[meechum68]

Great build! I love seeing builds that have a story to them! 

[Rattlecan Dan]

Very nice. Straight up build. Nice job.

[WillyBilly]

Great looking car.

I was born in 68, so I am unsure, but was faces optional in 65? 🤣

[Exotics_Builder]

5 hours ago, WillyBilly said:

Great looking car.

I was born in 68, so I am unsure, but was faces optional in 65? 🤣

Obviously, I blurred them out for privacy.

Edited August 18 by Exotics_Builder

[slusher]

Beautiful replica!