65 IMPALA PRO-TOURING: what to do of an unexpected gift?

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/14/2025 at 10:21 AM, JCH said:

Super cool resto-mod.  Joe Martin would be proud of the stance.  Excellent panel lines on the hood.  I'm thinking there was some time spent getting that so well aligned.  What's up with the photoshop on the grill and front end?  Great build.

Hi Jacque!

There is no photoshopping. Actually, the kit front grille is one continuous panel, from top to bottom, with two indentations on the sides at mid point to secure the bumper, which is a separate part. I only cut the bumper, keeping only the outide sections, to make "blades" à la 60's Corvette. Voilà. 

As to the hood, it was fairly well aligned out of the box. The reversed hinge required a slight trimming of the front edge of the hood for it to open without rubbing against the front section. 

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/16/2025 at 2:22 PM, slusher said:

Beautiful Impressive custom!  I really like the long tail light very nice"…

Thanks Carl!

I felt it needed just a little something "special" in the back, and I think that was it!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/17/2025 at 12:35 AM, carrucha said:

Cool custom.  Nice job on the paint.

Thank you Hector!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/17/2025 at 7:19 AM, STU111 said:

Smoooth! The rear pan and tail light mods suit the Impala perfectly. 

Thanks Stuart!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/20/2025 at 4:14 PM, TransAmMike said:

Wow Claude...I missed this one when you first posted.   Fantastik build as usual from you!!  👍👍

Thanks Mike!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/21/2025 at 6:57 AM, PappyD340 said:

Awesome build there Claude!!

Thanks Larry!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/23/2025 at 4:38 AM, XYHARRY said:

Beautiful custom and a great stance. Well done Claude.

Thanks David!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/23/2025 at 1:37 PM, Karl LaFong said:

Outstanding!  Who'dve thunk the Chezoom chassis would fit?

Thanks Keith!

In my tests, I also found that it is a perfect match for Revell's 49 Custom Merc. kit. But I elected for the 65...

CT

[Speedpro]

Nice custom touch's and along with the frame, certainly makes a cool ride. I like your style of building. Very nice. 

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/23/2025 at 2:13 PM, Tom Kren said:

Very nice!!!

Thanks Tom, happy you like it!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/23/2025 at 2:20 PM, ChrisR said:

Very nice.

Thanks Chris!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/23/2025 at 7:37 PM, tim boyd said:

Claude NAILZ it yet again!   Great choice to use the Chezoom chassis, too. Way to go, Claude!  TB

Hi Tim!

Thank you for the comments. The 'Zoom chassis is nice globally, but the suspensions details are a bit "soft" as Chuck Kourouklis would say LOL. I had to scratchbuild the rack& pinion steering, so you  see what I mean. Fun nonetheless!

CT

[BKIN10SECS]

Outstanding....fit and finish so tastefully done.

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/24/2025 at 8:42 PM, Phildaupho said:

Somehow missed this one. Very good looking build. I never had a full detail Chezoom. That is one cool looking chassis.

Hi Phil!

Thanks. It is cool looking, but need added details to be "contest competitive", IMHO. I enter it tomorrow in the Montreal show. Stay tuned, we'll see...

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/30/2025 at 11:46 AM, Speedpro said:

Nice custom touch's and along with the frame, certainly makes a cool ride. I like your style of building. Very nice. 

Thanks Paul!

I'm often told at shows that I have a "signature" style, if such a thing exist.... I guess I'm starting to repeat myself LOL. 

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 10/3/2025 at 9:01 AM, BKIN10SECS said:

Outstanding....fit and finish so tastefully done.

Thanks JR!

CT

[John B.]

Very nicely done - great hood hinge setup!