Description
1958 Chevrolet Impala, 5. 7 Very rare car and 1 year build only, Due to strike action by GM employees it was a low production year for them, and the 2 door coupe , the first year for the Impala name, even less where produced.
The car was acquired through a company called World Wide Vintage Autos in Denver , Colorado , a high altitude , salt free road use state , The car was checked out before a confirmed order and shipment to the UK and all was very good condition
From that point on the fun began, after driving it around for a few years doing small jobs to keep the car safe and enjoyable it was time for a major over haul.
First was the engine and transmission both checked out and found to be in very good condition and only a few parts were required , mainly seals . The carb was swopped out for a modern Edlebrook car and Torquer performance manifold , electronic ignition fitted , plugs leads etc all changed . ceramic short headers and a full stainless steel exhaust with Flowmaster Super 44's done by ATM Engineering.
A custom made towbar and electrics were also fitted and towed the caravan with no issues , the radiator was updated to a 4 core and electric *** fitted with a manual switch mounted on the gauge cluster .
The car was then stripped down to metal , any issues were dealt with , and painted in a special one off colour , I wanted something close to a red but would change colour to a orange once the sun hit the paint for a flame red effect , and it does , given the addition of the gold flake and a many coats of clear lacquer.
The interior was done in the original 1958 fabric , another special order even has the silver fleck , door panels and new carpet with mats with the Impala logo, front screen replaced , try finding one of those with the tint and fade !
The boot are carpeted in black and a Chevrolet cool box to compliment that area
Custom stereo cd player with 4 6x9 speakers in the rear 2x 250 watt amps drive the speakers in the rear , 2 forward facing and 2 rear facing for when you want good sounds when camped up , and speakers in the front foot wells with tweeters to compliment the sound.
Electric wiper motor replaced .
All power steering rams, pipes and pump either rebuilt or replaced , with the pump at the rear of the generator that also needed to be rebuilt at a very high cost ………. Didn't see that one coming !
Rear lights were all re wired to work as one unit on stop, indication and running lights.
Both front and rear bumper were re chromed as well as many trim parts polished and re installed and Added the stainless steel sill covers to finish off the exterior look.
Wheels are Crager 17in 5 spoke wheels with a 2 inch drop on the front with rear air shocks on the back , the wheels have a black vinyl insert with Empi 2 eared spinners .
All belts replaced , recent battery installed .
Rear anti roll bar fitted and recent new bushes on the rear axle suspension in the cross frame hanger and cradle, Disc brake conversion and heavy duty brake booster done in the early days as the drum brakes were not great , now it stops very well
