New guy with a 65 Impala wagon from Ohio

Hi everyone, glad to be here. I retired about 8 years ago and bought a 65 Impala 9 pass wagon to restore. Well I been slacking on getting things done on it. I have 2 other old cars and a teardrop trailer I restored but I just haven't spent the time on the wagon I need to . Ive rebuilt the front end and added 69 Impala disc brakes. I pulled the 283 engine and went through it and reinstalled it. I still haven't decided weather I want to install a overdrive trans or just go with the powerglide.The car had a fiberglass driver fender that I replaced with a steel original and repaired the other. I purchased a 2 inch cowl induction hood for it. Pulled all the interior out and my wife reupholstered it with all new covers. This car really need done this year as I have 2 other car projects on my bucket list. Its winter now but I really want to get back on it when the weather permits.

 

Welcome to the forum Dadstoy!! Looks like an outstanding project, love this body style!

 

Welcome Dadstoy!


DM

 

Hey - 'some' progress is still progress.........

And you're retired. There's no need to have a 'schedule'. Of course, it might be nice to set a goal, like the Hot Rod Power Tour for 2014?

Welcome to the SWF.

Marshall

 

Welcome aboard, Dadstoy!

If you're looking for suggestions, I'd go with the OD trans.

You can buy all the parts you need to convert the column shifter at http://www.shiftworks.com

That's a great wagon!

 

definitely do the overdrive!........and welcome! I see a Monte Carlo SS in the background........I've got one, too

 

Welcome. X2 Definately overdrive! Much better fuel mileage.

 

Welcome Dadstoy!

 

Welcome Dadstoy!

 

Welcome aboard! Cool wagon - nice that you've got Dale Jr. helping out in the garage!

 

Thanks for the welcome. As for Dale Jr. He's not much help. Cant even hold a wrench.

 

Welcome to the nuthouse! We're crazy but harmless, except with it comes to spending YOUR money! We can get a little exuberant, but hey, it is up to you in the end. When it comes to the transmission, it depends on how you will use the car, and how much, which way will work best for you. If you plan on driving under 2,000 miles a year, and mostly close to home, save the money, and stay original. If, however, you plan on long distance driving, especially highway, and why not, then definitely go with the overdrive. The 4th gear fuel economy will pay for the upgrade in fairly short order, plus have that intermediate gear lower down makes for much nicer driving in the city. My first car had a powerglide, and low is not as low as 1st in a regular transmission, but high is the same as 3rd in a 3 speed. There is a big jump that makes down shifting and passing 'interesting'. Because of the steeper low gear off the line suffers as well. Either way, have fun, and enjoy the wagon. Keep us up to date with the progress, and don't forget the pictures. We LOVE our Station Wagon Porn around here!

 

Welcome, your project sounds like a family affair. Keep us posted on the progress with photos.

 

It's funny how they come apart much faster then they go back together. Earnhart can't hold a wrench but he always seems to have beer around, great to have friends like that.

aboard, nice to meet you.

 

aboard DT
looks like shes gonna nice when your done