Im not familiar with the 60s cars but have found a good lead on a 62. what should i look for, what are the areas of concern? what is desirable on them?
Dual quad 409 motors are desirable. Actually, what YOU like is even more desirable. What do you like? (like any other old car, you need to give it a careful inspection for rust and mechanical issues...if you're not up to it, then get a friend or hire someone knowledgable to help)
im game for anything, typicaly i walk past the 60's cars at the shows, but this one has caught my eye. they claim it is a SS car, w/ a rebuilt 327/300 HP with 3000 miles .40 over, performance cam, camel hump heads, Holly carburetor. Rebuilt M21 Muncie 4/speed with new shifter.
62's are my fav even though the 409 didnt come out till 63' chances are the 62' you're looking at has a 283and a powerglide2speed which is ok most areas of concern are the doglegs,floorpans and trunk floor.These areas are most areas of cancer concern.These are also X-frame cars with a split driveshaft check for any collision damage or if the frame has been straightened.
Sounds cool, on one of those I'd be looking for rust in the body, especially in the floorboards as they are more like shallow tubs. Also check the trunk area for rust closely. That and if it has some horsepower I'd check where the upper suspension link bolts to the frame as that tended to be a weak spot when lots of horsepower was applied with vigor. If you are paying for an SS car it should have all the original SS trinkets including correct seats, console, Trim inside and out. Those things are what make it an SS. Other than that making sure that it is in the advertised shape. If they say something is new it damned better well be new.
A big trouble spot on these cars is the rear body mounts, especially on the Driver's side directly behind the left rear wheel. It normally spreads quickly to the short vertical panel in the trunk. Drivetrain-wise, they can almost always use a nice, new carrier bearing in the middle of the driveshaft.
You guys are talking about the Z16 option with an aluminum front end and dipped bumpers they were not available to the buying public
the 409 WAS available in 1961 --> only 142 were produced. More info here: http://www.348-409.com/general.html "Z16" was the 1965 Malibu SS396. You're thinking of the 1963 Impala Z11 drag race car: Aluminum front end, 427 cubic inch engine based on the 409. More info here: http://www.348-409.com/z11.html In 1963, the 409/425hp was available in any full-size Chevrolet.
i like impalas. ive had 5 of them, 2-65s, 1-66, and 2-67s. 62s are cool too, like the other guy said though, its what you want and like that matters.
You're right Z11 427 430hp in '63 I went a checked some facts the 409 WAS available in '61 but was rare most were 348's
What ever you do, put it on a lift and examine the under carraige and floors. It sure looks nice. Too bad it's not a convertible.
Ok they were aluminum brackets wow talk about nit picking!the Z11 option is so rare I couldn't argued the facts cuz I've never seen one in person!!yes MOST impala's were 283's and 235 sixes was referring to BigBlock impala's as most of those were 348's and not 409's!some guys just want to bring you down to their level and split hairs
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