Hey Folks, just flew to Boise, Idaho last Wednesday to help niece and her husband with their 1962 Impala SS. It was a gift from his Dad. Managed to get allot done while here. Runs great and drives OK, but still needs some love. Looking for a reputable technician, whom can finish the axle seals, brakes, loose 4 speed shifter, upper control arm bushings and a few other minor things. Definitely should go up on a lift, especially to fix the shifter. They live about 30 minutes outside of Boise. Any referrals would be much appreciated. JT
Small independent repair shops are still around. They are the places with the out of warranty cars and trucks in the parking lot waiting for repair. The SS may need multiple visits to repair one thing at a time, while spending its nights in the home garage. Prioritize repairs; brakes and seals, then control arm bushings, then other miscellaneous items. You may even select different shops that specialize in the different repair groups. For jobs I can't handle on my hot rod, I usually use the shop that services my aging daily drivers.
If its a stock 4 speed shifter setup, not really any way to rebuild or tighten up. They are pretty crude. Might have to go to a hurst base and then they sell stock looking handles that bolt in.
These guys are just west of Boise, and a bit north. Sounds like they’d know, if they don’t do the heavy work. Might be pricey (“Restoration” in your name is usually a premium). But I’m having lunch with my old partner tomorrow, and he’s got Idaho contacts. I’ll ask. https://restorationrods.com/
I see old 3 on the tree parts, so maybe the 4 speed install came with Hurst shifter. Loose could mean mounting bolts, or linkage bushings. Might be simple, once it's accessible.
Got the looseness in the shifter, tightened up by merely snugging all the handle to shifter bolts. So, not sure how someone got it stuck in between 2 gears. Seems ok now. Located and spoke with super nice guy at Chip Knight Uholstry. He is definetly the guy to replace the back window, in the convertible top. $650 estimate seemed like a good deal, especially listening to his years of experience talk. Anyway, he said, he knew of a few potential shops, that he knew and trusted. Thanks for all the feedback. JT
Can't help with a referral but seeing the P1800 in the garage next to the Chevy tells me they are car people and the Impala is in good hands !
Funny story the Volvo belongs to my niece, and it was actually the reason that her and her husband met. Truth be told she is more of a car guy than he is. Despite having grown up around that convertible since the 80s with his dad.
Looking like this story may have a happy ending. Young man in Denver, has been looking for this exact car. Put both parties in touch and hoping they can come to an agreement. Moving this classic to a new home, would be a win/win.
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