Projects What to do with the Impala?

I was going to post a fake "How much is this worth?" thread just to stir things up, 'cause I hate those , but decided to ask a real question instead.

We're going to get the '62 Impala back here, and I'll fix it's wrinkled passenger doors. Now, what to do with it once it's done?.

1. Keep it and use it as a daily driver, replacing the '00 Chev pickup I have now for that.

2. Keep it, paint the '59 T'Bird 'vert and sell that, as I really sort of like the Impala better.

3. Sell it, taking a loss as it's probably not worth the $$ I spent on it, and the new repairs.

4. Keep it, modify it into a 4dr hardtop wagon. Before you discount this idea, I could pull it off.

5. Keep it, modify it into an El Camino. See above.

6. Keep it, don't worry about the doors, don't fix it, just use it as a winter beater.

The poll only lets me ask 4 questions, so feel free to add your own ideas, and I'll feel free to ignore them...

 

just fix the door and drive it, that's a nice car!

 

I don't under stand why people would look at the thread and not vote??

 

LOL, people don't vote in Nat'l elections either, and then complain about whoever wins. I guess this is the same, if I cut the car up, some joker will say, "He roont that nice old Chivvy", and if I drive it into the ground, someone will say "He drive that nice old Chev in the salt!". If I sell it and lose 2 grand, somebody will say, " I'da bought it if I'd know'd he was gonna give it away!" and some other guy will say "He ripped off whoever bought that!".

 

They got a figure 8 track down here if you wanna have fun ruining it instead of spending a thousand metal working hours ruining it

 

Nicest demoliton derby car ever! I could put a trailer hitch on it and tow an old trailer around that figure 8 on demo nite too!

 

fix it not meny 4 door hard tops around it looks like a nice car.

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it shines like a dime in a goats****

 

The poll neglects one option. Hustling.

You know who that car is worth the most to? Somebody sitting on a really desireable project that doesn't have the means to get it on the road. Somebody who wants a beautiful turnkey cruiser.

The Fordillac is a beautiful car and a great example of what you can do by starting with economical bits. Again, just an opinion, but I'd use the ole chevy to leverage my way into a higher dollar start point and then apply the same talent. The resulting car ought to be a jaw dropper, and it's hopefully something that really speaks to ya. Doesn't sound like the chevy really speaks to ya.

good luck and lemme know if you need support crew for figure-8

 

Fix it - Daily drive type, Nice wheels and tires retro old school type!

 

Yes, the idea of trading stock did cross my mind. I could picture somebody with an abandoned 'vette, mid 50's Caddy project or the like being a happy trader. My wifes opinion, on the other hand, was "We don't need another car!" when I mentioned that exact idea to her!

 

This speaks volumes.

 

I'm close in age to you so I'll make this comment ( ignore it if you like )
From my experience wandering the earth and being in situations simular to yours before, I've learned you have to focus. Especially if money is an issue. For me that means one cool ride....

Keep the keepers and sell the other stuff....that's it.

Disclaimer....I sometimes don't take my own advice, but I'm getting better at it.

 

Great advice Bob, but since I have 8 hot rods now, I think you're a little late...

 

LOL

Hey, if I had room....a big barn....I'd be much less focused....But that probably ain't going to happen with Ca. real estate prices....so what fits in a 2 car garage is it

I still stand by keeping the keepers though.

 

I'd gotta agree with the make it into a driver thought.
AND, i'd fix up the 'Bird and sell it too if you dig the Impala more. A nice, clean looking Impala, 4 door or not, is a great driver.

Tony

 

Focus Brian, FOCUS!

 

13" cragars, 5.20's and a mild hydraulic setup...

 

+1 on Shifty's idea

-1 for your wife's obviously incorrect perceptions

 

I'm sorry you feel the need to take a poll. If I was you I'd find a person who'd fix it and love it...say, a HAMBer from Tejas...and give it a new home and the attention it deserves.

I had a Vista-roofed Pontiac in high school (see photo) that is one of my favorite "I-wish-I'd-never-sold-it" cars...same color as your Impala, ironically. Always wished I could get it back...

Good luck making a decision.

 

Stop asking stupid questions and work on the car. Then drive the***** out of it.

 

Like I said, I'll feel free to ignore any advice given. The poll is just entertainment. I'll do whatever I damn well please with it.

 

Yep, keep it as a sunny-day driver and don't modify it any more. 4-door hardtops are cool and rare. Every car guy should have an old stocker that's reliable and a fun cruiser on nice days.

 

Dang, I'd be happy as hell to have that Pontiac today! The subject '62 Impala too. Just lower the Poncho a tad and call it good!

 

It's as likely to be available as not, I'm gonna update when we get back with it. Feel free to pm me if you really wanna relive those high school days!

 

Daily driver.

 

Still not working on it yet? Just kidding and lighten up !! I wouldn't need a poll to know what i'd do with it, but to each their own.

 

You're going to ignore this anyway but its a 4 door.
They are good for 2 things really restoration and bag up derby.

That said if you're already into it more then it is worth then you should probably place your***** in the seat and drive it. I'd probably do that if it were mine.

 

Just got home with the Impala. 2100+ miles, 18 mpg, 5 quarts of oil, sunburned left arm and neck. Impressions:

It REALLY doesn't like altitudes greater than 8500 ft.

Chicago has the WORST interstate surfaces in the country. PERIOD.

Iced tea makes a great coolant, for Impalas and it's passengers.

It would be nicer to drive in 100+ degree temps if the A/C was working.

The damage to the doors is very minor in person, and doesn't bother me a bit.

Brian

 

I wonder how hard it would be to swap the roof, doors, and the forward sections of the quarters from a 2 door hardtop onto this car. The frames should be the same, you'd need the seats. There's a couple of 2 door hardtops in a local junkyard, it got me thinking about the swap.

Apparently there are guys who do it with '58 Plymouths and Mercury Turnpike Cruisers. I don't think it'd be that tough, with some good planning ahead I bet it could be done in one solid week. When I come across the right cars, I'm going to try it someday. A convertible would work in the same way, you could use a Buick LeSabre. That I've already done, using a GTO and a Skylark convertible.