Lateral-g Forums - 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS 6.0 / 6-Speed Build Thread

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- - 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS 6.0 / 6-Speed Build Thread (https://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49482)

Where did you source your steering box from?

The sheet metal work continued, as our team addressed rust holes in the fenders. Our goal was to use as much of the original GM panels as possible.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J...1.31.14_21.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V...2.03.14_02.JPG

Next, the crew worked on fitting the quarter panel extensions and rear decklid to achieve a better fit.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n...2.13.14_01.JPG

A little cutting, welding, and grinding were all needed to achieve consistent panel gaps.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R...2.13.14_05.JPG

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCx7E3kKBxU/VpMqfl2cYeI/AAAAAAABXig/cuxCJ4yQuuQBX1u2hyzZkrI_3n7QHtFJQCHM/s1600/1965_Impala_SK_02.13.14_07.JPG[/img

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9...2.13.14_09.JPG

After…

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F...2.13.14_15.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...2.13.14_16.JPG

This is the type of attention to detail we like to see! Everything here is being done properly, and no corners cut.

Nice job on the frame notches. They'll look nice all painted up.

They look good now. Who needs paint? Think of it as art. Haha

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwhizz (Post 656210)

Any Updates ?????

Yes Ken, thanks for the reminder. We'll post shortly.

Phenomenal work guys! I love builds like this.

Alternator fit on the other side.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2...3.03.14_05.JPG

We moved the passenger side motor plate back a scoshe to make room for the compressor as well.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X...3.03.14_11.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...3.03.14_07.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a...3.04.14_18.JPG

This will be reinforced to handle the load.

Next, attention was turned to the look of the 6.0 V8 engine. The goal was to have it “resemble” a Gen 1 small block, without going over the top trying to camouflage the late-model engine.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s...3.11.14_02.JPG

The mock-up block was used with the Edelbrock intake and EFI fuel rails. We wanted to move the ignition coils off the valve covers, but wanted to so something a bit different to help the illusion.

The result is this “fake” distributor, made from GM truck ignition coils mounted in a circular arrangement to resemble a distributor cap. The truck coils are the smallest bodied versions of LS coils, and the bracket will hold them in the back of the intake manifold behind the throttle body to resemble a distributor.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K...3.11.14_12.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b...3.11.14_08.JPG

A rounded “hat” adds to the look.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h...3.11.14_06.JPG

This way, traditional spark plug wires will route to the spark plugs much like a old Chevy small block.

That's a slick idea for the coils!! It's looking good Kevin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynieZ (Post 659929)

That's a slick idea for the coils!! It's looking good Kevin.

Agreed!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynieZ (Post 659929)

That's a slick idea for the coils!! It's looking good Kevin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo1367 (Post 659945)

Agreed!!

Thanks guys!

Next, the attention focused on the side mirrors. These are GM “G” body side mirrors, and a small steel adapter shim plate makes them mount cleanly on the doors, rather than tip inward.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...3.17.14_08.JPG

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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9...3.17.14_32.JPG

I can't wait to see them mounted.

Many have asked, the mirror base is wedge-shaped to pitch the mirror properly.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...3.17.14_37.JPG

The Impala originally had large, flat-topped rib starting on the header panel and running up the hood. We are building a custom hood for this car, and the customer didn’t want that flattened rib, so we reshaped the header to come to a peak to match the new hood design.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...3.10.14_07.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K...3.10.14_05.JPG

After some cutting and reshaping, the header now has the pointy peak.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v...3.17.14_03.JPG

Nice job. It will be one of those changes most will miss but the guy into these cars will pick up and appreciate it.

Very cool. I love subtle changes more than the over the top ones. Excellent work.

Love seeing the metal fab. :cheers:

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynieZ (Post 663211)

Nice job. It will be one of those changes most will miss but the guy into these cars will pick up and appreciate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofastwclass (Post 663220)

Very cool. I love subtle changes more than the over the top ones. Excellent work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh@Ridetech (Post 663249)

Love seeing the metal fab. :cheers:

Thank you gents!

Allright, it was time to address some of the Impala’s wobbly chassis issues. This car had a bit of rust that needed repairing, and we took some time to install some .120” wall tubing to brace up the chassis.

First up was the custom transmission cross member.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m...3.18.14_11.JPG

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The pin-bolt design is strong and also allows for a quick removal if needed.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S...3.18.14_15.JPG

MagnaFlow exhaust will have to make it’s way around the bottom of the car.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x...3.18.14_23.JPG

These cars are tricky with the multi-link rear suspension, and we wanted to run full-length exhaust all the way to the back, so everything needed to be built with all the pieces in mind.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...3.19.14_04.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...3.19.14_04.JPG

Clearance issue on the panhard (track) bar and the preload caps on the 12-bolt rear end cover…

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...3.19.14_10.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s...3.19.14_13.JPG

Solution: Extend the panhard mount, but make sure the geometry is correct and that it is strong enough.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2...3.20.14_01.JPG

There you go!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...3.20.14_15.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...3.20.14_16.JPG

It looks pretty strong to me!

Finishing up the transmission crossmember

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U...3.21.14_04.JPG

These holes are good for ½ second faster times in the quarter mile.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D...3.21.14_05.JPG

Some additional bracing was added from the transmission cross member to the frame.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r...3.24.14_11.JPG

Big mounting feet for bolt-in installation.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A...3.24.14_10.JPG

Its been a while, are there any updates on this build?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRCRFT78 (Post 676976)

Its been a while, are there any updates on this build?

Sure, I'll see if I can post some big updates later this week. Thanks for asking!

Where are those updates Kevin? :goggles:

This is a fuel-injected car, so we used a reproduction stock fuel tank from Tanks, Inc., and installed one of their in-tank fuel modules for the pump.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K...3.31.14_19.JPG

The module allows for an in-tank EFI pump to be mounted in nearly any kind of tank, as the depth is adjustable to the tank.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...3.31.14_17.JPG

Here, the pump module and level sender are sealed to the tank and bolted tight. One fitting is pressure, the middle is for the fuel vent, and the other is a return.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...4.01.14_01.JPG

Meanwhile, the Vintage Air hoses, condenser, and other items are installed as wiring begins.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U...4.03.14_01.JPG

Much of the plumbing and wiring will be hidden, but the goal was more to make the underhood area clean and not to hide absolutely everything.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...4.03.14_05.JPG

Vintage Air Gen IV evaporator unit being installed under the dash.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...4.03.14_10.JPG

An American Autowire Classic Update harness replaces all the old wiring.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T...4.04.14_01.JPG

Any updates on this one?

Yeah, we've got some updates. Let me get something together and I'll post 'em up.

Thanks for asking!

It looks like this car is finished on your website? Can we get some detailed pics?