1964 Impala (my HS Car)

[WtShark]

I wanted to build my HS (first) car, and found this old kit on Ebay. Kit was rough, lots of flash, warped parts and sanding. I also discovered the amazing after market photo etch sets, (such as Model Car Garage's set) and purchased them. I tried a few new techniques, (thread to add piping to seats and foam sheet for headliner). Still using brushes and rattle cans at this point. I built the 409 as closely to mine as I could, making a bit nicer than mine was, but overall fun. Had an issue with the first attempt at paint and had to sand it off and spray it again, but once all of the PE was painstakingly applied, came out ok. This was also my first attempt at BMF. I do like it, but haven't quite figured out the steady cutting process. Used new blades, gently dragging (at all angles) and even tried a template/steady hand rest. Some cuts were better than others. Each build gets a bit better. This time I added keys, custom printed Center lines and a window sticker.

 

[WtShark]

A couple more photos of the completed build- And a photo of the actual car, (1988-ish)
I should add, my car was not an SS, it was an Impala Coupe, my father bought it in Massachusetts in 1964, driving it out to California on his big move after getting out of the Navy. I inherited it in 82, and it was tired. My mother had been driving it for 15+ years as her commuter/daily driver. I spent time fixing up and rebuilding what I could in HS (never having enough money to do what I wanted/needed) but while stationed in Northern California in the Army, I was able to take advantage of the post Auto shop and rebuilt the motor and trans, waking up a tired motor. It was a massive car, one I would joke as being you don't really drive it, you aim it. I miss it, and kick myself for selling it in 1991- Hindsight is always 20/20 and have kept my eyes peeled for it, hoping to buy it back one day. We'll see.

 

[Tommergun]

Well done, love the engine detail.

 

[WtShark]

Well done, love the engine detail.

Thank you!

 

[ErichtheRed7]

My first was a 68 Dodge Charger R/T with a 440, auto. Those were also very large cars, and of course anyone who was anybody had a Camaro or Chevelle and all their little preppy girlfriends made mad fun of me and my land yacht. Finally got tired of it, challenged the Chevelle owner to race after school and, let's just say they weren't laughing anymore. Good times.