BRAD & JOYCE MARTIN’S 1962 IMPALA/EL CAMINO
You know the feeling! You are cruising through the cars on Craigslist and BANG, you are mesmerized. You think, “How bad could that car be if it has been in a museum for 20 years?”
Photos: Michael Kellogg
Model: Irina Bochkareva IG: #blondie-bee21
On the car transport it looked pretty good, at least at 50 yards! The design was inspired, but the execution was horrendous! Almost every panel and gap needed attention. The engine and transmission were boat anchors. The driveshaft was twisted, the brakes didn’t work, the floorboards were rotted and the tweed interior was poorly done and “itchy”. This is why it was in a museum and not being driven!
In order to salvage the original investment, everything needed to be redone. Darren Thurber replaced the entire drive train from the radiator to the differential. He then rebuilt the entire brake system with front disc brakes, suspension with tubular A arms, fuel system and wiring. He also installed air conditioning, power brakes and power steering. It now has a 350 SBC @ 330 hp, 700 R transmission and 3.73 positraction rear end.
The metal work was turned over to Gary Smith at Legends Motor Car in Placerville, CA. This is where the horrors from the first builder were exposed. There was no lateral support from the firewall to the tailgate! At least five places on the body had rusted out or were severely damaged. These problems had originally been solved by wadding up masking tape, stuffing it into the holes and putting ¾ inch of plastic filler over the top. All of the metal work, including a beautifully finished pickup bed were addressed by Gary – a true craftsmanl!
The gorgeous paint was applied by Rick’s Body Shop in Sacramento, CA. The color is a custom mix based upon an original 1962 Chevrolet color.
The interior was done by Upholstery Plus in Placerville, CA. While many components are original, many had to be fabricated. The seats are from a 1962 Impala Super Sport and the console is from a 1964 Impala Super Sport.
In all, there are parts from over 20 different 1962-1964 Chevrolet cars in this build. The most significant, however, is the splicing of a 1962 Bel-Air four door rear window to the original Impala two door sedan roof.
The results have exceeded expectations. It drives like a dream and garners attention regularly. The most unusual and perhaps misguided comments are, “Yeah, I remember those!” and “My dad had one!”
The car’s now permanent name, “Impalamino” was bestowed on the car by a friend in the low rider community.
Owner: Brad & Joyce Martin
Location: Placerville, CA
Registered as: 1962 Impala Two Door
Original builder: Unknown
Engine: SBC – 350 cu. in. – 330 hp
Transmission:700 R
Differential: 3.73 positraction
Painter: Rick’s Body Shop
Suspension: Dropped spindles tubular A arms Borgeson power steering
Brakes: Power (F) disc (R) drum
Tires: BF Goodrich 235/45 ZR17
Wheels: US MAG “Rambler” 17X8
Exhaust: Flowmaster
Club: Superiors, Concord, CA 1963