66 Impala

[88LTDCV351]

Hi all,

So my boss' boss' boss's son (lol :)), was wanting to buy a 66 Impala. So my boss' boss' boss (who knows I'm a classic car enthusiast and somewhat of a DIT do it yourselfer) wants me to come with him and his son to "kick the tires" of this car they want to look at. I don't think anyone else at my office is into Detriot Iron so I'm probably the only candidate for input I guess in the land of rice or euro.

I've done some fair amount of shopping for 10+ year old cars with my dad back in the day in Indiana but have never shopped or kicked the tires for one this old. Although I do dream of owning a classic/muscle someday but I'm probably more into Chevelle's myself. Anything else I should check for other than the norm?

I guess I should sign up for a Impala forum also. Probably get some good tips there. Just want to impress that I'm not a total newb when it comes to these cars. However admiring at car shows and watching TV shows about them is far from offering advice on the condition of a classic for sale. Make sense?

So what else do I check for?

[SC Cheesehead]

Is it a California car?

Even if it is, with salt air, etc, it would be a good idea to check for frame rust, especially at hard mounting points for the suspension. Also in the lower front quarter panels, rocker panels, beneath the seats, and in the trunk.

The cars were built pretty stout, and Chebbie V8s darn near run forever.

Post up some pics if you get 'em.

[88LTDCV351]

Yes, its most likely a California car.



Post up some pics if you get 'em.

Will do if I remember to bring the camera.

Thanks

[Mr. Man]

Rust rust and rust. Also the Impala guys/gals should be able to give you clues as to what model Impala you are really looking at. Most Impala's have remarkably become SS's. See if you can figure out how to decipher the Vin code. and did I mention rust.:)

[88LTDCV351]

Well, the father told me it wasn't an SS. I think the engine was just over 300 cubic inches.

[cj7chris]

I would think basic car buying tips would apply. Off the top of my head:

-Try to get to the car when it's cold so you can hear a cold start.
-Watch for smoke on startup
-If carb'ed car, check for higher idle at startup and proper choke engagment
-Rust issues are expensive, use a magnet to check for bondo in usual places
-Bring a sheet/towel to crawl under car
-Pull dipstick, check oil. Milkshake indicates coolant in oil or headgasket leak. Look at general condition of oil: clean = good dirty = bad
-Bring a spark plug wrench and pull a plug or two. Google how to read spark plugs
-Compression tester (available at autozone, oreilly's, etc.) while plug is out. You're looking for even numbers. One cylinder high or low indicates a problem.
-Drive it: Check brakes for vibration or pulling when stopping
-Check for firm steering wheel feel. if it wanders, likely tie rod ends or ball joints.

[martyo]

check the body edges around the front and rear glass

check the floor pans (thoroughly!) - can you put the car on a lift?

check the cowl for rust/repair

look at the quarters for filler, expecially near the wheel wells

bring a magnet wrapped in cloth or one of the flexible magnets to check along the body for filler

look at the rear quarters from the inside (trunk)

[Odinson]

Owned a 66 impala for 4 years. Did an engine swap on it. Wife (new girlfriend at the time) called it the love boat.

Very short version.
---cancer----
---rubber rot---
---drum brakes---
---ignition---

Longer version

Marty is spot on with the magnet. Make it powerful. Mine had bondo covering rust in rear quarters. Also trunks in these cars are rust central. Rear wheels can reach underside with splatter. Lift any mats, carpets, etc.

At this age ALL rubber will be rotted and need to be replaced. Every mount, every bushing. Get a schematic of the underside of the car and identify all rubber and check it. Receipts! Even if it's low miles and garaged start driving it and they will crumble. A lower control arm bushing went on mine Control arm bolt wore through. Stranded the car in a bad neighborhood where it was stolen! No sign whatsoever until the event.

These cars ride like ferry boats at 90, but handle GOD AWFUL in any kind of evasive maneuver. I put my mechanically identical 67 Biscayne in A WALL in one. Chipped tooth to show for it. Replace at least the front drums with a disc kit and a power brake unit. It is a safety issue.

The ignition (the key) is three wires. A dog could hot wire it. Set up a kill switch, or alarm, boa constrictor or something. It will walk.

Also..

If it's to be modded, don't worry about the engine and tranny so much. Every single speed shop ever to open it's doors can crate in a 400hp entire replacement drivetrain for one dollar and fifty cents. And an amateur could drop it in in a short weekend with lots of beer. Great car, crap engine? No problem.

Also if for some strange reason the body is in good shape but has never been repainted. REPAINT IT. Factory paint in 66 can't hold a candle to the primers and paint now. It will preserve the car. Rust loves Impalas!

Not sure if they are still around, but look up 'Year One.' Had practically every part for the car available. They were actually pretty common. Big market.

Happy hunting.

[Odinson]

Oh and pics. It happened!

http://www.warcloud.net/%7Eodinson/Graphics/impla-1.JPG

http://www.warcloud.net/%7Eodinson/Graphics/Stars.jpg

[RubberCtyRauder]

I had a 66 Caprice for a couple of years, like 10 years ago about. 4 door hardtop with power windows, Bought it at the Iola Swap meat in Iola, WI for those that know the midwest. As most have mentioned, check around windshield, cowl, around rear glass and what I call the rear cowl area, inside the trunk, floors, underneath, bottoms of doors..these are all rust and corrosion areas..which may not be a problem with a CA car, but worth investigating. Most of the interior stuff can be replaced from Classic Industries, Impala Bob's, etc...

[wickedmerc]

http://www.warcloud.net/%7Eodinson/Graphics/Stars.jpg

:hijack:Man, that dude on the right looks so familiar. I grew-up in Nassau County in the late 80's & 90's...this pic is probably from the mid 90's. Where was it taken?

To the OP, all the standard things to check apply as mentioned (ie oil, coolant, power steering/brake fluids (if equipped), 1/4's for bondo, fender/bumper alignment, etc...). Probably a 283 or 327 car if stock, non-SS. Motors are strong but, these days, you could swap that out for 400+hp for less than $5k complete.
Good luck!

[CBT]

I love the big ol' Impala's! Almsot every day, I am on the interwebz looking at 427 Impala's and Biscaynes.

[Mr. Man]

I love the big ol' Impala's! Almsot every day, I am on the interwebz looking at 427 Impala's and Biscaynes.
I wonder what's that CBT code for?:dunno:

[CBT]

Here's the link to the Chevy section, http://www.cars-on-line.com/chevrolet.html

And here is one badass Biscayne.

http://www.californiaplaytoys.com/?listing=1966-chevrolet-biscayne-post-sedan
http://www.californiaplaytoys.com/wp-content/themes/automotiv/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://www.californiaplaytoys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Biscayne-001tn.jpg&w=436&h=300&zc=1&q=90

[Odinson]

:hijack:Man, that dude on the right looks so familiar. I grew-up in Nassau County in the late 80's & 90's...this pic is probably from the mid 90's. Where was it taken?

To the OP, all the standard things to check apply as mentioned (ie oil, coolant, power steering/brake fluids (if equipped), 1/4's for bondo, fender/bumper alignment, etc...). Probably a 283 or 327 car if stock, non-SS. Motors are strong but, these days, you could swap that out for 400+hp for less than $5k complete.
Good luck!

That was at the seven 11 on sunrise across from seaford train station. Blonde dude is me and other guy is Brad. I'd say it's about 93, maybe 94? Was either 19 or 20 here.

[martyo]

Here's the link to the Chevy section, http://www.cars-on-line.com/chevrolet.html

And here is one badass Biscayne.

http://www.californiaplaytoys.com/?listing=1966-chevrolet-biscayne-post-sedan
http://www.californiaplaytoys.com/wp-content/themes/automotiv/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://www.californiaplaytoys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Biscayne-001tn.jpg&w=436&h=300&zc=1&q=90

CBT, we should get married.

At least you and I have the same taste in cars (the same can not be said for my wife!).

[wickedmerc]

That was at the seven 11 on sunrise across from seaford train station. Blonde dude is me and other guy is Brad. I'd say it's about 93, maybe 94? Was either 19 or 20 here.

Yeah, I know where that is. Did you do the Hempstead Tpke cruise late 80's/early 90's?
Do you go to Sunrise Hwy in Bellmore on Friday nights? I've seen many 65-66 Impalas there! (see what I did there? I tied my hijack to the OP. I'm so ****g clever :rolleyes:).

OP: I was helping a friend of mine find a 65-66 Impala convertible about 2 years ago. Good ones are pricey...$10k+ for non-SS cars. Add $5-7k for SS. Never did buy 1. Good luck!

[Mr. Man]

CBT, we should get married.

At least you and I have the same taste in cars (the same can not be said for my wife!).Now you did it :rolleyes:

http://mychinaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/open-a-can-of-worms.jpg

[Odinson]

Yeah, I know where that is. Did you do the Hempstead Tpke cruise late 80's/early 90's?
Do you go to Sunrise Hwy in Bellmore on Friday nights? I've seen many 65-66 Impalas there! (see what I did there? I tied my hijack to the OP. I'm so ****g clever :rolleyes:).

OP: I was helping a friend of mine find a 65-66 Impala convertible about 2 years ago. Good ones are pricey...$10k+ for non-SS cars. Add $5-7k for SS. Never did buy 1. Good luck!

Been wanting to get over to Belmore with the marauder. Alas but no. Wife doesn't let me out much.

As for the pike, I'm sure I was around here and there. Worked in Pathmark in Levittown for a while. Impala was my DD, so you if you saw me around there, you likely saw it. Club scene was drying up right as I was old enough to drink. I think I went to Uncle Sams exactly once.

[prchrman]

Check the frame over and behind the back wheels as I have known of 2 where the whole back of the car fell off behind the back window.

[CBT]

CBT, we should get married.

At least you and I have the same taste in cars (the same can not be said for my wife!).

I can cook, too!

[martyo]

I can cook, too!

Please send your resume to marty@mosspeedshop.com !!!

[gdsqdcr]

Please send your resume to marty@mosspeedshop.com !!!

Should he send picture as well?
:D

[martyo]

Should he send picture as well?
:D

It'd help for sure!

[lji372]

boss' boss' boss's son? r u brown nosing (or diving in) :D

1st rust, 2nd drive it like you stole it for a few miles. if you didn't blow the motor or trans tell him it's good to go :banana2: