About the 1960 Impala
Project: Flat Broke Flat Top. This blog follows the resurrection of a 1960 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan, known to enthusiasts as a “Flat Top”. Why Flat Broke? We have little money and pretty much everything on the car is broken!
Not too many 4-door cars get restored since tradition emphasizes that only 2-door cars are cool. Many 4-door cars have been stripped and sent to the crusher to save 2-Door Hard Tops, Convertibles, El Caminos and Sedan Deliveries. However that way of thinking has started to change as we see the value of these more popular body styles skyrocket. The recent popularity of station wagons has also helped warm the hearts of old car enthusiasts to the idea that 4-door models can be cool. Even old school 2-door thinkers will often admit that the roofline of the 59-60 General Motors 4-door hard-top cars is pretty cool. This particular car was equipped from the factory with optional EZ-Eye tinted glass, padded dash, deluxe heater, dual rear antennas and a 230 h.p 283 c.i “Super Turbo Fire” V-8.
What is our plan? To rebuild this car from the ground up into a mostly-stock car but with a few upgrades and mild custom touches. The final look of the car flip-flops around several ideas as time goes on, but rest assured it will be cool! I used Adobe Photoshop to modify a few pictures of original cars to try some build concepts. Here are a few that are being seriously considered:
Check out the links in the column to your right. You can navigate all the blog entries made regarding the build of this Impala by date, category, or by the most recent postings. Also feel free to leave comments! Don’t like it?Are we nuts? Maybe we are doing it all wrong… lets hear some feedback! You can leave comments simply by clicking on the “comments” link at the bottom of each posting.
Steve and Dave,
I’ve always liked the flattop four-doors. The roof line is like no other except a for the El Camino. The ’60 is the better of the two years (’59-’60) in my opinion because it was “toned down” from the ’59. However—–I would not turn down a ’59 ’cause they’re still really pretty.
Of the two renderings of possible custom touches, I like the white with black stripe and roof, not for the colors but for the Supreme wheels. I’m partial to Supremes. Torque Thrust II is a nice wheel, but seems most cars have them. Supremes are more ’60s vintage design. Colors? I’m not impressed with white, but the white black combo in the pic is not a bit bad. Black and red is my favorite combo, though.
I’d surely like to be working on a flattop ’60. Perhaps someday one will wind up on my drive. Right now I have a ’60 Delivery and a ’60 Bel Air two-door sedan. Love em both.
Jerry
April 10th, 2007 | #
LOVE IT!!!! I’d go with the original colors… I have a flattop in the same color combo.. I also have a nicer black 4 door sedan.. I am not a 4 door guy per say but I would rather have a flattop than a 2 door hardtop because they are so cool and you never see them.. You guys are doing a great job.. That was a nice score on that 4 door sedan… What are your plans for the padded dash? Is it too far gone? I am really enjoying your site!!
Rick
April 11th, 2007 | #
Hi guys – I was told to look at your project by a friend on Chevytalk.com. Although my big deal is Oldsmobile, my focus is on post-war through ’64, with an emphasis on ’59 – ’60 GM.
From meager beginnings, I’m attempting to get my own shop going for restoration – Rocket Restorations, since my draw is the rocket age of automobiles. I own a ’60 Olds Super 88 flat top and will follow with interest your project. I’m currently beginning on a clients’ ’60 Impala and also will ATTEMPT to have the Olds in paint for this years’ cruisin’ season. It’s my “business card”!
Good luck on the project! I’ll be watching!
Shane Walp, Columbus, O.
April 11th, 2007 | #
Nice.I have 60″,4 door,Black on Black,in great condition.I love it.She is an oldie but a goodie for sure.
August 9th, 2007 | #
Original color is better, my 59 has it original and will stay that way. until I go out.
August 17th, 2007 | #
Hi Guys,I live in Uruguay,South America and have a 1960 hard top 4 door restored.I’m inlove with it.I’m thinking to put the fender skirts to the car but not sure.The car is white with red line and the interior I bought it in CARS INC.Please tell me your opinion about.
August 29th, 2007 | #
That thing is BAD:twisted:, nuff said.
October 22nd, 2007 | #
Hi did you have to replace any of the trim clips around the rear window? I have been looking for the clips for the stainless at the top of window. Do you know where I can find any? The car looks great!
Thanks
Pat
January 24th, 2008 | #
Pat, we havent gotten to put the trim back on yet, but I know the clips you are talking about. I think they are available, but I really don’t recall where I saw them. Go to http://www.chevytalk.com and find the 1958-60 forum. There are many knowledgeable people there who may be able to help you find them.
January 27th, 2008 | #
Might try the ElCamino Store in Goleta CA.
I would imagine that the rear roof moulding is the same as the 4-HT as the rear roof and general rear window was ‘borrowed’ for the Elky
February 22nd, 2008 | #
hi there i will be interesred in your progress as ope to pick up a 1960 4 dorr flattop this weekend goodluck ray
March 5th, 2008 | #
Hey have 1960 4dr sport sedan in pretty good condition all chrome glass body in pretty good condition I bought the car for 4,000 and dont have the money or enough knowledge tp do the car justice so if you know anybody interested 270-376-3299 ask for Brian oh it has a 327 motor and does run and drive
July 3rd, 2008 | #
Would you be in need of some Original rust free caps for your ride? I just found some near mint 1960 impala Hubcaps in my bastement under the floor, in near mint shape, no rust, just some roar grime. I cleaned one up and its beautiful. Im only asking $200 for all 4, so if you need some I got a whole set for you.
LMK
(731)692-3499
Jay
July 17th, 2008 | #
Hey Guys, just found this site, My sister and B-I-L just bought a 1960 4 door HT(looks like the red one in the above pix) It’s a hard car to find any information on it, I was wondering what the best shop manual would be? there are a few on e-bay one is assembly manual the other is a shop manual. any suggestions???
Ron, the shop manual is the one to get first. The assembly manual would be something to have while doing a full-restoration where you’d want to know how something goes back together.
September 14th, 2008 | #
good luck on your project i bought a 60 impala about 2 months ago for 900 new paint with all original chromes no motor no tranny, no interior need new floors; it needs alot of things. but i love this car even if my wife told me that iam crazy when the firs time i brought it home:mrgreen:
what have you done so far to your ride???
September 20th, 2008 | #
Does anyone have a right front door for sale 59-60 with inges please in need, jonathan 213-948-7959
October 27th, 2008 | #
hi
i live in france, i have a impala 60 4dr hard top, black and red .if you want some picture mail me
November 2nd, 2008 | #
i am buling a 1960 impala and i wanted to know where you got all your parts at.
Ed, we have used quite a bit of parts from the ’60 Biscayne that we picked up just for that purpose, and now we have a ’59 4-door hard-top to pick from too. Other stuff has come from eBay.
November 8th, 2008 | #
December 2nd, 2008 | #
Nice car! Good looking concepts. I am just starting my 62 Impala restoration. I am working on a blog as well Good luck I will be checking back often to see the progress.
December 10th, 2008 | #
Hi everyone. Need some help here… I am restoring a 1960 Impala Convertible. I need to pick up a new driver side door skin. Can I order a door from off a 2-door hardtop? (I learned the hard way that convertibles actually use a 4-door trunk lid)
-thanks
April 6th, 2009 | #
i also have a 60 hard top fully restore took me 5 years in trinidad it was the only 1 that was exported here. It has a six cylinder engine 235 which has been rebuilt to the highest level,also it sports 1966 Buick Riveria Wheels. When its being driven on the road its causes alot of traffic and pause of time because no one has never seen a car like it. You are quite right the roof line is the slickeest looking design ever made. My next upcoming project is a 1968 Chevel Sports Sedan Postless four door which is very rare i have never seen one. Tell u more when i complete my new project and i will send u some pictures of my baby impala which is the biggest four door car in Trinidad & Tobago.
May 21st, 2009 | #
I just finished restoring a 1960 flat top 4 door. Engine 1965
409, transmisson 1992 camaro 700r4, rear end 3:50 gears. It really hauls a real sleeper, I’m glad I replaced brakes with
disc brake system. The color is tourquois and white top. It is
a show car and 4-sale. I am currently restoring a 79 Scout. Have
fun fellows and good luck to all.
July 8th, 2009 | #
1960 el caminos is where it is at baby!
July 21st, 2009 | #
Finding parts for an impala should be easy. Try finding parts for a 60 el camino which makes up 1% of chevys total passenger car production for that year.
July 21st, 2009 | #
I have a 60 sport sedan, roman red with white. Same car I had when wife and I were dating, 46 years ago. I have some 60 chevy parts if anyone is interested.Larry P. Shelton
August 13th, 2009 | #
Does anyone know if you can use a new model windshield wiper motor on a 60 Impala 2dr h/t? If so,which one?
August 31st, 2009 | #
HI, I have my 4 door hardtop and need dash clock and ingnition switch. I live in Uruguay. Please advise if somebody knows. I have frends in the states.
September 6th, 2009 | #
Where can I get the best prices and replacement quality glass for my 1960 Impala?
Thank you,
David
November 7th, 2009 | #
Iam staying in South Africalooking for impala hard top1960 as I am busy restoring the same that belonged to my late grand mother.can any one help and any one lokking for impala caprice and 1959 impala they are available.
November 17th, 2009 | #
Love those 4 door flat tops. I picked up a couple of 60 El Camino’s for my retirement project. I just started stripping the interior. One of mine has the padded dash but I don’t know if I will re install that. I will have my hands full with work/school and life over the next few years so I will not get as much progress as I hoped. My color scheme will be white with a blood red stripe and maybe the roof.
November 29th, 2009 | #
Good evening Dave, I read your site. I see you are asking a lot.
I prefer white, but this may be too late. A Mail
supports will be nice. Many thanks. JLuc
December 1st, 2009 | #
Hi JLuc… The car will be white, the decision was set in stone when I purchased the paint the other day… it’s a done deal!
December 9th, 2009 | #
David, the best place to buy new glass for your ’60 Impala is Auto City Classics, they show up at most or the major swap meets and shows throughout the US… or you can go direct to their website http://www.autocityclassic.com/
December 9th, 2009 | #
I have bought and restored many flattops and finally found my holy grail, a convertible.
Keep up the good work.
Martin
December 17th, 2009 | #
Need some body resto panels. Let me start off with I’m working on a 60 Bel Air 2dr sd.
First one I could use is the taillight panel(someone liked the impala stuff better and cut holes to change it over)
The next one I cant seem to locate is the front and rear under bumper pieces(front ones hold the turn signals, rear ones hold the B-up lights)
Car has been in the family since the 70′s and has been on and off the road several times since then. I did a basic frame-off in the late 80′s but its showing my inexperience(High school project for auto body class) Still runs good and Original tranny still shifts good.
She just needs some TLC and rust repair.
Any links for parts mainly body parts sources would be greatly app. jandvloar@atlanticbb.net
December 21st, 2009 | #
Hello, I am restoring a 60 Impala and need to know what do they call the chrome molding on the rear fin. Not the truck lid, but the one beside it. I need two of them and the clips if anyone knows where to get them. I have an assembly manual, but it does not give them a name.
Thanks
Dave
January 10th, 2010 | #
Dave, I don’t know if they have a specific name, although GM gives them a unique part number… but that won’t help you in this case. I see them for sale on eBay all the time, usually being referred to as “fin trim” or “trunk trim”.
January 11th, 2010 | #
Hello,
I’m looking for the bottom door panel chrome for both the right and left doors. They are straight and are roughly 3/8″ wide x 43.5″ long. If you or someone you know have any to sell please e-mail me asap tankerracing@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Justin
January 13th, 2010 | #
I wish you all the luck in getting the door windows aligned once you go to install them. I hope you will include lots of tips. I have a 1960 Cadillac 4 window, same roof-line as the Chevrolet Sport Sedan, that I have tried to align them and I always make it worse. The directions in the shop manual are like a foreign language to me. From what I have seen with your progress so far and the excellence in your craft I know you can do it but please include a ‘post’ about this and any tips or how-to’s. Wonderful vehicle to make perfect and you are well on your way! Good luck and take care.
January 19th, 2010 | #
Taking Offers On A 60 Impala Steering Wheel Column For Floor Shifter.. Email Me For Pics alex_casso@hotmail.com
Thanks
January 29th, 2010 | #
Does anyone have any info about getting the complete turn signal & horn for a 60Impala? Does any thing work that I can get today. Am told no one builds a replacement like the original. I have nothing to work with as mine was totally fried inside the steering wheel & column. Please help!!!!
January 31st, 2010 | #
About the stainless trim for the truink & side for 60 Impala—MJ Cruisers has it. Look in Hemmings & he has lots of ads. Is located in Tyler,Tx. He is costly!!! My stainless on the sides fins was good but clips no good. A friend made me ne ones that are much better than original ones.
January 31st, 2010 | #
Anyone with info on turn signals or horn,please e-mail to Mr.G @ gufegramps@yahoo.com.
Thanks
January 31st, 2010 | #
I JUST BOUGHT MY VERY OWN 1960 4 DOOR HARDTOP FOR 1400$ DONT HAVE THE TIME OR MONEY TO GO ALL THE WAY SO IM GOING A LITTLT RATROD WISH ME LUCK ALL MY 7 KIDS LOVE THE CAR PLAN TO GO LOW
February 9th, 2010 | #
Wow!:shock:
That red one is just beautiful! I’ve always wanted an Impala!
February 18th, 2010 | #
I have seven 1960 Chevy’s. Four Impala’s, one 4 dr Sport Sedan (4 dr hdtp) and 3 Belairs. All are in very nice condition and I drive them all in the summer months.
My 4 dr hdtp is Shadow Gray, red interior, 348, p/glide, p/s, p/b, factory a/c, p/windows, 6 way power seats, padded dash. A total of 40 factory options. Gets fantastic reviews where ever it goes.
March 10th, 2010 | #
Do 4-doors usually get restored?
March 18th, 2010 | #
Hey folks im restoring a 60 impala 2door hardtop. Im putting an LS1 98 corvette motor and 4l60e tranny. It’s already in paint and i just picked up a 3.70 gear P case Posi thirdmember.
i also have tons of trims and mouldings left over…if you need anything email me eflores91@aol.com take care and good luck
March 20th, 2010 | #
Sometimes, if they are special or rare. They get restored more often in European countries, were vintage American cars of all kinds are valued.
March 31st, 2010 | #
Whats up to all u 1960 Impala lovers?? Checkout a website called classicindustries.com they will send u a catalog for free with all the parts u need… except for the quarter panel trim or the outer fin trim. Hope it helps!!
June 4th, 2010 | #
New to the group. Great website! I have a ’60 4-door sport sedan that needs a set of wide whitewall tires. Does anyone know which brand(s) would have considered original equipment? I like the look of the Goodyear and Firestone bias ply tires, but I want to know which tire brand(s) may have come with the car originally. Thanks for the help.
June 8th, 2010 | #
This is the first time that I have seen one of the flattop’s. They are very different. My dad had a 1960 Impala two door it was white & turquoise green color.
June 16th, 2010 | #