This blog follows the resurrection of a 1960 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan, known to enthusiasts as a “Flat Top”.
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 the plan? To rebuild this car from the ground up into a mostly-stock car but with a few upgrades and possibly some 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!
Update December 2009: The color has been decided. It’ll go back to it’s original color of Ermine White.
Update January 2014: As for the “look”, the body and interior will be all stock, however the engine will be a modern 5.3l Chevrolet LM7 v8. The choice for wheels has yet to be decided… maybe it’ll get Astro Supreme’s, maybe “big” 5 spokes, maybe stock hubcaps and wide whites… decisions, decisions!
need a wind shild for a 1960 impala 4 door hard top used ok please help me having a hard time looking
Both are great. I have a 60 Bel-Air 2-dr.sedan LOVE the car.Stock as can be,but I would really like to update it a bit. Keep all 60s goin
my wife and i just did 60 belair 4 door post. 2 toned metallic dark green on top and cool vanilla on bottom, can,t believe how many people are amazed how great a 4 door turned out,
I hope you post some pictures of the impala once it’s fully restored. Both options are great, but you can never go wrong with red 🙂
🙄 I have a 60 chevy with a V8 engine and am trying to find out what size it is???? I know it is not the orginal engine. The motor number in the back left side is 3970024 as best I can read it. Can any one help me identify it. Email melmeisberger@hotmail.com Thank you
Hi, Just became aware of this site. Im very excited to learn from the best. I have a 1960 Impala 4dr Sport sedan RHD. I have started a restoration of a 60 Impala Convertible
This gives me hope. I picked up a 1963 Bel Air that has been sitting nexst to a barn since I was a kid. I always wanted it, and after I got out of the Army I bought it for $250.00. The owner said he drove it until 1996. It is rusted, and in pretty bad shape, but I’m hopeful that I can make it new again someday.
I want this this car boss.. loved it
The 60 Impala is going to look great. I like the red color scheme. This web site is a great inspiration. It’s very informative and one of the best I’ve seen. I have my Dad’s 1960 Biscayne. It’s a rust bucket but I still love it. Many people want to buy it and use it for parts (probably). My dream is to restore it. These cars have so much class and character.
I just want to say thank you for what you’ve done here. I’ve been restoring my first car, a 60′ Nomad for the past 4 years and following your build. It’s pretty refreshing to see that you and I have all of the same issues, I thought I was going crazy sometimes!. I look forward to seeing your progress, your site is both inspirational and motivating.
Thanks again,
Jes
Hi Jesse, glad that you have enjoyed my blog. I hope to be making updates more regularly, now that I’m working on the car again.
Good luck with the restoration on your Nomad!
DS
How do I contact the person who restored this Impala
It hasn’t been finished yet. Work in progress by myself. not a pro shop.
Hi… Greetings from Poland.
I have 1960 Impala flattop too 😉
With 350cui from early 80s (i think) and TH200-R4. In quite good condition. I have simmilar idea about my car. I’m going to Total restore my cute, Total body restoration with new custom paint, add airride and 18″-20″ rims. Rebuild engine and rise to about 350HP or buy new carburated 350 engine, rebuild transmission and differential. Add 4 discs breaks conversion. And much more…
Just build mild customed shining, cute 1960 flat top Impala. 😉
Hello all, I just came across this site and it looks like it might no longer be active. I hope that’s not the case. In any event, I have a question and I’m going to toss it out there in the hope that someone may see it and have an answer for me (if the website is still active).
I just replaced the hardpan rod in the rear of my 1960 Parkwood. The old one was a little bent and the rear end has always been off center a tiny bit toward the driver’s side. now that I’ve replace the hardpan rod, the rear end has shifted even more toward the driver’s side. Does anyone have a remedy for this? I do not want to replace this OEM hardpan rod with an adjustable (just on principal so as not to have to spend the extra $$ after having just bought this OEM one).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.