Project Chevy

[Kyzrsoze]

Yep, I'd fix it.
I see nothing in those photos that would scare me away. Some time spent on a frame machine would do wonders...

It is a 'body on frame' platform. Surprisingly, the frame with minor variations dates back to 1977.

Is the impala a full frame car? I haven't seen one in 15 years.

I'm thinking it was. And as far as i recall there was only 3 or 4 years of this model. I worked at a GMC Cadillac lot in 9t when the last Fleetwood models came out. 96 was the last year for the big rear drive sedns.

 

[car8]

Get a ragged out 9C1 police car with a good frame a and rear


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Kyzrsoze]

Order a new frame and get started

Back half it. Put some steam rollers under those fenders.

I have a few options for repair, but I need to get the car hone before I start making decisions. The collision happened in Georgia as he was driving from Nashville to West Palm Beach, and he drove it home afterward.

First, I will be buying a donor car. A 1996 Caprice is the best option, preferably with a bad engine or transmission. The Caprice 93-96 is close to mechanically identical to the Impala. There are key differences, but the even the engine and transmission are the same. The benefit of of using a 96 is that it's the first year for OBD2 so wiring won't be an issue.

Option 1: Do a frame swap with the donor car. Cut out the rear quarter panel and use the rear quarter from the donor for the repair. This option keeps the car as close to original as possible.

Option 2: Strip the donor car down to the shell, frame, and doors. Paint it black. Disassemble the wreck and move everything to the donor.

 

[Kyzrsoze]

I'd like to keep up with the progress. That one might be past the point of repair but I'm curious to see what OP does with it

I'm considering a YouTube channel for the project, but I'll be posting about it regardless.

 

[Kyzrsoze]

Yep, I'd fix it.
I see nothing in those photos that would scare me away. Some time spent on a frame machine would do wonders...

I've only talked to one shop about the frame. He was confident that he could straighten it out, but he was concerned about the strength of the frame afterward, mostly due to the location of the bend.

 

[Zeake]

I’d try to straighten the frame....beef it up if you have to. . . .
I had a 94 I put corvette wheels, bigger sway bars and a few other mods.

it was a comfortable fun ride.

 

[spistols]

If you have the space, lift, manpower, and patience, I say change the frame. This will give you and opportunity to paint/powder the replacement frame.

 

[Gunanddoglover]

Any updates?

 

[Kyzrsoze]

Any updates?

I'm behind schedule, finishing some side projects that have to be done.

In a few weeks I'll be starting on the pole barn that will serve as the storage and workspace for the car. Next I need to head down to south Florida and pick up the car.

 

[joel2000]

Yep, I'd fix it.
I see nothing in those photos that would scare me away. Some time spent on a frame machine would do wonders...

^^^^ Dead on the money^^^^
My thoughts exactly... Frame machine and good body work = Great rewards for you.
That is another piece that is on my horizon ...