1960 IMPALA CONVERTIBLE BIG PROJECT

[RosharonRooster]

Hadn't seen the passenger side in a while

 

[Dean Jenkins]

That looks so good! You've done an amazing job.

 

[RosharonRooster]

The butternut yellow came back for some work in the trunk. If anyone is interested in that I'd be glad to share the technique and process involved in a hydraulic install.

 

[123pugsy]

Always interested in projects on cars.

 

[RosharonRooster]

Got the grill kinda mocked up. To get it out the way. Another big awkward delicate piece. It's chrome plated

 

[RosharonRooster]

Need to take some brackets off the original grill and figure out what I want to do with headlight buckets. Black or green

 

[metalman]

Any plan to black out the radiator support behind the grille?

 

[RosharonRooster]

No plan for that Maybe the headlight buckets. I need to dig them out

 

[RosharonRooster]

Got the grill completely installed. Had to take some brackets off the original grill and transfer over. Headlight buckets and bezels are in. I need to wire up the headlights to complete the front end. Bumper is next.

 

[RosharonRooster]

Lemon lime

 

[RosharonRooster]

I used "rivnuts" to install the grill brackets. Pretty nice. Stainless with a head like a rivet , but it's a threaded bolt with a star washer nut.

 

[dhutton01]

Looks great.

Don

 

[Dean Jenkins]

I used "rivnuts" to install the grill brackets. Pretty nice. Stainless with a head like a rivet , but it's a threaded bolt with a star washer nut.

Nice.
I found out too late that my grill was "supposed" to be riveted on, and that had to be done before putting in the core support.
I'm not going for concours points here so just used stainless screws, nuts and washers.

 

[RosharonRooster]

Thanks Don.

Dean it would have been much easier if I had transferred over the brackets before putting the headlight buckets on. I guess I could have taken them off and do that but I got ahead of myself. I forgot the process of disassembly so I kind of winged it for reassembly. Lucky everything is somewhat accessible

 

[RosharonRooster]

Wrestled with the front bumper. Had to refer to old pics of disassembly to figure out what goes where. Then a run to hardware store for a 15 dollar bag of bolts and nuts. Wanted to get it mounted to complete the project. Managed to bump the fender with it. Good thing I double taped the fender. No damage. Called it quits til the weekend when I get some help.

 

[chevman]

Tractor supply sells bolts and washers by the pound, it can be a good savings over the hardware stores, if you happen to be in there.

 

[RosharonRooster]

Tractor supply sells bolts and washers by the pound, it can be a good savings over the hardware stores, if you happen to be in there.

yep thats where i went. the only things i buy from tractor supply are nuts bolts and dog food....everything else is kind of over priced.

 

[RosharonRooster]

4 days later, had some help over. Took 3 guys to get this bumper hung. There's no way I could have done this alone. Had to wallow out a hole on a bracket a hair. But its on and it's tight in place. Valances on, lights wired and work. Front end is wrapped up (minus front bumper gaurds which are on order) there's some small details I wish would fit better but I chalk it up to chrome plated aluminum and after market clips. But hey, gettin closer!

 

[El Toro]

Looks very nice. Can you install the guards with out dropping the bumper ?

 

[RosharonRooster]

Looks very nice. Can you install the guards with out dropping the bumper ?

Yes I believe so. I reached my hand around in there and can feel bumper