Embarking on a classic car restoration is a rewarding journey, especially when it involves a Chevrolet Impala. For enthusiasts diving into such a project, the quest for the ideal Impala Parts Car often becomes a crucial first step. These donor vehicles are treasure troves, offering everything from essential mechanical components to those hard-to-find trim pieces that can make or break an authentic restoration. This story begins with the serendipitous acquisition of a 1979 Impala, a car with solid bones and brimming with potential, setting the stage for a hands-on restoration adventure and the inevitable need to source impala parts car components.
The journey started unexpectedly when a family friend, a local repair shop owner, generously offered the Impala for free. At the time, still years away from a driver’s license, the car became a fascinating project waiting in the wings. By the spring of 2014, it was roadworthy and served as a daily driver. However, the dream of a full restoration simmered, leading to the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle and dedicating the Impala to its destined revival. The allure of restoring this classic, and the anticipation of hunting down the necessary impala parts car, was too strong to ignore.
Despite its age, the Impala was mechanically sound. The engine ran reliably, even in colder weather, though a carburetor choke issue caused some high idling. Cosmetically, however, the car presented more of a canvas for improvement. A fresh coat of paint topped the list, alongside the need for a replacement rear bumper to address the existing crusty one. Finding a suitable impala parts car might be key to sourcing body panels and trim in better condition.
The body, considering it was over 35 years old and weathered New England winters, was surprisingly solid. Regular undercoating with transmission fluid by the previous owner had effectively minimized major rust. While brake lines had been replaced and the exhaust showed wear, the main structure remained largely intact. A previous attempt at touch-up painting on the hood, though not professional, signaled the owner’s early enthusiasm for restoration. Even with decent body integrity, the search for an impala parts car could provide valuable panels and spares, especially for areas prone to rust.
Under the hood resided what was believed to be the original 305 engine, with around 145,000 miles. While functional, the plan included cleaning up the engine bay and considering upgrades like a four-barrel carburetor. Thoughts even drifted towards a 350 or a powerful 427 big block swap, acknowledging potential space constraints. Sourcing engine components and potentially even a complete engine from an impala parts car remained an option.
The interior presented perhaps the biggest challenge. While some original pieces were salvageable, the headliner needed replacement, with plans to fabricate a new one to maintain an original appearance. The most elusive part proved to be the dash top pad. Years of sun exposure had taken their toll, and finding a replacement in good condition, especially in the original color, seemed nearly impossible. The common issue of parts cars catering more to 50s and 60s muscle cars left 77-79 Impalas underserved in the aftermarket. This underscored the critical need to find a dedicated impala parts car to scavenge these specific interior components.
The restoration plan involved stripping down major body components for rust prevention and chassis work. While aiming to retain the original interior color, a darker shade of blue was considered for the exterior repaint. The immediate steps included browsing online marketplaces for potential impala parts car leads and hoping for favorable weather to commence work. The journey of restoring this 1979 Chevrolet Impala, fueled by the hunt for the perfect impala parts car, was just beginning.
