The Chevrolet Impala SS lowrider project car build
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Finally! Jonny introduces his never-ending Chevrolet Impala project build. This 1964 SS lowrider restoration was started some 17 years ago, and still isn't finished. Jonny admits that it has been a roller coaster project, partly due to his lack of planning and, ill fitting components or unreputable companies, but it is now closer to completion that its ever been. It is the most expensive project he has ever had, and yet it has never started up or been driven.
The Impala SS has had a bare metal body off restoration, with reinforced chassis (in preparation for hydraulic suspension), a 350ci (5.7) crate V8 engine, restored or replaced trim, new upholstery, paint and custom pinstriping, and as much detail as was possible within the budget.
Rest assured there will be more episodes on the Impala project soon, but this one was an attempt at bringing viewers up to speed on what was started in 2003.
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Jonny's 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS tech spec
Originally 327 c.i V8 engine with 2-speed Powerglide auto
Originally built in St Louis and ordered with:
Ember red paint (922), red interior, A/C, green tinted glass, radio with aerial
Engine & gearbox:
Now 1995 GM Goodwrench crate 350ci V8
Now TH400 3-speed automatic
Shiftworks cable floor shift
Kwik Performance single serpentine belt
Edelbrock 650 4-barrel vac secondary carburettor
Aluminium radiator
2 x Spal electric cooling fans on custom mount
Edelbrock air cleaner
Chevrolet script Holley valve covers
Custom engine & trans mounts
Reinforced and rebuilt back axle
Bodywork:
Replaced driver's side rear quarter panel
Replaced both front toe board floor panels
Replaced one rear body mount
Original green tinted glass
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
Originally 327 c.i V8 engine with 2-speed Powerglide auto
Originally built in St Louis and ordered with:
Ember red paint (922), red interior, A/C, green tinted glass, radio with aerial
Engine & gearbox:
Now 1995 GM Goodwrench crate 350ci V8
Now TH400 3-speed automatic
Shiftworks cable floor shift
Kwik Performance single serpentine belt
Edelbrock 650 4-barrel vac secondary carburettor
Aluminium radiator
2 x Spal electric cooling fans on custom mount
Edelbrock air cleaner
Chevrolet script Holley valve covers
Custom engine & trans mounts
Reinforced and rebuilt back axle
Bodywork:
Replaced driver's side rear quarter panel
Replaced both front toe board floor panels
Replaced one rear body mount
Original green tinted glass
Original SS trim restored
Original bumpers rechromed
N.O.S bumper overriders
Original grille restored
New rear SS cove trims
New door locks
Jaguar XJR 5 3/4" headlights
Paintwork:
GM Ermine white roof
GM Granada Gold metallic paint
Pinstriping and gold leaf
Wheels:
Pinnacle 14-inch x 7J 100 spoke knock off wires
Interior:
Oxblood red vinyl bucket seats with new foam
New red carpet
New glassfibre dash top
New SS door cards
Fabricated new rear arm rests
Fabricated parcel shelf with concealed speakers
GM star fabric headliner
3D printed air vent grilles
air con vents
Original SS dash trims
Unrestored steering wheel
Restored original SS centre console
New window and door rubbers
Restored window and door brightwork
Chassis:
Original X-frame 'wrapped' with 6mm sheet steel
Rear cross member replaced with box tube
Front X-member straightened (accident damage) and reinforced
4 x uprights from rear chassis into boot area (for battery rack)
Suspension:
Rear trailing arms fully wrapped and notched for powerball mounts
Front wishbones extended and reinforced
Heavy duty ball joints
4-tonne Pro Hopper springs
Black Magic rear panhard rod replaced with Y-piece axle locator bar
Pro Hopper black anodised G Force pumps x 4
Brakes:
ABS Powerbrake disc brake conversion
ABS Powerbrake booster master cylinder
Rebuilt original rear drums
Steering:
ABS Powerbrake 605 steering box
Modified steering rods from Limit Fabrication
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#projectcarbuild #64impalass #chevyimpala 
Авто/Мото
It was actually really relaxing *cuts to a photo of johnny reconsidering his life choices* 😂😂
Im good friends with the guy who had the marijuana habit 😂
He is a good welder but you taking this offa him before he'd finished definitely left a stain on his rep. Which I think is a shame...
That should push my comment up the ranks nicely- thanks
you probably dont care but if you're stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all the new movies on instaflixxer. I've been binge watching with my brother for the last few months :)
@Carson Alijah yea, I've been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself :)
@@vwmatt1It's the marijuana habit that left the stain on his rep...
It's like Jonny has spent the last twenty years collecting classic cars and wierd mopeds and stashing them all over the UK knowing that one day he'd have his own TV channel to show them all off! Good on ya, Jonny.
Deservedly so! I freakin love watching all these for the first time!
As an American, I am proud of you bringing this car back to life and looking fantastic! Hope you and your family enjoy this car for life
Many thanks Miguel. Hope it lives for many years when finished too.
Enjoy the show Homie, I grew up in low rider Chicano culture back in Northern Cali! It was Awsome to see how you have embraced the “Low Rider” not only did you embrace “Low Rider” you have embraced all of Califas!!!! Thank you homie& be safe !
In my childhood we used to travel in a 1961 impala from the Northeast of Switzerland through the Alps down to the Tuscany pulling a caravan many years. Just over 12 m of convoy with a lame 5.4 V8 😀. We loved and lived every bit of it.
I love this channel
Welcome aboard TLBS Beat. Great story of the slow caravan pulling '61.
Oklahoma city is full of lowrider culture .
I'm a upcoming lowrider shop in Oklahoma. It's alive. Keep Lowriding. It's a a Art
any good lowrider shops there?
Wow! Curb feelers too. Johnny, your Impala is BEAUTIFUL. Makes me remember my ‘62 coupe with a 327 & powerglide, white with red interior, punched chromes and glass packs. I am genuinely impressed by your patience and persistence. Gorgeous Gold / Champagne!!
I'm from Southern California I grew up seeing lowrider bikes cars grew up going to carshows I'm proud to see how lowrider culture has grown 👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for watching. Still lots to finish and overdue a big progress push,, but it will get there.
@@TheLateBrakeShow it will get there 1 day I have a 1968 impala that I been building for 2 years now
This channel is all about cars
✨the more you know✨
Oh my word, Jonny had a Granada low rider! Street Cred +1000%! That is SO gas.
It was ace too!
He had a old pimp Jag aswell complete with hydros and 20s
This video could have been two hours long and I still wouldn’t have skipped forward once, you must love your job!
Johnny, this was just fantastic. You were asking about the length of video, 35 minutes just disappeared and at no point was I bored. I've promised myself an American land yacht at some point, hopefully before internal combustion is outlawed.
I know its "proper" to have a V8 ICE in one of these land yachts, but there are companies doing EV conversions you still got the style and flair, Im a EV fan but something cool about a V8 rumble.
that's only problem I have with EV's they don't sound as cool as V8 in a tunnel or under a bridge.
I wouldn't be surprised if there is someone working on Hydrogen Conversion kits for these old cars.
I take my hat off to you Mr Vert .. To stick with the dream over all those years and not give up is very impressive ... And probably a speciel thanks to Mrs Vert is due for allowing you to keep going ..
Loved the triggers Broom comparison 😀
you can see you have a god guy on it now, he is sharp and sober looking and has credentials to boot.
THESE are the fellows to do business with.
Great Channel and the wheel is the right call
That’s a beautiful thing Jonny. Love that it’s so personal: Old favourite films, long build history, old photos, wedding presents! Just ace.
Jonny, can I just say that for me (and no doubt others) your videos have been a welcome distraction over the last 12 months or so and they've really helped keep me going through some scary days, so thank you so much!
Me too. Such a great distraction for the mind through all of this. Proper motoring entertainment
Bro, I'm a LowRider from Phoenix 602 I want to give you props for representing the LowRider culture in a place where it's not understood Bro keep up the good work and check out LowRiders in Amsterdam on youtube now that's representing and don't get all switch happy you will know what I mean when you start hitting the switches it's unbelievable there's nothing like it ....Orale Vato
Some of the best guys in UK custom cars have done work on that Impala. I'd be proud as f**k to have that nugget. Nice job Mr. Smith.
Impalas are SO expensive now too. This thing is lovely. And as the possessor of a never-ending project vehicle, I feel all your pain.
Boyz N The Hood and La Haine were hugely influential on me too, in different ways to your own, but still becoming an integral part of my life's journey.
It's great to see this project moving forward, you've shown great resilience and it looks like that will be rewarded. I'm in awe at your singular vision for all these years through the changing trends, to stick with and realise an idea.
Well done. Great film and thanks for sharing.
I always enjoy watching people building american cars in other parts of the world. Especially lowriders. It gives me motivation. Salud and respect from the USA.
Had to stop watching temporarily to educate myself about engine turning. Another cracking video sir.
Great .. . Heard about this one aloooong time ago . Keep chipping away Sir. That Smiley day is soon approaching for you.keep us updated..
Nice Impala, looks like a solid build
That was a fantastic episode. Regular updates on its progress would be appreciated. Want to see her come alive this year!!
Compulsive viewing ... one of few RUclips channels which are. Keep up the awesome work Johnny 👍🏻
I'm liking the curb feelers! Brings me back to my youth!
This is perfect to wind down after a long day in the office. I enjoy your stories a lot!
I stand corrected, I was interested in this! Great work, between Harry, Ian tyrell and yourself, my RUclips car needs have been met 👍
44 Teeth produce some fabulous content on Motorcycles which compliments this nicely.
Yeah been following them since the Baron von Grumble days, great stuff
There can't be enough people like Simon to get your project car out of hell and start enjoying it again.
This is so totally not my scene, but the build is mighty impressive and Jonny makes it interesting to watch. Horizon broadening again. This will be gigantic once finished and looks like it is in excellent hands with Simon.
I remember as a young fella, flipping car magazines to the back pages to the for sale section, this is where I first set eyes on one of these and since then, this was the car I always dreamt of owning. Can't wait to see it brought to completion.
Johnny Smith: "we all know a project car that is never ending..."
Bad Obsession Motorsport: "Shifty side look...."
I lost interest in them a good year ago.
@@procatprocat9647 oh man, you need to go back and see the paint job. It's a work of art
haha so much this
Brackets don't make themselves you know!
That’s a beautiful car. I live in Los Ángeles California own a low rider my self, I am from a car club ONE BAD CREATION. That steering wheel idea.. GREAT! You are doing the car perfect.. My respects to you..
Many thanks Sal!
Was thinking the other day that I hadn't seen anyone do lowriders recently. Great to see people still doing it, and Johnny not giving up on his dream!
Wonderful job man. I grew up immersed in Lowrider car culture in Southern California. Great taste and top notch attention to detail. One gripe, clean those white walls! They should be nice and bright white.
Nice to see the old Granada again! I'll never forget you parking it outside my house in Chester on three wheels - don't think my neighbours were quite so impressed!
You did say way back then that you'd have a 64 Impala at some point, so nice to see this one taking shape.
Hey Jonny, as an ex-pat living in Canada since 1961, I was intrigued by your choice of car. My first car bought in 1964 was a 1962 Pontiac Parisienne Convertible. My second car was a 1964 Prisienne 2 Door Hardtop which I believe was the Pontiac version of the car that you have. Lovely way to get around and very solid and heavy. I envy you the lowrider, and wish that I still had the Pontiac.
What a fantastic video. I have never understood the whole lowrider culture but I would now dearly love to be 'there' (via the medium of RUclips anyhow) when you first sit in the car, turn the key and start to drive. Great stuff and can't wait to see this one progress to completion.
Beautiful Impala Jonny! One of my all time favourite cars.
uno, dos, tres, cinco cinco cinco, seis what a wonderful "ofspring" you have there Jonny!!!
Beautiful colour choice and pin striping for the Impala, subtle and refined, unlike the underpinnings .....
Look at that Rolls in the background! Jonny please do a video on the Rolls! Wooooo that’s clean!
For a moment there I thought that it was going to be running...turns out you’re like the rest of us, phew. Looks lovely btw...
From low riders to EV drag cars through JDM nuggets and British sleepers. So eclectic, I love it.
That's the plan Paul. Life is too short.
@@TheLateBrakeShow Everyone of them is more interesting than the latest Ferrari or McLaren.
As always brilliantly presented in a very nice relaxed manner
Used to own a ‘54 Caddy... will get one again one day... and great to hear your story (obsession) - what an awesome car, well done for sticking at it 🥰🙏
That thing looks GORGEOUS!
I sold those as new cars in Staffordshire. '64's were so attractive, I ran a '64 convertible as a demo car. I think I still have a genuine parts manual from '37 > '67 if I remember correctly. You're doing a lovely job on it. Congrats..
Did you Peter? In RHD too?
@@TheLateBrakeShow Yes, Impala's with RHD were built at the Oshawa plant in Canada. The RHD Canadian built Pontiac Parisienne version came with a Chevrolet engine. We were about 2 miles from the place that built the electric MGB you tested. Did you know that the Ford RS200 rally car and the Norton Rotary bike were built at the same industrial estate?
Your a man after my own heart i love Impala's i really like the back lights an side panels an the pillar less windows, I think you should do an episode on your garage.✌
Gorgeous paint color and interior combination. Love the subtle pin-striping. This will be a great looking car. Best car to take the family to get Ice cream on a summer day.
Just noticed watching this video that The LBS has hit 500k subscribers. Well deserved Jonnie.
Stunning piece of metal and paint work. These things are huge. When I bought my first car an Opel Corsa hatchback, I remember a convertible impala with huge fins parked in the showroom (owners car used for marketing). This thing was so huge it could easily be used as a backyard swimming pool.
Johnny you have put your heart n soul in this project, get this luxo barge on the road ASAP.
Also a short video tour of Simon's facilities and cars is in order.
Take care n stay safe.
Jonny , love your eclectic tastes . Are you vying with the boys at Project Binky to see who's build takes the longest ?
you could get binky in the boot..... sorry trunk lol
loved this episode Jonny. I had my mk1 escort freshly painted in 2012.... its remained in my parents barn since, awaiting funds and time to put it back together... bought a house, had a kid, started my own company... the usual life that gets in the way of these things, but it will be back someday, hopefully in the not too distant future.
So I'm not the only one then!
@@TheLateBrakeShow they all get there eventually :) looking forward to see this one roll out the garage, or should that be bounce?
I restored a 61 oldsmobile rocket 88...love the shape and feel of the car. I had to sell the car and miss it every day. The ride was totally awesome. I love what you've done with the impala and can't wait to see it roll out of th edge garage one day soon. Cheers Mate
That Gold colored Chevrolet Impala SS looking absolutely beautiful 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I preciate your time for filming all these year putting time in your car
This is the weirdest yet coolest thing I've ever seen. I'm from Houston Texas and people thought I was weird for being a "white guy" who was infatuated with low riders. I grew up in the same era you did and loved the Old Skool Impalas!!! You've done a great job with this one. The only thing I would change are the rims. Dayton rims are the only way to go!!! I know they are EXPENSIVE but they match the era. Also, kudos on the Jag headlights! All lowriders need one unique quirk that sets them apart from all the rest. From the very beginning I was thinking to myself "those headlights look amazing but there is something unique about them"! This car is truly a work of art and the heart of what being a Lowrider is all about!!👍👍❤️❤️
Cheers Corey. Hopefully it will be worth the effort when it get it rolling.
With low-riding being a world I know very little about this was a fascinating video. Great job as always Jonny
What an absolute BEAUT !!! I'd love to see more episodes documenting the progress right to the day it actually drives out of Simon's garage and burbles down the road all street legal.... and its life beyond.
Thank you. And yeah, more to come!
What a brilliant car this is going to be. A true labour of love.
Hi Jonny, I know you read the comments as you have replied to me a few times and that is commendable.
The steering wheel is the right call..just has the right look and hold some of the soul of the car. Glad it's moving forward as I believe if you start something it should be finished and anything can be achieved. It's important to do this in life as it makes the difference between the winners and losers. Love the channel.... Thumbs up. Paul Bournemouth
Mr D, thank you for the comment. Profound words. Glad you appreciate my steering wheel decision. Custom cars are v personal, so you are never going to please everyone who sees it.
Great video, it's great to see the love, pain, and commitment you've gone through with this car!
I would love to see an update video in a year's time.
Less than a year William, I promise.
Great! I wasn't sure if it was going to be like Project Binky from @BadObsessionMotorsport
Enjoying the projects and updates Jonny, and the detail you're taking us into on each of them. Please keep rescuing things, and taking us on the journey.
I have to say this video was so therapeutic to my car stresses. So reassuring to see others going through the peaks and troughs of project car life. Why are there so many dribbling O-rings when it comes to restoring and working on projects? Thanks for sharing Johnny, really appreciate the honesty and absolutely love the impala, would love to see more on it in the future.
I grew up with a 1964 Impala coupe as my Mum's daily driver. Chauffeured us to school, swim meets, and eventually my very own hand me down first car. Perfect date night car n my suburban hood, could fit a mini in the enormous trunk. This is so nostalgic to see. Well done!
That car is looking good,
a lot of dedication goes into building a ride like that overseas from whence it came and where most of the parts are! - Bravo!
What a great car. You can see your love for cars just shines though. I watch quite a few car youtubers that I enjoy but when they modify a car they just send it to a shop and get it done and don't get involved like you do. Keep up the great job and sharing your love for anything car related.
Great to see and hear about this. Simon is a top guy! Love the car she is going to be a beauty. Thanks for the in-depth update.
I'm not sure what to say Jonny. Lovely car, crazy owner, fascinating story, excellent work. It's also a great tribute to the custom car scene of the seventies in the best way possible. You're going to have a very eclectic garage one day.
Oh my, this is an incredible build so far! Can't wait to see the future of this
Magic video Johnny could have listened to that roller coaster car build for hours. Would love to hear regular updates on its progress.
Thanks Barry, there's a ton of anecdotes and stories about other parts of the car that I will put in another update. Even trailering it to Simon's almost ended in mass carnage.
Before you even said I knew ‘doughboys’ car was your inspiration it’s just got that look. Absolutely love it 👍👍
There's a lot of love and dedication put into that project!!
Appreciate the genuine passion for an interesting project. Very much hope you get to enjoy it soon 🙏
What a story, time stood still watching it, I guess that’s the point. Now I’m going to watch Boyz in da Hood to round out the day
It's awesome you started out with such a great example. Mine started life as a Northern USA car, and let's say the rear wheel wells fenders were not in nearly as good condition as yours! Inspirational story, thanks for sharing!
Having followed the progress of 'Project Impala' in Classic American mag, great to see you, the car and Simon chatting about the progress made and yet to made to finish the car off and take it out on the road - hopefully not another 5 years
Lovely video update of a long overdue project. There is something special about the old school American cars. Can't wait to see this finished.
Thanks Jonny for a look into your still to be finished venture and the troubles you've had along it journey looks great and finally it's with some one who shares your vision for what you want this car to be chipping away at your dream car so it meets your ideals and overcoming the short comings of prior persons who laid hands on her. Occasional progress reports now you 've shared this car would be nice.
The best thing to do to keep the project moving is to focus on getting it on the road. The low rider hydraulics can always be added. Get it running and driving ASAP, and the rest will fall into place. Nice project. Best year for the SS. I grew up in Detroit and a friend had one just like this except white with a black interior. All stock. That was around 1978.
Cheers Tom, great advice. Yes, getting it running functioning correctly as a car is the focus, then finish the hydraulic aspect. What was Detroit life like in 1978? I am fascinated by the place.
@@TheLateBrakeShow I lived in a Western suburb and we used to cruise Telegraph Road in high school. It was not quite as popular as Woodward (which was miles to the NE) but it still felt like “American Graffiti“. Hundreds of hot rods cruising and stop-light racing. I won a short race in my forest green 69’ Mustang fastback against my friend in his candy apple red 67’ Mustang fastback. And we both got a drag racing ticket. What fun! As far as I know he still has the car. His father worked for Ford and bought it for himself new, then gave it to his son when he turned 16 in 1976.
What a machine. Proper, dictionary definition labour of love. Get it finished, get it driven!
Totally agree with 'not replacing everything'.
The number plate is perfect.
I remember seeing photos of the freshly painted chassis on the Retro Rides forum, and thinking how cool it was that the lad from Fifth Gear was into classics. Thrilled to see it progressing!
So so good, I could watch this over and over again 😍
Great to see this thing Johnny, fair play for sticking with it. This is real car guy shit.
Fantastic car! All the years have been a worthwhile journey. You say it's a bit shameful and regret how long it's taken, but you've made progress. There's been a journey and just look how happy you are when you talk about what you are creating! I've had a Ford Capri since I was 15, I'm now 37. I haven't got anywhere near the progress you have, maybe not actually progressed at all, and I'm critical of myself for what I haven't done or how long it's taking... but the people who love me or appreciate cars would say to me, as I hope they say to you, it's your car and you'll get there. Whatever encouragement or support you need is out there somewhere. Just keep going. What you have accomplished so far looks amazing. Thank you for the wonderful story!
I like this dude’s taste in cars. Keep up the great content!
I will admit to not being a massive American car fan. Also I know you have mentioned this car in the podcast or in videos, but to see the car and all the history and details is really great. Good luck with finishing this project and I’m sure you will enjoy driving it for the first time when ever that might be.
All very tastefully done. Looking forward to seeing and hearing it on the road
Hi Jonny, I bought the silver 64 impala from Gas Monkey & imported it to the uk, I up graded the air ride, great car
Your story telling is great
Cool car we need to see this finished
I’m not into low riders, I don’t think I’m even into American cars, but I just love the work you (and others for you) are doing. The details to allow it perform as a low rider married to originality are just perfect. Please keep us updated. Great video. Thanks.
This is praise indeed Paul. Really chuffed you appreciate the detail and engineering behind it. I always knew this would be a niche project, but great that people like aspects of it
Really looking forward to seeing this thing bouncing, I love impala's! 59s, 64s & 67s are my favourites. Good luck with it Jonny! 👍
It is a beautiful ornament, please finish it soon, & yes come back & show us the Caddies, Rj in Oz
That's a cool car! I do love a new leather steering wheel but keeping the slightly worn steering wheel really works. It looks great.