1961 Impala 454 Build

I just purchased a 1961 Impala. I am doing a Frame off restore on it. I am having a 454 Stroker built (605 HP already paid half up front) should be done within 30 days or so. This will not be a race only car but should run in the 10's easy. I want to keep the class of the car and not chop it up to much but I want it to be something different than anything else at the same time, (asking a lot I know)

I have owned a lot of hot rods and muscle cars but this is my first complete build. I am very excited and will be seeking a lot of opinions and help   

Trying to get pics up to show the starting point (not pretty) I am trying to be done by May 1st (depends on my business and how busy we get)

Thanks in advance.

" />

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

Sorry for separate uploads. But it came with 2 truck loads of parts (mostly what is needed to get this thing done)
Some ideas I have and feedback seeking. I need new pans on all areas of the flooring as well as truck before we pull it from the frame (was told it could twist body if we do no repair them first to make it a solid body) I was thinking about buying the ONE PIECE kit see link to view what I am considering to buy http://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-1964-Chevrolet-Impala-Full-Floor-Pan-/121196952985?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c37e6bd99&vxp=mtr.

Now if I buy that is it harder to install since it is ONE piece and does it have to be put in when the frame is pulled?

Also I am thinking about putting a stainless steel column in the car with a after market wheel. I do want to keep it classy though. Not rice burner style. any suggestions or experiences with some good options?

Lastly FOR NOW, I am thinking about doing the whole truck area in BLACK diamond plate. I feel this would be an AWESOME touch but nothing that is molesting the class of the car. Any thoughts?

Thanks

I also wanted to note that I want to try and keep the budget on this under 20k total. (car traded est value of $4,000.00, guy was asking $5,500.00) So at 4k now, motor is 7k, the custom rear end is 2200. the transmission built is 1600, that's all of the cost FOR SURE now. Of course everything will be brand new, all new lines, disc brake system, suspension, interior....... EXCLUDING LABOR. I have a salary employee that is doing the work with me. I am not including that with the project cost.

10.99 or 10.00 's If you are going to try to be in the 10's first thing you better do is some frame work. These have X frames and twist already. Roll cage or some side rails built into the frame. Another thing is there not much room for back wheels. With the perfect offset rim and really stiff back end you may be able to squeeze a 10" wide footprint in it. If the floor are perfect you won't have much issue if you run the car with a mid range engine. If you are wanting something that comes out of the hole on it's back bumper you will have to do some frame work. I raced one years ago and taking off he looked like he was going to flip the car on it's side it twisted so bad.

If you ditch those rims let me know I may buy them off you.

Ok I will let u know. I was going to tub it out also. Not sure how much though

That's a sweet project! Sounds like you have a budget in place and can make it happen!

Later,

Lee

Thanks Nanook. What part of Walton do you live in? I own a rental on Rachel Ann Dr. Its about a 11 year old subdivision. I have owned it for 6 years.

Do you have to go with a perimteter frame to handle big power out of those cars or can the frame be stiffened enough,probably a good thing its not a hard top or a convertible.

Frames suck either way. JUNK

NOT A 61 but same frame While this may look cool to some it's not. Dangerous for the driver, anyone around him. Rough on the car and any parts twisting up not counting how much damage it's doing to the body.

If you look at this one you can see the back bumper digging into the race track.

To be honest I can't see a 10 second engine being built by a weekend wrencher slash repo guy. To get a car in the 10's is not as easy as everyone thinks it is and to get a 61 into the 10's with a total restoration, engine build, trans works, frame work, tub job and engine tune work you could not build it for your budget unless they where all pros and knew their stuff. Chrome alone for a 61 will break the bank. Trust me I been there!

I have every piece of chrome on this car. I never said I was building the engine. I said I had it ordered. A engine building it and it comes with dyno paperwork showing the hp and torque. Having a custom made trans and rear as well.

I actually have all parts for this car almost 2 of everything. All glass (2 of most of it) 3 extra doors, 2 sets of interior and much more. Again I am not a mechanic and have never clammed to be. Hence the reason on coming on here asking for help and ideas lol.

To me it's like two different paths. I just don't see a 61 as a super fast car. Fast, yes but not street driven mid 10's fast. I see it as a cool cruiser. If it was a bubble back I'd find a 348 W engine and put it in it and make a cool hi dollar car if you have money to throw at it. With it being a porch roof I'd stick a SBC in it a make a nice cruiser out of it. If you are wanting a race car I'd buy something with a regular frame and easier to work on. I'm sure Butch would sell his Nova to you. There are a lot of screwy things on those cars you have to address and if you have never had one they can be a pain. I went through 3 or 4 carrier bearing dealing with the two piece driveshaft. It didn't matter what I did I'd blow them out. After having a custom driveshaft made with a slip yoke in it $$$$ I never had anymore issues. Mine was low and just the float from the springs were busting them out.

I had planned on having a driveshaft made for it. I don't want a 7-8k motor and a junk drive shaft system. I am not sure what this thing will run. I just want a restored 61, 600hp motor and some custom details to it. Not an all out drag car nor a factor restore. Not for resale, just something for my likings. I am in a situation to build what I want and need as much guidance along the way. I will for sure look into frame options. That's my starting point, so thanks a lot for the feedback I wasn't aware. Can it be secured or altered to handle 600hp safely?

I had a 71 Impala with a 502 that ran high 11's on 109 octane but yes, it was a bit tough to drive on the streets, but back in my youth that was part of the fun

Good luck with the project and you might need to rethink the motor,if you need to go with that big of a motor find a 65 or newer and go from there. Just make it a nice driver and find one with a stiffer frame to get crazy in.