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1965 Chevrolet Impala

March 4, 2024 By Gauge Magazine

1965 Chevrolet Impala

View Full Gallery
Issue
March 2024
Owner
Michael imes
Ride
Smurf
(1965 Chevrolet Impala)
Meaning Behind the Name
Big blue car

Ride Details

What was the inspiration?
Always buying selling and trading, once I got my hands on a clean classic car my mind started running with ideas. I absolutely love the iconic 1 year style of the 65 with the differences from the 66.
How long did it take you to build?
I've had the car for around 4 years and always improving or changing
How long have you been building?
I've been building cars for around 10 years
Club Affiliations
StreetEliets
Your future plans?
Air ride with hopes to lay the frame on the ground. Custom interior with bucket seats and console. Custom trunk enclosure, star lit headliner.
Vehicle history
Canadian car, frame off resto mod. I got the car with the iconic 60-70s styling. Single stage paint and huge raked suspension, very wide tires on the rear.
Thanks to
My fiance for putting up with my crazy car obsession
Previous Rides
1987 Oldsmobile cutlass (Cummins power) 1986 Oldsmobile cutlass salon ttop car 1975 Camaro pro street 1986 monte Carlo SS aero coupe 1986 Buick Grand national 1992 Chevrolet Camaro 1996 Ford mustang gt 1995 mustang gt (stroker motor) 2000 Ford f250 2003 Ford f350 2014 Ford Taurus SHO Plus many many more

Engine Details

Make
Chevrolet 1965
Cylinders
8
Displacement
283
Engine Mods
Flowtek heads Edelbrock intake High torque mini starter Hei distributor High capacity oil pan Speedway motors long tube headers Comp cams cam Roller rockers Upgraded pushrods High flow waterpump And more
Engine Add Ons
Aluminum heads High flow electric fans Aluminum radiator And way more
Chrome or polish
Mix of both for different areas

Driveline Details

Torque Converter
Summit racing
Axle
Moser
Gears
4:10

Chassis Details

Chassis
Powder coated original frame
Mods to Frame
Air ride soon
Drop or lift inches
6 inch lower from when I got the car in the rear. 4 in lower in the front
Front Shocks
Kyb excel
Rear Shocks
Gabriel air shocks
Spindles
Summit racing 2 inch drop spindle

Wheels Details

Front Wheel Type
Us mag
Rear Wheel Type
Us mag
Front Wheel Size
20
Rear Wheel Size
20

Paint Details

Color
Modified overseas Ford body kinetic blue
Paint Type
Ppg
Graphics By

“Smurf”

1965 Chevrolet Impala

Owned by: Michael Imes

Photos by: Nick Means


Meet the Inspiration Behind the Classic 1965 Chevrolet Build

The spark ignited when I delved into the world of buying, selling, and trading cars. Yet, it was the moment I laid eyes on a pristine classic car that my imagination truly took flight. There’s something about the timeless allure of the 1965 model year, with its distinct differences from its 1966 counterpart, that captivated my mind.

The journey has spanned approximately four years, during which time I’ve continuously strived to enhance and refine every aspect of the vehicle.

Experience in car building

With a decade of hands-on experience under my belt, I’ve honed my skills and craftsmanship in the art of automotive restoration and customization.

Proudly associated with StreetEliets, a community of passionate car enthusiasts united by their love for automotive excellence and innovation.

What’s on the horizon?

The future holds exciting prospects, including the installation of air ride suspension to achieve that coveted frame-on-ground stance. Additionally, plans are underway for a bespoke interior featuring bucket seats, a center console, and a custom trunk enclosure. Picture-perfect starlit headliner included.

A Peek into the Vehicle’s History

Originating from Canada, this car underwent a meticulous frame-off restoration, seamlessly blending iconic 1960s-1970s styling with modern resto-mod upgrades. Its striking single-stage paint and aggressive stance, courtesy of a massive raked suspension and wide rear tires, pay homage to its heritage.

Gratitude to My Support System

A heartfelt thanks to my fiancรฉe for her unwavering support and understanding of my unwavering passion for automobiles.

Previous Rides: A Testament to Diverse Tastes

From a Cummins-powered 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass to a sleek 1996 Ford Mustang GT with a stroker motor, my automotive journey has been marked by a diverse array of rides, each leaving its indelible mark on my passion for cars.

The Heart of the Machine: Engine Specs

Under the hood lies a potent Chevrolet 283 engine, enhanced with a plethora of performance upgrades including Flowtek heads, Edelbrock intake, Comp Cams cam, and more. Complemented by aluminum heads, high-flow electric fans, and a custom radiator, this powerplant delivers both style and substance.

Built for Performance: Driveline and Chassis Details

Featuring a Summit Racing torque converter and Moser axle paired with 4:10 gears, the driveline ensures exhilarating performance. Meanwhile, a powder-coated original frame, augmented with a 6-inch rear and 4-inch front drop, sets the stage for the impending air ride transformation.

Rolling in Style: Wheel and Paint Preferences

The vehicle rides on striking US Mag wheels, sized at 20 inches front and rear, accentuating its timeless appeal. Finished in a modified overseas Ford body kinetic blue hue, courtesy of PPG paint, this classic beauty commands attention wherever it roams.

In conclusion, this classic 1965 Chevrolet build is a testament to passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to automotive excellence. With every bolt tightened and every detail meticulously crafted, it stands as a true embodiment of automotive artistry and ingenuity.


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Filed Under: Features, March 2024 Tagged With: air ride suspension, Automotive Artistry, automotive craftsmanship, Automotive Customization, Automotive History, car enthusiast community, car modification, car restoration, custom interior, engine upgrades, frame-off restoration


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