Issue
March 2018
Owner
Eric Ritz
Photographer
Des Gower
Ride Details
What was the inspiration?
I have always been intrigued by clean customs of the 60s and lowriders.. decided to try and mashup those styles into one vehicle.
How long did it take you to build?
Purchased the car in 1997 when I was 17 years old, so I guess 20 years now.
How long have you been building?
Since i have had this car, maybe a little before.
Club Affiliations
none
Your future plans?
Thinking some metalflake panel paint, and Astro supreme wheels. Then probably an LS engine and transmission swap, car is a great cruiser but i would be nice to have an overdrive and fuel injection.
Vehicle history
I purchased it from a friend in 1997 when I was 17 years old, I drove this car to my prom and graduation. It has become a piece of me at this point. Every few years I take the winter and make some upgrades and improvements, first was the interior, then the air ride, then paint and most recently the stereo and truck.
Thanks to
My mom and dad (larry and marj ritz)
John Lehman of Lehmans Auto Upholstery
Mike Mavrigian of Birchwood Automotive
and a whole group of friends and family that have helped me over the years.
Engine Details
Make
Chevrolet 1966
Cylinders
8
Displacement
283
Engine Mods
nothing... well maybe corvette valve covers.
Engine Add Ons
High Output Alternator and York Compressor
Chrome or polish
none
Driveline Details
Axle
Stock
Gears
2 - Powerglide (stock)
Chassis Details
Front Shocks
Relocated
Rear Shocks
Stock
Spindles
Stock
Springs
Air
Compressor Info
Engine Driven York
Valve Info
SMC 3/8" valves
Airbag Info
4- Firestone 2500lb Double Con.
Wheels Details
Front Wheel Type
Player 100 spoke knock offs
Rear Wheel Type
Player 100 spoke knock offs
Front Wheel Size
15x7
Rear Wheel Size
15x7
Paint Details
Color
Vintage AMC Blue
Graphics By
Body Details
Body Mods
Shaved handles, emblems, front bumper guards.
Body Mods by
Owner
Interior Details
Dashboard
Stock piece smoothed, painted and custom made tiger maple accent piece.
Gauges
Stock-Digital - and AVS bag
Steering Wheel
Stock
Console
Sculpted from fiberglass, with custom made armrest/switchbox.
Head Unit
JVC EXAD KD-SHX900
Amps
ARC Audio XDi804, Infinity Kappa One
Speakers
PowerBass 3 way front, Infinity Kappa 6x9 and (2) Dayton Audio Titanic MKiii 10" subs
Video System
Samsung Tablet with 4G/LTE
Stereo Installed by
Owner
Seats
1964 Impala SS buckets
Upholstery Description
Car had an all black interior when I purchased it... The entire color change was done by Lehman's Auto Upholstery and myself over the coarse of several years. I worked with the upholstery shop for several years during and after high school, when things were slow we would work on things on my personal car as training.
The car continues to evolve and I find myself redoing things a few times, I believe this is the 3rd or 4th console design.
The kick panels and trunk were recently redone, with the addition of the sound system.
Upholstery By
Owner and Lehmans Auto Upholstery
1966 Chevrolet Impala
Owner: Eric Ritz
Photos by: Des Gower
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