1963 Impala Convertible LQ4/80E Swap
#302
Launching!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This frame has been a ton more work than anticipated. I should have used a hardtop frame instead to save on the amount of weld needed to fill the large gaps between the plates. I does look really good though with the factory formed plates I must say. Too bad it's under the car where not a lot of people will look or even notice.
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
#306
Launching!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
After taking a bit of a hiatus, I've been able to make a little progress.
I found a few hours to get the dash tacked in and the cowl welded up. Feels good having the one of kind dash in there now!!
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/ejww1x.jpg)
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/35lwvmq.jpg)
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/se54wy.jpg)
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/2i7tg1d.jpg)
And the cowl was welded all the way around too
I found a few hours to get the dash tacked in and the cowl welded up. Feels good having the one of kind dash in there now!!
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/ejww1x.jpg)
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/35lwvmq.jpg)
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/se54wy.jpg)
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/2i7tg1d.jpg)
And the cowl was welded all the way around too
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/2vx28ec.jpg)
#308
Launching!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#309
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (26)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Milledgeville, GA
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thank you. I had been considering a fiberglass replica of my 61's dash from VFN to go along with other goodies from them, but I don't want to cut my car up so that's one little bit of weight that will stay. Thanks for the info and great work on your 63. I've been following it for a long time now.
#311
Launching!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thank you. I had been considering a fiberglass replica of my 61's dash from VFN to go along with other goodies from them, but I don't want to cut my car up so that's one little bit of weight that will stay. Thanks for the info and great work on your 63. I've been following it for a long time now.
If I could do it over again, I would have left it factory. Don't get me wrong, it will look really good once it's done, but a ton of work. The easy part is cutting it out lol!
I appreciate the compliments. Thanks for following along, hopefully I can keep the updates coming on the regular!!
#314
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (26)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Milledgeville, GA
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Do yourself a favor and add 1/4" spacers to the body mounts at the firewall.....along with 3/8" spacers at the core support body mounts. It will give you precious hood clearance down the road and will be virtually unnoticeable to anyone. You may not think you'll need it now, but one day it could come back to bite. Wish I'd found out this little tip a few years back.
#316
Launching!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Do yourself a favor and add 1/4" spacers to the body mounts at the firewall.....along with 3/8" spacers at the core support body mounts. It will give you precious hood clearance down the road and will be virtually unnoticeable to anyone. You may not think you'll need it now, but one day it could come back to bite. Wish I'd found out this little tip a few years back.
#317
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (26)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Milledgeville, GA
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You'll have plenty of hood clearance with a car manifold, but who knows what you may want to try down the road? Edelbrock and Holley both make some awesome looking tunnel ram style efi intakes for LS1's.