Not One But Two Classic Impalas

Some people go their whole lives dreaming about driving a restored Impala, but Armando did a little more than just dream.

By Bassem Girgis - August 11, 2017
LS1 Engine, Impala, Convertible
LS1 Engine, Impala, Convertible
LS1 Engine, Impala, Convertible
LS1 Engine, Impala, Convertible
LS1 Engine, Impala, Convertible

1. Proud Owner

Imagine if you will for a moment, that you are the owner of a classic Chevy Impala. Well, Armando Medina didn't leave much to the imagination and in is, in fact, the proud owner of not one but two fully-restored classic Impalas. Armando resides in Chula Vista, California, and what better way to enjoy the beautiful weather of the West Coast than driving around in a 1958 and a 1959 Chevrolet Impala convertibles? 

>>Join the conversation about the Two Classic Impalas right here in the LS1Tech Forum!

2. Individuals Car Club

Both the 1958 and the 1959 Impalas sport the "Individuals" chrome car club logo in the back, which is based out of San Diego, California. Although both classics are from two different generations and feature different bodies, Armando made sure to make them similar in many ways. Both cars have the same ice-green pearl paint job, both have chrome all around and in the engine compartment, and most importantly, they both have nice hydraulic systems.

>>Join the conversation about the Two Classic Impalas right here in the LS1Tech Forum!

3. Nice & Easy Auto Body & Paint

Armando is the manager of the Nice & Easy Auto Body & Paint in Chula Vista, California, which explains all of the expensive work and the similarities between the two classics. Both cars used to belong to Armando Medina's friend Eddie, who brought him the cars on two separate occasions for full-restorations. Unfortunately for Eddie, he started running out of time, money, and motivation; and at this point, Armando was too deep into the projects to stop. The unfortunate situation was not such for Armando, however, because he struck a fair deal with Eddie and became the proud owner of both of these highly-desirable classic Impalas.

>>Join the conversation about the Two Classic Impalas right here in the LS1Tech Forum!

4. Engines

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala got a 350 cubic-inch V-8 engine, which is dressed in all sorts of chrome accessories, as well as connects to dual exhaust with Flowmaster stainless steel and chrome pipes. The 1958 Impala is now equipped with a V-8 LS1 engine, which was taken out of a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. This Impala also got the dual Flowmaster exhaust and a 700 transmission.

>>Join the conversation about the Two Classic Impalas right here in the LS1Tech Forum!

5. Modifications

Both Impalas' exteriors were done in Armando's shop, and some pinstriping work was done at the Victor Cordero shop. The interiors were done at Davalos Upholstery, also in Chula Vista. The 1959 Impala got a Brent Greer hydraulic system, as well as a Kenwood stereo with a DEI amplifier, 6.5-inch Alpine and Orion speakers, and Pioneer flat woofers. The 1958 Impala got a similar stereo system, only with the 6x9 MTX speakers. This Impala sits on a Neto hydraulic system, which is custom built by BottomsUp Custom Hydraulic shop; as well as 13x7 100-spoke real knock off wheels, just like its younger sister.

>>Join the conversation about the Two Classic Impalas right here in the LS1Tech Forum!

For help with service of your car, check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com

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