Jake Dykstra's 1962 409/409 Impala!

[RPOLS3]

I found some time a couple of evenings this week to get the rest of the column assembled and the steering wheel back on. Good thing is the turn signals and horn still work (It didn't start out that way, lol)

This steering column thing was way out of my comfort zone so I'm glad to have that behind me now. During testing to make sure all of the lights functioned properly (brake/turn signals, etc.) I found another issue though......the brake pedal went to the floor - no fluid in the master, so I obvioulsy have a leak to track down. I think one of the fittings at the frame under the master cylinder may be the culprit as there were no other apparent locations of leaks when I looked under the car. Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the recurring theme here.........ugh.

Hoping the carbs show up as that is the last big item to complete. The voltage regulator is still a couple weeks out and the repro DC-12 battery won't be available until September-ish.

Keep chugging along........it will eventually get done.

[RobR]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

holy crap, the overdrive on that turbo...

Turbo charger, NO. Non-Positive displacement supercharger, YES. (Paxton, McCullough, Latham etc.)

[napa68]

Originally Posted by RPOLS3

Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the recurring theme here.........ugh.

No shit my friend.......no shit. Despite the challenges, the car looks awesome! As I have said before, your Dad has to THRILLED!

[Too Many Projects]

I think if you spell "restoration" backwards it spells "2 steps forward and 1 step back". Be happy it's only 1. I've been fighting getting the correct replacement spring sets for the '66 Chevelle backrests on the buckets for 4 weeks now. Finally got some that are close enough to work without major remodeling. Kind of like an Impala seat isn't the same as a Biscayne....wth ???
Then I ordered Medium Saddle carpet to go with the 2 tone Fawn interior. Who knew it was Gold ?? Sent that back too...waiting on medium brown now.
Yep, steering columns are a mystery all on their own, and the "special" washer was a floor shift only thing on my '66 Chevelle too and it had a "special" rubber spacer to go with it to prevent the column shift cup from rotating. Try to find one of those...
Everything you have done on that car is concours level and looks that way. I know it's frustrating, but be proud of what you have accomplished.

[dykstra]

Pictures don't do this car justice. Jake has definitely taken this car to the next level. Our Dad is certainly smiling down!
Hopefully burnouts will ensue in the near future.......

[RPOLS3]

Thanks for all the kind comments............it has been quite the learning experience for me and I am happy with how things are turning out. The scope creep items have greatly improved the car so no regrets at all there. Yes, Dad would be thrilled. I am grateful for being able to do this and am looking forward to sharing the car with everyone at MCACN

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

You're doing a great job Jake, well done. Keep those pics coming!!

[Bill Pritchard]

"Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the recurring theme here"

Welcome to the world of old car restoration. There are so many of us here who can absolutely relate to what you're going through....BTDT.