[ QUOTE ]
an automatic and no tach is not a "no go" for the low HP 409
the 409 had a unique radiator that had a
"slant" to the top of the tank
[/ QUOTE ]
While researching the 62, we ran across this this on Wikipedia. Because it was on Wiki, we took it with a grain of salt...until you made the above post:
The 1962 model featured new "C" pillar styling for all models except the 4-door hardtop "Sport Sedan." Sport Coupe models now featured the "convertible roof" styling, shared with other GM "B" full-size hardtop coupes. This style proved extremely popular, and contributed to the desirability of the '62-'64 Impalas as collectibles. The "overhang" roof style of the sedans was replaced with a more attractive, wider "C" pillar with wraparound rear window.<font color="blue"> Engine choices for '62 settled down, the 348-cubic-inch (5.7 L) V8 discontinued and replaced by the 340 brake horsepower (250 kW) 409-cubic-inch (6.7 L), which could be ordered with any transmission.</font> The small-block 283 was enlarged to 327 cubic inches (5.4 L), which added more engine choices for small-block fans. The Beach Boys produced a hit single, "409," referring to the Chevy, which became an iconic song for these cars.
So maybe it could really be a 409 car? Glenn has been crawling all over it and has been saying all along that it just doesn't look like the engine has been out. We figured that it must have...because of the funky deck stamp suffix, the automatic, the tach. LOL - This info lit a fire under Glenn's butt...he's on his way now to get casting numbers and pop the valve covers.
BTW...The radiator does have a slant to it. It slants to the the front (lower in the front). Is that the correct slant you mention??