Jake Dykstra's 1962 409/409 Impala!

[RPOLS3]

Two steps forward and one step back seems to be a theme for me here......

I was able to get the drivers side brake lines wrapped up last night - I needed to remove the generator to get some access from above and then work from underneath the car to install the distribution block bolt to the frame. Got everything lined up and tight. I also installed the backing plates and shoe assemblies on both sides. When I went to slide the hub assemblies on the spindle I found out the inside bearing I bought was a touch too small diameter and would not go on the spindle. Luckily I saved the original bearings from the hubs after I disassembled them and those bearings fit. I threw everything in my truck and will swing by NAPA to see if we can source the correct inside bearing and a new seal. The old ones actually look good if I need to re-use them. Outside ones are the correct size.

I took some pictures of the assemblies installed along with the new outside mirror and the better aligned exterior door handles and cleaned up arm rest and inside door handle chrome. Slowly but surely making progress.

[RPOLS3]

Made some more small progress this weekend after taking some time off in the garage for work and family stuff.......

Got the hub assembly and drums put on - the bearing issue was not an issue - my bad.

Did a preliminary adjustment on the shoes - I will have to tweak this I'm sure. One of the things I did was to source and restore a pair of correct (I think) backing plates that had the proper adjusting hole in them vs. the pair that came with the parts I bought that did not have them. I filled the master cylinder with fluid, made sure the master cylinder pushrod was adjusted to the shortest throw possible (so as not to have the plunger engaged and prohibit the flow of fluid) and waited for it to gravity bleed....and waited........and waited.......and waited some more. I was having flashbacks of my issues with the Chevelle brakes a few years ago. This is a much simpler system with no proportioning valve and a single circuit master that goes one way from the LF and around to the RF and then to the rear. Still no fluid as of now, the master is working as I cracked the fitting at the main line and pushed the pedal down and fluid came out........so not quite sure what is happening there.

While waiting I polished up the grille and the painted bumper filler. I am hoping to pick up the air cleaner and radiator from the painter next week so I can button up things in the engine compartment. I also pulled a spark plug for the first time since we put the new motor in - probably 700-ish miles on these.

I am dropping off the generator at the place that rebuilt it in town a few years ago for a refresh on the paint - I want them to disassemble it and repaint the case correctly vs. me trying to tape things off.

One of my parts sources let me know he has a properly restored bumper bolt and trans crossmember bolt set put together so that will be a nice addition.

Getting close to having it back on the ground and running again - my 4/1 deadline to drive it to the upholstery shop is coming quickly......

[Bill Pritchard]

Spark plug is looking good, as is everything else you're doing!

[BJCHEV396]

Lookin' good,keep 'er up!!

[Mr70]

Very nice,wish it was 4-0-mine.

[RPOLS3]

I picked up the balance of the parts being painted this morning so tonight the re-assembly begins.......

[MarcDant]

Always good to see these cars revitalized especially cars with family pedigrees, congrats you've almost reached the finish line. Thanks Marc.

[RPOLS3]

Seeing Tim's 67 L79 engine compartment pictures motivated me to get to work after I got home this evening.

I was able to get the under hood engine compartment pretty well buttoned up tonight after getting everything I needed rounded up this afternoon. I took off the header bar and had the painter get that while he did the radiator yesterday. He also did the fan shroud and air cleaner assembly. Last year I put a new fan clutch on the correct restored fan blade so that still looks good. The generator rebuilder took the generator apart and re-sprayed the case as it had a bunch of scratches in it since he rebuilt it a few years ago. Filled up the radiator with new anti-freeze and distilled water and installed some new decals while I was at it. Waiting for a few small things yet but getting pretty close now.

Final brake bleed (I've got fluid at all 4 corners) and front brake adjustment and I think I'm done..............for now.

[Lynn]

Just WOW.

[67since67]

Double WOW!! That is spectacular!!

Jake, this car must, no HAS to be at MCACN 2025!!