Reinforcing a Stock X-Frame on a Classic Chevy Impala - MuscleCar S3, E9

Rick and Brent reinforce the frame on the '61 Impala. See how an Air Ride suspension system is installed and tested. Take a trip to the test track in Year One's '67 Crate Mustang.
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PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Air-Ride Technologies: Front Strong Arm system with Shockwave tubular upper and lower control arms, lower crosshafts, bushings, ball joints, Shockwave airbags, and all necessary fasteners and bracketry, rear Strong Arm system with tubular upper arm, lower control arms, adjustable panhard bar, Airsprings, shocks and all necessary fasteners and bracketry.
BF Goodrich: 285/35ZR22 BFGoodrich G-FORCE KDW,245/35ZR20 G-FORCE KDW.
Borgeson: Increased ratio manual gearbox, U-joints and steering shaft.
Currie Enterprises: FORD 9" rearend with 3.70 gear, TRU-TRAC differential, axles drilled for 5x4.5 inch bolt pattern, rounded cover, LB Torino ends, 60.25" width without brakes.
Eagle Specialty Products: Chevy 409 crank 4340 steel, 6.135 rods with ESP armor coating.
Edelbrock: 600 cfm manual choke carbs, fuel pressure regulator, electric fuel pump 160 gph, 2x4 linkage, dual quad fuel lines, polished filter.
MHT Luxury Alloys: 20 X 8.5 NITROUS 5X4.75 CHROME "FOOSE" WHEELS,22 X 10.5 5X4.5 CHROME "FOOSE" WHEELS.
Stainless Steel Brakes: 13 inch front rotors, four piston calipers, red powdercoating, chrome booster and billet master cylinder.
Stainless Steel Brakes: Rear disc brake package for LB Torino ends, powdercoated red.
Tennsmith: Hand brake, slip rolls, shears and notchers.

[@michaelboyd3924]

I bought a new 1961 Convertible but unable to keep it after my enlistment into the USAF to avoid the draft. At $78 per month, the pay for a basic airman back then, I had to sell my car! Hope it found a great home. A real chick magnet in '61.

[@glock22357]

That's amazing. I like seeing getting the structure of the car sorted, cleaned and stiffened. Absolutely amazing work, very impressive.

[@cintocrunch]

I have this exact car, thank you for posting up this video series! I will definitely be referencing this series as I work on my car. People have no idea how rare the '61 Impala 2 door sedan is, they love how the roof extends over the rear window.

[@americanpatriot2.06]

Learn something new. Despite 30+ years of automotive experience, you will always learn something new. Whether it is modern advancements or old school stuff you have yet to encounter. That X-Frame blew my mind!

[@williamburke8954]

She's a true beauty thus far! More of a work of art than an automobile. Very well executed fellas! I'm pumped to see the final product.

[@izzyplusplusplus1004]

Cool project. My dad's generation hated those x frames. Ya'll done went and made em' awesome.

[@ErrtuZarathos]

Tests shows that dimpled holes are actually stronger and more rigid that straight steel plate

[@husq2100]

Removing material can change the load path ( can be worse). The flared edge of hole really only makes the area around the hole stiffer. Be careful how you use the term stronger...

[@madrabbit9007]

I know Stacy on Trucks proved that a rolling a bead in a piece of sheet metal will increase strength as well.

[@evilfingers4302]

Wish I had a garage like theirs!

[@stephenmanley4097]

Love seeing a tear down, followed by rebuild from the ground up. Look forward to the next instalment. Good work guys 👍.

[@turdferg9703]

They make this shit look so easy. It would take me years to do what they did in this video lol.

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

It might be 12 years old now, but it's still a fun show.

[@jimkoval8546]

Yeah. Most of the people watching/posting here don't seem to know the projects are 10-12 years old. Of course some the ideas will seem dated, but a lot like the air ride system are still cool.

[@crazyeyez1502]

If they watch the whole video, the fine print at the end of all these uploads have the copyright tag. This one is 2008.

[@richki.24]

Love this show, glad I can watch it on KZbin ....

[@st.george9404]

I am rebuilding my 64, After watching this video I believe I will be doing the frame bracing you just did. Thank you for the video.

[@daniel64padilla]

Hoppos out in California makes a kit

[@rsonweb2060]

Exactly what I needed to see for my 63 Biscayne project. Thanks!

[@jorgeenriqueabella7381]

this program is much better than "OVERHAULIN" regards

[@SilvesterSmith]

Loving red sled i would like to see more

[@canadianmarauder1923]

Was really good to see how you reinforced that frame. 1961 bubble top is one of my bucket list cars

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you. You make it look so easy!

[@jorgeenriqueabella7381]

the construction process is better detailed than other similar programs. they are very good at their job

[@gunslinger7647]

That’s the first car I ever drove. I was I was 15 when I got to drive it. Passed my drivers test it. Bring good old memories to me. Drove it all over town picking up girls. Well, we tried anyhow.

[@LJRidesOfficial]

Please include recent episodes of every project in the description box so that we can easily browse. Thanks

[@hawkdsl]

The finished car turned out really nice, but I despise bagging. Bags are for semi's. So glad that trend has at least minimized.

[@dave1135]

Same here. The cars that are designed to set on the ground with the bags deflated are the worst. You blow a bag or a line and you're stranded

[@tclott316]

@@dave1135 wrong.

[@azboyd3503]

That air bag kit blew my mind they thought off everything

[@NebukedNezzer]

I owned a 60 chevy station wagon. paid 20 bucks for it. 6 cylinder power glide the 6 had a hole in the top of one piston from me running it up to 65 mph. to much carbon. threw the eng and pg away. bought a good 245hp 327 and 350 turbo hydro from a wrecked 69 impala 200 bucks. changed the frame mounts to v8 ones from junk yard. fabricated rear trans mount, welded up and balanced my own front half of drive shaft. changed the carrier bearing(no problem). montgomery wards for ball joints, shocks, tie rod ends, idler arm, dual exhaust. brake parts. put about 400 bucks into the car. had it 4 years and sold it for 200 cash when it rusted out till the front seat fell through on to the muffler. some 2x4 pieces to hold up the seat. the guys who bought it from me used it for another 2 years to haul their band stuff around to gigs. great old car. would do 20 mpg at 55 mph(speed limit at the time). these guys are so fake its hard to take their talking. why are they doing this? to make money and push component providers?

[@My_Op]

I don't have the same tastes as you, but thanks anyway for saving an old-timer from the crusher ;)

[@JumboJimbo100]

Great job Gentleman you guys are pro's

[@domingodeanda233]

That was pretty damn good.

[@sbjennings99]

Awesome informative Video experience Y'alls God Bless Ya 🙏

[@christianbattestin9747]

The full size '58 to '64 Canadian Pontiacs also used this type of frame.

[@tybriggs9880]

Weld throught primer would be prudent between those bracing layers.

[@lucky1time811]

I went straight to the comment section looking for this exact comment! It was bugging me the whole time having all that bare metal in pocket areas that could trap moisture!

[@albertconklin9173]

Awesome video

[@jemg2002]

Nice build. Wish I had the time

[@olderthanyoucali8512]

Should have gotten an aftermarket block, 632 cu. In. Possible. With this shows budget it wouldn't have been a problem. Seeing as their investing in a new crank, rods and pistons anyway.

[@donnyrankin7256]

Dimpling adds strength as well (take a look at aircraft structure)

[@rickjohnson1632]

Looking good👍

[@eightycutty]

I know this is an old video. If you run a stiffer bag & dual upper arms will make a huge difference in handling. With the rear track bar it shifts the rear end out of alignment. I have the same issue with my 64 Belair. You can run a dual upper or a Y bone like the low rider guys do.

[@TowMater603]

i wish they'd just do the WHOLE project in ONE video. i'd rather watch a 1 hour video than 20 videos of 18 minutes of project. Oh and you do anything to those rims and Chip Foose is going to kick your ass !

[@Mekhanic1]

www.powernationtv.com/episode/MC2008-10/61-impala-red-sled-bodywork

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Foose is a girly man, wears his wifes undies.

[@TheFogLakeshore]

Great build but I'd like a full Engine Power show on the 409! Cool engine. You never see a chamber-in-block build. Kaase did it for a Dynomasters engine once.

[@danielcosentino5776]

Great idea, if you want all that nice moisture between there "custom" work.

[@FreddyFunderbunz]

R.i.p. buddy Hendricks. Tragic and gruesome. Justice WILL be served!

[@Trident_Euclid]

When did he passed away?

[@jeffreybrockmanii6779]

What happened?

[@andoletube]

Yeah, what are you talking about?

[@alvaromartinez915]

I have exacly the same kind of car,here in San Diego California,same color.

[@madrabbit9007]

This is so weird...every time I hit "Next Video" I'm going backwards! Just watched the frame come back from powder coating now I'm watching the prep work on the frame.

[@phreaktor]

You guys should do a lowrider build with hydraulics.

[@MrClassiccarenthusia]

I wonder where these cars are now? Would certainly be interesting to see if these restorations held up to the test of time..

[@fordfairlane662dr]

I thought the X frame set up on the 63 Chevy was the best setup!!!

[@charlesroer972]

The only way , from beginning to the end

[@ricardoramirezccc7242]

Nice How do u clean the chassis what to use or best way to clean the rust

[@tonygrenstiner4088]

Hello I've been wondering if you ever finished the 61 Impala. Is there more videos on the rest of the build.

[@23727bgk]

It would be interesting to know what this frame weighs, after it has been reinforced. A modern replacement frame must be safer, stronger and is likely a better suspension platform.

[@Prioritasteknik]

Nice

[@Chevroldsmobuiac]

Those X frames made the cars death traps in side collisions... might as well be riding in a beer can.

[@101Volts]

That's why the IIHS 1959 Bel Air vs 2009 Chevy video was *so* bad. The 59 _had_ an engine, but it was a Straight 6. I uploaded a behind the scenes video of that crash test, and if you look carefully, _you can see the engine:_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIfcYqhtd7SgjrM

[@urossaric5435]

@@101Volts the impala chassis was very rusty, you can see bits of rust falling out of the chassis during impact, if the chassis wasn't rusty maybe the impala would have performed better

[@225ROGER]

Cool

[@Jim-qc6gu]

ST. George You are in the same class as those guys. I don’t care if they know me, or not. Just making a professional observation. The most important thing is that they go home in the same health condition as they came to do the show.

[@douhacomcastnet]

Please upload the rest of the shows for Red Sled.

[@franciskelley6919]

Why not get one of the non- x frames and get rid of carrier bearing drive shafts/ I grew up with these x frame impalas and disliked these frames very much !

[@Mekhanic1]

Did Mr Kool-aid man do the voice overs?

[@shawnrenaud2252]

I've always thought his voice was super corn-ball, but your comment made me laugh out loud for real.

[@BarnesysBuilds]

Not priming the steel under the x bracing could lead to some rusting issue down the line?

[@richardturk7162]

Looks goofy with the huge wheels

[@AutoYoung]

Quit complaining about something that isn't even on the car anymore...

[@yuris6125]

@@AutoYoung How do we know that these wheels aren't on the car anymore? We are not clairvoyants.

[@hawkdsl]

@@yuris6125 Because the entire series is at their web site with the finished car... free to watch with commercials. Almost as good as clairvoyant.

[@pcs38nau]

couldn’t tell from the goofy side burns and flame job this was old episode... styles and tastes change. some trends don’t hold up well.

[@Armacis-]

one thing i hate about mechanic shops being on tv is how fake they act

[@scootergeorge9576]

Maybe it's because they're not actors.

[@krusher74]

@@scootergeorge9576 you don't need to be an actor, all the homegrown youtube channels show you can. just talk like a normal human.

[@donnyrankin7256]

The producers think their viewers are 12 year old "dude!!!" mentality. They should spend time on educational, technical material instead of winking at the stripper.

[@foamdataservices]

This was filmed a long time ago, KZbin has heavily influenced presenting styles. PNTV is still a bit cheesy at times but I like that for a break from more modern, relentlessly “edgy” presenting on other channels.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

"X" frame from 58 to 64, I didn't know that...

[@101Volts]

@LF X No joke. The 1959 Bel Air vs 2009 Malibu video would have proved that, if they showed the engine (which was a Straight 6.) And yes, it had an engine; you can just tell by the blue paint in this behind the scenes video that I uploaded, at 2:52: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIfcYqhtd7SgjrM This 1950s/1960s newspaper clipping of two 59s that collided also shows the same exact result, is someone gonna go into denial land over it? www.pinterest.com/pin/314548355225603860/

[@eddiebrown956]

Y'all should do a ford v10 rebuild on budget and then performance

[@Sir.VicsMasher]

What ever happened to project Altered Ego...Did Rick take it or did you crush it like you did with other builds?

[@bmstylee]

2:25. I want to know what project went with those tires.

[@mrhamburger6936]

Those x frame GM cars suck with their two-piece driveshaft

[@stegomon]

I wonder if the could have upgraded the steering into rack and pinion steering

[@alvaromartinez915]

Watt kind of coolant the cast iron engines use? And how manny quarts of oil the pontiac 326 engine take?

[@jeremymurphy7320]

13:40 Not since Mr. Excitement, Jimmy Spencer retired.

[@ibast1]

Adding steel between the front and rear body mounts on this era of car adds very little stiffness. Why? because the body is the structural member. That's why they had to add the steel on the convertible. The roof structure isn't there. The mid section of frame is mostly there for production purposes and the rest is about diagonal loads. The above mods added a lot of weight for not much benefit.

[@correctednews1463]

The X frame was not built to flex. It was marketed as being very rigid. Just read the GM dealer brochure on the 1958 model.

[@mickeymang6]

Crazy thing is this was 2008

[@joeschlotthauer840]

Have to hold the stud at 14:52... Where did you get the dimple dies from...

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Dimple dies are us.com

[@MrGTAmodsgerman]

How old is this footage? It says 2008 at the end but i really get some hard early 2000s MTV, DMAX vibes on this. And i don't see 4:3 format here. So i guess its remastered.

[@clarkkent7999]

Wouldn't it be better to wait until the frame was sandblasted b4 doing any trueing, even if it were out of alignment? Then you could do any necessary tweaking, reinforcing and retweaking. After all, you would have to recheck trueness when you got it back from the sandblaster anyway, right? Am not very knowledgeable - just asking.

[@desireubensealey]

Good to watch. Genuine question. Is there a reason why the music of the rock genre is normally paired with videos like this? Appreciate any insight. Thanks.

[@dave1135]

Probably to make it seem more badass and manly. Imagine this with bluegrass playing in the background. Lol

[@desireubensealey]

@@dave1135 lol good point

[@matyubillabongg6461]

Lo que daría por que hagan esto por mi vw 1983🤗🤗

[@user-yt6dw6rd1x]

can anyone tell me what happens to these cool machines when they get finished?

[@scootergeorge9576]

So GM used the X frame design because it would flex? Still, it's no surprise that they had to reinforce it for use under convertibles. With convention frames, engineers typically put in a large X member. When Kaiser-Frazier build a convertible in 1949 Kaiser insisted they just reinforce the standard frame but no X member! Didn't work. Frame twisted badly and the doors would fly open going around corners! Since Packard was known for building solid convertibles, they bought one and took it apart to see how it was done. They ended up with a well built car. Cadillac expensive and slow with the 226 ci "Supersonic" flathead 6.

[@billygun]

is this the same frame as is on the 1963 to 1965 Buick riviera plz??

[@jamesfencl1274]

who did the sway bars on red sled?

[@ddilink]

Where is the next episode?

[@maico450]

Put a nice set of Cragars on it and ditch the mega wheels - they don't work on that generation of cars!

[@abdulsassi320]

Yacht master is it

[@JohnW1711stock]

The 2-piece drive shaft needs to be converted to a one piece.

[@beachboardfan9544]

O god how terrible were the torsional properties of those frames?

[@seanbailey8545]

So how exactly are they gonna paint/anti rust coat that chassis when they boxed it all in and the metal on the inside is now all bare.

[@Thraser999]

well, you put your anti-rust paint on it, you box it and weld things on, you burn that paint down, you do twice the job for nothing...

[@luemn7691]

They can dip it maybe

[@johniorio7951]

@@luemn7691 a full frame acid dip would eat up all the rust....30 minutes in a muriatic acid woud solve alot of problems in the furure

[@richardt6980]

throw heavy suspension parts on those nice epoxy floors. lol

[@infernoking7504]

Those chassis where so dangerous because you get hit in the side no frame to protect you

[@robbiefrentz9427]

Curious unless your reusing the springs any reason you didn’t just cut them with the torch

[@hawkdsl]

e-bay

[@robbiefrentz9427]

hawkdsl Good point. I’ve been known to spend more money on a used original bumper than buy new

[@greengeeker1]

Man, that wheel design did not age well.

[@davidwitcher5443]

Dropped the ball with those hideous Foose wheels.

[@taylorh3930]

That engine guy at like 3:29 ish looks like El Chapo

[@danielbarrett512]

Anybody know the size tires on the back?

[@jeffreybrockmanii6779]

Does anyone know what the music is at 1:30?

[@Aleksey2797]

молодцы мужики!!!

[@yuris6125]

Пацаны ваще ребята!

[@paulbaker5085]

Nobody ever talks about the cost .Labor ,Parts

[@alanwood5857]

Those X frames put ride quality over safety, side impact strength nearly zero.

[@101Volts]

That's why the IIHS 1959 Bel Air vs 2009 Chevy video was *so* bad. The 59 _did_ have an engine, but it was a Straight 6. I uploaded a behind the scenes video of that crash test, and if you look carefully, _you can see the engine:_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIfcYqhtd7SgjrM

[@ElectricSwordfish]

Times were different back then...these days, cars are almost uncomfortable for safety...the headrests designs these days are ridiculous lol, they make proper posture almost impossible

[@daniel64padilla]

Those bag mounts in the rear are too tall you have to cut them about 3 inches if your gonna run anything over 20 inches in the rear

[@Snakeman1985]

You know people are saying ls swaps are over done, I agree, although I did it, buttt the most overplayed is the damn Ford 9 inch, a damn Chevy 12 bolt is just as strong, if not stronger.

[@AndyFromm]

People like the 9" because you can have different ratio ready to go and toss it in for different tracks.

[@Snakeman1985]

@@AndyFromm ok, I understand that, but they are clearly building a street car.

[@AndyFromm]

@@Snakeman1985 they wanted a part on the car that would last... 🤔 I don't have time to type all the reasons. www.hotrod.com/articles/12-bolt-chevy-vs-9-inch-ford/

[@stevenziebell5877]

They used a 9" because that's what Currie donated for product placement consideration.

[@st.george9404]

check who their sponsors are. They use the sponsors parts on their cars.

[@Random-rt5ec]

Awesome video but I disagree with using the old frame, If you were building this for me or if I was buying this at auction I would want a brand new rolling chassis made from the finest modern materials, designed to handle today’s big HP & torque engines & handle the road like a race car.

[@EdwardAlcala]

2:08 67 minches