The Chevrolet Impala SS lowrider project car build

Finally! Jonny introduces his never-ending Chevrolet Impala project build. This 1964 SS lowrider restoration was started some 17 years ago, and still isn't finished. Jonny admits that it has been a roller coaster project, partly due to his lack of planning and, ill fitting components or unreputable companies, but it is now closer to completion that its ever been. It is the most expensive project he has ever had, and yet it has never started up or been driven.
The Impala SS has had a bare metal body off restoration, with reinforced chassis (in preparation for hydraulic suspension), a 350ci (5.7) crate V8 engine, restored or replaced trim, new upholstery, paint and custom pinstriping, and as much detail as was possible within the budget.
Rest assured there will be more episodes on the Impala project soon, but this one was an attempt at bringing viewers up to speed on what was started in 2003.
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Jonny's 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS tech spec
Originally 327 c.i V8 engine with 2-speed Powerglide auto
Originally built in St Louis and ordered with:
Ember red paint (922), red interior, A/C, green tinted glass, radio with aerial
Engine & gearbox:
Now 1995 GM Goodwrench crate 350ci V8
Now TH400 3-speed automatic
Shiftworks cable floor shift
Kwik Performance single serpentine belt
Edelbrock 650 4-barrel vac secondary carburettor
Aluminium radiator
2 x Spal electric cooling fans on custom mount
Edelbrock air cleaner
Chevrolet script Holley valve covers
Custom engine & trans mounts
Reinforced and rebuilt back axle
Bodywork:
Replaced driver's side rear quarter panel
Replaced both front toe board floor panels
Replaced one rear body mount
Original green tinted glass
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
Originally 327 c.i V8 engine with 2-speed Powerglide auto
Originally built in St Louis and ordered with:
Ember red paint (922), red interior, A/C, green tinted glass, radio with aerial
Engine & gearbox:
Now 1995 GM Goodwrench crate 350ci V8
Now TH400 3-speed automatic
Shiftworks cable floor shift
Kwik Performance single serpentine belt
Edelbrock 650 4-barrel vac secondary carburettor
Aluminium radiator
2 x Spal electric cooling fans on custom mount
Edelbrock air cleaner
Chevrolet script Holley valve covers
Custom engine & trans mounts
Reinforced and rebuilt back axle
Bodywork:
Replaced driver's side rear quarter panel
Replaced both front toe board floor panels
Replaced one rear body mount
Original green tinted glass
Original SS trim restored
Original bumpers rechromed
N.O.S bumper overriders
Original grille restored
New rear SS cove trims
New door locks
Jaguar XJR 5 3/4" headlights
Paintwork:
GM Ermine white roof
GM Granada Gold metallic paint
Pinstriping and gold leaf
Wheels:
Pinnacle 14-inch x 7J 100 spoke knock off wires
Interior:
Oxblood red vinyl bucket seats with new foam
New red carpet
New glassfibre dash top
New SS door cards
Fabricated new rear arm rests
Fabricated parcel shelf with concealed speakers
GM star fabric headliner
3D printed air vent grilles
air con vents
Original SS dash trims
Unrestored steering wheel
Restored original SS centre console
New window and door rubbers
Restored window and door brightwork
Chassis:
Original X-frame 'wrapped' with 6mm sheet steel
Rear cross member replaced with box tube
Front X-member straightened (accident damage) and reinforced
4 x uprights from rear chassis into boot area (for battery rack)
Suspension:
Rear trailing arms fully wrapped and notched for powerball mounts
Front wishbones extended and reinforced
Heavy duty ball joints
4-tonne Pro Hopper springs
Black Magic rear panhard rod replaced with Y-piece axle locator bar
Pro Hopper black anodised G Force pumps x 4
Brakes:
ABS Powerbrake disc brake conversion
ABS Powerbrake booster master cylinder
Rebuilt original rear drums
Steering:
ABS Powerbrake 605 steering box
Modified steering rods from Limit Fabrication
Thank you to my Patron subscriber gang. Want to be a CarPervert Patreon supporter? / carpervert
**********
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Filmed & edited by: Matty Graham @ pixel-click.com
Thumbnail by: matttarrantdesign.com
****************
Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#projectcarbuild #64impalass #chevyimpala

[@m.d4460]

It was actually really relaxing *cuts to a photo of johnny reconsidering his life choices* 😂😂

[@vwmatt1]

Im good friends with the guy who had the marijuana habit 😂 He is a good welder but you taking this offa him before he'd finished definitely left a stain on his rep. Which I think is a shame...

[@vwmatt1]

That should push my comment up the ranks nicely- thanks

[@carsonalijah6564]

you probably dont care but if you're stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all the new movies on instaflixxer. I've been binge watching with my brother for the last few months :)

[@scotturiah3498]

@Carson Alijah yea, I've been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself :)

[@stevenkelby2169]

​@@vwmatt1It's the marijuana habit that left the stain on his rep...

[@spotty_cat26]

It's like Jonny has spent the last twenty years collecting classic cars and wierd mopeds and stashing them all over the UK knowing that one day he'd have his own TV channel to show them all off! Good on ya, Jonny.

[@stevenkelby2169]

Deservedly so! I freakin love watching all these for the first time!

[@martinweston8147]

This video could have been two hours long and I still wouldn’t have skipped forward once, you must love your job!

[@TheCloudhopper]

Oh my word, Jonny had a Granada low rider! Street Cred +1000%! That is SO gas.

[@neildavies2276]

It was ace too!

[@JD-eo7dr]

He had a old pimp Jag aswell complete with hydros and 20s

[@GrahamDallas]

Johnny, this was just fantastic. You were asking about the length of video, 35 minutes just disappeared and at no point was I bored. I've promised myself an American land yacht at some point, hopefully before internal combustion is outlawed.

[@bikecommuter24]

I know its "proper" to have a V8 ICE in one of these land yachts, but there are companies doing EV conversions you still got the style and flair, Im a EV fan but something cool about a V8 rumble. that's only problem I have with EV's they don't sound as cool as V8 in a tunnel or under a bridge. I wouldn't be surprised if there is someone working on Hydrogen Conversion kits for these old cars.

[@Mr2OOM]

I take my hat off to you Mr Vert .. To stick with the dream over all those years and not give up is very impressive ... And probably a speciel thanks to Mrs Vert is due for allowing you to keep going ..

[@volvo480]

There can't be enough people like Simon to get your project car out of hell and start enjoying it again.

[@scrubscriber4911]

For a moment there I thought that it was going to be running...turns out you’re like the rest of us, phew. Looks lovely btw...

[@Zanpaa]

The wedding gift XJR headlights from Ian Callum might somehow be the coolest detail about this car.

[@richardharrold9736]

He's a good bloke, Callum, a car guy's car guy, unlike that utter twunt McGovern.

[@lukewhiting3025]

Loved the triggers Broom comparison 😀

[@numbrjuan1936]

Oklahoma city is full of lowrider culture . I'm a upcoming lowrider shop in Oklahoma. It's alive. Keep Lowriding. It's a a Art

[@fredyromero9621]

any good lowrider shops there?

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

That’s a beautiful thing Jonny. Love that it’s so personal: Old favourite films, long build history, old photos, wedding presents! Just ace.

[@ianwlisle]

What a story, time stood still watching it, I guess that’s the point. Now I’m going to watch Boyz in da Hood to round out the day

[@Fedaykin24]

Johnny Smith: "we all know a project car that is never ending..." Bad Obsession Motorsport: "Shifty side look...."

[@procatprocat9647]

I lost interest in them a good year ago.

[@spruce1509]

@@procatprocat9647 oh man, you need to go back and see the paint job. It's a work of art

[@ribbo1]

haha so much this

[@MichaelGallagher97]

Brackets don't make themselves you know!

[@kieranwhite6647]

Jonny, can I just say that for me (and no doubt others) your videos have been a welcome distraction over the last 12 months or so and they've really helped keep me going through some scary days, so thank you so much!

[@andrewshelly6804]

Me too. Such a great distraction for the mind through all of this. Proper motoring entertainment

[@mr.dmr.d9348]

you can see you have a god guy on it now, he is sharp and sober looking and has credentials to boot. THESE are the fellows to do business with. Great Channel and the wheel is the right call

[@TheTerrier]

I stand corrected, I was interested in this! Great work, between Harry, Ian tyrell and yourself, my KZbin car needs have been met 👍

[@-DC-]

44 Teeth produce some fabulous content on Motorcycles which compliments this nicely.

[@TheTerrier]

Yeah been following them since the Baron von Grumble days, great stuff

[@KLUTCHdot58]

Some of the best guys in UK custom cars have done work on that Impala. I'd be proud as f**k to have that nugget. Nice job Mr. Smith.

[@ChocolateFrog]

From low riders to EV drag cars through JDM nuggets and British sleepers. So eclectic, I love it.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

That's the plan Paul. Life is too short.

[@ChocolateFrog]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Everyone of them is more interesting than the latest Ferrari or McLaren.

[@Gee-sw6vh]

Bro, I'm a LowRider from Phoenix 602 I want to give you props for representing the LowRider culture in a place where it's not understood Bro keep up the good work and check out LowRiders in Amsterdam on youtube now that's representing and don't get all switch happy you will know what I mean when you start hitting the switches it's unbelievable there's nothing like it ....Orale Vato

[@codobod9047]

Boyz N The Hood and La Haine were hugely influential on me too, in different ways to your own, but still becoming an integral part of my life's journey. It's great to see this project moving forward, you've shown great resilience and it looks like that will be rewarded. I'm in awe at your singular vision for all these years through the changing trends, to stick with and realise an idea. Well done. Great film and thanks for sharing.

[@dudleyallen4181]

Jonny , love your eclectic tastes . Are you vying with the boys at Project Binky to see who's build takes the longest ?

[@mv2000100]

you could get binky in the boot..... sorry trunk lol

[@colinhead284]

uno, dos, tres, cinco cinco cinco, seis what a wonderful "ofspring" you have there Jonny!!!

[@miguelcollado5438]

As an American, I am proud of you bringing this car back to life and looking fantastic! Hope you and your family enjoy this car for life

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Miguel. Hope it lives for many years when finished too.

[@ejtakach]

I'm liking the curb feelers! Brings me back to my youth!

[@SvenIffert]

This is perfect to wind down after a long day in the office. I enjoy your stories a lot!

[@kolbenkopp-8780]

This is so totally not my scene, but the build is mighty impressive and Jonny makes it interesting to watch. Horizon broadening again. This will be gigantic once finished and looks like it is in excellent hands with Simon.

[@stegradon7827]

That was a fantastic episode. Regular updates on its progress would be appreciated. Want to see her come alive this year!!

[@skinnyGra]

Great .. . Heard about this one aloooong time ago . Keep chipping away Sir. That Smiley day is soon approaching for you.keep us updated..

[@JB-oc4uv]

Can we have a car cave episode with Simon and some of that American metal.

[@JamieVauxnut1]

" Cruzin down the street in my 6 4 " eazy e cassette stuck in the player 👌

[@sandiegolife6192]

I'm from Southern California I grew up seeing lowrider bikes cars grew up going to carshows I'm proud to see how lowrider culture has grown 👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for watching. Still lots to finish and overdue a big progress push,, but it will get there.

[@sandiegolife6192]

@@TheLateBrakeShow it will get there 1 day I have a 1968 impala that I been building for 2 years now

[@felix-bk7ne]

Was thinking the other day that I hadn't seen anyone do lowriders recently. Great to see people still doing it, and Johnny not giving up on his dream!

[@daves1646]

Wow! Curb feelers too. Johnny, your Impala is BEAUTIFUL. Makes me remember my ‘62 coupe with a 327 & powerglide, white with red interior, punched chromes and glass packs. I am genuinely impressed by your patience and persistence. Gorgeous Gold / Champagne!!

[@filipinochicano42nos]

Enjoy the show Homie, I grew up in low rider Chicano culture back in Northern Cali! It was Awsome to see how you have embraced the “Low Rider” not only did you embrace “Low Rider” you have embraced all of Califas!!!! Thank you homie& be safe !

[@glenncraft9887]

What a brilliant car this is going to be. A true labour of love.

[@UNILIBRADO]

I always enjoy watching people building american cars in other parts of the world. Especially lowriders. It gives me motivation. Salud and respect from the USA.

[@trenttrevorrow5648]

I want to see Richard driving this and Jonny driving the Allegro when they're both finished. A feature film Sniff and Smith: The Movie ...due out 2025(?)

[@Nathan.Guthrie]

Cant wait for that. Will be a little like Richard driving the Fiat 126 all those years ago.

[@simonwhite2890]

Bit too soon, try 2050

[@williamholmes7529]

Please support Johnny if you can, he has an expensive obsession 😂😂😂

[@beatmeierbm]

In my childhood we used to travel in a 1961 impala from the Northeast of Switzerland through the Alps down to the Tuscany pulling a caravan many years. Just over 12 m of convoy with a lame 5.4 V8 😀. We loved and lived every bit of it. I love this channel

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Welcome aboard TLBS Beat. Great story of the slow caravan pulling '61.

[@derekmurphy8979]

I remember as a young fella, flipping car magazines to the back pages to the for sale section, this is where I first set eyes on one of these and since then, this was the car I always dreamt of owning. Can't wait to see it brought to completion.

[@WillPerryAbuseCoach]

Used to own a ‘54 Caddy... will get one again one day... and great to hear your story (obsession) - what an awesome car, well done for sticking at it 🥰🙏

[@Edddy1337]

YES!!!!!! One of my all time fav cars, something I'd have in my collection if i was a millionaire

[@MrJ90ny]

The number plate is perfect.

[@neildavies2276]

Nice to see the old Granada again! I'll never forget you parking it outside my house in Chester on three wheels - don't think my neighbours were quite so impressed! You did say way back then that you'd have a 64 Impala at some point, so nice to see this one taking shape.

[@bigslimdogg6697]

This channel is all about cars ✨the more you know✨

[@northcountryman]

There's a lot of love and dedication put into that project!!

[@johntisbury]

Great to see and hear about this. Simon is a top guy! Love the car she is going to be a beauty. Thanks for the in-depth update.

[@agustinliden6189]

That Gold colored Chevrolet Impala SS looking absolutely beautiful 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@simonweston33]

Had to stop watching temporarily to educate myself about engine turning. Another cracking video sir.

[@danielmartin6334]

So so good, I could watch this over and over again 😍

[@matthewseymour8972]

Simon is clearly the saviour of this project.

[@coreyrowe2052]

This is the weirdest yet coolest thing I've ever seen. I'm from Houston Texas and people thought I was weird for being a "white guy" who was infatuated with low riders. I grew up in the same era you did and loved the Old Skool Impalas!!! You've done a great job with this one. The only thing I would change are the rims. Dayton rims are the only way to go!!! I know they are EXPENSIVE but they match the era. Also, kudos on the Jag headlights! All lowriders need one unique quirk that sets them apart from all the rest. From the very beginning I was thinking to myself "those headlights look amazing but there is something unique about them"! This car is truly a work of art and the heart of what being a Lowrider is all about!!👍👍❤️❤️

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Corey. Hopefully it will be worth the effort when it get it rolling.

[@iainweller452]

Cool car we need to see this finished

[@andykidd971]

Enjoying the projects and updates Jonny, and the detail you're taking us into on each of them. Please keep rescuing things, and taking us on the journey.

[@indonesiansasquatch4926]

That thing looks GORGEOUS!

[@chato12310]

That’s a beautiful car. I live in Los Ángeles California own a low rider my self, I am from a car club ONE BAD CREATION. That steering wheel idea.. GREAT! You are doing the car perfect.. My respects to you..

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Sal!

[@michaeldennis6724]

Hey Jonny, as an ex-pat living in Canada since 1961, I was intrigued by your choice of car. My first car bought in 1964 was a 1962 Pontiac Parisienne Convertible. My second car was a 1964 Prisienne 2 Door Hardtop which I believe was the Pontiac version of the car that you have. Lovely way to get around and very solid and heavy. I envy you the lowrider, and wish that I still had the Pontiac.

[@mustafa.d7488]

This is my favourite car of all time

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Lovely video update of a long overdue project. There is something special about the old school American cars. Can't wait to see this finished.

[@scottwilson2959]

Beautiful Impala Jonny! One of my all time favourite cars.

[@johnwalsh4809]

Great to see this thing Johnny, fair play for sticking with it. This is real car guy shit.

[@timbre7999]

As always brilliantly presented in a very nice relaxed manner

[@Winningpk3]

I have to say this video was so therapeutic to my car stresses. So reassuring to see others going through the peaks and troughs of project car life. Why are there so many dribbling O-rings when it comes to restoring and working on projects? Thanks for sharing Johnny, really appreciate the honesty and absolutely love the impala, would love to see more on it in the future.

[@mikeschofield5500]

Just noticed watching this video that The LBS has hit 500k subscribers. Well deserved Jonnie.

[@Snowy-666]

What a fantastic video. I have never understood the whole lowrider culture but I would now dearly love to be 'there' (via the medium of KZbin anyhow) when you first sit in the car, turn the key and start to drive. Great stuff and can't wait to see this one progress to completion.

[@christophergarrido2802]

Wonderful job man. I grew up immersed in Lowrider car culture in Southern California. Great taste and top notch attention to detail. One gripe, clean those white walls! They should be nice and bright white.

[@davebarnett4262]

Compulsive viewing ... one of few KZbin channels which are. Keep up the awesome work Johnny 👍🏻

[@PabloConcrete]

Simon seems like a good guy!

[@MattCSLnut]

What an absolute BEAUT !!! I'd love to see more episodes documenting the progress right to the day it actually drives out of Simon's garage and burbles down the road all street legal.... and its life beyond.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you. And yeah, more to come!

[@mattheweastel129]

What a stunning motor, great that it’s in good hands and can’t wait to hear it start

[@stevewilson8467]

Yay! Been looking forward to this.

[@alexmills6086]

The 4 door pillar-less Impala is so swank, also reminds me of the film Mississippi Burning.

[@Mark-RD350]

Your a man after my own heart i love Impala's i really like the back lights an side panels an the pillar less windows, I think you should do an episode on your garage.✌

[@anydaynow01]

It's awesome you started out with such a great example. Mine started life as a Northern USA car, and let's say the rear wheel wells fenders were not in nearly as good condition as yours! Inspirational story, thanks for sharing!

[@frazerpowell4646]

Hi Jonny, I bought the silver 64 impala from Gas Monkey & imported it to the uk, I up graded the air ride, great car

[@SteveMorton]

I will admit to not being a massive American car fan. Also I know you have mentioned this car in the podcast or in videos, but to see the car and all the history and details is really great. Good luck with finishing this project and I’m sure you will enjoy driving it for the first time when ever that might be.

[@joshuaknight1748]

Nice Jonny! A week grinding down lead-based 60’s paint with (seemingly) no mask is going to take a couple of decades off your life. We were young then and we didn’t know better. I also used a twist knot brush in a 9” grinder to take a narrow boat roof down to bare metal; wondering why my hands were tingling for days after.

[@grayfool]

I'm not sure what to say Jonny. Lovely car, crazy owner, fascinating story, excellent work. It's also a great tribute to the custom car scene of the seventies in the best way possible. You're going to have a very eclectic garage one day.

[@davidp7414]

Gorgeous paint color and interior combination. Love the subtle pin-striping. This will be a great looking car. Best car to take the family to get Ice cream on a summer day.

[@jon4539]

Another great treat on a bank holiday, great work johnny

[@nicwilson89]

Oh my, this is an incredible build so far! Can't wait to see the future of this

[@owenrichardson7278]

Yes, yes, yes! Perfect end to a BH weekend!

[@williamholroyd1488]

Great video, it's great to see the love, pain, and commitment you've gone through with this car! I would love to see an update video in a year's time.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Less than a year William, I promise.

[@williamholroyd1488]

Great! I wasn't sure if it was going to be like Project Binky from @BadObsessionMotorsport

[@ConquerDriving]

That's a cool car! I do love a new leather steering wheel but keeping the slightly worn steering wheel really works. It looks great.

[@peternorrish8573]

With low-riding being a world I know very little about this was a fascinating video. Great job as always Jonny

[@jameseastwood4984]

Totally agree with 'not replacing everything'.

[@nsbhagwat]

Stunning piece of metal and paint work. These things are huge. When I bought my first car an Opel Corsa hatchback, I remember a convertible impala with huge fins parked in the showroom (owners car used for marketing). This thing was so huge it could easily be used as a backyard swimming pool. Johnny you have put your heart n soul in this project, get this luxo barge on the road ASAP. Also a short video tour of Simon's facilities and cars is in order. Take care n stay safe.

[@davidbarnsley8486]

All the best things take a while No need to rush perfection It will be amazing when done and I can’t wait to see the late brake episode show Driving my low rider 😍😍👍👍

[@scottishjason]

What a great project, I saw some lowriders at the Peterson a couple of years ago, fascinated by the level of detail. Look forward to seeing it finished.

[@nickriley1652]

Appreciate the genuine passion for an interesting project. Very much hope you get to enjoy it soon 🙏

[@gato38]

I grew up in a 1974 Chev Impala , 400 cu in , 4 barrel carb, body by fisher. It was blue with a white vinyl roof. I still miss that car. It was a 2 door but it had small rear windows and they actually rolled down, never seen another car do that.

[@olewurtz7625]

All very tastefully done. Looking forward to seeing and hearing it on the road

[@craig2100]

I restored a 61 oldsmobile rocket 88...love the shape and feel of the car. I had to sell the car and miss it every day. The ride was totally awesome. I love what you've done with the impala and can't wait to see it roll out of th edge garage one day soon. Cheers Mate

[@andrewhillman9632]

Pure passion, wonderful! Can’t wait to see you cruising down the road.😎

[@kings3803]

What a great car. You can see your love for cars just shines though. I watch quite a few car youtubers that I enjoy but when they modify a car they just send it to a shop and get it done and don't get involved like you do. Keep up the great job and sharing your love for anything car related.

[@darealjaycitv9598]

I preciate your time for filming all these year putting time in your car

[@neildaniel8232]

Watching this makes me excited and scared at the same time! Excited to see what you've built and what it is going to be but also scared as I'm only at the beginning of the journey with my project car. But the main thing is that you end up with a car that is completely yours.

[@tommarino69]

Really looking forward to seeing this thing bouncing, I love impala's! 59s, 64s & 67s are my favourites. Good luck with it Jonny! 👍

[@dankrafted]

loved this episode Jonny. I had my mk1 escort freshly painted in 2012.... its remained in my parents barn since, awaiting funds and time to put it back together... bought a house, had a kid, started my own company... the usual life that gets in the way of these things, but it will be back someday, hopefully in the not too distant future.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

So I'm not the only one then!

[@dankrafted]

@@TheLateBrakeShow they all get there eventually :) looking forward to see this one roll out the garage, or should that be bounce?