The Story of the "Unsavable" 1959 Impala Convertible! From Rotten to Restored!

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Iowa Classic Cars! Today, i will be talking about my first ever 1959 impala convertible and how it was found, and pulled from a junkyard in iowa, to being in the process of a full restoration. A lot of people seem to think once a car's floor pans are rusted away, they can no longer be fixed...but this restoration shows that no car is ever too far gone as long as you have the time and ability to fix them!
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[@xavierbabin4451]

Amazing ! The old impala is never died..... Congrats from France !!!!!

[@ANOCKS]

Cannot wait to see that Impala on the road again, the guy who did the work must be a magician I bet his name is Houdini 👍

[@tommaika9121]

His name is “ Tom Foolery “. This is a HUGE undertaking

[@midnightrunner684]

His name is MAGA

[@davfrui]

You mean the BLACK KNIGHT ? Love that tinted glass. That had to be a special order like that. Such a cool cool car too... 😋

[@davfrui]

Well as far as MAGA is concerned when it come to cars I like MAFA Make America Fast Again - MAFA that came from FINNEGAN on you tube. He Has t-shirts for sale that have that in print on them. I liked it so much I bought one of em😱!!!!!!

[@brianbloom1799]

He's a very talented man, and very patient, good for him, great job.

[@ceciltrane5418]

The retired man from Nebraska. His time, attitude & skill, his days on earth. Real life worth knowing. Thank you for sharing Ryan.

[@ImGdiddy]

He must be a retired master fabricator and body man, not to mention his mechanical skills.

[@ceciltrane5418]

@@ImGdiddy No doubt.

[@brianmcgill9434]

Im glad you saved it & it went to someone who would bring it back ! Can't wait to see it on the road !

[@henrymartinez5668]

I don't think any classic car is beyond repair it's just do you have the time and the money to bring it back to life. Kudos to you for knowing your limitations and finding someone who had the time and the skill and the money to restore it, it looks awesome already with all the work he has put into it so far kudos to him and you for love and respect of American classic cars

[@piercehawke8021]

I have but ONE word to say: WOW! Your friend clearly brought this 1959 Impala vert about 90% of the way back. The rest of the needed work pales by comparison.

[@iamsanjuanbill7020]

I learned to drive and took my drivers test in a 1959 Chevy Impala. I’m looking forward to seeing this car back on the road.

[@allautollc1]

Holy cow great story .love the pics great job on saving a true classic and passing it on to someone who will do the work correctly.

[@4doorsupra153]

It's so awesome to see cars that seem unsaveable to running and driving condition!

[@pearlsbeforeswine7261]

Really looking forward to the next installment of this story. The guy who bought it off you, must be a bodywork genius. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@randyluca6339]

That guy who bought your Impala is a miracle worker. It is starting to look like a car again. Glad he is saving it. 👍

[@IowaClassicCars]

100%!

[@dannycasler4959]

I remember you posting pictures on your facebook page of this car when you bought it and people were laughing at you and saying it was scrap metal and couldn't be done but I knew that they would be proved wrong! Where there's a will there's a way! I restored two 1964 GTO convertibles in the late 1970's that had no floors or trunks and lower quarters in them, I dragged in about 30 junked or wrecked 64/65 GTO'S Tempests and Lemans To cut floor, trunk and quarter panel sections out of plus other bolt on parts like doors fenders bumpers and hoods plus I also got more parts from salvage yards! I always liked building the cars that people told me couldn't be done!

[@Rustytales]

Danny Casler This is exactly what I am going to do with my project. Since sheet metal is not available for this year and model, I am going to assemble this from pieces!

[@CountryBoyGasGarage]

Wow! That's impressive to bring something that ruff back to life. Bravo! 👏

[@geneva760]

As a person that has restored many vehicles back to 'better than showroom' - for anyone to even consider to commence the 'restoration' of this car - shows some serious determination (HA - and more time than money//sense) and I look forward to following this restoration journey back to the driving stage - it will be a great journey - well done. I wish I was there to assist. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.

[@IowaClassicCars]

he is a talented man for sure

[@joeschlotthauer840]

That is nothing short of incredible...

[@loulowrider2566]

Wow, it amazes me what some people will go through to bring back these treasures from the past.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Absolutely!

[@robertjones7695]

Great to see it rising from the weeds and it looks like it will be a magnificent car again. A stupendous achievement in sight!

[@jasonkowitz4598]

I have to admit for somebody with that much dedication to take the time and actually rebuild this car to me is amazing. With self-drive and determination you can accomplish anything!!!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Absolutely!

[@mariocampos2996]

The man is an artist doing metal work that's great too see the determination and drive of individual thanks for sharing the video

[@TheCrackerBox]

I think it was awesome that you saved the car from where it was and that you found the right home for it !! obviously all those people who said it was too far gone were wrong !! so happy to see the car coming back to life .. look forward to seeing more !!

[@danielscuiry2847]

I’m very impressed with the metal work he’s done. A lot of the sheet metal parts are available again for these classics. They are exactly to spec and the metallurgy is superior to the original. Can’t wait to see this beauty finished ❤️

[@IowaClassicCars]

Couldn't agree more!

[@VideosByAl]

Great story and great save.

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

That guy is unstoppable! "Too far gone" means too far gone for most, but not all.

[@704406bbl]

That is truly a Lazarus project. Glad to see he's bringing it back. I hope he has a clean title for it. My parents had a black 4 door like yours when I was a kid. I was born in 1959. You guys are doing good work out there in Iowa! Look forward to more adventures!

[@lloydyoung8628]

Great to see it went to a good home , i look forward to the finished car .

[@Beandiptheredneck]

This is such a cool story. I'm.actually amazed that someone is willing to spend that much time on bringing it back. I always say if you're willing to put in the work anything can be rebuilt, its just steel plastic and rubber, all of the above can be replaced or repaired

[@lewisbighuber7029]

Goes to show with enough desire ,skill ,money and time anything can be fixed . It's gonna be a treasure.

[@robertgrant4501]

It is amazing how far along that car has come along. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[@jdstaley3710]

Can't wait to see the finished car. I've been there before with a 64' 2 door I had. Props goes to the guy for completing it!

[@ivangonzalez032]

man that guy who did the metal work is straight up talented and gifted another 59 impala saved lets goo !!🙌🏼

[@cdradmaker]

Love this story! I can't wait to see your video of it completed and back on the road!

[@Cheez1979]

I got a 62 that was rusted out. New pans and tons of welding later … feels good to bring them back to life ..

[@chevelleranch7481]

This is great! I thought I was the only one crazy enough to save turds like this car WAS! I have saved a couple Chevelles that were this bad and its very gratifying. I will continue to do it as long as my body will let me! Cant wait to see the finished car!

[@kenstubbert5483]

I admire the style of the 1959 Cheverolet. I purchased one when I was 14 years old and drove it for a couple of years while in high school in the late 1970s.You're taking on a challenging project and I'm looking forward to seeing the end result; I'm sure it's going to look wonderful, Godspeed.

[@superhet7281]

WOW! The only way that car could be restored cost-effectively is if you had the time, skills, patience, tools, and shop space to do it ALL yourself. You sold it to the right guy! Love those ‘59 Impala convertibles!!!

[@richardcline1337]

It is so amazing that there are so many "experts" out there that have no problem putting other people down but these are the couch slugs that never get out there and do any rescues of their own.

[@jameswestervelt4263]

It’s going to be great to see this car in running condition again, considering how far gone it looked in the first few pictures!

[@ACF6180T]

It's the ole adage one mans junk is another mans treasure! but to see that left wing fixed was like wow & the windshield , I've brought a few cars back from the dead! but not that far gone . You must have the passion to be able to have the vision to see something through like this . Any car sitting out like that will always need floor pans no matter if it's a convertible or a coupe but to save this car is incredible.Thanks for the pictures.

[@mrmagoo916]

Nothing short,of amazing.

[@stomper2582]

Thanks for sharing the story. I admire the guy who is fixing it up. He had a vision of it that no one else could see. Would love to see the finished product. 👍😀👉🇺🇸

[@normsweet1710]

WOW ! WOW ! WOW !! That gentlemen, is a work of love ❤️

[@FRDMLIBERTY]

Incredible!! Saved treasure. Great story.

[@robertvance1873]

Glad it got another chance

[@bobmartin2615]

Once again you saved a classic.

[@chrishay8385]

Crickey! That is some brave talented guy getting involved with that car.just goes to show that with the right equipment ,skills and enthusiasm pretty well anything can be restored to its former automotive glory.

[@sparky545]

It's amazing how you and the other guy are putting so much into a dream car and yalls proof that it can be done. 1959 is my birth year and ive always wanted a 59 Chevy, oldsmobile, Pontiac or Buick and to me a 59 Buick is a bad ol ride. 2 door hardtop is what I prefer but now that I'm in my 60s I wouldn't be choosy with how many doors are on em. Good luck with yours and the other guys builds cause to me anything's possible if you have the right stuff and the willpower to do it. God bless and take care

[@dukeallen432]

Ryan: enjoyed slideshow. Thanks for helping bring these cars back. More the better. Cheers. Ps times will be good again. Give it a year.

[@jeanchristopheblanc4926]

Such an amazing job from a wreak to a classic convertible chevy ! You have rebuilt it

[@leviharrison8303]

That 59 resto is friggin'awsome!!👍🏻

[@vayabroder729]

Great news on this one! 59 Chevys are amongst my all time favorite cars!

[@BondeSmith]

Hoping to see more uploads on this ones progress also. AMAZING!!! 👍

[@shaugt241]

Impressive and amazing! Good people like you guys are around to save cars most people would pass on. Well done...

[@IowaClassicCars]

He does great work

[@jakespeed63]

Incredible story Thanks for sharing Despite being a died in the wool, car fanatic, still scratching my head over this one. My old ‘64 Starfire Convertible was rough, but 10 times better and I was intimidated enough to let it go Also 10 times more rare. Eager to see his progress

[@dh2360]

This will inspire people to tackle the tougher projects and bring a lot of these classic cars back to the road instead of the scrap yard, especially with the great selection of new remanufactured panels offered by some companies.

[@IowaClassicCars]

I hope so!

[@jefferywise1906]

The man has put a lot of work into that car. It’s looking great from what he bought to what he’s got.

[@IowaClassicCars]

100%

[@peace.quiet.freedom6675]

Incredible work, wild styling on the 59s. The production of these was around 72,000 but they are a very sought after car and I bet many were crushed over the years.

[@hilmerwilliams9536]

59 Impala my dream car. Thank you for not letting it go to scrap metal. Can't wait to see the end result.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Hopefully have a video soon!

[@skinnerhound2660]

Hey Ryan, great video. This goes to show that time and talent can achieve the impossible. This guy had a plan and is heading to the finish line, impressive. I've seen 1000 point restorations that came out of a single car garage that spared no detail, it can be done. I'm glad you are saving these even if you pass them on to someone else that is able. Unfortunately we can't resurrect them all ourselves.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man!!

[@greggabel7238]

I visited Ottumwa Iowa Every Year since 2000. I even visited Ottumwa Iowa TWICE in the years of 2007-2010-2014-2016-2017-2018-2019. 28 times total I visited Ottumwa Iowa. Looks like the work is looking good. My dad bought a 1922 Ford T convertible, he got it running and driving again by 1978, back to showroom new. He took years to get it done. Before the car turned 50, it looked far gone, Next year : 100 years old and operating. My dad is still living, he will turn 85 in Octopus.

[@mikestang679]

KOOL!!!

[@ryand.8176]

Amazing! That’s a lot of work! 30 year body and paint guy here and I don’t know if I would tackle that one!

[@KurtClark]

When confronted with a project like this - where many people say restoration is impossible - there is a special breed of human who will look at that as a challenge to succeed. I'm thrilled that this `59 was saved from destruction!

[@joe6096]

I always say if there's any chance, no matter how dire the condition is, if there's any chance to save an old car, it should be saved. Not only do they "not make 'em like that anymore", the style and design headed by Harley Earl and then Bill Mitchell resulted in some of the most beautiful cars ever made. Unless this car was literally nothing but a pile of rusty dust, it deserved to be saved. I love to see this!! What kind of engine/transmission combo did he use? I'd love to see a 348 with a 3 speed manual on the column!

[@curtmartinson5441]

Thats amazing. It was in really rough shape . I am so glad you found it and saved it . And coukd pass it along to someone to have them bring it back to its former glory. They certainly dont and wont make them like that ever again . Save them restore them ! Dont crush them !

[@IowaClassicCars]

im hoping to get an update here soon

[@dumpsterd7148]

that man has a lot of talent and patience the kind of people i like to know so they can teach me and answer questions cant wait to see it finished hopefully he will let you video an interview of him even if he doesnt want his face on youtube just his voice

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yeah i hope to get him on the channel sometime!

[@deltabloo]

Awesome! I love seeing total wrecks brought back from the dead. There is a thread on a 61 impala convertible on the Team Impala website, and a thread on the H.A.M.B. about a similarly destroyed plymouth convertible.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yeah that 61 is nicknamed hell bent i believe!

[@dwaynepoteat3273]

I respect those guys with that kind of craftsmanship up their sleeve

[@IowaClassicCars]

yeah this guy is a miracle worker!

[@robertgeary7520]

He is doing a great job on the car. Can't wait to see it on the road.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Hopefully soon!

[@littlerascal2753]

one of my best friends had a two door, two-tone (white over grey) 59' impala..... what a piece of detroit iron!!!

[@billtorres179]

Wow labor of love can’t wait to see it hopefully before paint! And after paint

[@luke3757]

WOW. I can see that guy does great work. Yes I would like to see more of that car being built. 🏁👍

[@IowaClassicCars]

ill see if i can get more photos!

[@stuarthiern-cooke6619]

Brave man taking this on .,cant wait to see the finished product.

[@IowaClassicCars]

for sure i hope to have an update sometime

[@georgecarranza6931]

Wow, one in a life time opportunity it would have to refitted like it was 1959 again with new parts, they didn't make them like they use to, amazing!!!!!!!!

[@OldCarAlley]

That Impala was to far gone for me, I have seen some rough cars restored, but I think that Impala takes the cake! I'm glad it's being saved..... I can't help to think, I have parted out better cars than that Impala. Keep saving them..... and yes a 59 Impala Convertible fully restored correctly can pull six digits easy..... Do you know what he is using for a drivetrain?

[@IowaClassicCars]

oh yeah i agree, i never could have tackled this one!

[@OldCarAlley]

@@IowaClassicCars I think that Impala is as bad or worse than Coldwarmotors 60 Fury.... he made that car from three cars. Do you watch his videos? It takes some amazing talent to restore cars in that condition, along with a huge mountain of patients!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yeah i love his channel! Im only subscribed to a few car guys....him and you are two of them!

[@OldCarAlley]

@@IowaClassicCars I thank you for subscribing to my channel. I got to give your Impala video a shout out in my next video, its amazing to see a car like that restored.

[@IowaClassicCars]

When im in michigan this spring ill be sure to meet up with you!

[@JonBlondell]

Incredible job so far!

[@davidmooney9680]

WOW! That looks like a lot of work!

[@jakespeed63]

Spectacular transformation 💪😎🏆

[@sheanedwards3406]

Thats amazing to see something that rough get put back together

[@IowaClassicCars]

Just like your 60 buddy, we should film that

[@sheanedwards3406]

@@IowaClassicCars id be honored to do that

[@domcorleone66]

Very impressive so far!! Obviously a long way to go yet.

[@stevepaquette5107]

WOW...what an effort!!!

[@carthrasher8022]

Wow! What a project.

[@thomaswright6250]

Awesome it's so good to see American Iron back on the road

[@bbgcars]

WELL IM JUST GLAD YOUR CHANNEL IS BACK! keep narrating your old builds as im trying to do the same thing because just like you a majority of my work predates you tube ! And i had no idea people would be interested in the content until i realized a synopsis of the past projects would be the best way to move forward! Great vid and great car! keep it up!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man!

[@bbgcars]

@@IowaClassicCars no probs bruh....put a shoutout for me one day you do a live stream..IM THE ONL;Y AMERICAN CAR CHANNEL IN SE ASIA i think..hehe anxious to see more videos.. and plus your narration is next level man! i hope to be that good in the future! :)

[@timbrown801]

Lot of hard work and it shows on that 59 good job

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

Awesome work I would’ve did the same thing easy fix❤

[@neilschipper3741]

Happy New Year, may your New Year be happy and prosperous. I do enjoy your videos and I have passed the acknowledgement of your Channel two other KZbinrs hoping your channel will grow.

[@brianandlindafairchild1237]

This is way cool. I love it. I can't wait!!

[@shaylernoah1178]

Great channel. Keep up the good work. I love the car saving stories

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks buddy

[@davfrui]

I had a 59 Impala in 1974. My brother in law wrecked it. I’m still missing that car. It was fun to drive. Actually it handled like crap but they are so unusual and scarce it makes em fun. People stare at old cars that are made to have fun in. 🤩

[@danielalfaro4933]

Nice work!!!

[@davidwood1923]

Wow!... Amazing... Rough was an Understatement

[@tbd-1]

One of my mentors over the years told me all restorations start with a firewall. My last one told me anything can be restored and he made a life and a career proving it.

[@kingofqueens1812]

I can only wish I love 59 impalas great job to that lucky guy👍

[@williamsamsil771]

Can't wait tell your finished.

[@1gg1fan4]

Wow, amazing vision you and ultimately your buyer had for this car. 99.9 percent of people would say too far gone...I would have too! I guess it’s never say die to a 59!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Exactly!

[@tonywalker2334]

That’s a bad man who brought that 59 back to life !

[@IowaClassicCars]

Hes talented for sure!

[@thaddeauscaldwell7101]

This is a great video. I am glad you found it and saved it and then someone else can finish it , even though you weren't able to. I personally would have saved it and restored it , fortunately, I have the means to do so. I am currently looking for a 1959 Impala convertible and I will buy it , no matter the condition. I did find a 1962 Impala Convertible for $1200 and its rough but worth saving. The guy who had the '62 impala, has also a factory 1955 Chevrolet convertible . He's told me he doesn't want to sell it . Its sitting in a field and rotting away . It's been in the field for about 25 years .He wouldn't price it to me . I'm going to speak with him again soon and I'm taking at least $10k with me and show him the money and hopefully we can work out a deal . I understand there are those haters , who said you couldn't fix and restore the 1959 but as long as the VIN and cowl tag was there and the frame intact , the car can be restored. With all due respect , don't let people discourage you , you can do anything , you set your mind too .

[@IowaClassicCars]

thanks

[@kennethbrown5784]

That is amazing I can't even remember the last time I have even seen 1 of those

[@IowaClassicCars]

I will hopefully have a follow up video soon

[@robertcarrasco2504]

Awesome get every classic back on the road

[@IowaClassicCars]

thanks for watching!

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Sucker for '59 Impala convertibles. Glad there's more than two of us.

[@IowaClassicCars]

oh yes lol i am definitely a sucker for 59s!