Chasis swap on 66 Impala

**robcas47** · 11-17-2008, 04:42 PM

Ok so I've seen a few rolling chasis with eng/xmsn for sale on ebay and also on craigslist. These were from 00'+ Corvettes. I'm wondering if it's possible to drop a 66 4dr Impala body on one of these. I read in Hot Rod mag a little while ago about something similar but the Imp was a 64 SS, not sure what year the vette chasis was. This is something I would consider if I had the time and $, right now I'm just wondering if it's possible.

**Firebirdjones** · 11-19-2008, 07:27 AM

With enough money and fab skills anything is possible. I've seen vette suspension under 5-6-7 nomads and just about everything inbetween.
It would be alot of work to go through for a 4 door,,,but it would be unique, thats for sure. That would simply have to be a labor of love.

I personally never saw the attraction so I don't bother to investigate any further,,,but I can appreciate the work involved.

**zero_proto** · 11-19-2008, 10:55 AM

well it would take alot of work and money unless you were to do alot of it yourself. You would be better off going with an art morrison chassis. The vette suspension was designed for the vette not a heavy old car, it may be neat but that is where it will probably stop, you won't be able to handle like a vette.

**Firebirdjones** · 11-19-2008, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by zero_proto

well it would take alot of work and money unless you were to do alot of it yourself. You would be better off going with an art morrison chassis. The vette suspension was designed for the vette not a heavy old car, it may be neat but that is where it will probably stop, you won't be able to handle like a vette.

I've seen it work on Nomads as I mentioned,,,thats about as heavy as old cars get. I'm sure it's possible to change the spring rates and compensate for added weight.

As far as handling like a vette??? I really don't know if thats what people are after with this type of conversion or not. Maybe ride quality??? I don't know but like I said it never appealed to me for the simple fact that I love the old cars for what they are and I love driving them the way they were built. But I'll admit I've seen some very well executed cars and I can appreciate the work and effort. Some of the money spent was over the top though.

**zero_proto** · 11-19-2008, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I've seen it work on Nomads as I mentioned,,,thats about as heavy as old cars get. I'm sure it's possible to change the spring rates and compensate for added weight.

As far as handling like a vette??? I really don't know if thats what people are after with this type of conversion or not. Maybe ride quality??? I don't know but like I said it never appealed to me for the simple fact that I love the old cars for what they are and I love driving them the way they were built. But I'll admit I've seen some very well executed cars and I can appreciate the work and effort. Some of the money spent was over the top though.

Well it will cost alot of money to get it working right, alot of modification will have to be done. I mean we are talking alot of factors here, wheelbase, how long the car is and so forth, i don't think it would really work for an imp.
Like i said when it comes to that i would just go with an aftermarket chassis that is built and designed to go onto an impala

**Firebirdjones** · 11-19-2008, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by zero_proto

Well it will cost alot of money to get it working right, alot of modification will have to be done. I mean we are talking alot of factors here, wheelbase, how long the car is and so forth, i don't think it would really work for an imp.
Like i said when it comes to that i would just go with an aftermarket chassis that is built and designed to go onto an impala

Ya I don't think anyone is under the impression it would be cheap. But if you want something different and unique it's usually pricey.

**bigrondownhiller** · 11-19-2008, 01:55 PM

Most of the chassis I have seen looks like the front suspension and rear suspension with the torque tube in between. You would still have to make some sort of frame.

**zero_proto** · 11-19-2008, 03:12 PM

max g chassis, that is all you need

**robcas47** · 11-19-2008, 03:48 PM

I definitly can't afford something like this but was still interested in if it was possible or not. Right now the issue with the project is to just get it running again, if the time and oppurtunity presents itself to do something different and/or unique to the car I'll probably try it. The Impala isn't that heavy of a car either, just a little under 4K if my research is correct. It's still a boat, but not a barge. If I'm wrong about the weight please correct me.

**Firebirdjones** · 11-19-2008, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by robcas47

I definitly can't afford something like this but was still interested in if it was possible or not. Right now the issue with the project is to just get it running again, if the time and oppurtunity presents itself to do something different and/or unique to the car I'll probably try it. The Impala isn't that heavy of a car either, just a little under 4K if my research is correct. It's still a boat, but not a barge. If I'm wrong about the weight please correct me.

You are in the ballpark for a small block impy.

**mark21742** · 11-20-2008, 09:19 PM

I have a 69 chevelle that was VERY rusted.....picked up a free 4x4 S-10 blazer...... cut the body off of the blazer and the floor out of the chevelle.....sat yhe chrvelle body down around the blazer floor and rolling chassis, and fabbed up a ladder bar setup that moved the rearend back 11"s to match yhe right wheel base, then swapped the transfer case out for an olds bravada all wheel drive unit.
the S-10 wheel track is 6"s narrower than the chevelle so right now with the stock rear I'm tucking 15x10 crager ss's in the back and 15x8's in the front.
the only thing that gives it away is if you look under the front end and see the front axel hanging there......
it took some metal work, but has been relatively easy sofar.

this is just another option for you to go. good luck on the man!