1964 Impala Base Model

[1964 Impala]

Does anyone know whether anyone ha produces a 1964 Impala that is not an SS model? In my research I have found nothing. I have included a reference photo of what I want my model to look like. Is there any way to scratch build the trim and hubcaps because they are entirely different than the SS?

Thanks In Advance,

TR

 

 

[64SS350]

I was told that one of the last reissues had a dealer only (one per dealer) version with both sets of chrome. I have not personally seen one yet.

Resin is a possibility, maybe MCW.

I have taken small styrene flat stock with great success and made moulding. I have either made tooling to make convex shapes or scribed insets.

Hope this helps!!

[espo]

I would suggest following 64SS350's idea on the body side moldings. That and the badging on the rear quarter panel would take care of the exterior of the body. The interior challenge would be the front bench seat. This can be done by modifying  the back seat from a second models interior. The seat would need to be widened since the rear seat is somewhat narrower because of the side arm rests. The console would also go away. The correct hub caps may be an issue depending on your wheel and tire combination. I think that most of the kits representing the Chevrolet models, say '63 thru "65, that provide stock full wheel covers might be a good source if you're building a showroom stock model.  

[Mark]

The 1971 Impala wheel cover is about the closest thing out there.  If you could track one down and make castings of it, that might be an option.  All of the annual kits from '63-'68 were SS (MPC's '69 was, not sure about AMT but I think it was not).

No kit has the regular Impala side trim, you'll have to work that out yourself.  The MCG photoetch set has non-SS Impala emblems as well as other items you may want to use.

I've never been a fan of the "use another rear seat to make a front seat" deal, as the lower portion of the front seat is often wider and shaped differently.  I'd start with a bench seat from a similar car like a '62 Bel Air.

[1964 Impala]

Thanks for the advice it is much appreciated. If I were to to scratch build the side trim out of styrene, how thick would it have to be?

[espo]

I have used half round 1 mm and 2 mm strips in the past and this seems to be in proportion depending on the subject. The '64 Impala used a flat shaped trim moldings so I would suggest getting flat stock for this. I have used Plastuct products but there are others out there also. Just like paint you may want to practice a little to get a feel for it. I also use Tamiya liquid cement, but again there are many other products out there. Just find what you're comfortable with and go with it.  

[Mark]

If you have to go larger or smaller on the side trim, go smaller if at all possible.  You'll have primer and paint buildup which will be out of scale, then BMF on top of that.

[carrucha]

In 1995 I converted AMT’s 1964 Impala SS coupe into a standard Impala.  I wanted to make a replica of my 1964 Impala hardtop coupe.  I used the tips mentioned in this topic.  I used a bench seat from the parts box.  I replicated the door panels and side trim using sheet styrene.  The Model Car Garage photo etch set was not available back then so the model kept the SS rear qtr. panel emblems.  I also used the SS hubcaps since there are no standard 1964 Impala hubcaps in 1/25 scale.  I plan on converting the Revell 1964 Impala SS into a standard Impala.  Good luck on your project and be sure to post pics when you are done.

[64SS350]

On 12/6/2020 at 1:15 PM, 1964 Impala said:

Thanks for the advice it is much appreciated. If I were to to scratch build the side trim out of styrene, how thick would it have to be?

The actual trim is about an inch wide, probably between 3/16 and a 1/4 Inch at most. Has a slight depression in the center  I believe 1/4 to 5/16 wide. Can scale it from there

[1964 Impala]

Thanks for the trim dimensions, once I get them scaled down and start building I'll make sure to post progress.

 

Thanks Again,

TR

[ChrisBcritter]

TR, for the wheelcovers, take a look at the ones in the Jo-Han '62 Studebaker snap kit (or any '59-'62 Stude promos). Replace the "S" in the center with a chrome bowtie on a black background, paint the little squares around the rim black, and it's about as close as you can get.

[Oldcarfan27]

Pr

On 12/6/2020 at 7:33 AM, espo said:

The interior challenge would be the front bench seat. This can be done by modifying  the back seat from a second models interior. The seat would need to be widened since the rear seat is somewhat narrower because of the side arm rests. The console would also go away.  

Problem there is the upholstery pattern is different too.

SS interior. 

Standard bench interior. 

If you're going to have to make a bench anyway, might as well start from scratch or use a seat with no pattern on it so you wouldn't have to clean it all off before you can even start. 

Good luck!

[espo]

Just now, Oldcarfan27 said:

Pr

Problem there is the upholstery pattern is different too.

SS interior. 

Standard bench interior. 

If you're going to have to make a bench anyway, might as well start from scratch or use a seat with no pattern on it so you wouldn't have to clean it all off before you can even start. 

Good luck!

Good point I didn't think of the pattern in this case. The one I did a couple of years ago was in the making of a '67 El Camino I had owned years ago. See my Icon. I used the Revell '66 El Camino as a base and grafted the front end from a Revell '67 Chevelle SS396 onto the body and used the rear seat and door panels on the interior. Mine was a Malibu trim level so that worked well for me since they shared the same interior pattern. 

[1964 Impala]

Thank you all, looks like I'll have to get to work.

 

Thanks Again,

TR

[bisc63]

Actually, the '64 base interior is fairly close to the '63 SS interior. I'd start there, and re-scribe a bit as needed.

[1964 Impala]

Quick update, I have purchased a set of 1971 Impala hubcaps as suggested by Mark, which were pretty close to the base model hubcaps in 64. Now I just need the 1964 Impala model to go along with the hubcaps. The seats shouldn't be a huge problem because my seats are slightly different than the ones posted and should be fairly easy to replicate. I have included a picture of my 1964 Impala which I restored with the help of my father and my grandfather. This car has been in my family since day one and I got it for free from my grandfather who drove it everyday from 1972 until 1991. Needless to say it was pretty worn out. Anyways this is the look I'm shooting for.

 

Thanks For The Help,

TR

[espo]

You have a really great looking old Impala there. The hub caps look good and only a light black wash to help bring out the details on them. I'll be looking forward to watching your build.