69 Impala SS convertible

[JustJohn]

Fun story about that outdoor picture. After I let everything warm up and checked all the ECU parameters, I decided to pull out of the garage because gas fumes. The garage is at the bottom of the driveway and there's a small dip right before the driveway starts up the hill. So I'm easing out and down the garage entrance when I remembered I hadn't finished the brakes yet... It's a straight line and I wasn't being stupid so just a little rocking back and forth to a stop.

Winched it back in.

Last night was bleed the brakes night and I discovered I also made the rear axle line flares with the same bad tool that was leaving burrs. Fortunately I did a pressure check with air to make the discovery. Re-bending one more brake line tonight and I should have go and stop again.

[JustJohn]

Ready for cruise night:



On my 3rd power steering hose assembly. AN lines on the high pressure side burst on me twice. I rechecked my hose specs and it *should* have held but I'm ok claiming user error. Not wanting another clean up, I went to a hydraulic shop and had a line made with crimp fittings. Not as pretty but this car is for go, not show.

Not a hold up but I had to send out my Vintage Air ECU for a checkup. It worked initially on reassembly but something happened. Vintage Air was pretty good with support and sent me detailed instructions on what to check with a meter. No control voltage per the instructions. I hope it wasn't me but we'll find out.

It feels really good to have the shifter in my hand again and move the car under it's own power.

Had it up to temperature a few times: One very slight seep at the oil pressure sensor that just needed tightening, timing is spot on, and the radiator fans start up when they're supposed to. I am working on the pieces for a PCV system and then I'll be up for help with tuning.

[JustJohn]

Found a carbon canister that works

[JustJohn]

Couple of unconventional things I ended up doing to get where I wanted.

Didn’t want a throttle linkage all the way across the engine. I just don’t like all that mass moving around. Also did not have a factory cable option and I didn’t want to cut another hole in my firewall for the aftermarket kit. I ended up with a compromise hybrid assembly that I can live with.


Also did not have a convenient pass through for the AC condensate so I added a hole and a grommet to the heavy duty shifter boot. It’ll drain down beside the transmission.

[JustJohn]

PCV function acquired

[zach_hamrie]

​The 1969 Impala SS427 convertible is a rare gem, especially with matching numbers. Authenticating it through build sheets or expert consultations is crucial. Engaging with Impala clubs can provide valuable insights.​

[kawasakii]

As far as I'm concerned, a 427 is a 427..no matter the size of the big block or an LS.

[JustJohn]

Ready for final assembly. Wiring done and everything works. Had to run through the VHX setup again but got it working with the ECU
https://youtube.com/shorts/jVlrttv0I...FZ0xCh4HfC2Trn

https://youtube.com/shorts/raXgGcbPJ...-It2zmov3bXRRj

[JustJohn]

Last pieces. Front bumper is 77” wide.

[andrewb70]

Found a carbon canister that works

Hi John,

What is the application for that charcoal canister?

Andrew

[JustJohn]

Chevrolet Tracker (91-90)GMC Tracker (91-90)Geo Tracker (96-89)Suzuki Sidekick (96-89)Suzuki X-90 (97-96)

Our catalog # CP3029

[JustJohn]

Progress continues. I am a fan of the photo bomb.

Will have to go with a 2" air filter element. The FI manifold is about an inch taller than the carb one. A couple more weeks for bumper chrome.

[JustJohn]

Paint shop apparently likes the color. They sent me another in full sun.

[jaybee]

LOVE the color. Looking forward to seeing it all assembled.

[JustJohn]

First effort at flocking. Worked better than I expected. The main goal was reflock the glove box but I decided the ashtray won’t be needed for cigarette butts anymore.

[JustJohn]

Last of my flocking adventures. Covered everything except where the ECU will reside.


Very happy with how easy it was.

[JustJohn]

I think these are the last pieces

[JustJohn]

One of the things I like about cars is car audio. I haven't gotten to put together an audio system in quite a while. Most new cars are so integrated that it just isn't feasible. On the sub box, I was so back and forth over how to have it covered that I forgot it won't be visible at all, sitting between the top well and trunk close out panel. Truck bedliner to the rescue.

The amp is currently planned to be hidden in the console so I should end up with a very clean look, which is the goal.

[JustJohn]

Did a thing at work the last few weeks.
https://youtu.be/bDBsJv43PRI?si=z3zo7YQZMYanTOTf

[JustJohn]

I may go back and redo this, or not. Wasn’t thinking about surface imperfections when I covered it for some reason. OTOH, it is down out of sight and the passenger side will have those mistakes corrected.


Windshield is in and waiting on bumper hardware.