1963 Impala restoration project.

Continued from Part 5

This is a story about an American classic that was acquired, rebuilt, and restored. Republished with permission from Neal Hartman. Captions, photos, and story are primarily by his father, Mark Hartman.

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August 29th, 2011:

Well, boys and girls, here are some more pictures. Not to much to add except some pics of the headliner.

And as usual, the e-mail from Rick.

Mark,

Trip to Tiger Upholstery went fine with no problems. Wagon is back safe at the shop. I will start installing the interior shortly.

The ole girl should (and I’ll say that lightly) go back together rather quickly now. I’ll keep you posted.

Rick

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September 2nd, 2011:

Time to whet your appetite a little bit.

Got an e-mail recently from Rick with some new pictures.

Mark,

Finally got some progress pics for you to look at.

I’ve been busting rear this week to get the wagon completed as quickly as possible.

The dogleg repair came out nice, as the pics show. To those following this thread, the Ole Man in MO. would not let this Grand Ole Lady out of my shop with the fitment between edge of the door and the dogleg not correct. On looking back at the original pics I can’t believe I missed this. That is the only reason the dogleg had to be redone…QUALITY CONTROL.

Ole man in MO

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September 6th, 2011:

Well, ladies and gentlemen, a large chapter of the restoration is nearing a close.

This will be a double post as I have received two sets of photos from Rick along with two e-mails, which I will add in chronological order.

Enjoy!!!

Mark,

Pictures from Saturday morning showing what I have gotten done so far.

The back seat is in now and will soon have the seat belts installed.

The kick panels turned out nice also, I think. The colored bed liner in back seems to work well.

Rick

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September 6th, 2011:

Mark,

Here are a few shots of today’s progress.

As you can see things went well. Other than installing back seat belts and a few other small details, the interior is complete. Tomorrow is buffing exterior from top of doors to bottom and hood.

SHE’S CLOSE MY FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!

Rick

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September 19th, 2011:

Clare’s official coming out.

To all who might care,

These are the only pictures I took and they were in Ricks shop before and after the show.

The Vette is Ricks and is the same one he owned when I first met him, just a different scheme from the doors back. The black with flames Vette is the one he had when I met him when I was 17.

Here are then and now pictures:

Now, I thought you all might like to see this:

Rick did a fine job and the judging was done under a shelter because it was raining most of the day. Everything was wet; cars, trucks and motorcycles.

I left the plaque with Rick. I had told him if the car ever won in a show he got the first one. Well the first one (plaque) was the first one (show). Plus I don’t care for those things anyway. The car for me is to honor my dad and mom… and to drive when I can. Shows are down a ways on the list and winning further down from that. Just having people look and say your dad would be proud is more than enough.

I took no pictures because of the rain (doesn’t make any sense; I take the car out in the rain, but not my camera).

I will be leaving early tomorrow morning (Tuesday, Sept 20th) to drive down with my wife and youngest son to bring her home. I’ll hopefully get some nice weather and nice pictures to you soon.

Thank you, Rick, of Crossed Flags Restoration. Without you it would not have happened.

Thank you, NICO, as well for your viewership, comments, encouragements, compliments and ideas. You people truly are a family.

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September 20th, 2011:

Well, boys and girls. It’s been a long day, but the Grand Old Lady is at home.

Not much to tell but here you go.

3AM the day starts and from there I shut off the alarm to find out Sherri has been up since 2AM. I go wake Steve (my other son) up and well you all know the drill.

At 8:30 AM we get to Rick’s. By 2:13 PM we are back in Galesburg.

Sherri gets in with Steve to go buy some food and I head off into the sunset to remove dead bugs from bright work and new paint.

Then off to the insurance company for a reappraisal of the car. We must keep up with things.

Then home to be with her other family members Jeep and Sub.

Not much to tell, other than I am to used to cruise control to run the go pedal that far.

Great…I spend all this money just to have bugs commit suicide on my car.

Time for a drink…

At home and snuggled up with the Jeep.

Again, thanks to all that have stuck with me (and Neal for his guidance) through all of this. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen her, but happy she’s at home.

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September 24th, 2011:

Well, all. I know the car is home and safe in the garage, but I got a few more pictures from Rick via e-mail to show ya and of course his customary e-mail. So, you’ll read the e-mail then see the pictures.

Mark,

Here are the last of the pics of the car.

Glad all went well on the trip home. Clare is probably really glad to be home, as are you.

It has been a pleasure working with you on this build process. It sure does seem odd when I get to the shop and the wagon is GONE. She kinda growed on me.

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Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper

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What a stunning car. I hope you enjoyed Mark’s storytelling, Rick’s craftsmanship, and the detailed build photos as much as I did!

–Jesda