1961 Impala 409 Wade Kawasaki "Red Sled"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- It was kind of a rare case wrapped in a riddle. Wade Kawasaki bought Red Sled from RTM with the intentions of driving it across the country to SEMA Show 2010 on the Posie's Driven Dirty Tour. The Honest Charley Garage Guys just had to get the project completed to be road worthy (headlights, windows, locks and shake all the bugs out of it). It's a great looking car that just needed some finishing touches to be a top shelf muscle car.
/ honestcharleygarage
Glad to see it finally finished! I was so disappointed to not see it done.
She’s real fine my 409 !!! It’s my favorite motor !!! The rims need blinged up for sure !!! It sounded awesome at the end !!!
I watched the show where they built this car. The guys pretended that they were paying extreme attention to detail. Looks like it was not actually the case :)))
Thanks 🙏 Wade. Excellent way to spend time w your son and create a memory.
"She's real fine, my 409!" Love that song! My mom and dad bought a '62 Impala for a family car back in the day.
I know there were 1961 Impala 2 door sedans because my dad had one in the late 1960's. He bought it from Robert Watson at John Watson's used car lot in Madisonville for $100. It was a 283 powerglide. It was the jewel blue color. My dad sold it for $125 to a guy by the name of Cathcart who ran a wrecker service in Madisonville at one time. This was in my hometown of Madisonville, TN just up the road from Athens, a town very familiar to the Cokers. The first body work I ever did was fixing the rust on the front fenders. Just about all '61's rusted over the headlights. By the way, I bought a set of tires from Corky in the late 1970's, BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whites for my stock 1955 Chevy. His operation was so small then, I bought the tires directly from Corky himself. Don't know if he even had an employee then. I thought about asking Corky for a job at the time. I wish I had. Maybe I could have been fooling with cars all this time instead of going down the engineering path. I'm proud of what Corky and the company have become. - Bobby Miller
I think this vehicle looks good. Definitely not that much attention to detail from the TV show guys but a solid spot to finish it the right way
I had a 61 Impala 4dr hard top 6 cyl automatic. I loved that car even though it was slow as a snail. Sadly it was stolen. I think they thought it had a big V8 in it LOL. The seats were so comfortable.
I had a ‘61 bubble top, Impala Sport Coupe, back in ‘63. started out with a 6 cylinder with a 3 on the column which my brother totally screwed the motor by not adding oil ... my cousin put in a 348 V8. I drove that car through 4 years of college... always parked on a hill so l could start it with a dead battery. Sold it when I got married. Loved that car, should have married the car.
Chris Dreyer if it’s got tits or tires it’s gonna give you trouble.
You have done a very interesting presentation on this project.....it would be good to get an update!
I had a 61 and miss it.
THE CAR IS SWEET BUT I'M PERSONALLY NOT INTO 20S OR 22S PUT SOME 15 OR 16 INCH WHEELS TOPS AND PUT SOME TIRES ON IT!!! LOOKS LIKE A CIRCUS ACT WITH THEM WHEELS AND TIRES!! I HAD A 62 BISCAYNE WHEN I WAS 21 - EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN TASTE AND NOT TRYING TO BE A DICK BUT ANYTHING OVER SIZED WHEELS JUST UNDERMINED THE CAR! BUT BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!! I'VE WAS DOING FRAME UPS IN MY DADS GARAGE WHEN I WAS 16 YEARS OLD, I'M 54 NOW , MY DAD DRAG RACED IN THE GOLDEN YEARS. I WAS BROUGHT UP WITH IT IN MY BLOOD!!
When you own one, you can set it up however you'd like
Dave Palmatier Impala was a trim package u could get on any body style 🚗
I like the car as it is, but my own taste is more along the line of yours.
The 65 Chev Impala was sure
a pretty beast, great looking car.
Don Morris
So where did you see a '65 Impala? Not on this video.
@@ralfie8801 .... I know, my Dad owned
one , was a 396 SS Impala...was a
beautiful car.
Don Morris
OK, just wondering
Was this the Power Nation - Muscle Cars Impala? Why didn’t they finish it?
Giddy up giddy up 409...man oh man.
Speaking of body type, I remember only once in my 62 years seeing a '61 Chevy Impala two-door sedan...when I was about eleven years old. I'll bet more of the '62 Bel Air bubbletops were produced.
Car's cool. Wheels and tires got ta go!!! The huge wheels and rubber band tires do not look good on old cars! Maybe a Lowrider!!😂
When you own one, you can set it up however you'd like
I was in my early years of high school when this car was new, and into cars like all my friends. This 61 is nice but we thought the 62 2 dr coupe was much better looking than this 61. And we all thought the 409 was the greatest thing we had ever heard of. A friend had a 62 Impala with one but the 2 dr sedan body was the lightest body of those years, extremely important to drag racers. In any case the old customizers of the 50's and 60's had an iron clad rule: Don't use anything on a car not from it's era. Most customizers used only parts and accessories within 4 or 5 yrs either side of the custom. I have owned several 55 and 57 Chevys and NONE of them, , had 22" inch wheels on them in their heyday. This 61 is nice but the wheels just make it look foreign, like they don't belong. and look worse on a 55. Nobody my age cares for these kinds of wheels on the cars from our youth. These belong on a low rider not a classic Chevy from my era. Not my car so you can do as you like, but it will get no attention from us older guys wearing those baby buggy wheels.
Lowriders have 13s / 14s unless u still live in the 60s big wheels small tires are up to date an what almost everybody wants how old are you maybe you need a makeover not everyone wants an ugly stock whitewall or lame original 15s or 16s
my thoughts exactly, no low profile tires please
'61 Chevy's had that little lip that overhung the rear window, the Corvair had it as did several other chevy's. Just that little detail I see as so cool on them, shame it was only a year they did it.
The Cadillac short deck 4 door hardtop had that cool roof treatment as well in 1961 --- you are right, it could have been a nice styling touch for years.
It was just for the sedans. It was a really neat detail that often gets overlooked.
I watched them working on it yesterday and driving it and it ran fine
You are correct that the Impala 2 door post sedan IS rare (only made in 1961, and then from 1977 - 1985).. But my preference is when they look showroom stock even when they have mechanical upgrades.
I'm just curious, but do you actually know what you're talking about?
Apparently NOT
I bought a 1961 Impala 4 door post back in 1996 for 1000 from a friend he paid 800. Original Red with Red interior. I was the 3rd owner. Car is still original and has never been in wreak
ps: I remember seeing the original Honest Charley at the Mid-South Street Rod Roundup in Gatlinburg Tennessee in 1969. He was driving a 1969 Impala SS 427 Convertible, white with a white top.
..why does everyone have to mess up these beautiful old cars by "bagging" them or putting on all these huge-diameter chrome, or worse yet, black wheels and tires :(....
I know… I mean, yeah, it is certainly a cool looking car. But if there is documentation somewhere for it that attests that this is indeed an Impala that was produced as a two-door pillared sedan, and originally built with the 409, this would almost be a Holy Grail if it was all stock. The production numbers on such a combination would be extremely low! As he said in the video, it is because of the body style that many people assume it was actually a Biscayne or Bel Air.
When you own one, you can set it up however you'd like
@@relco9825 ..yep, I did own one when I was 20..sadly, I didn't keep it, and one now is out of the question...what is sadder is when everyone screws them all up, future generations won't even have a clue what they are supposed to be like..or look like...
I did see the video that showed how this car started out. It was a 2-door pillared sedan Impala, but it was equipped with a 283 and Powerglide.
especially one as rare as this
I've seen them with 348 and 409 , impala cars bubble tops
THE 409 WAS A HALF YEAR ENGINE IN 61
I had a 1961 SS impala 409 340 hp it looked just like that one only with white strip on side. With bench seats.
It was a great little car I had no idea what I had back then . Oh and it was a three speed on the column
Was it a sedan ( 2 dr. post ) ?
@@jimmontrealca.9000 yes it was just like yours
409 Scat stroker 481 cubic inch is the number I heard.
Absolutely love the color.
i have the same car i am trying to restore, and its a family heirloom. do you know where i could get some front fenders? re-manufactured or not, makes no difference to me...thanks
don't ever remember a '61 Impala lip-top. The lip-tops were Belair and Biscayne two-doors and 4-doors. My dad bought a brand new Belair 2-door lip-top.
Stupid wheels and tires for a 61 Impala ... try deep dish chrome reverse w/baby moons or vintage Cragars ...
...really tall, skinny wheels belong on large carriages...pulled by horses...mules...llamas....leave the auto's alone.
Its crazy watching this and reading these comments and watching the people and commentors guess and act like they know what they're talking about. when the power nation youtube channel just put it out the other day and it says exactly what it is and has been done to it lol.
I love the 61. Me dad had one in 4 door. White with red stripes. Think it was a 283 but I would love to have it now.
Like 331.
He's right!!! I'd love to have a "muscle car" BUT, I don't want one to just ride on Sunday afternoon. I want to be able to take it on a trip wherever I'd like to go. But not many cars are restored for this, but like he said, just for show.
THE NUMBER REQUIRED TO RACE IN NASCAR WAS 500 UNITS!
It’s a UNICORN!!
I like how random shit just pops into this guy's head and he just blurts it out like they built this car for nascar. Lol.
The car was not originally a 409 stick car. On the show they pulled that 409 out of a dump truck if I remember right. It is a rare car considering how old it is but its not a factor 409 4 speed. So its not the unicorn from the factory in 61
I watched the show that built this car. It was originally a 283/2sp auto car. They swapped the steering column in it to make it a manual trans car. The entire floor pan and rockers were rotted out, and it was originally a bench seat car.
My cousin had a 61 SS it had a 348 with 2 4 carbs with a 4 speed
I had a '61 convertible back in the day. 348 with a 3 speed. I loved that car.
@@unclelarryboy1608 I had a 56, 60, 67, 70 then draft
The engine was dynoed at 496 horse and 675 lbft of torque
wonder why power nation couldn't finish it?
Neato
The rims & tires do not look right ....way to big....get something with a sidewall ...
Interesting about these cars from 59 to here is different rear pillar designs. Are they different models?
Saul Uribe it’s a 2 door sedan so that’s why you’re not seeing the bubble top
How much did this car cost to own?
Had a chance to buy one. Super clean patina'd as many call it, California car for 12k. I let it pass me by. I should have bought it.
Show the car.
A nice set of keystone older mags would bond well with that sled.
1961 was the only year fir 2dr post impala. You font see very many. I have a 61 bel air 2dr post
probably so. we fool with a few old cars around here from time to time LOL
Who has the car today
61 bel air / biscayne. 2 door post impala badges and Impala trunk
The car is gorgeous I want a 61' Impala SS 409 4speed Manuel so Bad. But yeah you mentioned people say it's a Bel Air or Biscayne an they are correct. Impalas don't have posts Between the front an Back windows.
Looks like all it needs is a set of wheels.
Fix the reverse lights.
I know a guy that has a 61 post impala sitting in his yard.
They powdered coated over rust on that car
This is just my opinion and every custom car needs only to suit the builder and eventually who they sell it on to, but The red color doesn't cut it for me, I don't like red in general but this is not to my taste and what's with the black wheels, just dont seem to gel with the car. I don't get it but then I dont have to, not my ride or my money. Fawn Beige or Honduras Maroon with a white top and Americans would seem to be appropriate. To m,e it's just a shame with all the great quality rescue work put in. Blown int the final execution.
I agree 100% the cars NEED to be driven. Otherwise what's the point.
Neat!
Would have looked a lot better sans air ride and the big wheels.
An original small block car. the roof line is a one year thing but I wouldn't call it rare.
That particular car was not a NASCAR unit because it came with a small block.
I've seen some of those cars that were built by that show and they all lacked some details and never were what I would call finished pieces and kinda rough actually.
What makes the car rare is the fact that it's a 2 door post but still badged as an Impala. Post models were normally Bel Airs or Biscaynes.
Black rims look like hell. Should have left them chrome. Don't care for that shade of pinkish red either. The car is bad ass as far as the drivetrain. But the color makes me want to engage in a involuntary protein spill.
Wheel to big
So, what you're telling us is, this car was not fit to drive after it was completed on TV. Sounds like some shoddy work going on, just like all the other Reality Shows!!!!
Hate what they did to this 61 rare Impala coup. What would be wrong with bringing it back to its former glory? They destroyed the interior with that whatever style that looks like 2 teens did it in their dad's garage, (Nothing like the 61 interiors) I thought these guys were professionals. The steering wheel was the 61's personality (best looking Impala wheel made) and they found a wheel that looks like it was in a George Barris Munsters catalog. KEEP the original wheel and rebuild it! The name red sled where the Impala name goes, WTF? if you're so fixed on that ridiculous name put it on a front license plate but to affix it to the 61 is like putting fox tales on the antenna or 3 chrome air vents on the front fender, RED SLED? Really? Talk about taking a beautiful rare classic and screwing it up. NO TASTE, NONE! hey, guys please don't do any other American cars like that, or better yet do that to vintage Toyotas or Datsuns so us old guys don't have to get sick looking at what you're doing to Classic Chevies.
Can't understand why would it be 22' in the back an 20' in front. To much talking an standing around.
472ci
Only year lmpala 2dr post.
It’s not a rare car. Are you aware it was a 283 car that the “tv hosts” modified. So you are right. The car really does not exist. But I can believe you have to make it road worthy. The tv show is not interested in building a road worthy car. They just pitch products throughout the show to get free parts and equipment to build more cars.
Interesting car, but it's one of none. Because Chevrolet never produced a two-door Impala post Coupe. All the 468 odd Impala SSs produced late in the 61 model year were two door hardtop. That's just a Biscayne dressed up to look like an Impala. Nice, but not one of them
That guy has terrible hair and sideburns...
Terrible tattoos as well. ☺️
My sister in law had one , stolen right out of driveway
And their not as uncommon as yall think
I know you guys do lol I was meaning the troll.
Those wheels are ugly!
Just another RUINED Chevy
Great car in the WRONG hands
When you own one, you can set it up however you'd like
@@relco9825 Hard to find one that hasn't been ruined (set-up as you call it) by someone who didn't know what they were doing
You know how many great cars are being quietly lost to the elements behind someone’s garage waiting to be done “right”?????
@@oe542 I don't know the actual number, no. So should those cars be pulled out of the garage and turned over to people like this so that they can ruin it. Look, they did a bad job. They don't know what they're doing and we saw the result. Like putting vinager on a chocolate cake. You've read the comments. These guys should just stick with their "rice cars" they can slam them, chop them, drop them and wreck them. For old Ferrari's, club members and owners try to get those cars out of the hands of people like this. So that this doesn't happen to vintage Ferrari's
Harrington Benton you don’t like the way they built the car, that’s fine. You’re taste is guiding you to state your opinion as a fact. The car is no more ruined than it was before. That’s my point. It was a basket case that was rotting away in someone’s pasture. What’s the difference if someone put air bags on it and ruined it to you or if it rots away from another one of these “gone fix’er up some day” guys?
Ugly car? Maybe. Shoddy workmanship? Good chance. Ruined??? Hardly. Just different.
Those wheels suck, I hate big wheels, go back to originals.
Or some nice chrome Cragar SS wheels!
There were no 2 dr post sedan Impalas in 61. Only hardtops or convertibles.
Young man, 1961 was the "only" year Chevrolet ever produced a 2-door "Sedan" Impala. Had one in 1967, 283 V-8 with Power Glide, Beige with a white painted top. Didn't have sense enough to keep it cause I never thought that it would be a sought after car!!! A rare car, yes, but rarer yet is the 1961 2-door Chevrolet "Belair Sport Coupe" (AKA Bubble Top)!!!!
61 Impala 2dr post only year !
Shame how these tv shows ruin cars
That RED is awful. shiny and faded at the same time ugh.
Ford
hey dave steele want to lose some money?
NOT AH IMPALA
THEY, took a classic and screwed it up real good. why do you take an interior and customize it when you can enhance the existing factory look and by GOD KEEP the freaking steering wheel, it was the personality of that Impala and a damn good looking wheel, that new wheel looks awful on that rebuild. Bring it back Honest Charley's take that to the greatness it once was, stock please but breath on it a bit.