When most people hear about Cool Cars (CCE) of Louisville, Kentucky, they think about back bumper-hittin' and rollin' over vehicles, all at the flick of a switch. Well, while that's usually an accurate description of what Cool Cars is all about, owner Bryan Gillespie decided to change up his style of car building with this '64 Chevy Impala called "Pocket Change." Bryan was in good hands as his Cool Cars crew was able to take on the challenge of building the Impala from start to finish.
Beginning the 11/2-year project, Bryan and Cool Cars dismantled the Impala and commenced working on the frame. They reinforced the frame to provide the strength and durability to withstand the intense hydraulic action. When reinforcing the suspension, a unique custom-made tubular rearend was built. Suspension components were chromed and powdercoated before assembly began.
Sticking with simplicity, Bryan incorporated an upgraded rebuilt 350-c.i.d. V-8 engine to better enhance performance. For added class, the exterior color was accented through the engine that also boasted all-chrome accessories including headers. Like many hardcore lowriders, Bryan desired some shine to add curve appeal, and South Side Plating in Louisville, Kentucky, satisfied him with immaculate chrome plating. Not straying from his competitive hydraulic background, Bryan craved a custom setup. After consulting with Neal, CCE's top machinist, a custom four-pump setup was designed and installed.
In true old school style, Bryan choose PPG two-stage electric green paint with a white pearl finish. A classic white top perfectly complements this cruiser's color and style. With the major components complete, it was time to add some finishing touches. Bryan needed banging sound, an interior makeover and flashy wheels to complete this ride.
The natural beauty of the '64 is undeniable. However, the effort, dedication and quality extended by Bryan Gillespie and his Cool Cars crew is most apparent. The money spent on this lowrider was a large sum, but the results are immeasurable. The priceless results of Bryan's ride definitely proved worthy of much more than just pocket change.
| Pocket Change |
| Owner: | Bryan Gillespie |
| Vehicle: | '64 Chevrolet Impala |
| City/State: | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Club: | No affiliation |
| Engine/Drivetrain: | Rebuilt 350-c.i.d. V-8 engine done by John of Joe's Machine Shop in Louisville, and dressed up with chrome and billet accessories. |
| Body/Paint: | PPG two-stage electric green and pearl white finish. Restoration trim was purchased through Restoration World of Dayton, Ohio. |
| Interior: | Special ordered CARS, Inc. custom interior kit stitched in the original finish and installed by Billy of Scott's Jr. Interiors of Louisville. |
| Sound System: | All Rockford Fosgate sound system which included a MP3 head unit, two 6x9s midrange speakers, two 61/2s midrange speakers that were powered by a four-channel 200-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch amplifier purchased through Curtis of Smart Shoppers of Louisville. |
| Setup: | Four custom CCE competition pumps hard-lined in 1/2 stainless steel and machined in a hexagon shape were hooked up with Parker check valves and are powered by 10 Deka gel-filled batteries. Jason Grimes did the hydros and also worked his fabrication magic to produce a reinforced frame that was not only hop worthy, but also smoothed out to show quality. The upper and lower A-arms and trailing arms were reinforced and molded. The rearend also received a tubular reinforcement for the additional weight added to the Impala. The Cool Cars crew used 8-inch cylinders in the front, while the rear suspension was hooked up with CCE's new Super Stroker 14-inch cylinders to accommodate the coil-over setup. |
| Tires: | P155/80-R13 Remington |
| Wheels: | 13x7 100-spoke all-chrome (special order) Dayton |