1962 Chevrolet Impala - Rags To Riches - Feature

Rags To RichesOwner: Joseph Mendez

Vehicle: '62 Chevrolet Impala convertible

City/State: Bakersfield, California

Club: Impalas of Bakersfield

Engine/Drivetrain: A 327-c.i.d. featuring a Holley carb and intake manifold and Flowmaster Hush II exhaust was loaded with a host of billet pieces. A Turbo 350 trans keeps the engine in the right gear. Pete and crew at Cruzers Hot Rods in Bakersfield handled the building of this fine powerplant.

Body/Paint: The magenta paint is certainly an eye-catching color and you can thank Auto Air Colors for that and all of the special effects paints that are on this vehicle. Eric at Eric's Auto Body & Frame in Bakersfield handled the straightening of the body and the paintwork. The green iridescent and Crystal EFX pearl white give you the chills just looking at it. The infamous Fonzy of Fonzy Airshot in Montebello, California, handled the murals located on the inside of the hood, glove box and fender skirts.

Interior: The OG Italian fabric inserts immediately catch your eye and the embroidered name in the top of the seats is soothing. Tim Garibay of Tim's Upholstery in Bakersfield performed all of the work.

Sound System: When it came to audio, Joseph went with some of the flashiest gear in the game. Audiobahn was used throughout for the drivers and a JVC head unit gets the proper signals to the Audiobahn amps. Paul at Audio Pros in Bakersfield took matters into his hands and designed one clean-looking and sounding system.

Setup: When it came to the hydraulics Joseph had to do a fair amount of traveling to get what he wanted. First, Miguel at Chevy Classics in Long Beach, California, molded and reinforced the X frame. Then a setup featuring four chrome-plated 8-inch ShowTime Torpedo cylinders, a pair of painted and polished Pesco motors, four engraved Pistola dumps, four York aircraft accumulators, six Orbital gel batteries and two switches was installed at Miranda's Customs in Phoenix, Arizona, with custom bent tubing provided by Arizona Tubes and Hoses.

Tires: Coker 5.20 Premium Sports

Wheels: 13x7 triple cross-laced Dayton wires