The paint on this classic being finished, the Bowtie crew now paid attention to detail as they began assembling the '59 Impala. They painstakingly made sure to install all the accessories "El Patrn" would need to live up to its name. They used Trailmaster spot light mirrors, a set of cruising skirts, a continental kit, an electronic cat eye, power windows, power vent windows and modern amenities like the Dakota Digital Gauges for aesthetics. The refurbished moldings and trim were carefully installed leaving the car ready for the final stage of the restoration-the interior.
Master stitch man Freddy of Bowtie Connection was brought in to install the entire interior kit for the car. He laid out the carpet and took the steps needed to assure that the Cars Inc. interior kit would indeed give the classic Chevy a look like it was fresh off the original assembly plant. Once everything in the interior and trunk was wrapped to match the paint, the guys at Bowtie finished off the build before ultimately shipping out the car to Joe.
Joe got the car and was very pleased with what he saw, but after careful consideration, he decided the wings, roof and continental kit needed to be sprayed in a different slightly darker green tone to achieve the look he was going for. Joe brought in his Texas builder Orlando Cobos of Carinos Restoration do the partial color change and swap out the wheels for him as well. Cabos switched the budget wheels with a set of 13x7 72 spoke Daytons that were mounted on OG Premium Sportway 5.20's. He also installed the billet tips on the bumper bridge replacing the original factory rubber one, which gave the car a mean edge. After this six-month task, Joe finally had his vision completed. He achieved amazing results, and in less than a two year time frame, Esparza took the '59 Impala from potential to perfection. Joe's dream has finally been realized as this classic Chevy can now be seen in the Texas show circuit, holding its own as one of the top Impalas to ever come out of the Lone Star state. "El Patrn," indeed.
El Patron
Owner: Joe Esparza
Vehicle: '59 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
City/State: El Paso, Texas
Club: Imperials CC El Paso
Engine: Stock GM Performance 350 crate engine and 350 transmission combo.
Setup: Custom build Homies whammy setup powered by 8 batteries and controlled through 4 square dumps.
Tires: Premium Sportway 5.20's
Wheels: 13x7 Dayton Wire Wheels