Boasting one of the more elaborate setups to ever grace Lowrider magazine, this hydraulic system features over $12,000 worth of custom work and accessories. The vintage pumps were found in a surplus warehouse in Florida, amazingly still wrapped, untouched and brand new in the original crate boxes from 1954. Mike Ishiki at OG Gate Service completed the whole design and layout, using NOS Eemco motors with NOS Stratopower Pump heads for smooth performance. Tank guru Cesar Martinez was brought in to customize and build the oil tank leaving Onrie Ruiz of Hardtime Hardlines the task of bending all the lines to Mike's original layout and specifications. Big Frank of Big Franks Customs did the battery racks pump shelf as well as the installation, dressing up the deuce with four custom Adex dumps stamped with 1962 serial numbers, Optima batteries with tar top battery covers, NOS A/N fittings, #8 republic zig zags, oil catch jars, Bendix filters, Republic Check Valves and Cannon Plugs for wiring the dumps, making this a truly amazing setup from start to finish.
The next step in the process for this beautiful machine included a complete engine overhaul. Having already added so much to the vehicle, Brent needed a motor that could match up with the changes he had implemented, and he opted for one with more power. Both the engine and engine compartment were completely renovated as he added a small block 350 engine to replace the stock 283 that originally powered the Chevy in 1962. Still keeping in mind Brent's need for a classic look, Manuel Rojas took on the responsibility of performing a full engine and transmission transplant that could maintain the look of the original stock engine while adding more horses and modernizing the performance of the vehicle. This was done by redesigning the engine compartment to fit the obviously bigger motor--a tough task, but one that was done perfectly by Rojas. Once he was satisfied with this upgrade, Manuel had refurbished the entire drivetrain, leaving the car looking like a sleeper but ultimately gaining over 80 plus horsepower, a big change from the original 220 provided by the original stock 283 motor. This '62 was truly beefed up, making for an amazing drive and equally smooth ride, much improved and exactly the feel that Brent was going for.
The engine in place, Brent's '62 ran like a pro but it needed to shine like one, he knew it was time to add the all-important chrome. Still looking for more of a classic look, he wanted a nice tasteful job, nothing too flashy but still eye-catching and interesting. He called upon Sergio at Metal Finishing of East Los Angeles to work his magic on the Impala. A man with a deep resume, Sergio knew exactly what type of approach Brent was looking for and added just the right amount of chrome for the perfect look, preserving both the grace of the original vehicle and Brent's modern style. The chrome instantly set off the cream colored exterior finish with just the right amount of contrast that really captured the believable look that initially became the concept for the vehicle. This finished off the outside of the car nicely leaving only the interior as the final chapter in Brent's restoration.
He called in Freddy of Bowtie Connection in Artesia, CA to wrap the interior of the Impala, finalizing his vision. Freddy installed a Cars Inc interior kit that complemented the car exquisitely, leaving it plush and tastefully designed, just like an original factory lay out. He installed the carpet kit and headliner and Brent was immediately pleased with the results. This '62 was finally completed and road-ready!