Last year (almost a year ago) I bought a 1984 impala. Base model car with a 305, 2.73 gears (open), manual windows, full bench seat, manual locks, hi/lo wipers, rear lap belts only, and so on.
Before I owned it, and without the previous owner’s knowledge, the car was featured in curbside classics
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-outtake/cc-outtake-1984-chevrolet-impala-big-n-basic/
Since I’ve owned the car I replaced all 4 doors because the originals were all rotted on the bottom, replaced the rotted sections of the quarter panels, installed the 96’s original rear 9C1 springs and the shocks that were in it along with new U bolts from William Harper. I started the other body work type stuff, which I’m not really good at but I’m learning. I’ve also replaced the fuel sending unit, straps, hardware and a good amount of line that was leaking. All kinds of other odds n ends as well like rear bumper, bumper fillers, Radio bezel etc.
I installed the GM replacement lower control arm kit and sway bar hardware when one of the control arms actually snapped while driving from being so badly rotted. I took the liberty of installing the sway bars from Brian Lohnes’ Buford T Justice 9C1 project on Bangshift that he gave me, as well.
My problem is, I’m losing interest in the car, and what better place to talk about it than here? The main issue here is the rearmost body mounts and the frame is all rotted. The body mounts actually pulled through the frame so it kinda flops around. So, knowing I need a frame I’m kinda lost. I bought new body bolts in anticipation for a frame swap but if I were to do it, I’d find a 94-96 LT1 car to swap frames. Then there’s a crazy loud and very hazardous exhaust leak where the old long disconnected heat riser is on the passenger side manifold. But why waste money replacing it or snapping bolts trying to put headers on? Either way the flange studs are junk and will round out or snap no problem. Kinda screwed either way.
So, what would the esteemed members of this club do? Scrap it? Sell it off as a hot potato? Keep it and fix it?