Home-built 1968 Impala took 7 years to complete

High quality custom car builds are usually reserved for large stores that create specific desires from a customer. But the “Built Not Bought” movement has been gaining traction in the custom car scene, with more enthusiasts taking a hands-on approach. This Chevrolet The 1968 Impala Convertible is one such car, and its owner has spent years turning it into the perfect street machine.

1968 Chevrolet Impala Looks Like a Classic Lowrider

The KandyonChrome YouTube channel recently met with classic car enthusiast Jose to talk about his 1968 Chevrolet Impala Convertible. The video begins with a tour of the car and an explanation that nearly all of the work done on this classic was by the owner and not a shop.

The Impala has a front up and rear down look perfectly matched to the choice of rims. Body-coloured Chevrolet Rally wheels, fitted with slim Vogue white-wall tires, pay homage to the lowrider style.

This custom paint job is performed on the entire vehicle and engine compartment.

Old School Modern Touches

In 1968, you could order a new Chevrolet Impala convertible with four different V8 engines. This custom street car ditched the original V8 and was upgraded to a modern 6.2-liter LT1 V8. There are lots of custom touches, including the intake manifold and hydro-immersed valve covers. The LT1 produces 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in original form. There's no word on how much horsepower the engine has now, but we're betting it's more than the numbers presented.

The parts hydrodipping technique runs through the entire vehicle, including the interior. The panel is a custom blue hydro-dipped wood finish that matches the exterior color. The steering wheel also uses the same custom technique and gives the car that classic lowrider style with a modern twist.

The original gauges are gone, with a vintage-looking but thoroughly modern Dakota Digital panel taking their place. The meter display retains the vintage look of old school meters but supports them with modern digital electronics. The chrome is gone, with bumpers and trim to match the body. Modern LED lighting with clear lenses keeps the car's look clean and simple.

It is not always that an individual achieves a construction of this quality. The attention to detail is impressive and shows the genuine passion that car owner José has for working on cars. We hope that more enthusiasts will show off their skills, builds and custom cars, as each is as unique as its owner.

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