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We're detailing the engine compartment of a 1963 Impala convertible. I have several questions.
The First is what color should the firewall be?? We presume black; not body color as in older models; like the 54 for instance where the firewall is body color.
The Second question is, presuming the firewall should be black, what "color" of black? We presume "satin," not flat black and not a high gloss either. I guess you'd call it "satin." Is that correct?
The third and final question is, when did the Chevy firewalls change from body color to "black?"
Thanks for noticing and answering all three questions.
Bill.
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Willwood Engineering
Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188
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The firewall changed from body color to black in early 1963...and it was more or less semi.
Gene Schneider
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Thanks for your help on this, Gene. Certainly nice to have you back. Hope all is good for you.
"....more-or-less semi...." We'll get something in between; along the lines of "satin" or "semi-gloss." Definitely not flat-black or, not on the other end, gloss/high gloss.
I find it quite interesting the change was in 1963. Just coincidence, I guess, that's the year involved here.
Thnx again....
Bill.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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my 63 sport sedan is an early car and has a white firewall same as body color.
woody
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Bill, what color is it now? I have had a few 63's and one was a real early wagon that was body color built in Atlanta
John
John
1954 Belair Sport Coupe
1960 2 door Impala Hardtop 348/340HP 4spd
1962 2 door Impala Hardtop 409/409 4spd
1962 2 Door Biscayne Sedan 327/250 Auto
1977 Monza Mirage 305 4 Speed
1988 Celebrity Wagon
2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Diesel
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Hi John,
The exterior is white. Ermine White might be the name of the color.
The firewall is currently black. Sort of a "satin" finish. Like the inner fenders.
Based on what I'm seeing here, I guess it's a "later" 63; not an early one with body color and firewall color matching.
I just recalled the 50's and somewhere into the 60's the firewalls were body color and wanted to do this one correctly. It's a real nice original type car.
Bill.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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Bill,
Most plants changed over to the semi-gloss black firewalls around January '63. I've narrowed it down pretty closely at each plant so if you provide the plant and built date from the cowl tag I should be able to tell you for sure either way.
Or since it's a nice original car, why not just remove some components from the firewall and see what color is there?
Verne
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