QuestionHi Robert -
I was seven years old when my Father purchased our 64 Impala SS from San Clemente Chevrolet in California. He could see the sparkle in my eye when I sat in the back seat and promised at that time he would save it for me to drive. He kept his promise and it served my family and WAS my first car to drive in high school, but the stipulation was I could never sell it. We still have it and it has under gone a frame off restoration. Now here comes the problems, albeit just a few, but troublesome for me. The turn signals went crazy, and yes this SS does have a tilt wheel. The backup light would not come on when shifting out of park. Here is what I have done thus far: Replaced the turn signal switch with a NOS replacement (as the turn signal switches are different on tilt wheel) and checked to insure it was in the correct position before tightening the switch down. Also replaced the neutral safety switch in the console and adjusted it and the back up light are back to operating. The turn signal work, left & right going through all positions of the tilt wheel. However on the steering wheel the turn switch lever is a little loose and does take more effort than I recall to activate the signal in either direction. This is what I need to do at this point, I think. I know I need a new cancelling cam for the tilt wheel, do you think I need to replace the "bowden cable" while I have the wheel off? Now to my biggest question, no matter what I do, when the brake pedal is depressed the brake lights will not come on. I know they all work when the signals are activated, and they all come on with the parking or headlamps come on. I have not replaced the brake lamp switch as of yet as I didn't know if the turn signals have anything to do with the brake lights or not. I am 55 and my Dad will be turning 76 in September of this year. I'd like to have the car fixed of these few problems and take the family, my Father, Mother, Sister & myself for a drive on his birthday in September. I look forward to hearing from you!
My Best, Always!
Billy
AnswerHello Billy,
What a wonderful story! This the the way it should be...and you were wise enough to hold on to the original car!
I'd love to help you but you've already gone to the extent of my Impala knowledge also. You need an expert on early sixties Impalas. Clubs can come to the rescue because many have marque experts by year or even system. There are several Impala clubs out there and the Classic Chevrolet Club (CCCA) has a number of Impala experts also.
Unless you're far off the beaten path, one of these clubs should have a chapter near you. Don't expect it, but sometimes a member will even come out to help you repair and troubleshoot. Clubs are an invaluable resource of technical knowledge, try them, I'm sure that they can help!
Best of luck, guys like you are one of the reasons I volunteer!
Bob
