By Brian Brennan – Photography By Jason Matthew
In the loud and stylish world of hot rods, the differences among manufacturers shape a unique culture of automotive enthusiasts. Before 1949, Ford reigned as the king of hot rods, captivating enthusiasts with its vintage styling and availability. However, by the time 1948 arrived, the tide had turned and Chevrolet emerged as the preferred choice for those building “modern” hot rods. This shift vividly illustrates the ebb and flow of automotive trends over the years. David Nilsen epitomizes the Chevy spirit, proudly owning a striking 1962 Chevy Impala hardtop, a stunning example of the era. But that brings us to the “war of words” on what’s more popular or better looking—the hardtop or the bubbletop. Well, that’s for each hot rodder to decide, but you’ll agree that David hit the mark with his 1962 Chevy Impala hardtop.
The primary distinction between the 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air bubbletop and hardtop models lies in the roofline. The bubbletop features a slim A-pillar, a thin C-pillar, and lacks a B-pillar, resulting in a rounded, greenhouse-like roof. In contrast, hardtops showcase a more traditional roofline with a thicker C-pillar and a formal roof that resembles a convertible top. This “convertible” top appearance endears the hardtop to its owners, as it is distinctive.
Nilsen collaborated with Al Yarusinsky of Al’s Auto to develop this stunning 1962 Chevy Impala hardtop. While we know the keys to creating a great-looking hot rod, it’s undeniable that the “stance”—how the car sits—and its rake can significantly influence the overall appearance. In addition to stance, the wheel and tire combination regarding appearance and sizing also plays a crucial role in achieving the desired hot rod look. A glance at this hardtop shows that Yarusinsky nailed it during the build.
The 1962 Chevy frame has been upgraded by Yarusinsky with a full air-ride suspension from Ridetech, along with upper and lower control arms, shocks, and sway bars, providing the desired stance and improved ride quality. The braking system has also been modernized with the ubiquitous Wilwood system, which features an aluminum tandem chamber master cylinder with a combination proportioning valve, a mounting bracket, drilled-and-slotted 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers in the front, and drilled-and-slotted 12-inch rotors with four-piston calipers in the rear. The eye-catching wheel-and-tire combination comes from MHT Foose Wheels, measuring 20×8.5 in the front and 22×12.5 in the back, fitted with Toyo radial rubber 255/35R20 radials and 295/35ZR22. In the rear, a C1 Corvette rearend filled with 3.73 gears is linked to the 6L80E transmission via a custom driveshaft. The Powertrain Control Solutions (PCS) billet aluminum gear select module (GSM) is an electronically controlled push-button “range” selector, concealed within the center console, that instantly manages the shift-shaft on the side of the 6L80E.
The power of this Impala comes from the ubiquitous, all-aluminum 525hp version LS376 in the Chevrolet Performance catalog. The specifications are factory standard; meanwhile, the exterior focuses on Plazmaman’s CNC billet aluminum intake, paired with a K&N cold-air intake filter. Additional visual appeal is provided by the custom valve covers and an Eddie Motorsports serpentine belt system (including hood hinges). Keeping the V-8 cool is achieved with AlloyWorks electric fans and shroud alongside a Be Cool radiator. A pair of stainless steel tube headers and performance mufflers expel the spent gases. The engine and transmission management system is GM Performance, and ACCEL plug wires are now in use.
The 1962 body retains much of its ’60s appeal, but the bumpers have been brought closer (tucked) to the body, along with custom-matched grille work on both the front and rear bumpers. The quarter-panels (wheelwell openings) were modified to accommodate the oversized tire and wheel combination. Yarusinsky hand-fabricated all the inner fenders, firewall, and radiator cover. The locks on the door and trunklid were shaved to enhance the car’s exterior appearance. A 2-inch rise cowl hood is now in place. All the metalwork, followed by the bodywork and application of the 2023 Toyota silver with tint, was handled by Yarusinsky.
A look inside reveals what one expects, but there is more than meets the eye. While it appears to be a 1962, the dash is made from two 1962 dashes combined into one and is now equipped with Dakota Digital gauges. A new lower dashboard panel also houses the Speedway Motors tilt column and a custom half-wrapped red leather Forever Sharp two-spoke wheel. The center console extends from the lower panel between the bucket seats, reaching back between the rear buckets and up to the rear deck area. The center console holds air registers, the Vintage Air A/C controls, cup holders, GSM, electric e-brake, and a Sony touch screen stereo system supplemented with Skar Audio amplifiers and speakers. The e-brake is conveniently hidden in the center console and operated by a custom-fabricated electronic actuator. The pedal assembly (brake and throttle) is sourced from Scott’s Hotrods, featuring its drive-by-wire gas pedal. Bringing all the hot rod’s electrical needs together is a Painless Performance Products wiring system by Yarusinsky. The bucket seating was originally from a 2006 GTO, retaining only the power mechanism and framework, while the seats were then custom-built and covered in red leather by Javier, who handled all the interior stitchwork that includes the one-piece leather headliner, door and kick panels, and carpeting. The trunk is also fully detailed through upholstery and now houses the mechanics for the Ridetech system and the OPTIMA battery.
At the time of this writing, David had just brought home his first trophy for his new build, winning the Joe Martin’s Choice Award at the Spring Dust Off show in Hempstead, New York. Through lines of steel, curves of glass, and the roar of engines, the story of the bubbletop and the hardtop captures a bygone era of American automotive design, where beauty and performance blend seamlessly for a timeless look.
-MR
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