is a 1969 impala with some rust damage worth restoring?

Question

some rust around rear window, and rear quarter panel

Answer 1

I'm not a Chevy guy, but I'll put my 2 cents worth in. I'd think that most any SS would be worth restoring, provided it hasn't had the crap beat out of it & the body/chassis is sound. Do you plan on keeping it or selling it later on?
When you talk about rust, is it actually surface rust or outright corrosion? If it's rust, you can take care of that with careful sanding, rust converters, metal treatment, cleaning & proper priming. Buy a book on bodywork & this is explained in more detail. You just need some elbow grease, time & patience.
If it's corrosion, you're in for more money to be spent. You're talking about purchasing patch panels, hiring a bodyman/welder for removal & installation, then ensuring proper metal treatent is included. I would imagine since it's a GM, patch panels are readily available & reasonable. Being a Mopar guy, we spend big bucks on some of the most basic items. Oh well, that's MY problem, right? LOL
In all seriousness though, think about what you plan on doing with the vehicle & if you want to invest the time & money to make it roadworth & enjoyable. If you're in over your head, it may be wiser to buy a vehicle that's in better condition. It may cost more upfront, but your overall costs will be lower.
Good luck on your endeavor.

Answer 2

OF COURSE!!! The '69 Impala is a beautiful car. A restoration to original condition can be expensive. I don't know what your budget is, and what you plan to do with the car after restoration, but the most important thing is to ENJOY the car. Whether you have a full "frame off" Restoration, or just a "bondo" repair and paint job, it doesn't matter as long as you have a good time with the car. Plenty of parts out there at reasonable prices. Have Fun!!!

Answer 3

Superficial rust would definitely be worth fixing on a 69 Impala; however, what does the frame and the rest of the body look like?

Answer 4

Absolutly! My boyfriend and i are still (2nd year now) in the process of restoring a 68 impala from MN, idk how much you know about MN but we use salt in the winter and this car was driven in the winter...long story short, there was rust, the frame was bad etc. But it has been one of the funnest things we've done.
As for your car, you've got a 69, they are easier to get parts/body pannels for. I say go for it, restore it get a decent paint job and cruise, go to shows and have fun with it! It's a collector car either way you look at it, and if you plan on restoring it and selling it, i recently saw one listed at $20G at an All GM show.
which ever path you decide to take be it restoring it to origninal, customizing it, re selling it, or not restoring it,
Good luck, and feel free to drop a line if you've got any questions (etc.)
-V

Answer 5

For me, the 1969 Impala is the nicest classic, MOST worthy of restoration.

Answer 6

I HAVE TWO MINT 69'S & ONE 68. THE RUST YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, AROUND WINDOW & QUARTERS COST BIG,BIG MONEY TO FIX RIGHT. IF IT IS AN (SS) OR HAS A BIG BLOCK ( 396/427 ) IT MITE BE? BUT I HAVE TO SAY NO SORRY. GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

Classic cars rule. Restore it

Answer 8

As a "collectible" it is. It is over 30 years old and someone will want to buy it from you, try to keep everything (radio, factory wheels, chrome trim, etc) as original as possible, it is worth more that way. Nye

Answer 9

God... I hate rust.

Don't ever move to the beach

Unless of course you drive a Corvette

If some drunk bastard hadn't crashed head on into my Corvette, I wouldn't be driving a rusty Jaguar today.

Answer 10

Yes. Parts are readily available from many aftermarket suppliers. They don't build them like they used to.