2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

00impala · June 2001

I hope they continue to fall, Here in the Mid-West they are usually high, Not as high as Chicago, But up there, Yesterday when I posted the $1.36 price for 87 octane I was suprised, I drove past the station Last night and it dropped another penny to $1.35! Don

hunter39 · June 2001

Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe before? I got married in Yosemite national Park, and honeymooned there for a few days before heading up to Tahoe, it was like going from heavenly spot to heavenly spot, even with the casinos in Tahoe! Hope you enjoy the trip, I did mine in a 1985 Caprice... not nearly as nice as my Impala

tomaso7 · June 2001

Hopefully, here are some pix of my Impala LS after using Zaino Polish products. The size should be smaller so you don't have to move the page to see them. Enjoy

night_owl1 · June 2001

Heh, I did my first change at 500 miles and do it every 3000 miles. There is a How-To article on breaking in a car. Different sources say different things. I tend to be conservative, hence the change at 500 miles.

The owner's manual states that the Oil Life System will tell you to change the oil between 3K and 10K miles. It also goes on to say the system will not detect dust in the oil and to change your oil every 3K miles if you drive in dusty areas. What, exactly, is their definition of a dusty area? I change it at 3K, easy to remember and the dealer can't say you were not following the maintance. schedule. Remember to keep all recepts to verify your maintance.

nick01 · June 2001

Hey mediumfry, I think the torch red or dark red is the best match for that large red reflector on the rear. I considered that when I was choosing colors. Since one of the cars I was trading in was red, and I had already went thru the white, blue, black,green and tan, I wanted something different. I got the bronzemist. But the red is always a good color when you resell or trade.

Nick

hunter39 · June 2001

The Phoenix Metro area of Arizona (and I suspect the rest of the state too for that matter)is considered a "dusty area". It is afterall a desert and it does get very dusty especially during the monsoon season, nothing like the monsoons I used to see in the Phillipines mind you, besides which these monsoons have more dust and dirt than water. Anyway, might be what they consider dusty...

night_owl1 · June 2001

17 new problem reports, all from the same owner. Actually, there were more, but I grouped some to save space.

A new How-To article on installing a locking gas cap. Sounds silly (remove old cap, install new one) but if you want to retain the lanyard, you may want some hints. Thank you, Dura, for the insight.

Also, with everyone talking about gas prices, I found a site that can provide you the prices from stations in your area. Stations in the US and Canada are listed. Its on the Links page.

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/

night_owl1 · June 2001

I would also add in rural areas and farms with no paved roads. That could be almost anywhere. Areas in Ewa Beach in Hawaii, Nevada, California, Texas...

tpken · June 2001

Outstanding! That Navy Blue color is one of my favorites - and I particularly like the tail light lense against that color.

You certainly do show up every other car in the lot - bet the neighbors are jealous!

Ken

mediumfry · June 2001

Why do folks that post photos of their cars always blank out the license plates? Is it that much of a security issue? Many people reveal their names, email addresses and/or home towns thereby giving away who they are anyway. Is it just an etiquette thing? Just wondering. I'm thinking of posting photos of mine, and actually think my special "Michigan Jalopy" plate is part of the car's good looks.

BTW, wow, really nice looking car, tomaso7. Shine a mile deep. I actually use a polish called NuFinish, which is a main-line polish sold at most stores (in the orange bottle). The company I work for makes the effective ingredients in that product (silicones) and I've had great luck. Recently my brother, who also uses NuFinish, had his car vandalized with spray paint. A couple weeks later, he decided to try to get it off and found that a cloth and water was all it took. Also, I had once asked my local body shop guy what I could do to make it easier on him when he went to repaint my '86 Grand Am. He said the best thing I could do is NOT use that NuFinish because it makes it so difficult to get the clear/paint off! Not a bad testimonial.

Nothing against Zaino and Maguiars and others though. Excellent products.

morphius909 · June 2001

All I can say is sweeeeeeetttttt.

Our Driftwood Metallic looks fairly nice after a wax job, but never that "rich" color, I guess lighter colours do not show up like darker ones.

Paul

morphius909 · June 2001

WHen I first asked our dealer parts department about an locking gas cap, they informed me not to get one since they do not "vent" properly and therefore would alter the performance of the vehicle. Any truth to this?

Paul

morphius909 · June 2001

I think You do not have the A/C TSB that I posted last week. If you scroll up and add it, I think other owners would appreciate it!

Paul

mediumfry · June 2001

wwnf posted a note about deterioration of his LS wheel center caps. I have noted blemishes in mine, not scuffs, chips, or cracks...actual bubbles as if a grain of sand got into the paint when they were made. Not sure if I'll bring it up to the dealer, but if the the caps get looking ratty, I'll be pretty disappointed. I think the wheels make the car look that much nicer.

I noted in response my recollection that the owner's manual suggests treating the alloy wheels just as you do the paint. That means washing and waxing them often. Each time I rotate the tires (every 6000 miles), I completely clean and polish the wheels. They look really shiny and clean up easily afterward.

My wife sees me doing this and thinks I'm a freak. I take it as a compliment.

wwnf, I'm proud to see a 22 year-old taking pride in ownership of a 4-door. Shows maturity and good taste if you ask me. I'm sure your friends appreciate having their own doors when entering the back seat, not to mention the legroom. Besides, it's never too early to start pampering your own tush. As you grow older you'll need that!

duraflex · June 2001

Which wheels do you have?

I have the 5 spoke wheels and the caps are plastic. I know they won't hold up in the long run.

Are the center caps also plastic on the optional finned wheels of the base model?
If they are metal and the diameter is the same, they might be a viable replacement.

Also, didn't someone find aftermarket Impala logo caps months ago? Were they metal?

hunter39 · June 2001

Me Dura, It's posted on Nathan's site, They run about 20.00 a piece from a shop in NJ. I've been meaning to get them but the wife keeps saying you don't even notice them, so it's hard for me to justify the expense, she might have a point, but they look cool when you do notice them.

00impala · June 2001

The other ones you are talking about are also Plastic, I am just very careful when I remove them and mine are fine, Any time I go to the dealer or when I was having my tires rotated I take them off myself and put them on myself, I have seen mechanics use a screwdriver and pry them directly opposite of the little indentation on the rim to remove them, Then let the tire bounce and land face down on the gound , Not my car of course, I am very Wary of these people! Don

duraflex · June 2001

So all the caps are plastic.

I know what you mean Don. I taped the front of a blade of a flat blade screwdriver just to keep mine from getting banged up.

And Hunter - I have to agree with your Mrs. - $80 is alot of money for center caps. At half that price and if they were metal - I MIGHT think about it. But at $80 - no way for me.

night_owl1 · June 2001

I found it and added it to the page. I also found two news ones and added those also. Do you have the summary of the TSB? I just listed "A/C not cold. Refill with refrigerant"
Thanks

night_owl1 · June 2001

The locking gas cap I got from the dealer looks exactly like the original one. If you look at your cap, it has a metal disk in the center. If you press down on the disk, it moves in about 1/4". This is the venting feature of the cap. If the pressure builds up in the tank, it will push up on the disk and vent out.

The locking cap has the same vent valve. I don't know about aftermarket caps, but I would think that if you get one that is made for your car, it would duplicate any features of the factory one.

duraflex · June 2001

The fact you raised - that the GM locking cap is identical in design and manufacture to the original - is exactly why I opted for it rather than a Stant or who knows what. Especially when the price is right and the thing is readily available.

BTW-it finally occured to me why you might have taken the name "night owl" -
Is it all the time you spend on your web pages ?

teo · June 2001

RE: New problem reports.

Those 17 problem report entries are from the same owner!

Well sorry to say but she has a LEMON and has put up with it for long enough!

Her car was one of the first ones built (9/99) so some of her problems could be expected.

Center wheel caps::: Yes they are plastic coated. Last year at the dealer they shattered one of them (Rear right wheel) one of the times they performed a tire rotation on my '00 LS (They did give me a new one, however). If you handle them with proper care I am sure they'll last a long time but if the dealer boys pry them incorrectly or throw them down to the floor, yes they will brake easily. 00Impala's is a good idea to take them out before they rotate the tires. Since my Service Manager allows me to be next to the car in the service area, I watch them like a Hawk so they don't screw up something in the car.

$20 for wheel caps...I agree with Dura, that's a bit excessive.

teo · June 2001

Could someone tell me what's the REAL advantage of having a locking gas cap vs. the stock one in the car?

Sorry for the stupid question...

charts2 · June 2001

A friend of mine has a carmine red 2000 Impala LS. Recently backed into a post and scraped the back bumper below the black rub strip on the back. Its below the rear licence plate about 8 inches and to the left. Its the large plastic area. The scrape is very noticable. Does anyone know if this can be buffed out at an auto repair shop, to make it look presentable again? Is the plastic bumper the same color right through or is it painted? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

teo · June 2001

A professional body shop can easily buff out the scratch and repaint the damage area with no further problems provided that the bumper itself did not get bent out of shape or sustained a more severe damage. The bumper is painted all around. After the repair is completed it will look brand new.

Something similar happened to me with my '97 Acura 2.5TL. The bumper got scratched after I backed up into a parking garage column (A few months before the lease was to expire...ugh!). That bumper was exactly the same as the Impala...painted all around minus the black strip. The car was white, so it was very noticeable. Once it was buffed/repainted..voila! Brand new look again.

Bumpers in modern cars are kinda a joke..

frankf3 · June 2001

I am in the process of detailing out the Impala. I am really interested in using Zaino on my 2001 Silver Impala. Where can I locate the Zaino that people have been talking about on this forum. Also while I'm at it, we are planning our summer vacation, I would really like to take the family to the GM assembly plant in Ontario to see Imapalas being built. With out being redundant, could someone let me know how to arrange a tour at the plant, and directions to where it's located? I remember something about tours only being conducted on Thursdays. Is this true ?

morphius909 · June 2001

Hey Folks,

I just saw pictures of the Impalas they are using in certain "Chase" scenes in the sequel to The Matrix. SWEEETTTTTT!

I would post them here but I don't know about copyright issues.

You can check them out here:

www.corona.bc.ca and find the Matrix Reloaded Link.

Paul

morphius909 · June 2001

Hey Folks,

Here is the full Link:

http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/matrix2.html

Paul

hogboy · June 2001

Frank, the web site is www.zainobros.com
They are located in How ell, NJ.
They sell by mail order & you will see all their products & prices plainly marked on their order form, along with much info on their products & application.

b4z · June 2001

Impalas' have a completely different front fascia and the hood has been extended some. I wonder if this will carry over to the production vehicles.

tomaso7 · June 2001

Hi Frank: please log in if you haven't done so and look up my e-mail address so you can send me your e-mail address. I want to talk to you about what you want to do to your Silver Impala.
Thanks

tomaso7 · June 2001

I read your posting about Nufinish and you mentioned the 's' word, 'silicone.' Have you ever wondered why you see so many brownish or even yellowish tires - that's because the owner used a product that had silicone in it. Silicone with the aid of the sun turns the tires to those colors. It has been tested that if you take a car that has used a polish or wax that has silicone in it and put it side by side with a car that used a polish without silicone - the difference is noticeable. The car with silicone has changed colour. DO NOT use silicone - it is cheap and it shines like crazy, but at what cost? That is why Zaino Products cost more - no silicone or carnauba wax. FYI - ever wonder how a California Duster works - it has carnauba wax on the ends - it attracts dust - so why would anyone use carnauba wax to polish or wax their car - it attracts dust? Later.

tomaso7 · June 2001

Hi Paul: could you look up my e-mail address after you log in and send me your e-mail address. I want to talk to you about what you said about my car. Thanks

b4z · June 2001

I think i have finally found a happy medium on the stereo. I turn the bass down two notches and leave the treble flat.
My reference disc is by Keb' Mo' "Slowdown". It has a huge amount of bass and the amp was clipping at fairly low levels until i backed off the bass. Now it is rockin' without booming or any stridency.

teo · June 2001

I leave the Bass typically 1 or 2 notches from the center to the right. The Treble I usually adjust it fully all the way or one notch away from the full setting.

So far so good, but I am curious to try your flat setting for the treble. Even if you leave the Bass on the flat setting you do still get plenty of it.

I don't really use the preset EQ settings on normal FM Stereo broadcasts. The 'Jazz' setting tends to overemphasize the bass tremendously. These EQ settings work better on certain CD's. I listen mostly to Jazz, (In all existing styles and rhytms), Pop and European Tecno/Pop which the wife and I both love.

While in Italy, our tour guide played a good host of contemporary Pop Italian music in the coach. By the way, that new Setra coach had an awesome stereo system with a 25 CD in dash disc changer...

He played Eros Ramazzotti, which appears to be very popular in Europe...awesome music. Can't wait to find a CD from him with Italian lyrics, not Spanish lyrics as we have been able to locate so far.

wyoimp · June 2001

How much change does the Coin Holder hold?
I've had a Stant Locking Gas cap now for at least 2 months and haven't noticed any problems. As to why I have one - the gas filler is a vulnerable entrance for vandalism and with gas getting expensive, I don't wish to "share" with those who assume I bought gas for everybody and carry it around in a container that looks like an Impala.
I'll change my oil every every three months at least due to the warranty requirements but also because I do live in a windy, dusty place (Wyoming) and do short trips. Also remember oil does more than lubricate, it cools, cleans, and carries nasties to the oil filter. Regular oil and filter changes are a cheap means for long engine life.
The Laramie County Sheriffs are slowly getting White Impalas and so is the Highway Patrol (Dark Green and Black).
Coin Holder holds - $2.25 in quarters, $1.45 in nickels, and $1.10 in dimes. My wife says I have too much time on my hands.

cookie01 · June 2001

The photos are really great! I have navy blu too, but with blue cloth interior (which I grow to love more each day) Still looks awesome at 17,000+ miles.

Yours looks like leather, but what color? Grey? There's no blue leather is there? That would be cool...hehehehe

Hunter, I've never been to Lake Tahoe before. I've lived here (northwest) my entire life and never made that easy 13 hour drive. I'm really up for it. Everyone says how beautiful it is. It's got a lot to compete with to beat Oregon, but we'll give it a fighting chance.

yurakm · June 2001

Was at Chevy dealer this morning. Only 3 new Impala on the parking lot: one loaded dark-green LS and two base, bright-red and silver. Today is Monday; as recently as Thursday there were 2 more new Impala at the dealership.

Though, it looks as Malibu are selling even better. The last time there was about 5 new Malibu, zero left today. On the other hand, there is a plenty of used Malibu, but not Impala.

Other new cars: 9 Cavalier, one Monte Carlo SS, one underpowered V6 Camaro, and one $50k Corvette. None Prizm, nor Metro.

A lot of trucks, SUV, and (mini)vans, starting from 4 (Geo) Tracker, and up to a pair of Suburbans and a whole row of Silverado. The Tracker lists almost the same as Impala LS - $23k MSRP. Looks strange for me.

night_owl1 · June 2001

Vandalism and gas theft. Wyoimp reasons for getting the cap are the same as mine. Plus it was only $11.50 and I was itching to buy something for the car.

sweetpolly · June 2001

Teo,

Not only would you want a "locking" gas cap to prevent people from siphoning your gas out, but also to protect you from vandals pouring sugar and other things into your gas tank. Who would do such a thing? Very sick individuals!

night_owl1 · June 2001

I used Nufinish before and I really liked it. It went on easy, came off easy and lasted a long time. Then the store that I got it from stopped carrying it. Then I just got whatever caught my eye.

Before I received my car, I received a catalogue from Griots Garage and got carried away.

One thing they mention is that their products are silicone free. Never found out why it was bad, though.

tomaso7 · June 2001

Thanks for your kind remarks - Yes, my leather is gray and the Zaino leather conditioner smells exactly like new leather. I think a light shade of navy blue or purple leather would look great. As far as the polish is concerned trying to convince people to change their polish is like pulling teeth. However, once Zaino is tried, no one that I know has ever gone back. The biggest users of Zaino are Corvettes and classic Thunderbirds. Take a look at my profile. Later.

night_owl1 · June 2001

Actually, it was a military police car. Silver base Impala with black rims. Silver shields on the front doors and the word "POLICE" above the third brake light. Yeah, ABOVE the light, really really small. No other markings and no light bar. Going for the stealth mode. Wish I had my camera...

Also they had a Impala police cruiser in that new show Witchblade.

yurakm · June 2001

are everywhere in New York City. Was there in spring.

morphius909 · June 2001

Sorry dude, I can't seem to pull up your user info.

Really wierd, seems to work with everyone else.
*shrugs*

If you need to email me: morphius@midbc.com

Paul

morphius909 · June 2001

Here is the TSB as posted on my work order:

Diag for A/C not blowing Cold. Recovered 1.9lbs R134-A. Evac and Recharge with 2.25 lbs R134-A/As per bullitin ##99-01-38-005.

That was about it, I actually got a call on Friday from the Dealer stating they had to paste a "sticker" on the strut(or something) stating what they had done, since there is more Refrig in the system then there is supposed to be(sticker will help other dealers if service is ever needed again). Great, I'm driving a car with TOO MUCH refrig. LOL

Paul

night_owl1 · June 2001

Did this help any? Wonder how much is in there.

kenbuzz · June 2001

Wyoimp wrote: "Coin Holder holds - $2.25 in quarters, $1.45 in nickels, and $1.10 in dimes."

So, your coin holder holds 9 quarters, or 11 dimes, or TWENTY-NINE nickels?!? That's one DEEP nickel-hole, bubba!

teo · June 2001

Dimpled or pregnant 'quarters' don't count!!!!

teo · June 2001

What do we need to do to arrange for a weekly 'Impala Owners Chat'?????

I think it will be nice to have an opportunity to interact with other Impala owners 'Live' via chat...

2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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