--- title: How to Restore the Paint Finish on a 1967 Chevrolet Impala – A DIY Guide siteUrl: https://logzly.com/vintagewheels author: vintagewheels (Vintage Wheels Chronicle) date: 2026-06-25T02:05:56.035372 tags: [vintagecars, diy, restoration] url: https://logzly.com/vintagewheels/how-to-restore-the-paint-finish-on-a-1967-chevrolet-impala-a-diy-guide --- If you’ve just pulled your Impala out of the garage and the paint looks like a faded postcard, you’re not alone. A lot of us at Vintage Wheels Chronicle have been there – the excitement of a classic car meets the reality of a coat that’s seen better days. This guide will walk you through a simple, step‑by‑step process to bring that 1967 Chevrolet Impala back to its original shine, without needing a professional shop. ## Why It Matters Right Now Spring is here, and the weather is perfect for working outside. The sun isn’t too harsh yet, and the humidity is low enough for paint to dry properly. It’s the ideal window to start a paint restoration project. Plus, a fresh finish protects the metal underneath from rust, which means your Impala will stay beautiful for years to come. ## What You’ll Need Before you dive in, gather these items. Having everything ready will keep the job smooth and prevent you from running back to the store mid‑project. - **Safety gear:** gloves, goggles, dust mask (a simple N‑95 works fine) - **Sandpaper:** 400, 800, and 1500 grit sheets - **Paint stripper:** a non‑caustic, biodegradable option is best for vintage work - **Plastic sheeting or drop cloths:** to protect the ground and surrounding area - **Masking tape and paper:** for windows, trim, and any parts you don’t want painted - **Primer:** a rust‑inhibiting, oil‑based primer works well on steel - **Base coat paint:** choose a color that matches the original factory shade (you can find the code in the Impala’s service manual) - **Clear coat:** a clear acrylic finish adds depth and protection - **Paint sprayer or quality spray cans:** a sprayer gives a smoother finish, but cans are fine for a first try - **Polishing compound and microfiber towels:** for the final shine ## Step 1: Prep the Car ### Clean and Inspect Give the Impala a good wash with mild soap and water. Remove any loose dirt, bugs, or tar. After it dries, walk around the car and look for rust spots, dents, or chips. Mark any problem areas with a piece of chalk – you’ll need to fix these before painting. ### Remove Parts Take off parts that are easy to detach: mirrors, antenna, trim pieces, and any accessories that could get in the way. Keep the bolts and screws in a labeled bag so you can put everything back later. At Vintage Wheels Chronicle we always label our bags – it saves a lot of headaches. ## Step 2: Strip the Old Paint ### Apply Paint Stripper Spread a thin, even coat of paint stripper over a small section (about a foot square) using a brush. Let it sit according to the product’s instructions – usually 15‑30 minutes. You’ll see the old paint start to bubble and lift. ### Scrape Gently Use a plastic scraper (metal can scratch the metal) to lift the softened paint. Work carefully; you don’t want to gouge the metal. If the paint is stubborn, re‑apply the stripper and wait a bit longer. ### Clean the Surface After the paint is removed, wipe the area with a clean rag soaked in mineral spirits. This removes any residue and prepares the metal for sanding. Let the surface dry completely before moving on. ## Step 3: Sand to a Smooth Base ### Start Rough Begin with 400‑grit sandpaper to smooth out any remaining paint and rust. Sand in a circular motion, keeping the pressure even. You’re aiming for a uniform, matte surface. ### Move Finer Switch to 800‑grit sandpaper to remove the scratches left by the 400 grit. This step helps the primer stick better. ### Finish Fine Finish with 1500‑grit sandpaper. This gives the metal a very fine, almost glossy feel. Run your hand over the surface – it should feel smooth, not rough. ## Step 4: Prime the Metal ### Mask Off Cover windows, lights, and any areas you don’t want painted with masking tape and paper. This protects them from overspray. ### Apply Primer Using a spray gun or can, apply a thin, even coat of primer. Hold the sprayer about 12 inches from the surface and use steady, overlapping strokes. Let the primer dry according to the label – usually 30‑45 minutes. ### Light Sand After the primer is dry, lightly sand with 800‑grit paper. This removes any orange‑peel texture and gives the next coat a perfect surface. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth. ## Step 5: Paint the Base Coat ### Choose the Right Color At Vintage Wheels Chronicle we love matching the original factory color. Look up the paint code for a 1967 Impala (often “Marlboro Red” or “Silver Metallic”) and buy a high‑quality automotive paint that matches. ### Spray Technique Apply the base coat in thin layers. Start with a “wet‑on‑wet” pass – a quick, light spray that covers the whole car. Then follow with two or three heavier passes, allowing each layer to flash (dry) for about 10‑15 minutes. This builds depth without runs. ### Dry Time Let the base coat cure for at least 24 hours before moving to the clear coat. Patience here pays off in a smoother finish. ## Step 6: Add the Clear Coat ### Protect the Finish Clear coat adds shine and protects the paint from UV rays and scratches. Apply it the same way you did the base coat – thin, even layers. Usually two to three coats are enough. ### Final Dry Give the clear coat a full 48‑hour cure before handling the car. This ensures the finish is hard and resistant. ## Step 7: Polish and Protect ### Light Polish Once the paint is fully cured, use a polishing compound and a microfiber towel to bring out a high gloss. Work in small sections and use circular motions. ### Wax (Optional) If you want extra protection, apply a thin coat of automotive wax. It adds a nice depth and makes future cleaning easier. ## Personal Note from Vintage Wheels Chronicle When I first tackled my own Impala’s paint back in 2019, I made a rookie mistake – I skipped the fine sanding before the primer. The result? A slightly orange‑peel texture that took a lot of extra work to fix. The lesson? Take the time on each sanding step. It’s a small effort that saves you hours later. Seeing that fresh, glossy finish for the first time was worth every minute. The car looked like it just rolled off the assembly line in 1967, and the compliments at the next car show were endless. That’s the joy we love sharing at Vintage Wheels Chronicle – turning a tired old car into a head‑turning piece of history. ## Quick Recap 1. Clean and inspect the car. 2. Strip old paint with a gentle stripper. 3. Sand from coarse to fine grit. 4. Apply rust‑inhibiting primer. 5. Spray the correct base coat color in thin layers. 6. Add clear coat for shine and protection. 7. Polish and optionally wax for that final gleam. Give yourself plenty of time, work in a well‑ventilated area, and enjoy the process. Restoring a 1967 Chevrolet Impala’s paint finish is a rewarding project that any classic car lover can handle with a bit of patience and the right tools. Keep reading Vintage Wheels Chronicle for more hands‑on guides, stories from the road, and tips on keeping your vintage rides in top shape.