1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible - Semi Retired
Just a Way of Life When You Own a ’59
Phil SchwartzeWriterBeto MendozaPhotographer
1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible - Semi Retired
Just a Way of Life When You Own a ’59
Phil SchwartzeWriterBeto MendozaPhotographer
Retirement is something many of us look forward to, while others think they'd go nuts with too much time on their hands. After 30 years in the scene, Way of Life Car Club member Derrick "Double D" Collins has been in the game a long time. His son, fellow club member, and '61 Impala convertible owner, Joseph, stands to continue to the legacy. But now that Derrick's essentially retired from the club, some might think that'd mean he's going to take up golf, sell his rides, and do things at a slower pace. Not a chance.
Joseph found his dad this cat-eyed convertible on Craigslist and got it for him as a birthday present (if only all of us had a kid like that!). Since Derrick had been looking for an early Impala for quite some time, that suited him just fine and over the next 10 years the father-and-son team paired up to turn it into the fine '59 you see now. Derrick had been collecting rare accessories for a car like this for some time, and this became one decked-out ride that we'd say is period authentic and fully loaded.
The Impala still retains the factory 348 with a mild cam, aluminum radiator, dual electric fans, dual alternators, and a Flaming River column. It all churns a 350 trans with a shift kit that replaced the factory Powerglide. Undercarriage components such as the control arms have been wrapped and molded and you'll find them dressed up in chrome along with the sway bars, rearend, and brake drums. Homies of Gardena, California, helped reinforce the chassis with Leon Montoya doing a lot of the welding.
Derrick did the hydros himself at his shop Double Pump Hydraulics in Pasadena, California, along with Ted Wells of Old School Hydraulics. The two Pesco pumps, three Adex dumps, four switches, and eight solenoids, all hard lined, run off six batteries. The body was repainted the original white and given a red rag top. The interior was recovered in factory fabric by Joe's Upholstery in Rosemead, California, while Andy from Bow Tie Connections installed the spotlights from Don Watson.
Inside you'll find a rare Autosonic record player and 8-track player, the latter of which was found in Derrick's grandfather's garage. Six-way power seats, an original color bar, emergency flashers, compass, and electric eye can all be found in the retro interior as well. Bert from the Chevy Shop redid the convertible rack along with the electric windows and windwings. The back seat was modified for four subs that are covered over. Three fosgate amps, a Kenwood head unit, two tweeters, and six mids also keep the tunes thumpin'.
So after 30-some years, Derrick still isn't done yet. A '78 Cadillac Le Cabriolet is in the works. With that much time in the scene, you can bet there's a lot of people to thank. A shout out goes to his wife Shirley, daughter Adrianna, son Joseph, Doc, Dolby, Ted Wells, Andy Lodi, Leon Montoya, Rat, Supernatural Car Club, Hoppos Hydraulics, One Way Hydraulics, Original Ridaz Car Club, Outlaws Car Club, City of Roses Car Club, Kida USO Car Club, 110 To The End M/C, Young Hogg, Sed Lo Key, Scooter, and to his Way of Life family who stuck with Derrick when it was good and bad. Thanks also goes out to Funky White, Eric Arnold, Kenn Taylor, Gerl Payne, Devin, Big Gerl, Bert at the Chevy Shop, Rome, Dru, House, Weelo (RIP). Special thanks to Joe Ray for recognizing Derrick's talent and passion for the lowriding game.
Tech Specs
Vehicle Year/Make/Model:1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
Owner:Derrick Collins
City/State:Alta Dena, CA
Club:Way of Life (retired)
Engine:stock 348 with Turbo 350 trans
Body/Paint:repainted factory white
Suspension:two pumps, three Adex dumps, four switches, eight solenoids done by Double Pump Hydraulics and Ted Wells
Wheels / Tires:13-inch Daytons / Cornell bias plys
Interior:new factory original fabric by Joe's Upholstery
Sound System:Autosonic 8-track and record player. Kenwood head unit, Fosgate amps by Audio Innovations
