Well I might as well share my experience as I have been a T bucket owner myself, hence my username. I started out building a turbo 4 cylinder in the tuner scene, went into a lowered mini truck and then was about to swap a 302 into my focus.

Then I came across a 69 mustang grande coupe, I knew I had to have it. Though this isnt quite the size of your Impala it to was a big car, though after a certain amount of time it became bland and was just like driving an oversized poor handling car. The amount of money needed to make this beast of a car move and handle was going to far outway what I wanted to put into it. This is the first thing you have to decide.

So I came across my T bucket, it was a long drawn out process but when I saw it I HAD to have it. I drove 4 hours to go see it and similar to your situation we traded vehicles the next week. The T was mostly done too and only needed a few minor things, it had a 1970 440 roadrunner motor in it with a 3 speed torqueflight and a manual valve body. It was indeed a blast to drive and even more fun to look at.

Over time the disadvantages of the car started to come out. The first one was the steering, due to my starter being on the drivers side the column was inverted which made for some awkward handling. Secondly mine had no doors so jumping in it began to get old. The thing I disliked about it the most was that it was a fair weather car, if I wanted to go to a show I had to watch the weather and if there was a chance of rain I didnt go. I always made the street rod nationals in York but having to watch the sky and run for cover got to be a pain.

The one you have pictured appears to have a roof and be a little more driveable with a smalle power terrain which is still plenty for the car. It looks to be in good shape and if I were you I would probably do it. I just sold mine a few months ago and I only managed to get 9000 out of it and that was a stretch. The market is VERY slim for these things so just be aware.

So my advice to you is this: ask yourself if you really want to keep your Impala forever, if so put alot of money in it and make it yours. If not maybe take the chance and make the jump, just understand that its basically a motorcycle. Its a fair weather car but it will get a ton of looks and be lots of fun. Sorry for the long write up but there is alot to consider.

Ill leave you with a few pictures of mine.