Fresh gear for classic Chevys and vintage rides
hand-built 1:24 Kingswood Estate chevy at Life in Classic
Whether you’re restoring a beloved Chevy, elevating your model collection, or discreetly modernizing your cabin, this month’s new releases bring period-correct looks with the reliability and polish enthusiasts expect today. From a faithfully reproduced 1965 Impala deck lid to a hand-built 1:24 Kingswood Estate, from factory-style Camaro dome light pieces to a clever slide-to-switch classic radio, here’s what’s new for your garage and display case.
1965 Impala trunk lid, factory look without the hunt
Classic Industries has introduced a stamped-steel replacement trunk lid for the 1965 Chevrolet Impala hardtop, addressing one of the more visible pain points on a half-century-old cruiser: rust, dents, and awkward previous repairs. Built to original factory specifications, the lid matches the contours and dimensions of GM’s 1965 piece, right down to the internal reinforcement pattern. The openings for the trunk lock cylinder and taillight cutouts are correctly located and shaped, easing installation and preserving the car’s authentic lines.
Finished in a black EDP coating to fend off corrosion until paint time, the panel is ready for color-matching to your car. This short-style deck lid replaces GM part number 4461753 and is tailored specifically to the ’65 Impala hardtop, avoiding the compromises that can come with universal solutions. Classic Industries lists it at $699.99, with inquiries directed to p/n B1773. For details, reach Classic Industries at 800-854-1280 or classicindustries.com.
A 1969 Kingswood Estate, perfectly downsized
Chevrolet crowned its full-size wagon range in 1969 with the Kingswood Estate—a long-roof that blended useful innovations with polished style. Buyers could order hidden headlights, choose from a range of V-8s from 327 to 427 cubic inches, and enjoy clever touches like a dual-action tailgate with an integrated bumper step for easy third-row access. That swaggering family hauler has now been delicately reimagined in 1:24 scale by Automodello.
The hand-built resin replica, offered in both Standard and Encomium editions, captures the big wagon’s presence with a sharply rendered grille, crisp emblems, accurate whitewall tires, and trim that sits right where you expect it. Like many high-grade resin models, its panels don’t open; the focus is on exterior fidelity and clean proportions. Standard Editions (99 per color) arrive in Red or Yellow, while the more exclusive Encomium Editions (49 per color) come in Cortez Silver, Le Mans Blue, or Black. Each model ships with a certificate of authenticity. Pricing starts at $249.99 for Standard and $299.99 for Encomium. Learn more at 888-212-5160 or automodello.com.
Factory-correct illumination for a 1970 Camaro
Interior details can make or break a restoration, and the dome light is one of those little pieces that immediately signals whether a car was restored with care. National Parts Depot has introduced a faithful reproduction of the 1970 Camaro’s dome light reflector base and lens, designed to mirror the items General Motors produced more than five decades ago.
The base wears the correct fine-lined pattern with a satin finish and a black detail ring, and it includes the proper mounting points to slot into your Camaro without hassle. The lens retains the period-appropriate yellow tint and uses precise tab locations to ensure a snug, original-style fit. Sold separately, the base lists at $44.95 (p/n C-11927-4AA) and the lens at $23.95 (p/n C-11928-4AA). Check availability at 800-874-7595 or npdlink.com.
Analog charm meets digital convenience with Slidebar Radio
The dashboard of a classic car tells a story—and many owners would rather not disrupt that story with a modern head unit. Enter the Slidebar Radio from Custom Autosound, a neat solution that hides up-to-date audio features behind a face that looks right at home in a period cockpit. Slide the chrome bar to the left to reveal an analog-style dial, or to the right to unveil a digital display. Either way, the radio fits the original opening without modifications while delivering the connectivity today’s drivers expect.
Inputs and capabilities include USB, MP3 and WMA playback, iPod docking, and provisions for satellite radio and CD/DVD add-ons. The lineup spans a range of popular classics, including 1967–73 Ford Mustangs, 1953–57 Chevrolet Corvettes, 1955–57 Chevrolet cars, 1969–77 Chevrolet Camaros, 1972–79 Ford Gran Torinos, and 1973–79 Ford trucks and Broncos, among others. Prices start at $399, depending on application. Explore options at 800-888-8637 or customautosoundmfg.com.
Why these parts matter
As the market for well-executed restorations and thoughtful restomods continues to expand, owners are demanding more precise replacements and upgrades that honor original design. The Impala deck lid shows how exacting reproduction panels can streamline the bodywork phase, while the Camaro dome light pieces prove that small, correct parts elevate the entire cabin. The Kingswood Estate model reflects the rising appreciation for once-overlooked American family cars, capturing a moment when utility and style shared the same driveway. And the Slidebar Radio underscores a growing desire to keep vintage dashboards authentic while enjoying modern audio, navigation, and streaming.
Each of these products—whether destined for the show field, the highway, or the display shelf—helps preserve the spirit of classic motoring without sacrificing reliability or enjoyment. In a hobby that thrives on details, that balance makes all the difference.
