Mike is no stranger to the GM B-Body Impalas aNd Caprices & by checking out his 1992 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon, it's obvious he's familiar with the X-Frame Impalas as well. By incorporating some old school touches along with the new, he really set this wagon off.

The “Pattiwagon”, nicknamed after his wife, has undergone many changes since being acquired in 1999.  “It was a stock grandma car, I knew it could be turned into a nice ride” he says.  His 2009 stance is a complete flip when compared to his original mods (rims, tint & drop).

The highlight of this build, not to mention Mikes favorite, is the “92” to “96” conversion.  A 1996 Impala SS was the donor vehicle for the transmission, motor, seats, dash, fender wells & any of the electronics that could be integrated.  It didn’t stop at the swap. The engine bay received a show car treatment.  Lift the hood & you’ll see a chromed out motor with billet engine dress accessories, powder coated engine brace, clean paint on the fender wells, firewall & many other parts.

Step inside the ride and it is obvious that the interior received the same treatment as well. An emblem off a 196x Impala now sits above the glove box, molded into the dash via fiberglass.  The once gray front & rear Impala SS seats are now covered in red leather.  Daring to be different, a 19xx Impala speaker housing was incorporated into the rear seatback.  For contrast, the interior panels and carpet were redone in black, which bring attention to the polished aluminum trim pieces installed throughout.  When Mike is in motion, the huge ragtop sunroof stays open, letting in so much light that it makes his red seats visible from a block away.

For in car entertainment, a JVC head unit was put in command to control what pumps through the Audiobahn amps, speakers & subwoofers.  The center console was modified to house a monitor for the back seat drivers, while the sun visors obtained the same treatment as well.  There are a total of 6 screens installed throughout the vehicle.

Mike tackled nearly every aspect of the build.  The two tone interior, custom fiberglass panels, engine swap, air suspension & ICE, all done by the man himself.  Though he was a major factor in the extensive transformation, he admits he couldn’t do it solo.  The paint on the body was the exception, done by Mailo Esamila of Hollister, CA.

When I asked Mike if he was done customizing his wagon he replied “I am never done modding my rides, it’s my passion”.  With a 96 Impala SS & a 59 Apache Fleetside at home, it’s obvious the Pattiwagon stays on a never ending rotation of mods.  Next in line is his 96 Impala SS that he’s had since 2000.  “I’m doing it up a little different than other impalas out there, hopefully it will be done by the middle of next year” he exclaims.

The wagon was retired as his daily driver, but don’t get it twisted, he still drives it everywhere, including a 3+ hour trek to the next car show & shine.