Online (at RockAuto, and at Dorman aka rbinc.com), the applications for 576-351 are given as Monte Carlo and various Pontiacs. No Malibu. I ordered one anyway, since other than the totally unkown Fineline, this is the only alternative to the Spectra GM306A.
Spectra lists both Monte Carlo and Malibu along with the Pontiacs for GM306A. With my Malibu, I succeeded by re-bending the straps and using 1" spacers on longer front bolts. But the Spectra has a mysterious venting problem, and won't fill at anything near a normal rate. So, having never seen any posts anywhere about anyone ever installing a Dorman in a G-body, I decided to be the guinea pig, and here we go ....
First up is the label on the box. As seen below, the label says Malibu but not Monte Carlo, the exact opposite of online information.
Next is the stamp on top of the tank itself. As seen below, it looks like the Spectra number. The logo seems to ring a bell, but I can't place it. Maybe a bolt maker in Taiwan?
The Dorman filler neck is bent differently from the Spectra (more on that below). Outside, the whole tank is painted silver where the Spectra has vegetable oil smeared on it. Kind of rough, sand-like paint. Inside, the Dorman really seems to be made from real Ni-terne steel, that is, the terne appears to be lead-tin, like the GM fuel lines. In comparison, the Spectra looks galvanized like the inside of a food can.
So I put Buick GN rubber strips on it and wrestled it in. I kept the straps bent the same but added another 1/2" spacing on still longer front bolts. It nestles snugly against the underbody rails. However, flipping down the license plate reveals the problem seen below.
Whudda we do now, Jake?
Looks to me like the best idea would be to figure out how to cut out the upper license plate pocket around the gas cap to give it clearance. Any better ideas?
Spectra lists both Monte Carlo and Malibu along with the Pontiacs for GM306A. With my Malibu, I succeeded by re-bending the straps and using 1" spacers on longer front bolts. But the Spectra has a mysterious venting problem, and won't fill at anything near a normal rate. So, having never seen any posts anywhere about anyone ever installing a Dorman in a G-body, I decided to be the guinea pig, and here we go ....
First up is the label on the box. As seen below, the label says Malibu but not Monte Carlo, the exact opposite of online information.
Next is the stamp on top of the tank itself. As seen below, it looks like the Spectra number. The logo seems to ring a bell, but I can't place it. Maybe a bolt maker in Taiwan?
The Dorman filler neck is bent differently from the Spectra (more on that below). Outside, the whole tank is painted silver where the Spectra has vegetable oil smeared on it. Kind of rough, sand-like paint. Inside, the Dorman really seems to be made from real Ni-terne steel, that is, the terne appears to be lead-tin, like the GM fuel lines. In comparison, the Spectra looks galvanized like the inside of a food can.
So I put Buick GN rubber strips on it and wrestled it in. I kept the straps bent the same but added another 1/2" spacing on still longer front bolts. It nestles snugly against the underbody rails. However, flipping down the license plate reveals the problem seen below.
Whudda we do now, Jake?
Looks to me like the best idea would be to figure out how to cut out the upper license plate pocket around the gas cap to give it clearance. Any better ideas?