The Story of "Guss" (1979 Malibu Wagon)
- Thread starter fig865
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Thanks Blake! Guss has been cruising around the cities lately as he was my daily driver up until last week. Now that I don't need to drive it every day, I'm hoping to get some more done with it.
Last thing done was replacing the rear tailgate latch handle. When I got the car, it was all busted up with the key broke off in it. It opened easily with a ratchet and 3/8" extension or a big screwdriver. Too easily :wink:
Before pic:
After pic:
Now I'm not too happy about the replacement one I picked up at AutoZone from their "Help" line. It fits a little sloppy and the key doesn't work in it. For $12 though, it was worth it just for a working handle. I'm not sure what to do about the key not working though. I might try exchanging it.
Last thing done was replacing the rear tailgate latch handle. When I got the car, it was all busted up with the key broke off in it. It opened easily with a ratchet and 3/8" extension or a big screwdriver. Too easily :wink:
Before pic:
After pic:
Now I'm not too happy about the replacement one I picked up at AutoZone from their "Help" line. It fits a little sloppy and the key doesn't work in it. For $12 though, it was worth it just for a working handle. I'm not sure what to do about the key not working though. I might try exchanging it.
My rear lock busted 2 months ago...I found one on ebay and replaced it...doesn't sit level so it kind of annoys me. But i did get door locks to match so I don't have a random key. nice wagon though.
1980PontiacWagon said:
Thanks man!
I should maybe clarify. I wouldn't really mind the extra key only being used at the back. The new latch came with a set. My problem is the keys that came with the new lock don't work in it. I'll play around with it some more before I go back to Autozone. Just in case I'm missing something simple. That's always possible.
Is it even possible to buy the hatch lock with the door locks in a 'package'? I just got a malibu wagon and the door lock keys were missing (luckily it sits in my garage for now). Sorry for the thread hijack!
======================================================================================================pyrofenix said:
I don't think so. I think you have to purchase them individually. Besides, the original chrome tailgate lock is NLA, that's why guys resort to buying the aftermarket lock form Advance or Autozone.
Longroof79 said:
Just take your lock cylinders to a locksmith and they can re-key them all to use the same key.
Blake442 said:
Just take your lock cylinders to a locksmith and they can re-key them all to use the same key.[/quote]
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Duh! Why didn't I think of that?
With the rear tailgate latch being the same as a late 80's S-Blazer, what are the chances the door looks could be used also? If so, find a donor Blazer with keys and take all 3 items out.
Well, I've actually made a little progress this spring. Finally got the rust free fenders on and the header panel replaced. I've been driving it alot and I'd much rather be multicolored over rusty and busted. I'll update with some pics soon. Less than a week after I changed those parts, I picked up a good hood for $25. I'll get that on sometime soon also. I've been browsing around on here and other sites again and it's re-sparking my ambition a little.
The 267 keeps running so good that my motor plans are on hold. I've been driving my wagon daily and that's about 90 miles. First thing that might get done in that department is something with the exhaust. I'm tired of hearing the fan over the exhaust. We'll see how that tired little V8 sounds with the flow opened up a little.
I'm hoping I keep on it and the slow progress continues.
The 267 keeps running so good that my motor plans are on hold. I've been driving my wagon daily and that's about 90 miles. First thing that might get done in that department is something with the exhaust. I'm tired of hearing the fan over the exhaust. We'll see how that tired little V8 sounds with the flow opened up a little.
I'm hoping I keep on it and the slow progress continues.
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