BUILD THREAD A Teenager and His Malibu Wagon.

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
G-Body of the Month
Oct 14, 2008
12,156
9,762
113
Gainesville, Fl
I see that you had it covered in that thread,. That looks good on there. It would probably look good widened. Hopefully it wouldn't be too much trouble.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

oldsmobile joe

Royal Smart Person
Nov 12, 2015
2,067
3,053
113
mpls
Here is a pic of a square body air dam that i just put on my G wagon. This is the 5"unit from a 4x4. 4" is also available from 2wd. Stock ride height.
20220914_162244.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users

melloelky

Comic Book Super Hero
Oct 22, 2017
4,136
9,486
113
mass
If that's mounted to the bottom of the bumper won't that stop the air from hitting the stock deflector on the bottom of the radiator support that funnels the air through the radiator? 🤔
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

oldsmobile joe

Royal Smart Person
Nov 12, 2015
2,067
3,053
113
mpls
If that's mounted to the bottom of the bumper won't that stop the air from hitting the stock deflector on the bottom of the radiator support that funnels the air through the radiator? 🤔
Correct, it's mounted to the bottom of the bumper. the bumper is off of an 80 cutlass coupe and have additional air slots between the bumper and grills. I just put this on yesterday on the wagon. My son is my test pilot for this vehicle and will let me know if something changes.

As a side note, my gmc cabellero hasn't had that factory air deflector for years with no ill affect.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users

BlairC_789

Apprentice
Jun 18, 2021
94
248
33
North Carolina
Correct, it's mounted to the bottom of the bumper. the bumper is off of an 80 cutlass coupe and have additional air slots between the bumper and grills. I just put this on yesterday on the wagon. My son is my test pilot for this vehicle and will let me know if something changes.

As a side note, my gmc cabellero hasn't had that factory air deflector for years with no ill affect.
That looks awesome. I’m planning on doing the same except extending the sides to go reach the wheel well. Also plan on doing some ducting work integrated into the air dam for cooling. Maybe fog lights mounted on it too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

BlairC_789

Apprentice
Jun 18, 2021
94
248
33
North Carolina
I could've swore I made an update about a month or two ago, but then I remembered I typed out an entire draft and after saving the draft it deleted itself the next time I got onto my computer and I think I got frustrated. Soooo here's the long over due update. This time ill do it in multiple posts just in case the draft deletes again.
Interior Time!
I remember I spent a very long time doing the write on the draft for this but I don't think I'm going to do that over again. So if you have any questions on how I did something just send a message or reply.
With the door panels I am going to match it to my custom headliner. Going to change the interior color to black and grey as well.
I had some vinyl fabric laying around from doing the seat on my brothers f100 and I decided to incorporate it along with the headliner fabric I used into the door panels
I started by gutting the old door panels and sketching out my design.
I replaced the old press board that the upper door panel metal piece connects too. I used some hard board I got from Lowes to connect the new board back to the metal I used 3 flush rivets.
Door Panel Upholstery
I used (I believe) 1/4" fabric backed upholstery foam. (this is called Scrim Foam)
Using 3M Super 90 spray adhesive I glued down my first layer of fabric, then I stitched a simple lined pattern into it the fabric.
After that I laid down my vinyl fabric and using the red clips you see in the pictures to hold my fabrics in place and the folded edge down. These clips are better than using pins in some situations like when using vinyl's because you dont have to pierce holes into your fabric.
IMG-4599.jpg
IMG-4602.jpg
IMG-4689.jpg

I then ran a decorative stitch down the vinyl along the patterned fabric. After this I took the metal/hard board piece and glued down the foam down to it. I finally took the vinyl fabric and sprayed with the the adhesive and glued it down to the foam while pulling it tight around the corners. I then cut my holes for the power window3 switch and the little lock popper knob. I also purchased the 4 Door/Wagon Window Sweeps from Dixie Restoration. Put them onto them onto the newly upholstered panel. I also put the window sweeps on the outside of the windows, ill put the rest on the inside when I get to upholstering the other doors. They fit great although the front outside window sweep is maybe 1/2" too short ,but nothing to cry about.
Plastic Painting
For the plastic panels I sanded the rough stuff down and what was flaking off. Used a scotch brite to finish up the sanding. Wiped down with some lacquer thinner and then used SEM 15013 Landau Black, and SEM 13023 Low Luster Clear. Sprayed 4 or 5 light coats of black and then came back and did 2-3 coats of clear. I got really good coverage although I realized I should've done better with the sanding because even the small raised areas showed a lot. Ill probably redo this panel again later but for now Ill keep this in mind as I do the rest of the panels.
IMG-4691.jpg
IMG-4862.jpg
IMG-5635.jpg

The panels and new upholstered top pieces look great. I have yet to do the back doors but ill make another post about doing them as well. Ill also have to do the rest of the trim pieces inside the car but that will come soon. I bought a case of 6 black cans and 3 clear cans, I might need to get a couple more later.
I think I mentioned this in a past post but I picked up a black carpet that was brand new in the box for cheap that someone was going to use in their car before they sold it.
I also got a black full dash cover for my birthday from my parents as well! (yet again this will be done later :cautious:)
Also looking for a set of 4 black door handles! dark grey may work as well.
 
  • Like
  • Winner
Reactions: 9 users

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
G-Body of the Month
Oct 14, 2008
12,156
9,762
113
Gainesville, Fl
Nice work, Blaire.
I commend you on your do-it yourself approach and attitude. I like the design, it's got a little of the southwestern flair to it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

mclellan83

Comic Book Super Hero
Jun 27, 2017
4,204
9,304
113
Pgh, PA
Good job on the door panel, why didn't you just try painting the handle for the time being since you have so much black? When I redid mine similar to yours I just repainted everything to make it look fresher
20200507_170446.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users

BlairC_789

Apprentice
Jun 18, 2021
94
248
33
North Carolina
I was thinking about doing it but they are in good condition and are not faded. Was maybe thinking I could sell them to someone who needs that color.
But if I can’t find any I probably will just paint them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

SS_Malibu

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
Sep 27, 2021
1,130
1,973
113
Mesa, AZ
Your wagon has come a long way since you got it. Us old timers are really liking your passion for your ride. Keep the updates coming. We all enjoy them.
 
  • Agree
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor