81 Malibu Project

[visualillusions]

Hello all! New to the forum. I've been browsing around for a while getting information here and there for my build and now I finally decided to start sharing a little. Bought my 1981 Malibu at the beginning of 2015, drove it for about a month, then took her apart to build her back up as my own. My goal is a protour/pro-daily on a budget. Here are a few pics of the progress so far and I'll keep up to date at the build comes along. Hope you enjoy!

 

[visualillusions]

A few more pics from the past few months

 

[V8 Rumble]

Pics look like like mine when I was doing my bu. What are you doing for you drivetrain and suspension?

Looking forward to seeing the final product

 

[liquidh8]

looking good

 

[visualillusions]

Pics look like like mine when I was doing my bu. What are you doing for you drivetrain and suspension?

Looking forward to seeing the final product

thanks! For drivetrain I'm going to use the motor it came with, SBC 350 30 over but I plan on going through and freshen up, Holley EFI for fuel, 700R4 for the trans. Using the 7.5 rear. I already put Yukon LSD and 28 spline moser axels with new bearings and seals.

Suspension, All UMI in the back. Front, a combination of Beltech and UMI. 3/2 drop. Nothing fancy like coilovers, yet

 

[visualillusions]

Got my tires today! 285 30 20 and 235 40 18 Falken fr453s. Now to decide on wheels...

 

[oldtinsmith]

visualillusions, welcome from Bay County, Michigan. Very nice ride you're working on!

Doug

 

[Longroof79]

Welcome aboard!
Looks like it's coming together nicely. Keep up the good work.

Btw, what's the green machine in the background? Looks like an early '50's Chevy of some sort..

 

[visualillusions]

Welcome aboard!
Looks like it's coming together nicely. Keep up the good work.

Btw, what's the green machine in the background? Looks like an early '50's Chevy of some sort..

Thanks! And yes, it's my 51 deluxe I picked up a few years ago for a steal. A "someday" project.

 

[Longroof79]

Hey, thanks for sharing the pic of your '51 sedan. What's your plans for it? I came close to buying a '50-'51 Chevy sedan delivery several years back. I almost wish I had.
I saw a 4-dr like yours customized in one of my old magazines..I know 4-drs aren't usually the choice of customizers and hot rodders, but this car came out beautifully.
These cars were quite popular back in the day.