About to purchase an 82 Malibu 4 door sedan.

[driveit]

Hello, my name is Chris.

I am currently restoring a 74 Chevelle, but I am about to purchase an 82 Malibu 4 door sedan. It has a 3.8 6 banger with a TH350 Non lock trans. I am not sure about the gears. I am hoping to make it into a daily driver. I have been told that they get anywhere from 17-30 mpg. That is quite a large gap. If anyone have any input on that please let me know.

The plan for now which may change, is as follows:

Exterior:
Satin black.
Chrome blacked.
Lowered a bit in the front to give it a little rake.
New wheels and tires.
Windows tinted.
Front and rear spoiler.
Possible change over to monte front bumper.

Interior:
Changed to black.
Convert to round gauges.
Change to bucket seats.
Add center console and switch to floor shift.

Suspension:
Update front discs, rotors, calipers and brake lines as needed.
New Shocks.
New Springs.
Add front and rear sway bar.

Engine:
Update, flush and tune as needed.

This is the plan so far, but I haven't even bought it yet. Cart before the horse? I hope not!

Let me know what you think.

 

[BMR Suspension]

Welcome to the Site Chris!

 

[driveit]

Thanks for the welcome. Are there many 4 doors on the site?

 

[joesregalproject]

Sounds cool, I always liked the iraqi taxis. I wish my Regal could be a daily driver, but it's too much of a princess car lol. Have fun with it!

 

[clean8485]

Welcome to the site. Sounds like an interesting project.
I have one of the '81 Iraqi Malibus. I'm hoping to eventually build it into a V6/5 speed car. Something that's fun to drive, without hitting me too hard at the gas pump.
Which Monte front bumper are thinking about switching to? If you're thinking about a Monte SS front nose, it won't fit. The Monte nose is wider than your Malibu. GM did use that style of front nosepiece on the mid '80s El Camino SS, and it will fit on the front of a Malibu. I believe that Honest Charley's still sells the kit to convert a Malibu to the El Camino SS nose, if you're interested.
What kind of spoiler were you thinking about for the rear of the car?
I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the blackout look. I guess I'm from a different generation. I prefer a vehicle with some shine and some bling on it. To me, satin black reminds me of a vehicle that's unfinished. To each their own though.
Good luck with your car. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Blake442]

Welcome!

I wouldn't expect to see more than 17-20 mpg out of a 3.8 V6.
They're so anemic that they just have to work too hard to get rolling...

 

[driveit]

As far as the bumper I don't know. I will probably just keep what I have for now and look around to see what else is out there. I do like the Monte look, but it seems like that is the norm. Maybe I will try something a little different. I will probably do a Nice gloss black later when I have the funds to get some chrome added on.

I just added a 69 Camaro front and rear spoiler to my 74 Chevelle. It fits well, but would not match the lines on the 82 as it is more squared off.

If any of the images below belong to anyone here I hope you don't mind me using them.

I like the front end here. I think that the bumper is called the Smoothy.

I like the spoiler and rear bumper on this one.

I will probably get close the looks below in the Near future.

I will try and do a rendition of the car once I get it home and get some pics. Here is the one of my 74 with a few options and changes.

Oh and I forgot to mention. He did decide to let me have the car. I have been busting my butt helping him move a trailer and dig water lines. He said if I wanted it that I just needed to pay the transfer. Test driving to night hopefully!

 

[Longroof79]

Welcome Chris.
You can do a lot of subtle mods to a 4-dr. They make great sleepers and daily drivers.
Why not consider narrowing and tucking the bumpers? It keeps it almost stock looking with a subtle change. There is a bit of work involved, however.
Keep us up to date on your new acquisition.

BTW, the '74 is a cool body style. I like them with the Laguna nose on them.

 

[driveit]

That is exactly my thoughts as well. Narrow and tuck. Maybe powdercoat them afterward. We shall see. I will keep everyone posted as often as I can. You deffinately need some more 4 doors on here. Not many examples out there that I can find. Only a few nice pics of 4 doors anywhere on the web. If anyone has any please post them so I can get some more ideas.

 

[gdouaire]

Yeah! 4-door are ok too 🙂