GBOTM Congratulations maleigh78! May 2024 G-Body of the Month
- Thread starter GP403
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Here are a few more pictures for those that were interested. I have owned my Blue 78 Malibu for around 26 years, but this one I have only owned for going on 4 years. I bought it through a Charity auction out of California sight unseen. But I could tell it was a nice original car. Once it was shipped here I found paper work in the trunk with box full of 1981 Malibu repair guides. I was able to track the names of the owners down and confirm it was a one owner car that had been garaged its whole life. It has had some panels repainted at some point in its life, but still retains all its original weatherstripping and window sweeps. I did go through the car the first year. New shocks, springs, wheels/tires, rebuilt front end, and all fluids changed. I did replace the carpet since it was kind of falling apart. It was odd, I have had maybe 15 Malibu's over the years and never seen carpet like was in this one. Also dyed two different lower door panels since the originals were chewed up from like a small dog. The plan has always been to put the drivetrain from the 78 into this one. I have had a 6.0 ls based engine to put into the 78 for around 7 years. Just have never got around to doing the swap. Its hard to pull a car apart that is perfectly fine. But i did get a good deal on 383 from my uncle last year so hopefully I find the time to put that engine in the 81 for now. I love that its original but the 3.8 and 2.41 rear gears are so bad. This car could barely pull out into traffic. I have changed the rear to a 3.73 geared rearend from a Monte SS. That helped a lot but I dont think the little 3,8 can take a whole lot of that gear. Anyways that is a little history on my 81. Thanks again for the votes.
Great story to go with a nice original car. Some good info too.
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