Couple of questions from a newbie

[Daddywagon]

Hey all,

I've got a 79 malibu wagon that I'm looking to get into "Headturning" shape. It's not a pos but its far from something to brag about at this point. Got the basic 305, a cheap white paint job over what I've discovered was a pretty sweet chocolate and peanut butter two tone, and decent exterior/interior that needs a few band aids here and there. I'll get some pics up shortly...just haven't thought to grab my camera before heading into work. Anyhow, I've kinda skimmed through the previous post to see that I'm not alone in some of the problems I need to fix on my new toy.

#1) Rear frame arms are pretty much rotted to crap. Luckily, I found a set that are in good shape and just need to be welded on. So that's almost a non-factor.

#2) Got a few spots that are eaten through (damn Nebraska weather can eat a car alive) on the doors and roof. The doors I'm wondering if I should just try to find replacements at the local yards or try to save them. Does anyone know if the rear doors from the 4 dr sedans will fit on our wagons? Found a couple of them in great condition but seller isn't sure if they'll fit right.

The roof spots are from the bolt holes for the roof rack. They aren't too bad, probably will just plug em and bondo over it. Unless somebody has a better suggestion.

#3) What's the best place to get replacement weather stripping? I have none on the drivers door so I hate when it rains. but I figure I might as well replace all four so I know they are good.

 

[Carlola]

if your welding the rails yourself or have a friend then its ok, but still a huge pain in the *ss and is damn expensive if paying for labour. Ebaymotors has all the weatherstrip kits from various brands.

 

[Blake442]

The lower shell of the rear doors are the same between Chevy & Pontiac 4-doors and wagons. Buick and Olds are different.
The whole window frame is different. If you're not afraid of welding, you can make it happen.
If you don't want to tackle removing and replacing the window frame, you can always use the sedan doors for patches on your existing doors.

Bondo is no way to fix holes on your roof.
Cut out the rusted area and either weld in a patch of fresh metal, or you can also use 3M panel bonding adhiesive as a good alternative.
Since it has to come out to keep from starting a fire, that would be a great time to replace your headliner that is probably falling/already fell like other G-bodies.

I got a pretty good deal on seals for my front and rear doors from rockauto.com.
The seals are from Metro Molded, and I was pretty happy with how they fit.

 

[Longroof79]

Blake pretty much covered it. Here's another source for weatherstripping. http://www.dannoenterprises.com/
Make sure your replacement rear frame rails are in fact from a wagon. They're different than other models.

Post some pics of your wagon and the problem areas.

 

[81Regal]

Depending on what part of Neb you are in, I can pull you a set of front and rear doors from a 82 Malibu wagon that would have to be picked up in NW Iowa.

 

[Daddywagon]

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll check out the websites for my weather stripping. And I get it...NO BONDO. :lol:

I'm in Omaha.