BUILD THREAD DEFIANCE

[Danginharl]

Well after spending most of Friday and part of Saturday cleaning and organizing my garage, I finally found the floor and the frame. I was able to finish stripping of all the bolt on suspension parts and get it down to the bare bones.
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I started to get the paint/undercoating off so I can begin to touch up the welds and make a few more tweaks to the frame. It does come off fairly easy but will take time to do the entire frame. I have a local shop pricing out the cost to give it a quick blast. If it's too much I may try a paint stripper. My biggest concern is trying to get the existing welds clean. I do not want any of the paint stuck into the low spots that I cannot get out with the wire brush.

Winter is coming and that means more time to spend in the garage.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Rktpwrd]

It's looking good Matt. With the body off and all the components removed and everything cleaned up, it's much easier to see all the chassis improvements the PO already made to it. And they appear to be quite extensive.
What further improvements or changes to you plan on doing to it?
When you're done, what are your plans for the finish on it (ie paint, powder coat etc)?
Nice to see you getting geared up for the winter season!

 

[Danginharl]

I plan to clean up all of the welds. It was left pretty much untouched since welding, there is a lot of spatter and ugliness. I want it to have a more finished look. As far as frame coating, I think powder coat will be beyond my budget. I need to research frame coatings and see what is available. I want to stay away from the standard black and try to draw some attention to the frame after it is put back together.

Most of the common reinforcements have been made. The only spot I want to add is on the rear between the frame side upper control arm mount and frame side lower control arm mount. Like the picture below from UMI.

I will also need to notch the front part of the frame for the LS A/C compressor as I want to retain the stock 5.3l location and accessory brackets. I may also have to notch the front cross member to allow the truck pan to fit where I want the engine to sit. I think I will be ok as I plan to set the engine as far back as possible.Other than that it will be mostly clean-up and paint.

 

[Rktpwrd]

I plan to clean up all of the welds. It was left pretty much untouched since welding, there is a lot of spatter and ugliness. I want it to have a more finished look. As far as frame coating, I think powder coat will be beyond my budget. I need to research frame coatings and see what is available. I want to stay away from the standard black and try to draw some attention to the frame after it is put back together.

Most of the common reinforcements have been made. The only spot I want to add is on the rear between the frame side upper control arm mount and frame side lower control arm mount. Like the picture below from UMI.
View attachment 43503

I will also need to notch the front part of the frame for the LS A/C compressor as I want to retain the stock 5.3l location and accessory brackets. I may also have to notch the front cross member to allow the truck pan to fit where I want the engine to sit. I think I will be ok as I plan to set the engine as far back as possible.Other than that it will be mostly clean-up and paint.

Good call on the control arm braces, I have those on mine as well. Have you considered Holley's LS musclecar oil pan rather than notching the crossmember for the truck pan?
Just a thought...

 

[Danginharl]

Good call on the control arm braces, I have those on mine as well. Have you considered Holley's LS musclecar oil pan rather than notching the crossmember for the truck pan?
Just a thought...

Yes, I know what's available. From my research it seems like a truck pan will fit, but may sit too low. I have two engines with the truck pan on, that's the only reason I want to try and make it work. Plus I believe they have a little higher oil capacity. Cost wise it will definitely be cheaper to notch than replace. I would rather spend the $ where they will really count. 🙂

 

[Danginharl]

I've decided to put the frame work on hold and move my Malibu Wagon into the garage for now. I was trying to sell it, but after being insulted by a few low-ball offers, it has inspired me to keep it and make it even better. I haven't decided on what my plan is yet, but I know there are a few smaller things that I want to do. I should probably update my Wagon build thread as I never really put much into it. Off to the other thread!

 

[liquidh8]

Yes, another long roof thread to follow!

 

[Danginharl]

It appears my original thread has been locked. I will start a new one. Here is the original thread.
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/danginharls-1980-malibu-wagon-project.37601/

 

[liquidh8]

Just ask Steve, gp403, too unlock it.