I have been looking for a g body malibu on and off for years. I bought a 78 project car about 6 years ago but quickly discovered that without a shop, which I didn't have, I had bitten off way more thanI could chew. After several months of working and and spending money on it, I gave it to a friend who is basically stroing it. One day we will make a street legal bracket racer out of it.
Anyway, I quickly realized that the best way for me to get a car I could be happy with was to buy one already running but not finished and make it into what I wanted. So that was my plan. Every month I put a little money aside and after a couple of years, started looking for my Malibu. I had to start looking farther and farther from where I live because the drag and circle track guys started snapping them up, gutting them and racing em. Once their done with the car, it's no good for the street.
So I'm looking on Graig's List about three weeks ago and I come across this 79 in Ashville, North Carolina. It's black, the paint is new, most of the interior has been refreshed or replaced and it has most of the major modifications I want already done. The only thing it doesn't have is A/C and heat. I call the guy and we start the "buy it" dance. We settle on a price on Monday, I fly to Ashville Tuesday morning. Look at the car, fork over a pile of $100 bills, climb in the car and drive it home to Baton Rouge. About 1,100 miles in about 16 hours. I get home at 0530 am Wednesday morning.
I have spent the last week getting to know the car. I like most of what I am finding but am disappointed in a couple of things. I'll start with them first.
The car was painted about a year ago. They did a fairly good job of painting but did a less than spectacular job of prepping the car. Car looks good but if you know what you're looking for, you can see the flaws. Soemwhere down the line I'l have it redone but it won't be soon. The other thing I'm not happy about is the electrical. 95% of the wiring is bone stock. However, there are a couple of places where they tapped into the harness that cause side issues. Nothing major and I'll list them later.
Now for the good stuff. It goes like this:
Color: Black on black. Pretty much all new.
"Mini Tubbed"
2 1/2" Dual Exhaust: (Brand new") Turn out right behind back tires.
1 5/8" Shorty Headers
4.10 Richmond gears
Auburn posi unit
Moser 28 spline axles
Girdled differencial cover
350 engine Roller cam. World Products 2.02 - 1.6 heads. 750 carb
Turbo 350 trans
Four core radiator Electric fan
Mid 70s GM rally wheels Back 275 60 15s on 8 X 15 rims Front 235 60 15s 0n 7 X 15 rims (all new)
I just finished go through all the lighting, replacing all bulbs and socketws where needed. Tomorrow I get it inspected so I can drive it without worrying about getting stopped. When thats done I will take her somewhere and see what she can do.
Let you know how that turns out. Posted some pics below. I'll add to them as time goes on.
Anyway, I quickly realized that the best way for me to get a car I could be happy with was to buy one already running but not finished and make it into what I wanted. So that was my plan. Every month I put a little money aside and after a couple of years, started looking for my Malibu. I had to start looking farther and farther from where I live because the drag and circle track guys started snapping them up, gutting them and racing em. Once their done with the car, it's no good for the street.
So I'm looking on Graig's List about three weeks ago and I come across this 79 in Ashville, North Carolina. It's black, the paint is new, most of the interior has been refreshed or replaced and it has most of the major modifications I want already done. The only thing it doesn't have is A/C and heat. I call the guy and we start the "buy it" dance. We settle on a price on Monday, I fly to Ashville Tuesday morning. Look at the car, fork over a pile of $100 bills, climb in the car and drive it home to Baton Rouge. About 1,100 miles in about 16 hours. I get home at 0530 am Wednesday morning.
I have spent the last week getting to know the car. I like most of what I am finding but am disappointed in a couple of things. I'll start with them first.
The car was painted about a year ago. They did a fairly good job of painting but did a less than spectacular job of prepping the car. Car looks good but if you know what you're looking for, you can see the flaws. Soemwhere down the line I'l have it redone but it won't be soon. The other thing I'm not happy about is the electrical. 95% of the wiring is bone stock. However, there are a couple of places where they tapped into the harness that cause side issues. Nothing major and I'll list them later.
Now for the good stuff. It goes like this:
Color: Black on black. Pretty much all new.
"Mini Tubbed"
2 1/2" Dual Exhaust: (Brand new") Turn out right behind back tires.
1 5/8" Shorty Headers
4.10 Richmond gears
Auburn posi unit
Moser 28 spline axles
Girdled differencial cover
350 engine Roller cam. World Products 2.02 - 1.6 heads. 750 carb
Turbo 350 trans
Four core radiator Electric fan
Mid 70s GM rally wheels Back 275 60 15s on 8 X 15 rims Front 235 60 15s 0n 7 X 15 rims (all new)
I just finished go through all the lighting, replacing all bulbs and socketws where needed. Tomorrow I get it inspected so I can drive it without worrying about getting stopped. When thats done I will take her somewhere and see what she can do.
Let you know how that turns out. Posted some pics below. I'll add to them as time goes on.
