My 78 Malibu Build Thread.

[78FLMalibu]

Well, Here it is...My 78 2 Dr Malibu. My son and I were out joyriding one day (isn't that how all good finds happen?) and came across this car. After talking to the owner who was in need of cash to help out a friend, I picked her up for $475. The former owner wasn't sure if she would make the 20 mile trip to my house, but she did, with no problem, aside from a real soft brake pedal.

Here is was when I got it.

Cleaned her up a bit, and decided to look at the engine code. The VIN said it was supposed to have a L6 in it. The prior owner thought it was a 305. the engine code under the alternator said SUF

Turns out its a L69 305HO from a 84 Monte SS. I wondered why it seemed so good of a runner. I think for once I made out. I am a bit puzzled on the Holley carb, as I never worked on them. I have a friend who says they are a good carb. I personally am thinking TPI on it...

Then I started cleaning her a bit...looks better now for sure...

I have done some more work, and this is what we have now. I think the mirrors are wrong. I took the Holley off and replaced it with a quadrajet. Even that one is giving me crap, so hopefully at next months swap meet I will find something.

Found a replacement dash in the local pick n pull for 25 bucks. Also got most of the trim. I love that place!

There will be much more to come...

Shawn

 

[gbodydude]

nice project,good luck with it.and keep us posted with pic's

 

[ElCamMan515]

Welcome to the site! The Mirrors are sport mirrors and are correct for that year car, ive got a 1980 el camino and have sport mirrors. Good Luck With Your Project And Keep Us Posted! Have Fun Working On It With Your Son! My Elky Is still A Father Son project, Me being the Son!

 

[tc1959]

Thanks for posting, good to see another 78 being brought back from the dead.
I purchased mine in 1982 and still want to make it better. My wife calls it "the money pit"

 

[Phoenyx]

Wow nice find for that price. Can't wait to see your progress.

 

[maddog20_20]

Nice find!!!

The carb on the engine looks like a quadrajet if so they are very easy to rebuild and adjust.

 

[78FLMalibu]

Here's a quick update...it's 11/26/10.

Been tinkering with the engine bay. Went to a swap meet here (its every month) and found a few things...

Grabbed this rebuilt Q-jet off a guy who was packing up for the day...Got it for only $40. Not too bad on that.

In the picture, you can see the new distributor with super coil, the Mallory wires, and My son acquisitioned the chrome air cleaner and valve covers for his 3rd gen camaro. The alternator is High output and the sport mirrors came off a 79 Malibu wagon. Grand total of all this...135.00. I should call this a budget build...

All my interior parts from a donor Monte Carlo...I think it was a 87. All I need now are the seats and the carpet.

Much more to come...

Shawn

 

[supercrackerbox]

You sure it's a '78? Those are '79 tail lights.

 

[Blake442]

The grille is '78. The taillights and 1/4 extentions were probably swapped when it was painted.

The VIN knows for sure...

 

[79loserbluebu]

You will need to find the top rear interior trim panels from a donor Malibu, the Monte's and Malibu's are different sadly. Love the progress so far though.