The 1981-to-1979 malibu rebuild

[Longroof79]

In any case, you know you're going to get good work from these guys rather than some run of the mill production body shop.

Keep us updated. I think it's going to be one nice ride when it's done. What's your general plan for the car...and color.

 

[t01blaze]

In any case, you know you're going to get good work from these guys rather than some run of the mill production body shop.

Keep us updated. I think it's going to be one nice ride when it's done. What's your general plan for the car...and color.

I'm stopping by again tomorrow to give them some more money to keep moving forward. I'll get updated on the progress they made yesterday and today and more on the next phase in the restoration.

The color is going to be 1981 Malibu light blue, or code 21. Single color, base coat clear coat job.

The plans for the car have changed a lot since I was 15. First, I wanted to cut it all up and build an all out race car, and then hopefully it would be 25 years old when I was done and I could get historic plates and put it on the street. Now, I just want a nice, clean, original looking street car. The car is going to be a very low optioned base model car. Manual everything, no passenger side mirror, and I'm losing the chrome trim on the wheel wells and along the trunk lid and tail light fillers. Just like the '81 was when I had it.

I'm not going to use the aluminum bumper mounts, fiberglass bumpers or trunk lid anymore.

I was going to do a small block, but now I'm looking for a 1970-1989 Mark IV 454 standard deck motor. Plan is for a .060" overbore and 4.25" stroke = 496 cid. I want a real healthy street motor with lots of torque. The engine doesn't need to rev to 7,000 RPM, a peak power 4,700 RPM limit is ok, I just want a nice flat 600 ft/lbs torque curve from the time I let the clutch out to redline. Trans is going to be an Autogear super case M22 and I have already started collecting 4 speed parts. I'm going to use the GSI hydraulic clutch pedal with a 4th gen F body clutch master and a hydraulic throw out bearing. For the rear I'm looking at either a 9" or Dana 60.

I actually found a car on Youtube that is EXACTLY what I'm dreaming of building. He's a member over on the MR forum, and this is a video of his car. Our cars will be like twins. :shock:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pi1tAqMcBU

 

[Longroof79]

When you mentioned a big block Malibu that particular color, I immediately thought of Speedkills. That's truly a nicely done Malibu. I'd say one of my favorites. The big block installation is as if it were factory installed. I think it's a great example for you to go by. He's also a member over here, and had won G-body of the month not too long ago.

I like your plans so far. That is a nice color...good choice. My fenders and 1-door were that color... :wink:
It sounds like you're trying to keep the body fairly stock looking.

The shop doing the work seems to be moving right along. Good luck with your progress.

 

[t01blaze]

I stopped by today and I verified the paint color is correct. The car is almost ready for paint and should be finished soon.

I have a friend that does powder coating and left a pile of parts to be powder coated black.
Engine fan
Rear sway bar, brackets and shims
Front sway bar and brackets
Inner fender braces
Headlight buckets
Brake pedal
Throttle pedal
Steering column bracket, under dash brackets and ashtray bracket
Engine pulleys and brackets
Engine mounts
Front brake line brackets

I'm sure I'm missing some things.

 

[t01blaze]

I've been busy painting the interior trim dark blue with the SEM paint I bought earlier. I still have to do the dash cap and paint the dash and gauge bezel. I also need to find a dark blue steering wheel.

 

[drogg1]

Can I ask what specific color SEM paint you went with? That looks to be the color in my car and I have done a bunch of searching but have never found a correct match. It looks like it turned out well by the way.

 

[t01blaze]

http://www.npdlink.com/store/products/c ... -7487.html

I don't think its perfect but it's close enough for me.

Year Model
1980 - 1981 CAMARO
DARK BLUE
 
1981 - 1984 CHEVELLE
EL CAMINO AND MALIBU, NAVY BLUE
 
1972 - 1972 FIREBIRD
DARK BLUE
 
1980 - 1981 FIREBIRD
DARK BLUE

 

[t01blaze]

I stopped by again today to check on the progress of the car project. I'm also now going to be using the stock steel hood instead of the fiberglass hood. The fiberglass hood will take a lot of work to fit. They can do it no problem, but it's not worth it budget wise. They were able to re-work the existing quarter panel on the car and make it right. They were in the process tacking it in place when I entered the shop. At least I know they are doing it the right way, and I'm very satisfied with the quality of their work so far. 😀 They also got the floor and firewall painted black, the door jams and header panel are painted blue. There was also a really nice looking '79 ElCamino there getting the interior and dash redone. They had the new dash cap for the ElCamino resting over the trunk of my car. It's the same one I'm going to be using to repair my dash. I didn't get any pictures of the ElCamino, but I'm stopping by again tomorrow to drop off the steel hood and if the car is still there I will get a few pictures.

 

[t01blaze]

I got the car back in the garage today.

 

[Longroof79]

Lookin' good, man! 😀