MALIBU The 81 budget build

[finkous]

Well after a few years of snooping thru this forum, I feel as if i need to start my own tail wagon thread... i guess a place to show what I’ve been doing in my spare time when I can focus on my ride.

Some of you know what I’ve been doin already, but for those tuning in for the first time, heres a quick recap...

Bought a perfectly running 1981 malibu wagon in very clean shape, and from there have been slooowly making my wagon ideas come to life.
- replaced tired 305 with a GM crate 370hp 350 to increase smile on acceleration
- installed cowl hood to show i still have a hint of “cool factor”
- tinted windows to keep that hint of “cool factor”
- replaced broken factory stereo with new one so i have something to listen to besides the wife

Altho theres a list of things to do and want, this is where this thread begins...
This was taken shortly after buying car and the cowl hood installed

 

[finkous]

Last winter and repainted the tailgate and added a little personality

 

[finkous]

Lately Ive removed the spare wagon body from its frame. I’ve been tossing the idea of restoring this frame with all the things i wanna do, all in while i am still driving the car

 

[Streetbu]

That's a great idea. The whole swap process will usually take much longer the expected. This way some of the work is already done. Ask me how I know... LOL

 

[Longroof79]

Lookin' good, Dana.
I like your bumper sticker....
Keep us updated on what you're up to. I do like the idea of restoring the spare frame and upgrading it....then swapping your body back on it.
I would've liked to have done the same thing years back when I had access to a replacement frame, but my car was still being used as a daily driver.
That would be the opportune time to replace all the steel lines, etc.

 

[finkous]

Well with the covid, quarantines and being laid off, what better time to put some love into the wagon... I managed to find some near perfect rims and tires for a great price. I’ve had some 3” drop springs layin under the bench for some time now and decided to throw them in. But now that they’re in, i dont like the ride so i ordered some spindles and rear springs to get it back down with a better ride...

 

[finkous]

Figured I might as well put in the power vent windows I’ve been keepin on the shelf for a while now too, ill be taking them in for tint next week and then i can put them in.

 

[finkous]

I’ve been tossing the idea of replacing the back hatch glass with a non defog glass and maybe removing the wing, so if anybody has the non grid glass and hinges with no perch for sale, I’d love to talk to ya

 

[michmalibuman]

Nice, The frame thing is a great idea.

 

[Longroof79]

Lookin' good, Dana.
Don't be a stranger. Keep us in tune...