78 Malibu project long time coming

[Streetbu]

Long time lurker. I'm mainly trying to absorb as much info as possible and decide the best route. Little back ground first. Bought this car in '94 when I was stationed in Georgia. My intent for it was for parts for my (at the time) daily driver 78 Malibu. I also had another '78 before that. Ended up my current car was in better shape than than the one I was driving. Swapped the drivetrain, a 283 and t350 trans, & a built a 3.42 geared 7.5" rearend. Drove it like that for about 2 years, until I got out of the Army and moved back to NY. Put it away for winter and bought a daily driver. It sat for a few years as life got in the way then I got it back out and started with little projects here and there. Ended up replacing the drivers side floor pan, passengers front floor pan, dash, carpet. I knew I had the typical G-bodys frame rot where the bushings meet the frame. Found this frame on Craigslist and decided now would be a good time. So I'll show some before pics and keep this updated as work progresses.

[Streetbu]

Starting point. Pic is from last summer before a local car show.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/0714120918_0001-1.jpg

"New" frame

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_20160124_185257806_zpsxmqpmocp-1.jpg

This is where I stopped for tonight. Top and sides are cleaned up, time to flip it over and do the bottom.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_20160130_175514903_zpskrpeugbr-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_20160130_175440801_zpswrwpowyb-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_20160130_175421173_zps8p4giupf-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Few interior shots.these were after the floor pans and before I replaced the dash.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/DSCF1534-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/DSCF1537-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/DSCF1538-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Making progress on the frame. My buddy came over with his plasma cutter and cut the rear frame rails in half so I can notch them for wider tires. Saved me a lot of time and cutoff wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160202_175430765_zpsqvjx14m0-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160202_172751894_zpsex4fleql-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/FB_IMG_1454456088127_zpszblb3odf-1.jpg

[Eric Howell]

Any chance you got the frame from a guy named Gary?

So what are your plans for it?

[Streetbu]

I did as a matter of fact. How do you know him? I'm cleaning and prepping this frame to go under my car and make the swap go a little quicker.

[twosaturns]

nice! I had a '78 malibu back in the day, got it as part of a deal for my '70 Nova. the malibu was white with a dark red interior, and 3 speed stick! looked great, slow as mud. had to get rid of it, couldn't afford to make it the way the wanted.

I always preferred the 78 of all the years of the metric malibus, just because of the taillights, lol. the sides of the tails are cut at an angle, all later years are squared off. that and the single headlights look great IMO.

[Streetbu]

Haha, That's the reason I love 78's too! First one I had was white with red bucket seats and console. Second was two tone silver and black with a black bench interior, then this one. This one used to be baby blue inside and out with a bench seat.

[Eric Howell]

I did as a matter of fact. How do you know him? I'm cleaning and prepping this frame to go under my car and make the swap go a little quicker.Yellowbullet.com is all over this guy.

[twosaturns]

Haha, That's the reason I love 78's too! First one I had was white with red bucket seats and console. Second was two tone silver and black with a black bench interior, then this one. This one used to be baby blue inside and out with a bench seat.

how long ago did you have the white one?

[Streetbu]

White one was back 1990, It only lasted about 2 years. Looked good at first, but was full of bondo and soon rotted away.

[Streetbu]

Yellowbullet.com is all over this guy.

I'm not on YB. Ive heard about some of the drama that goes on over there, I don't need it. Did he stiff people or something? Seemed nice to me when I dealt with him & picked up the frame.

[twosaturns]

White one was back 1990, It only lasted about 2 years. Looked good at first, but was full of bondo and soon rotted away.
that's funny; I was living on LI at that time, about 91 or 92 I helped a friend buy this 78 as his first car. bodywork was just done, appliance white, red interior w/ buckets, 3 speed stick, junkyard SBC. he couldn't ever get a hang of driving stick, so I wound up getting it, and then sold it again.

couldn't be the same car?

when I sold it it had Trans Am GTA grey buckets and rally wheels.

[Streetbu]

No, mine was an automatic... Plus I blew the engine and the trans was slipping bad. Tow truck driver took it to use the interior for his El Camino.

[Streetbu]

Was able to get one side done tonight. Hopefully do the other side tomorrow night.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160204_220009591_zpswgnbmlcf-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Finished up the second side. Now to finish cleaning the bottom of the frame and start painting it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160206_144832933_zpsnmziqz56-1.jpg

[Wraith]

Looks like great work.

[Streetbu]

Thank you!

[Eric Howell]

Man, you work fast. Looks good!
I'm not on YB. Ive heard about some of the drama that goes on over there, I don't need it. Did he stiff people or something? Seemed nice to me when I dealt with him & picked up the frame.
Not sure. Don't want to clog your thread with stupid BS.

[Streetbu]

Should've been faster but my back hasn't been co-operating the last few weeks. So I work a few hours then have to stop. Just picked my mess up, swept and have the frame back on stands. Going to finish cleaning the bottom of it tomorrow. Then I need to wipe it down with grease remover and start painting. That will make me feel like I actually accomplished something. Then comes the hard part, tearing the car apart to start the swap. LOL

[mikester]

WOW ! That looks great ! Moving right along. I dont know what youre using to paint the frame but you might want to try SEM Hot Rod black. I used it on my wagon and a ton of suspension parts. It dries to about an 80% gloss. Lays out nice too. Comes with paint, activator and reducer in the box.
And thats pretty funny that you wound up with Gary's frame. That poor guy is his own worst enemy. He took a lot of crap on YB.

[Streetbu]

The frame was the last thing he had at all. Even got a chance to look around his shop and there were no other parts :( Well I got the floor swept and the frame back on stands. Gotta take my son for some driving lessons today then try to finish cleaning the bottom of it. Hopefully start painting tomorrow night. I've been waiting on some parts, but they have been "delayed"... I hate waiting on slow, unresponsive, vendors. I'll update again with pics as soon as I accomplish something Hahaha

[CruizinKev]

love them g-body projects :twothumbs

[Streetbu]

Well my back has been bothering me so I haven't been working on it as much as I want or planned. I did go out tonight for a few hours and found that some area's I already cleaned were starting to get minor surface rust. Made the call to clean the whole front section of frame and put the first coat of paint on. Letting that dry now. I'll snag some pics and post them up tomorrow.

[Streetbu]

Snapped some pics finally. Going to try to clean more of the frame tonight and possibly finish painting the bottom.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160210_124106439_zpswg2don3k-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160210_124119955_zps1kilro7f-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

I finally received some reinforcement braces I ordered. These are welded to the frame and wrap around to support the rear lower control arm mount. I also have them for the upper mounts and will show detail of those when I install them. I need to find an old control arm. I noticed when I flipped them frame upside down, the right side mount had been hit at some point and was bent out of place. I had to cut one of the tabs off the frame and finessed the mount back into place. It's close now, but I'm sure it's still off a little. I dont want to weld the new braces into place then find out the mount is still out place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160211_191054969_zpsfe4hnpbv-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160211_222043356_zpsqastxdnk-1.jpg

Left side mount for comparison
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160211_222018925_zpsat4qtnmq-1.jpg

[mc84_zz4]

Congrats man! I can appreciate the amount of work that goes into 'just' cleaning up and painting the frame. I also dig garage builds the most.
:cheers:

[LS6 Tommy]

Looks great, Streetbu!

Tommy

[Streetbu]

Thank you! I'm not just cleaning the frame either. The factory welds left a little to be desired, so I'm smoothing the extra weld and splatter off, welding some places they missed, and generally deburring and smoothing the frame. It's not only for looks but makes it much nicer to work on when I have to. No more gouging your hand on weld spatter or sharp corners. It's a PITA that I hope is worth it!

[Streetbu]

I got the upper control arm support braces welded in this morning. Still need to figure out the lower mount that is bent before I weld those braces in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160213_115347179_zpsd9r7npqn-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Finally some updates. So I quit smoking on February 10th, it's been hard to be in the garage and not have one so I decided to remove myself from the temptation for a little bit. In addition I've been looking for a rear lower control arm so I could weld in the lower control arm reinforcements and repair the one damaged mount. Hopefully have one coming but decided to paint the rest of the bottom and sides of the frame so they don't keep getting surface rust on them in the mean time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160219_191951332_zpszxvrd4yd-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160219_192116904_zpsoijqjmwx-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Flipped the frame and welded in the body mount repair washers. Now to wipe the dust off and paint the topside. Then the real fun starts with the body swap.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160220_120538993_zpsu8phavmr-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160220_120558294_zpsb4pfdefs-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

I received the lower control arm today & just finished welding in the the lower support braces.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160225_203642789_zpsfxqx3nzi-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

I've been on a spending spree. Stainless brake lines, braided stainless brake hoses, Blazer spindles, and just today I ordered the Ridetech front a-arms and HQ coilovers. A few pics just keep everyone interested lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160227_092854297_zpsrbz50caj-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160225_193649749_zpswklai40k-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_20160225_193703540_zpspkaoc3cs-1.jpg

[godlemmy]

i'm interested to know if you have a part # for the ss braided brake lines on the front. i'm running blazer brakes and would like to upgrade to the braided lines.if no part# than maybe could give me the specs so i have an idea of what to look for. thanks. keep the build pix coming. looks great so far.

[Streetbu]

I'm using hoses for a g body. They are actually slightly longer than Blazer hoses. You have to use the Blazer hose bolts though. Russell part #692100

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160302_223654497_zpsvyqyuxy3-1.jpg

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[Streetbu]

Well I think everyone had the same idea. Use their tax return to buy car parts. Ridetech is behind on shipping because of the volume of orders. I guess that's a good problem to have if you're a business. LOL my fault for not ordering sooner so I'm stuck waiting for parts. Hopefully by the end of this week. I did get a few other parts in though.

My Brembo front brake rotors :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160305_111043851_HDR_zpsk7j5xdre-1.jpg

New backing plates for the Blazer spindles.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160306_122207775_zpsembhbtkc-1.jpg

And I was able clean out the garage and get my car out of storage before the lawn turns to mush.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160305_111115566_zpsjie9yrii-1.jpg

[CRCRFT78]

Who makes the LCA plates you welded up?

[Streetbu]

JT Racecraft. Quality product but took a little while for him to ship...

[Streetbu]

Well I just received my RideTech Tru-Turn setup, but was disappointed to see they back ordered the HQ coil overs and no one happened to mention that to me. Without the coil overs I can't put the a arms in as it will leave me stuck on jackstands. They say the middle of next week but lord knows if I tear into it and they don't show, then I'm really up a creek. As it is now, I can merely stand the chassis up on it's side and still use the garage. I don't want to risk damaging the a arms or the chassis with them all on but without the coil overs though. So I'm in a holding pattern waiting on parts. I can assemble the spindles and the a arms, get everything ready to go, but that shouldn't take very long at all. I'll post some pics of the arms tonight. They are VERY nice pieces!

[Streetbu]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160309_171431356_zpspiwjpjcn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160309_171532272_zpsrj9vttld-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Few other parts showed up later in the day. New center link, engine mounts, and the 36mm sway bar bushings.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160309_205434328_zpsapstybqe-1.jpg

[SSLance]

Hmmm... Nothing better than bolting fresh new parts on a clean structure... Good luck with the assembly.

[Streetbu]

Still have more coming too :) That will be the end of it for this year though, my wallet can't take any more!

[godlemmy]

Thanks for the part#s on the brake hoses.

[mikester]

I dont know if you were planning on doing this but repaint those motor mounts. I put a set on my wagon frame fresh out of the box. They were done in a really nice semi gloss black. Not even 6 months later the paint looked like crap. No primer. Im getting ready to take them off to redo them. Sucks because now the springs and control arms are in and I used grade 10.9 pinch lock nuts.

[Streetbu]

Thanks for the tip!

[Eric Howell]

On my S10s I tacked the nut inside the frame for the motor mounts. Forget if the G bodies are the same.

[Streetbu]

The stainless gas line and return line came in. Worked on getting them installed along with my stainless brake lines. Can't do any more on them until I get the car apart so I can swap the proportioning valve over.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160315_203900338_zpsna2dnwue-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160315_203929540_zpslgoiqvza-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Looks like I waited a little too long to order the suspension from RideTech. Fox still hasn't sent them the shocks and at the moment they have no idea when they will. UGHH. I'm stuck waiting at this point until I get them. I can't use the a-arms with any other coil over so I have no choice.

[Streetbu]

I'm still stuck in limbo, waiting on the front coil overs from Ridetech. They were supposed to be in on the 25th and shipped, but I guess never came in. Now the new date is 4/1.... We shall see.

[Donutboy97]

can't wait to see the rest of the build!! What part of Central NY you from? I'm From Rochester and there are a bunch of us that get together for shows from Buffalo, Rochester and Binghamton.

[Streetbu]

Just down the road from you in Skaneateles. I actually had to go to Rochester to buy the frame!

[Streetbu]

Happy days are here again! Look what the Fedex man brought today!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/ridetech_zpsxkufsdfq-1.jpg

[SSLance]

Woo Hoo!!!

[Streetbu]

Any tips on assembly Lance or just follow the instructions?

[SSLance]

Should be pretty basic... There is a trick if you have a longer 10" front spring like I do, but if your front springs are 8" they should slide right in.

It's all pretty basic stuff, if you run into any issues just holler here and I'll see it and help if I can.

[Streetbu]

Well I ran into the first snag. The lower A arms don't fit. I contacted Ridetech and they verified they are the correct ones. I have 9.25" between the lower control arm mounts, yet the new arms are 9". Had a friend check a stock a arm and he measure 9.25". Ridetech said I may have to slightly bend the mount since the factory rubber bushings squish where as the Delrin won't... Still doesn't seem right though. The width of each mount is correct for the bushings to fit, just the distance apart is off.

[SSLance]

This is a common issue, I had to deal with it much the same. The variances in the G Body frames are all over the place. I used a small jack screw like this to spread the inside rear ear forward a bit and then a couple of slight taps with a hammer to move the back ear forward.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/6NAY3_AS01mdmain-1.jpg

You don't want the arm to be tight in place, you want the arm to move freely up and down once the bolts are snugged up. Adjust the ears to make it so.

[Streetbu]

I'm wondering if I should just cut the whole mount off, bolt the arm into the front and rear mounts, then weld the rear mount back on...

[SSLance]

No no no...you don't need to be drastic like that. The ears will move pretty easily really. The screw jack will help move the front one cleaner (without bending it), you can probably pick one up locally or Amazon can get one to you pretty quickly.

[Streetbu]

Finally making some progress. Had to "massage" the lower rear mount for each control arm in order for them to fit. Right side is done by except for the coilover. Left side I still need to sandblast the spindle and assemble it. Hopefully have this portion all done this weekend. Then I can start disassembling the car!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_20160415_211951876_zpsu3dwdm17-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

I was able to get some more work done today. The front coil overs are finally installed!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_20160417_160208176_zps10ayedzr-1.jpg

Also picked this up to help with swap over :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_20160417_153707081_HDR_zps0gachcbx-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Well, got as far as I could on the bare frame, time to get cracking on the swap. I've been struggling to keep on schedule. The parts issues really backed me up, then I hurt my back and I'm still trying to recover. But onwards anyways! Had 5 body bolts break off, 2 spun. Both on the right side. Farthest back, and one in front of the rear tire. Bumpers are off, battery out of the trunk. That's as much as my back could handle today.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160515_203722932_zpsmkrcoct3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160515_203507208_zpso7fzhgzu-1.jpg

[SSLance]

Bummer about the bolts...On the broke ones, is there a stub still sticking out? This thing saved my bacon on mine.

http://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-16023-Drive-Extractor/dp/B00265M8N4

You crank it counter clockwise and it clamps down on the stud, the hard you crank, the harder it grips. Heat, penetrant and this baby got my stubborn bolt (#6 driver side) out.

[Streetbu]

Looks like there is. I'll snap some pic of the head with a necked down stub. At least I can get the body off then deal with them. Well except for the two I need to cut the floor open. Far right rear mount I already did, that was easy, other I need to remove the rear seat IIRC. I do have a set of the stud removers. I'm betting I'll need some heat too.

[Streetbu]

Trunk mount

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160516_195325292_zps84mzv74y-1.jpg

Right side under rear seat

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160516_195308160_zpsqrpotvbz-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Well I'm almost ready. Only thing left are the parking brake cable, fuel lines at the gas tank, and shifter then the body can come off. Someone mind running down the list of things to make sure I didn't miss something?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160524_202130899_zpsspe21yjp-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

I've been busy this morning!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160529_134115863_zps6dnstxqa-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160529_134213722_zpsne3z4w2y-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160529_134227219_HDR_zps7xa6q8wd-1.jpg

[SSLance]

Woo Hoo!

[Streetbu]

Yeah... what did I get myself into?! LOL kind of committed now though so there's no backing out. Here's the best and worst body mount bolts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_20160530_123128736_zpsjjahqsnu-1.jpg

[83rdracer]

Just a suggestion before you mount the body. You can really stiffen up the frame by boxing in the open sections along the sides. This really reduces a lot of chassis flex. Its a cheep, easy mod with big dividends.

Otherwise, great work and good luck.

[Streetbu]

Well decided I just needed to man up and suck the pain up otherwise I'll never get the car done. The wife helped and stayed with me to give me some company and fetch tools. Got the engine and trans out of the old frame, exhaust and rear end swapped to the new one. Few other little things to swap over then just fix the body where the mounts sit and bolt it all back together.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_20160723_152453720_HDR_zpsnrawisoc-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/received_10208045472208150_zps0akqlesi-1.jpeg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/received_10208045583810940_zpssq5amdzo-1.jpeg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/received_10208045694493707_zpsprno6fto-1.jpeg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/received_10208046145664986_zpsolkfun1p-1.jpeg

[SSLance]

What is that muffler setup? Can't say I've ever seen one like that on a G-body before. Cool that your wife helped you make some progress...

[Streetbu]

That is a Flowmaster kit for a Buick Grand National. Because I had lowered the car, and with the great roads in upstate NY, the normal two muffler system by the driveshaft would scrape on everything. This tucks way up underneath where the factory single system goes. Works great for me. Yes I'm very lucky my wife helps me out. My back has been giving me issues that why progress has slowed. Going for an MRI next week.

[Streetbu]

Well I have another update! Its basically that I have made zero progress due to my back. On the bright side, just got my first round of injections and slept for the first time in almost 37 hours... LOL so they are working so far haha hopefully get thru this and back to work on it. I need my garage back for other projects!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Glad to hear you're getting some rest. Dealing with pain tends to hamper hot rod progress, and no one needs that! Keep 'er going!

[Streetbu]

Well it's time for an update. My back continued to get worse, to the point I was only sleeping one to two hours a night. Had an MRI and found a herniated disc. Had surgery in September. I'm about 90% better. Now just trying to get my flexibility back. I finally accomplished something on my car since August and my back surgery! I know it's a small thing, but a huge victory for me. I enjoyed being out in the garage I wasn't in pain! I got the steering linkage on. Also picked up a little and sorted stuff out. Already have a shopping list for hardware I need to get at work tomorrow. Hopefully the updates will keep coming over the winter if all goes as planned.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_20170101_153834684_zpspmvqquju-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_20170101_153859894_zpsutqwthaa-1.jpg

[Wraith]

Sucks to hear about the back but great to hear you are making progress!

[796spdbu]

Great build! I like the progress! Where did you source the stainless lines from? I have a 79' Malibu that I'm redoing.

[Streetbu]

I bought them from Inline Tube. Very happy with them. If you order them off eBay thru them they are a tick cheaper for some reason.

[Streetbu]

In other news I was able to spend some time on the car today. Had a few small rust spots in the right rear wheel well that needed to be addressed. Cut out the offending areas and made patch panels. They were about 2"x6" and went right along the edge by the frame. Was working along, moving back and forth to spread the heat and realized there was a lot of smoke. Guess who forgot to remove the trunk carpet first? What a bonehead move. Little bit longer and I wouldn't have had a body to rebuild. SMH

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_20170129_150100149_zpsnv8ltgvg-1.jpg

[SSLance]

Wow!!! Glad you caught it in time!!!

[Streetbu]

Yeah so am I! LOL I felt like I had to post it even though I didn't want to look like an idiot. If it makes someone else be careful, or remember the little things, it was worth it.

[HotRod47]

That sucks, but everyone has done it at one time or another I believe. Love the build, keep pushing forward.

[Streetbu]

Well long time since I updated this thread. Back surgery really put a damper on things especially my motivation. I'm finally getting back into a normal routine. I also changed jobs since I posted last so I've been busy with that. Love my new job fabricating with plastic and stainless steel versus dealing with the public. Hahaha. Anyways. I had some rot to fix underneath the car. More than I anticipated. Had to cut out and replace the crossmember in front of the rear tires, and fix several other. Some just required being cut open so I could remove the captured nut and then remove the broken bolt. All but 4 mounts required some kind of repair. Ugh, I'm glad that's over with! On with the pics.

[Streetbu]

Brown truck came today with my tires. I'll be running 4 of these on 18x9.5 wheels. I'm in the garage now plugging away on the car. I also dropped a couple of engine accessory brackets off to be powder coated so I can switch to a serpentine belt setup.

[Wraith]

Brown truck came today with my tires. I'll be running 4 of these on 18x9.5 wheels. I'm in the garage now plugging away on the car. I also dropped a couple of engine accessory brackets off to be powder coated so I can switch to a serpentine belt setup.

I can't wait to see it sitting on those all around, awesome.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Agreed. Keep it movin'!

[Streetbu]

Thanks guys! Water pump came today, alternator will be here Monday. Powdercoated brackets should be done Wednesday. Had to order some misc hardware, that will be here about the same time. Now that I'm getting closer to putting the body back on, I'm also getting more excited and interested in the project again. Wife said all she wants for her birthday is a ride in the car. That gives me until mid July. Oh and Ben, I stole your wheel idea, once I get some $ I'm going to order the Vision Torque 18x9.5's :)

[Streetbu]

Well we had our taxes done and I knew we were going to owe. Luckily we didn't owe as much as I had saved for so I was able to order the wheels! Also had two brackets for the accessories powder coated. That's starts another story though. For now, here's a pic of the wheels I ordered. 18x9.5 :D

[Ben@SpeedTech]

My son bought those for his car, painted them black and ran NT555 Nitto 275s on 'em. With the fender lips rolled it was a tight squeeze but worked. For the price they seemed like a good wheel, I like the deep lip look. After a while he didn't like the shape of the spokes how they curve back in at the hoops so he's getting new ones but I thought they looked decent. I'm thinking of getting these in a 20x9.5 for when I drop my 77 Suburban. Can't wait to see 'em on the 'Bu!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/NcGtltv-1.jpg

[Streetbu]

Thanks! His car is where I got the idea from! Did he have to use any spacers? Seems like 5.25" bs on the front is going to be tight. On the rear I should be ok since I notched the frame

[Streetbu]

Well it's been awhile since I updated the thread so I give the highlights. I upgraded to Vortec heads which I installed Comp Cams retainers and LS6 springs on. Used 1.6 ratio full roller rockers, new Edelbrock intake which I had powdercoated, serpentine belt set up also powdercoated, and coated headers... Much more work and $ than I anticipated but well worth it in the end.



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I wanted to start the engine before I dropped the body back down just in case I messed something up. Of course no cooling system so I could only run it for a very short time.

https://youtu.be/6TzSfYeTAYE

- - - Updated - - -

Then this happened today :D


https://youtu.be/JxusHeq2bPE

[Malubu795]

Nice!

[Streetbu]

Well a lot of progress has been made. Body is back on the frame! New tires and wheels are on, new steering shaft in, electrical being hooked up. Still lots to do but momentum is good!

[JayinMI]

I've been seeing those wheels popping up a lot recently, and they don't "work" on everything. But these look great on your 'Bu. Nice choice.

Jay

[Streetbu]

Thank you!

[85GPLEf41]

Nice work!!

[Streetbu]

Engine runs with a turn off the key!

https://youtu.be/Ud5Lf26VA7s

Working on brakes, and finish up the clutch linkage then it just need an alignment and a turn signal switch.

[Streetbu]

Pics as I was putting the front brakes on. I used 2wd Blazer spindles, hubs and dual piston on calipers. Also Russell braided hoses to attach to the Inline stainless brake tube.

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[Streetbu]

Buttoned up the brake lines, bleed the system, hooked up the clutch linkage, and moved it under it's own power for the first time in two years!

https://youtu.be/NZlJcAaIhfc

[Streetbu]

Drove it down the road a couple of miles for an alignment. Tech was scared of doing it... Geesh. Ended up doing most of it myself. I'll probably end up taking to another place to redo it. We ran out of time before they closed. But having drove it for 20 miles that night with my wife, I can't believe the before and after difference in the car. So much smoother ride, yet handles better. Huge shout-out to RideTech for awesome parts! No more bump steer that was very unsettling.

[Streetbu]

Drove it 29 miles one way into work this morning. Felt good to be behind the wheel!

[ProTouring442]

That is one damned good looking, well done, Malibu! Beautiful car, sir!

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Very good looking car there bud.

[Streetbu]

Thank you!

[Streetbu]

Made it to the Syracuse Nationals today. Will be there Saturday too. Stop by and say hi if you're around. I'm right behind the Chevy Performance trailer.

[Tig]

Man, it looks great. Nicely done.

Must've felt great driving to work in it. Congrats, it turned out awesome.

Take more shots from the show, of your car :).

[Streetbu]

Thank you! It felt great to get some miles on it. Of course now I start picking it apart and realizing all the other little things I still need to do. But I need to kick back and just enjoy it for the rest of this summer first. We went out cruising last night like most of the people do for the show. Lots of activity and amazing cars. I got a couple of other cool pics behind the Chevy Performance trailer. Felt like I had to with the backdrop :)

[Streetbu]

A brand new local "club" was started last year. Basically a private, car country club. Only 6 miles from my house. They had a open house tonight and for $10 you could do "parade" laps in single file. Had to go enjoy the 1.1 mile track :D I was the first person in line behind the track instructor. Obviously he went fairly easy. Track is very technical, lots of turns and elevation changes. Only one longer straight away. The members were allowed to use the track separate from us and they could run as fast they wanted. The fastest guy had a modified M3 with a turbo, big brakes, and sticky tires. He got up to maybe 55mph on the straight. I had a riot, car performed flawlessly. It quickly became evident how much I need new seats that will keep me planted... As I left one of the track workers stopped me and commented how everyone thought I was going to hold them up, yet I was right on the instructors bumper and they couldn't keep up with me. Kinda gave me the warm fuzzies :)

[SSLance]

I love it when we surprise people with how our cars handle...that's the best part for me of all of this. Congrats on getting some seat time in finally.

[Streetbu]

Hey Lance I looked back thru your thrad and found when you mentioned your seats. Never really heard much more about them. I'm guessing that's a good thing? I don't have any local shops that stock seats so I feel like I'm flying blind as what to look for and if they'll fit me. Or even what size to buy. I'm a skinny guy, 6' and 160lbs. Any suggestions?

[SSLance]

Ugh... EVERY seat fits everyone differently. You really need to try them all on for size. I sat in every race seat at PRI in 2015 I believe and only found about 4 that fit me right. I'm 6' and 170#s but I'm long in the torso and wide in the shoulders. That's where I ran into most trouble, the shoulder width.

The Recaro SPG Profi XLs I have are awesome...they fit me perfectly and I have zero regrets putting them in my street car. I've had guys in the 230# range sit in and drive in them...but that's about the limit. They aren't super wide in the seat area and that limits the really big guys from even riding in my car. My wife also isn't 100% a fan but that is mainly because I mounted them as low as I could in the car and she can't see over the dash from the passenger seat. :D

[Streetbu]

Well I don't have to worry about that. My wife is 6'1" and 155lb LOL Guess I need to find a place that has some seats and park my butt in them!

[Streetbu]

Latest update to the car. Had to stop by and pay the man before I went out of town for work. He wasn't quite finished so I didn't even get to hear it yet. Beautiful work though! All stainless steel. I also had him weld on some O2 sensor bungs for future use :)

[Streetbu]

https://youtu.be/ZsSDtjGpvTs

[Malubu795]

https://youtu.be/ZsSDtjGpvTs

Sound nice!

[Streetbu]

Figured I'd update my thread since it's been so long. Car has had a just couple upgrades since last time I posted. I'll let the pics do the talking.
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[Streetbu]

So I found a LQ4, installed a Sloppy stage 2 cam, added 243 heads, LS6 intake, full length Soeed Engineering headers, F body front accessories and ICT Billet alternator bracket. Holley Terminator, T56 Transmission. Runs like a dream. Even had a chance to throw it on a chassis dyno. Had 378hp at the tires. Now to upgrade even further ��

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[NCSU68]

Congratulations on a great car! Very nice build!

[Streetbu]

Congratulations on a great car! Very nice build!

Thank you!

[Streetbu]

Well, long time no update, and lots to go over. I'll try not to forget anything, or double up on stuff I've already posted.

New custom forged wheels, Z06 six piston front calipers and 14" rotors, new engine going in currently. Consists of a LQ9 lower end, with Texas Speed cnc ported 823 rec port heads, and a decent size Cam Dynamics camshaft I bought at LS Fest East. Transmission is out to Texas Drivetrain Performance for a rebuild. LSA blower is here, but that will have to wait until next winter as I'll also need to upgrade my fuel system. New Corbeau seats and I replaced the doors as they had some rust on the bottom inside edge like all G bodies get. I'm sure there are some other things I'm missing. I'll do the photo dump now.

[Streetbu]

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[Streetbu]

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- - - Updated - - -

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[Streetbu]

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[Streetbu]

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[Vimes]

Very nice. I think the only thing I'd change is if there's a 4 headlight version of the nose. I never liked the light pattern off those old dual bulb jobs when driving them.

[Streetbu]

Got the new engine installed and a front end alignment done. Of course it's done nothing but rain since so I've only driven it to the alignment shop and home. Here's a clip of it idling in the driveway.

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https://youtube.com/shorts/Is2wYM9zbKw?si=-0MKVUbEMKvybIz6

[csouth]

Nice build! You'll definitely enjoy the LSA conversion... Just make sure you have enough pump and injector...