GBOTM Congratulations maleigh78! May 2024 G-Body of the Month

Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
Supporting Member
Jan 4, 2009
4,930
7,073
113
Wellston, OK
Reminds me of my first one. Wish clean undorked-with Malibus were still commonplace.

A base coupe, uncommon even when new!

Well deserved win.

Maybe I missed it, but would love to see more of the car, and it's story.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

maleigh78

Not-quite-so-new-guy
G-Body of the Month
Feb 16, 2014
11
49
13
20200522_141303.jpg
20200522_141406.jpg
20200522_141307.jpg
20200422_170616.jpg
20240312_154712.jpg
20200412_144900.jpg
20200422_170637.jpg

Here are a few more pictures for those that were interested. I have owned my Blue 78 Malibu for around 26 years, but this one I have only owned for going on 4 years. I bought it through a Charity auction out of California sight unseen. But I could tell it was a nice original car. Once it was shipped here I found paper work in the trunk with box full of 1981 Malibu repair guides. I was able to track the names of the owners down and confirm it was a one owner car that had been garaged its whole life. It has had some panels repainted at some point in its life, but still retains all its original weatherstripping and window sweeps. I did go through the car the first year. New shocks, springs, wheels/tires, rebuilt front end, and all fluids changed. I did replace the carpet since it was kind of falling apart. It was odd, I have had maybe 15 Malibu's over the years and never seen carpet like was in this one. Also dyed two different lower door panels since the originals were chewed up from like a small dog. The plan has always been to put the drivetrain from the 78 into this one. I have had a 6.0 ls based engine to put into the 78 for around 7 years. Just have never got around to doing the swap. Its hard to pull a car apart that is perfectly fine. But i did get a good deal on 383 from my uncle last year so hopefully I find the time to put that engine in the 81 for now. I love that its original but the 3.8 and 2.41 rear gears are so bad. This car could barely pull out into traffic. I have changed the rear to a 3.73 geared rearend from a Monte SS. That helped a lot but I dont think the little 3,8 can take a whole lot of that gear. Anyways that is a little history on my 81. Thanks again for the votes.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: 2 users

paul.m

Master Mechanic
Oct 20, 2018
406
204
43
Great story to go with a nice original car. Some good info too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

MalibuDavyou5

Master Mechanic
Mar 2, 2020
368
782
93
Wyoming
:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:. O buddy! I am a little late in Congratz here, I certainly hope mine will be a awesome looking as yours. Congratz and keep'er up!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor