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Topic starter
07/08/2020 11:02 am
1968 Malibu, inspired by a photo posted on the forum (you know who you are!). PICs (lots!)
Starting with DM's red SS396, SS emblems, power bulges on the hood, lower moldings behind rear wheels, right side mirror, 396 engine, and dual exhausts were all removed.
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This car was going to have a black vinyl top, so the molding was fabricated out of brass wire filed flat and soldered together.
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A TFM Z28 donated it's 302 small block, which was modified to look like a 327 by changing out the valve covers and removing the "rubber seal" from the air cleaner. Also, the A/C system was removed and a modified heater plenum from the Z28 replaced it. The battery cables were relocated to their correct 1:1 locations.
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Fortunately, bucket seats and center console were options on the SS396 and the Malibu for 1968, so I didn't have to do any interior changes, except for removing the A/C vents on the dash.
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Exterior additions include white wall tires, chrome grill with Malibu emblem, black vinyl top with molding, single exhaust system, and tail light panel painted in the spectacular body color of tripoli turquoise.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to duplicate the front and rear Chevelle emblems, the fender mounted Malibu emblems, 327 emblems, and the vents in the back of the hood. Overall, I think it came out pretty well, I hope you agree!
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07/08/2020 11:36 am
thats brilliant Pete!
07/08/2020 12:27 pm
I agree, superb workmanship, love the color!
07/08/2020 12:36 pm
VERY cool, indeed Pete!
07/08/2020 1:30 pm
Absolutely stunning Pete ! Is this build for your collection or is it a commissioned build ?
07/08/2020 1:38 pm
07/08/2020 2:04 pm
Wow! Almost exactly like the Malibu I had except mine didn't have the rally wheels or buckets.
With a black vinyl roof, black vinyl seats and no a/c, the thing was a toaster oven in the summer. But it looked good. You did a spectacular job, Pete!
07/08/2020 2:56 pm
Excellent transformation! Great color choice! A real beauty!
07/08/2020 3:01 pm
masterful work.....the end product is sure a looker !
Topic starter
07/08/2020 4:31 pm
Al, the pic you posted after I did the gold SS396 was the inspiration for this one. Thx!
Topic starter
07/08/2020 4:52 pm
Steve, I build them for myself. I did my first build in May 2019, and average about 1 per month.
This one was #15, I just finished #16, and #17 is about half done, not quite ready for paint. There's three more in the planning stage and 4 I haven't posted yet.
Topic starter
07/08/2020 5:23 pm
Vinyl top...I use bare metal foil cut in thin strips for the seams, then paint the top with the gun or rattle can about 12 inches away with multiple passes to get the texture. You don't want the paint to flow out, if it does it will be smooth.
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Thanks for the tip on the headlights. I usually use silver paint or BMF on the back of the stud. It looks better but doesn't always take care of the dreaded dot
Topic starter
07/08/2020 5:26 pm
Thanks guys!
07/08/2020 6:44 pm
Pete, it looks amazing. Have a question ...
... the brass trim ... did you chrome it or paint?
07/08/2020 6:47 pm
That's a good spray tip that I've used myself. The spray droplets dry out and leave a texture.
You've mastered it !
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