I just received the 71 Malibu and took off the body last week. Previous owner said car had been hit before in the past. I checked the measurements on frame using the X technique and one side is 3/8ths of an inch shorter/longer than the other. Is this something I need to worry about. Everything else looks ok besides poor body work on rear quarter panel.

Thanks,

Brian

You didn't say where the 3/8 ths deviation occured. In any case, that usually isn't enough to cause problems even if it is in the front crossmember area. As long as the front end will align to specs and the thrust angle is good, there is enough tolerance in the body to adjust any minor misalignment of body panels by moving core support or loosening body bolts.

Sorry about the ambiguity. The 3/8ths deviation was measured at rear of frame. The front portion only varied about 1/8th which, from what I have heard, is fine. I used 6 points(3 on each side) to measure three box portions; the rear box, the front box and the whole frame. All were ok except the rear portion which I mentioned. Thanks again.

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1971 Malibu

Again, as long as it aligns properly and the thrust angle is OK, no problem.
If the diviation is behind the area where the frame goes over the rear end, don't worry at all. If the body bolt doesn't fit properly at the rear, it's no problem to ream out the hole in the frame enough to compensate.

A good frame technician/shop will charge $150-200 to take out the slight bend that you have. I'd just live with it as long as it aligns properly and the quarter panel isn't bulging over the rear wheel area.