i have a 70 malibu with lots of rust, i have a chance to buy a 71 shell that is in much better shape, are the two shells the same
thanks
Ron

The basic body shells are the same, different
bumper brackets and quarter panel markerlight
openings and probably a couple other things
I am not thinking of right know.

To what SS70SS said, I would add that the VIN is not the same either. Sounds like you will be building a 71 that looks like a 70 unless you are into swapping VIN tags (which I think might be illegal in some states)
Did you get a title with the 71 shell?

K

the 71 body will be different only because it will have the sheetmetal for the vapor canister behind the rear seat. the 70 does not. other then that, all the sheetmetal of the shell is the same.