I'd like to find the bottom line on this as over and over I read post about
the Malibu like its the bottom of the barrel. What is the difference between
the two except trim packages and maybe engine choice?

If that's it I don't get it maybe pick on a Ford or something:)

Chuck
Proud owner of a Malibu:waving:

All Malibus are Chevelles, but all Chevelles are not Malibus.

Malibu is nothing more than a trim level in the Chevelle line, Like 300, 300 Deluxe, Malibu, SS!! All Malibus are Chevelles, but all Chevelles are not Malibus.


Rocky

There is NO vs.

Theay are the same car, whether it is an SS, a 300 or Malibu, as stated above.

A Chevelle is a Chevelle is a Chevelle.

Ya guys I know all Chevelle's are not Malibu's:clonk:

What I'm trying to find out is beside the trim & engine
why are Malibu's supposedly so inferior that most posts
that I've seen make em sound like crap?

Chuck

??? inferior ??? :confused:
Malibu is the top of the chevelle line...
its the most optioned up model untill you ordered the SS which used 98% of the Malibu trim.. changing out the emblems !!
as an example .... the only thing you couldn't get on a Malibu in 68 that you could on an SS was a big block ...

??? inferior ??? :confused:
Malibu is the top of the chevelle line...
its the most optioned up model untill you ordered the SS which used 98% of the Malibu trim.. changing out the emblems !!
as an example .... the only thing you couldn't get on a Malibu in 68 that you could on an SS was a big block ...

I agree. Same as pontiac for example, 1,tempest 2,le mans 3,GTO. chevelle is the base model, malibu is the bells and whistles model and SS is the muscle.

That's right... Malibu is just a step below the SS models, which are generally the most desirable models. However, the SS model in 1964 (my year) was nothing more than a trim package. You could even buy an SS with a 6 cylinder. I wouldn't exactly call that "top of the line".

With everyone cloning SS cars, I for one am a little tired of the "SS world" in which we Chevy fanatics live in. Not that there is anything wrong with an SS, heck no, but it is refreshing to actually see a nicely restored Malibu, because you just don't see a lot of them anymore. Seems like people only want to spend their hard earned money on an SS car (or clone) when it comes time to do a full resto. Just my two cents...

Ya guys I know all Chevelle's are not Malibu's:clonk:

What I'm trying to find out is beside the trim & engine
why are Malibu's supposedly so inferior that most posts
that I've seen make em sound like crap?

Chuck
Don't know where you possibly could have ever seen that but it is not true.
First of all, there is no difference in the engines.
About the only differences are in the trim packages, Malibu being more fancy than non malibu Chevelles.

I know you didn't ask about the SS cars but there is a difference in engines between SS and other Chevelles in some years.
maybe that is what confused the person that posted what you saw.

What I'm trying to find out is beside the trim & engine
why are Malibu's supposedly so inferior that most posts
that I've seen make em sound like crap?

Chuck

I don't think people will make a post calling the Malibu inferior but you will read a negative post if a car is called a SS396 but has the Malibu trim or dash.
A correctly restored Malibu is a cool looking car.

I don't care what trim level it is, if it is a chevelle, it is cool in my book.

Check my Malibu, its definately not crap......maybe it is because for the most part the SS holds more value than the Malibu, the same way the Malibu holds mor value than the 300.

Sorry, did not mean to sound like my previous response was an attack.

Sorry, did not mean to sound like my previous response was an attack.

Didn't take it that way at all. Funny when I had my first Chevelle back
in 1975, it was a Malibu that I loved. I sure don't remember back then
the remarks I've read sounding negative on the Malibu model. Back then
it was Chevelle vs Mustang etc. That's why I wanted to know what was
it that's so great, one verses the other. Sure I know a true SS and numbers
matching cars are worth more but that's about it.

I too believe the Malibu is just as good (that's why I bought another one)
and just wanted to know the REAL differences.:)

Thanks Chuck

Chuck, what size engines do you have in your two novas and chevelle?

Rob

Well I was not going to but I have to. You see I have had my 66 Malibu since day one, I am here to tell you I have been asked no telling how many times in 40 years why didn't I order a SS, to the point where I really get P/O' ed about it. Of course they don't have one in the show or parking lot you see. It is for real that numerous people look down their nose at a Malibu, yes I installed a 396 in mine about 3 years ago but it still and will have Malibu badges on the quarters. If I must say it was ordered as a Tropic Turquoise Sports Coupe and came with two tone fawn interior, 4 speed, buckets, console and a push button am radio and a rear window defroster. Strickly my oppinion but to me I think it looks as good a bench seat SS with dog dish hub caps and three on a tree. Don't mean to step on anyone's toes just someting I have put up with for years concerning SS's, it does get a bit old believe me. Speaking of getting old the 66 and I are doing so togeather, I will be the big 65 October 7th.

Jesse

Rob, All three are 350's only big block I ever had was a 69 with a 396.
Parts were to expensive back then for the BB and in my opinion still are.
BUT I do get the itch to get some extra horses on the Chevelle and
might bite on one sooner or later;)

Jesse, I've read em too right here on this site:sad: Don't want to
start any wars with this post just wanted to understand it all. What
happened to Chevy vs Ford ect. or am I to old.:rolleyes:

Chuck

Self gratifying Malibu pic:

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/chevelle%20photos/?action=view&current=staging2.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/chevelle%20photos/?action=view&current=staging2.jpg)

You cant tell by looking at the vin, you cant tell by looking at the car - only way to tell is by looking at the SB under the hood and the 1/4" fuel lines. Or by asking me, I'll gladly say its a malibu. :D

Looking good there buddy:thumbsup: what color blue is that?

Chuck

That's a GORGEOUS car ya got there Jesse, nice job on it!!!

Looking good there buddy:thumbsup: what color blue is that?

Chuck

Code 39U - indigo blue metallic.

Thanks Mike for your much appreciated words, just a lot of hard work as we all know to well.
Chuck I am not for starting any wars here either, you had a valid question concerning Chevelles/Malibu's.
Jesse

Clark thats the best looking indigo blue car I've seen or maybe its the
sun on it that makes it pop.

Jesse, Thanks;)
I really like your 67, Cool to see a fawn interior. One of my Novs's has
a dark blue interior and the major parts are easy to find but I found that
one company is not the same color as the others. Really nice car.

Chuck

THATS RIGHT. BE A PROUD OWNER OF A MALIBU. DON'T WORRY ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE. ITS THE SAME THING. Mines a malibu also. and everytime I go into the garage. I just love it. what a feeling. I bought it for me. not everyone else. some like some don't. I LOVE IT !! she's mine.

[QUOTE=68KMENO;1073537its the most optioned up model untill you ordered the SS which used 98% of the Malibu trim....[/QUOTE]

Mine must have been a poorly optioned malibu. No tilt, no buckets, not much more than a V8 and A/C.

Currently, it's a nicely optioned one with buckets, floor shift, modern powerplant, etc. Give me another winter, and it will have the better dash.

Mine must have been a poorly optioned malibu. No tilt, no buckets, not much more than a V8 and A/C..

that is pretty standard for what I call a Lot car .... one the dealer ordered to fill his lot ...
I've found most Optioned out cars were special order items
dealers didn't want to spend the money on anything that might have to be discounted to make a sale .....

I not into the whole clone thing...My car is a Malibu and always proud of it..
Some day I will get an SS..but will always have my Malibu.:thumbsup:

I plan on keeping the vinyl top as well as the malibu tags in and out, but it will be customized to my liking. An SS would be nice, but like bellybuttons and other parts of the anatomy, everyone seems to have one.

Personally a plain Malibu still has its appeal. In fact I have been drooling over this car all week, I would love to have it, but wife is not quite ready. Maybe soon and I can find another like this one.
http://www.justmusclecars.com/carindex.asp?thumb=7&car=68%20Chevelle

Mine was factory gulf green poly with green vinyl roof and green interior.

A guy I was working with back in 78 got into some financial trouble and
was going to lose his Monte Carlo to the bank and wanted to sell it for
what was owed so I picked it up for less than $1,000. in pristine shape.
Colors were the exact colors of my Malibu and just to much green. I'll
also keep the vinyl top (black) and go silver or hugger orange with black
interior. Gotta say I do love the SS stripes and will do those in black.

I do wish they would make a sweep dash aftermarket as my Chevelle was
stolen before I bought it and they cracked the dash at the glove box so
I'm looking for one in great (perfect;) ) shape or will have to buy the SS
dash.

Deply that's a nice find, Hard to find a 68 in that original condition that's
affordable.:thumbsup:

Chuck

Nothing wrong with a Malibu, people who think you made a mistake by not purchasing an SS are ignorant.

Truth is most of the real SS cars were ran into the ground many years ago, so the true SS cars are far and few not to mention the value of a true SS car is really up there to where most can't afford it.

Most of the SS cars you see these days are clones, and some of them are done really poorly. Almost no one can seem to get the stripes right, on most the emblems are not in the right spots on the fenders, some cloned 70-72 cars still have the sweep dash.

My car is a Malibu, though it does have the domed hood, the blackened out grille, the 12 bolt rear, big block engine and it's a factory bucket seat car.....but you won't ever find SS badges on my car....because it's not a true SS car so why fake it? Enjoy it for what it is and be thankful you're one of the few who can say "I own one."

Personally a plain Malibu still has its appeal. In fact I have been drooling over this car all week, I would love to have it, but wife is not quite ready. Maybe soon and I can find another like this one.
http://www.justmusclecars.com/carindex.asp?thumb=7&car=68%20Chevelle

its not as plain jane as you think !!
1 A/C
2 Automatic
3 Powersteering
4 L30 327
5 Rallys

sure its not loaded but its a long way from a bare bones one !!
you have to remember back then Everything was an option .....

That it had A/C was one of the reasons I really would like to have it. They claim it is a 75,000 documented actual miles. It is a beautiful looking car to me!

How many ss badged cars used to be Malibus or chevelles:confused: it seems every chevelle you see at shows in the uk is an ss,i bet GM didn't realise they made so many.;)

Enjoy your Malibu. Wonderful cars. I think the attitude comes up sometimes of "mine" is "better" than yours due to human nature. EGO!! Money has a lot to do with it. Money for some has always meant power that leads to self-satisfaction. For some, trophies do the same thing. Nothing wrong with that as long as we can appreciate each other. Some people don't even drive their chevelles and will sell in a heartbeat for the right price, fix up another beater, and sell it. They are only looking at a cash cow investment. Car guys love all american classics for what they are and appreciate each other having the same feeling. We all know the guy who's stuff is always better than anyone elses. Loves to talk about his but doesn't have time to truly appreciate yours unless..........he can buy it cheap. Sad, but at least this is the minority.