I am considering buying a 66 Malibu hardtop, a sort of running project, at best. Seems to have some garden variety 350/350 in it, with more cam than it has compression for, and a stock converter.

Price is way higher than I ever thought it should be. These were some of the neater cars back in the day, so I guess I still want one.

Couple of questons:

It supposedly was a six/automatic car, so what rear axle and gears are most likely in it? Owner says they are orig.

The things I like are that it is a manual steering and manual brake car.

I don't like the front drums, is a disk upgrade and dual master cyl an easy install?

If it still has points, is there clearance for, and will an HEI or something drop in, fit, and clear? (Sorry, but all my other toys have front mounted distributors...)

What is the easiest el cheapo stick conversion, or what od autos are an easy fit. This does not need to go fast, just look good, I have another toy for going fast.

Sorry for my ignorance, but if anyone has an F150 tow vehicle, I can probably help.

Any other info, etc, is appreciated. If I get it, I will be here a lot.

Last, anyone have good experience with an auto transport company on the east coast?

Thanks. rd

Disk upgrade is pretty easy. HEI is absolutely no problem. As far as el cheapo stick conversions it depends on what you consider cheap. Most arent that cheap. What is the price? Alot of people are inflating prices even if the car is not worth it.

Arizona Auto Transport, Driver/owner Ronnie Cramer 302-236-3815 Delivered a 67 malibu from California to NC for me. Excellent!!!
Arizona Auto Transport 800-903-8475 home office

I am considering buying a 66 Malibu hardtop, a sort of running project, at best. Seems to have some garden variety 350/350 in it, with more cam than it has compression for, and a stock converter.

Price is way higher than I ever thought it should be. These were some of the neater cars back in the day, so I guess I still want one.

Couple of questons:

It supposedly was a six/automatic car, so what rear axle and gears are most likely in it? Owner says they are orig.
More than likely 3.08 or 3.07

The things I like are that it is a manual steering and manual brake car.

I don't like the front drums, is a disk upgrade and dual master cyl an easy install?

Easiest and safest upgrade to do

If it still has points, is there clearance for, and will an HEI or something drop in, fit, and clear? (Sorry, but all my other toys have front mounted distributors...)

Absolutley! All you have to do is repalce the ballast wire with a pink wire from a late model GM with HEI, very easy to do.

What is the easiest el cheapo stick conversion, or what od autos are an easy fit. This does not need to go fast, just look good, I have another toy for going fast.

THe most expensive part will be the 4 speed tranny. A good alternative is a 2004R OD automatic. It uses the same driveshaft as a TH350 or Powerglide

Thanks everyone.

I got shipping quotes from Reliable today, seems affordable.

I was thinking of a 5 speed. I am familiar with T5's, and have a couple, one from a Mustang 2.3 and one from a turbo coupe. I thought the S10 or late Camaro T5 might fit fairly easy.

I guess I liked the car because it is a 2dr hardtop, and those seem to be hard to find. I remember that a black 66 SS396 was supposedly the baddest car around when I was a senior in high school. I remember riding in someone's 427 upgraded 69 SS four speed once. Impressive.

I sort of started this hobby with a 68 Charger back in 85, but needed money and sold it. Otherwise, I have pretty much been with Fords and Mustangs since high school. My 65 260 2 barrell was not quite as fast as the aforementioned SS, if I remember correctly.....I have two 5.0 Mustangs, one of which will squeak into the 12's on motor. (carbed 302)

The 66 I am looking at is one that the guy apparently did a fair amount of bodywork, said he replaced the quarters, and painted. Painter has a good rep. Interior is mostly missing, except for seats.

But it's probably the only way I can afford one, and I can probalby fix any drivetrain stuff. I really don't care to do bodywork, unless unavoidable. May call on a 454 I saw for sale later this week. Also found a Turbo 250 for sale. Darn, I haven't even bought it, and I am trying to upgrade!

I can't help much with the other stuff, but I used Intercity Lines for transport from Ohio to NH and they were great! They had the lowest quote and it was an enclosed trailer.

A deal has been made!

Thanks for the welcome, I will need a lot of help with this, I have five Fords and one Jeep at the moment....

Last Chevy I owned was a 72 Vega, and it cured me for 32 years.

If all goes well, it should show up here sometime in late Dec or Jan.

Hopefully it will be at least driveable, and I can go from there. Plans are to make it presentable from 50m ft or so, get carpet and interior panels, and then see what it needs. I am assuming that it will need brakes, balljoints, bushings, steering parts, etc.

Next up is probably a cheap higher stall converter so that it will idle and work better at low rpms.

I got a quote from Reliable (from a Street Rodder ad) to carry it from NH to SC for just under $1000. Seems ok to me, I just spent $600 in gas to tow my tractor the same trip.

Ah, the fun of buying a mystery car!

Welcome aboard rkd and good luck with the new Chevelle.