HI,
I have a 68 Malibu with a 327 and have an occassional problem with the starter bendix drive not engaging the flywheel. I went ahead and replaced the starter because the starter was old anyway however upon replacing the starter i still have the same problem. I think that maybe it needs to be shimmed but am not sure and also don't know how to go about how to shim it properly. Any tips would be appreciated.
Note: Years ago I installed a hayes competition clutch and flywheel, and pressure plate. it seems that the problem started after that but I never bothered to troubleshoot it being there was so much else to do to restore the car I figuered I'd get to it later.

Sounds like a bad spot in your flywheel ring gear.

I agree sounds like a bad spot on the ring gear. It could be that you ahd your old started shimmed to tight to the gear, and it ground off some of the teeth. I would pull the inspection cover and have someone turn the motor over WITH A BREAKER BAR ON THE CRANK SNOUT and look at the ring gear and see what shape it is in. IF you ahve a bad spot any machine shop can replace it for you. I recently had one done and it cost me $35 bucks andthat includedthe new ring gear.

I just went through this type of thing. I searched the tech archives and found a lot of information on starter shimming and troubleshooting. Best to inspect your flywheel and ring gear for wear. This link will give you pics and instructions on what to look for as well as shimming procedures. http://community.webshots.com/album/81707999lcmSuc?97
Hope this helps Good Luck