Gentlemen:

I have a '72 Chevelle Malibu Conv.

It is all original except for the following:
1. It has headers with dual exhaust
2. The conv. top has a glass window
3. The paint has been changed from an original gold color to dark metallic green

Here's my dilemna:

I am going to have the car painted. I purchased all new chrome weatherstripping, window felts, bumpers, etc. In other words, when the car is dechromed for painting, then all new chrome and rubber will be reinstalled.

Now I currently plan for the car to be a weekend cruiser. I am a family man with 2 young daughters and 1 more on the way, so attending weekend car shows is not is very possible. However, when they get older, I may want to show the car.

I am not familiar with judging for a car show.
Will changing the color from original to say a pewter color (I do want to use an original color offered during '70 to '72), installing an original SS hood, and adding aftermarket "real" chrome dual mirrors make the car less desirable for showing?

I also thinking of making the cowl hood work by using the original cowl ducting (no flap) and original air cleaner.

Oh I almost forgot. The engine is also all original which I will leave as is.

Please offer any advise since I am a REAL novice to the car show scene.

Thanks,
Brian


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Brian,
This has been kicked around so much over the years with all cars including Chevelles. I have nearly been involved in fights in the past over my 56 Corvette. Let me make this short and sweet. IT IS YOUR CAR, DO WITH IT AS YOU LIKE! You spent the money, spend it as you wish. What you might do , is just attend some of the local shows and check out other cars to see if something trips your trigger to give you some ideas.
I have a car very similar to yours, it is (was) a 70 Malibu conv, 307, 3sp on the column, buckets and no console, ps,pb, air and am radio. Now it has a SB400, ceramic coated headers, COMPLETE functional Cowl Induction hood, Muncie 4sp with a console and the 3.08 10bolt rear has been replaced with with a 3.07 12bolt posi. It has new paint, interior, carpet, top, all weatherstrip but needs bumpers. When I had the engine out, I detailed under the hood as best as I could, cleaned the wiring with lacquer thinner on a rag and re-taped as needed. It is not a frame off, just a clean, straight driver for my wife. She gets compliments EVERYWHERE she goes. And that's what counts. If you fix it up and other people like it, then you did good. Tell the purists to go take a flying leap at a rolling donut. IT'S YOUR CAR. Unless they want to buy it at YOUR price.

Oh yes, it's rediculous for you not to go to shows. Get an expandable awning for shade, some chairs, a blanket for the little ones to nap on, and you're in business. Just teach them not to touch other people's cars and you will be fine.

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[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 06-29-99).]

Brian,

Good question. I really have been considering building my '67 SS for shows. Not 'cause I need to know I have the best car, but just to meet other folks who are car buffs.

My immediate trouble is, the cost of admission is a paint job, which around here is anywhere from $3-5000. And I will go back to the original Bolero given by the cowl tag.


Do it the way you want it. Stay relatively close to original and make sure everything is done the Skip Cain way,i.e., clean, professional and right. And then enjoy. Take the girls, my two year old boy needs to meet some friends his age at the shows! ( I think I'll get him some white gloves to wear!)

Gene Chas
TC Gold 62
'67 SS 396

[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 07-01-99).]

Do whatever you want to the car. There's not much that can make a Chevelle "less desirable for showing," except maybe putting Ford badges on it (then you should be dragged out into the street and shot!). http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif As long as its done right, it shouldn't make a difference. Oh, and a bit of advice: Get your daughters into the car scene ASAP! My fiance still doesn't understand why I mess with cars. I can't help but think its just the simple fact that she wasn't exposed to it sooner. Good luck and keep us posted!

[This message has been edited by 72CHEVELLE (edited 06-29-99).]

Brian,

As DZAUTO said, It's your car, do what you want.
As you will quickly learn, there are different levels of shows. Since you plan to drive and enjoy your car it will not be a 100 point, trailer queen show car that requires 100% originality.
Get a good quality paint job in a color you like. Quality vs originality is what draws complements. Plus, you will enjoy the car more that way.

Good luck with your car and enjoy it. And yes, you can take the family to shows.
Include your family and everyone is happy. My wife and daughters enjoy our cars and car shows. My 18 year old and I "fight" over who gets to drive which car to cruise nights. It's simple, if we are all going my wife and I take the Chevelle, daughters takes the Vette. If I can't go she takes whatever she feels like driving that day. My family was involved with the restoration of both cars. They know what to look for and at. They are more critical than I am when they look at a car. Bottom line, we enjoy it as a family.



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Bill Taylor
Team Chevelle
Gold Member #73

Brian
Before you decide to go the original route, get a factory assembly manual and compare it to your car. Based on what you've described, I'll bet it is not as original as it seems. Searching swap meets or buying high dollar reproduations to find "original" parts to update your car can be a lot of fun if that's you're bag but go in with your eyes wide open. It will probably take you 5-10 years.
Show classes like "NCOA Modified Original" make more sense to me. Original theme, limited modifications without penalty.

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Fred Aldrich
Web Site: www.GeoCities.com/~69_chevelle (http://www.GeoCities.com/~69_chevelle)

Brian,

I have to echo what everyone else said here. It's your car and YOU are the one enjoying it and paying the bills. If you want a "restified" car then go for it.

My 64 went through a very thorough restoration and updated modifications. It came out beautiful. Although the colour is 1994 Chrysler Electric Blue (see a viper). I have a crate ZZ4 engine and TH350 trans. I made the car mine and no one was telling me I was wrong, because the simple fact that everything is bolt on. No welding, hacking or whatever. If ever I need to return the car to original, I just have to bolt on my parts which are cleaned and packed into storage. I even have the original AM radio for it.

Note Fred's comments... Get the factory manual(s) and order the catalogues from Paddock, Original Parts Group, Year One. Research what you want to do and plan it all out... It will save you heartaches later.

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The proud owner of a Canadian 64-SS with ZZ4 Power!
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
Canadian Classic Chevelles & Beaumonts Member #350

[This message has been edited by Canuck64ss (edited 07-01-99).]

Thanks for the feedback.

I was at Spring Carlisle this year and purchased the balance of chrome and rubber I needed for the resto.

Fred, although I'm new to the show scene, I am NOT a novice with Chevelles. I had a '71 coupe for (12) years prior to my current conv. purchased (3) years ago. The car is very original. I do own the factory assmebly manual. Thanks for your feedback.

Oh, if it takes me 5-10 more years for the resto., I will be a very sad man.

Brian

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Fred,

What is NCOA Modified Original class?
Please describe in detail. Again, I am a show NOVICE.
Brian

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Brian
Your wish is my command. Click the link below.
www.geocities.com/~69_chevelle/modorig.gif (http://www.geocities.com/~69_chevelle/modorig.gif)

This taken from the NCOA Judging Guidelines. NCOA used to sell these for $15, as I recall.


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Fred Aldrich
Web Site: www.GeoCities.com/~69_chevelle (http://www.GeoCities.com/~69_chevelle)


[This message has been edited by Fred Aldrich (edited 07-01-99).]

Brian, BTW I just remembered an old neighbor had a 4-dr Malibu in a gold color. It was kinda nice. Maybe better than pewter. Just a thought.

Fred:

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

Gene Chas:
Thanks for the reply; however, there were (4) Gold Colors in 1972:

1. (53)Cortez Gold Metallic
2. (54)Desert Gold Metallic
3. (55)Shadow Gold Metallic
4. (85)Tiffany Gold Metallic

I'm not sure which one my car was painted.
Does any one know where to find the paint code for a '72

Brian

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It should be on the cowl tag. Look at the line that has "PNT" on the right hand side. To the left of "PNT" there will be your paint code, lower and if it was 2-tone or had a vinyl top, upper.

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Mike
formerly known as gotapileof70Malibu
'70 Malibu
'70 Malibu convertible

DZAUTO,
Has this been a problem since you had the 56 or just more recently?

Brian,
Good luck in shows.

[This message has been edited by SirVette (edited 12-22-1999).]