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1969 malibu

6K views 53 replies 25 participants last post by  b&b's69 
#1 ·
Looking to buy this chevelle. 69 malibu, originally a 307, but has a 350 with turbo 350 transmission. Been a southwest car for the life of the vehicle. All floor pans are solid, trunk pan is solid. Minor rust on a couple wheel wells. The guy said it ran about 10 years ago when he parked it and hasn’t moved since. Interior is also pretty solid, but if I get the car, it will be replaced. Guy was asking 5k when I looked at it but called me back and said the title is salvaged from a minor rear end crash in the 90’s. What do you think it’s worth?
 

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#3 ·
Neat car....love the fathom green '69s, especially with a dark green interior.
Keep in mind that 3,4, or even 5k as an initial investment is somewhat minor compared to the rest of the money involved in your future plans with the car. That in mind, don't walk away from the car based on dollars.
I know if it was me, I'd play him with all I had, but wouldn't hesitate to dump 5k on it.
 
#4 ·
Thank you! I know this stuff can get pricey. My dad and I are planning on restoring it. He’s got 30 years of mechanic background (owned his own business forever too). Anywho, we plan on doing most of the work. Plus I’m also wanting to buy a car in hopes it lights a fire under my dad so he can start restoring his ‘69 z11 camaro pace car all numbers matching.
 
#7 ·
a salvaged title will make it harder to sell someday in the future. Not sure how certain insurance companies cover salvaged cars. I would call hagerty and see what they say about coverage. if insurance is a issue, take any I for with you and maybe offer 3k, but 5k with a title is going to be a decent deal. jim
 
#8 ·
Since you're asking, I'm assuming you're outmanned in that battle. Your best chance is bringing someone acting as your guide and let them do the negotiating, pointing out the baseline price but subtracting all the known issues, including the branded title. I purchased my first 2 cars at the side of my dad. He had tough questions, leakdown tester, jack, flashlight, scraper, rags, gloves and all the pertinent knowledge needed to put the seller at the disadvantage. You look prepared, pack the knowledge of that particular chevelle model, and it'll send a big message to the seller. Also, NEVER let on how you've always wanted a chevelle!!
 
#13 ·
yep, stubby fingers typing on a phone.
I meant if insurance is going to be a issue, take and info from the insurance company along with you to negotiate.

just bring cash and a trailer, a seller might see that your serious and be tempted at a lower cash offer. I did have a guy do that with my last el camino, but I had a bottom price of 4000, he offered 3500 and would load it right now. I said sorry, at 3500 you'll have to take home a empty trailer (140 mile round trip) he left, called back a day later and came back and bought it.
Good luck on the purchase, jim
 
#10 ·
:cool: Your best negotiation tool is this: IT'S NOT AN SS396.

Honest Question: Why do you want to sink all that money into a Malibu? 15K into that car and you have a nice 10K Malibu. 15K into a real, factory Z25 SS396 and you have a 15K (at least) SS396. There are real SS396 cars out there waiting to be loved and a real SS396 will love you back. :grin2:

Just sayin'...
 
#11 ·
Not trying to be a dick, but this reply feels like it was typed 20 years ago. A nice $10K Malibu? Really? Tell me where I can score a nice southwest running/driving '69 that doesn't need a ton of metal work for $10K...after someone just threw $15 grand into it. I'll throw you a nice finders fee!

Unless his dream car is a '69 SS, he's better off restoring/restomodding a plain jane Malibu. He can build it however he likes & not have to worry about numbers or originality unless he chooses to.

Plus the fact that if I was the seller & you tried to lowball me because the car wasn't an SS, I'd laugh in your face & ask you to leave
 
#12 ·
Since a '69 SS396 is an option package and not shown in the VIN, you could (properly) restore it as an SS396 tribute and no one would know the difference. Make it an accurate copy though with a big block and all the proper trim, etc.. Or make it a restomod if that's your thing. There aren't that many numbers matching '69 SS396's or with documentation (or 72 and 76 paint codes on trim tag) available now anyway and those that are, usually have high prices on them. IMO a '69 SS396 tribute is a good way to go to enhance visual appeal and value, not to mention the pride and fun factor.
 
#19 ·
:cool: With all respect, I own a 1969 Chevelle Malibu COPO Tribute (please look at my Garage and my video link - I can use the hits). She has all the parts that a real COPO or SS396 should have, and unless you check numbers you'd never know she's a Tribute. I could just as easily deck her out as an L-78 SS396, but her bottom line is she's "just" a Malibu.

Yes, the fun factor is super high.

The issue is I've sunk (note that I didn't say "invested") a fair chunk of change in her. IF I were to sell her I would never be able to recoup that money. Why? Because anybody with a lick of sense is going to side with the "mine's a REAL SS" mafia and wisely choose to buy an SS396, an option code that starts with a higher value, maintains a higher value, and will sell easier and for more money.
 
#15 ·
Well here is my 2 cents. The number one concern when purchasing a 50 year old car is the condition of the body/frame/etc. components in regards to rust & corrosion. The less amount of rust the better. Of course if mechanicals are in good shape that is also better but the mechanical condition is of much lesser importance. Even if the mechanicals were in good shape chances are many of them would most likely be changed during a restoration. I agree that it matters little that it is not an SS. If it were a real SS and in this condition the asking.price would be significantly more. You can use the salvage title to negotiate a better price but in the case of this car I think it matters little.
 
#16 ·
They’re still out there. Buy, build it, make good memories, make good friends. have fun doing it. That’s what the HOBBY is all about..
 

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#18 ·
A salvage title on a 69 Malibu in the 90's didn't take much damage to total the car. Salvage only means it ended up in the junk yard however many times ( here in MA) they cut the VIN in half which is ugly and you will probably have to apply for a new VIN. However you can remove the salvage wording off the title and have it rebranded. You would need to check with your state DMV to see what is involved. Do that before you buy! Personally that car is worth more then 5k in parts alone so you are in no danger of losing money however a salvage title not cleared could cost you $ in the end. In all looks like a fairly straight rust free car. Here is a link how to change a salvage title in most states.

https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-get-a-salvage-title-removed-on-a-vehicle-527543
 
#23 ·
My 69 is a true SS car. I have the numbers matching original engine to prove it. I would say mine is in pretty good shape and worth as much as the majority of good condition true SS cars are worth but I could not get the amount I have spent on mine back even though I bought 20.years ago when prices were still cheap.
I have put a lot of $$ into mine knowing I would not get if back if I ever decided to sell which I have no plans to do. It's a hobby and I enjoyed speaking every cent.
 
#24 ·
Well a 69 with no proof of it being an SS will always be considered a non SS by most people but I always say "it what it is" when finished myself.

Done right it will be an SS, just not a factory SS. :)

The only proof I have that my 69 is an SS is the matching numbers original 396 engine but nobody is ever going to see that and I really couldn't care less.
 
#25 ·
I would guess the majority of real '69 SS396's that aren't paint code 72 or 76, no longer have the original numbers matching engine or documentation proving their authenticity. IMO unless a person is the verifiable original owner or knows the full history of a car back to new, it being a real '69 SS is debatable and no more valuable than an accurately done tribute. Bottom line IMO is that most '69 SS396's out there are debatable in authenticity anyway.
 
#28 ·
so to sum up this thread, Jskinn27; Go get yourself that car, even if you have to pay 5k! <img src="http://www.chevelles.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Thumbsup" class="inlineimg" />
Haha I figured it was at least an okay deal. But just wanted other people’s opinions! I kinda lucked out... there were 2 69 malibu’s for sale in my city. Both 5k. Both 350 motor. One had a 2 speed power glide and more rust in the pans and quarters, also the interior was worse. The one I’m going to buy today is factory a/c, power steering, th350 trans and better condition.

I really do appreciate everyone’a input! I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can!
 
#32 ·
Update:


Ended up getting the car for 5k. Guy did his homework and saw the other 69 chevelle that’s local. He saw that his car was in much better condition than the other and wouldn’t budge even a couple
Hundred off the price.

One good thing is that I work for the local sheriffs department and called the on call tow truck to tow it to my dads house, since the other tow yards were closed. Anywho, the dude picks up the car and drops it off and said the tow was covered by his boss. I gave him a generous tip and made it worth his time.
 
#34 ·
Congrats! :thumbsup: $5K is still a really good deal for that car. Seller obviously wasn't a dummy & I don't blame him for not negotiating.

Post some more pics when you get a chance. Let's see what you're working with now!
 
#36 ·
Here are a few pics! Thanks everyone for their input! I can’t wait to get it running, since it’s been sitting since 2004. Got a couple tires that hold air on it today. There’s a little rust around the wheel wells, not sure if it’s patchable or not.
 

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#37 ·
looks likable centerlines up front! change oil, antifreeze, fresh gas and a battery and see if she starts! disc or drums up front? 12 bolt rear? jim
 
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