I have recently purchased a ‘66 Malibu 2 Door Coupe, full documentation including broadcast sheet/new car literature and misc paperwork over the years, 2 Owner (Original Owner/Son Inherited it), 283 4bbl, 220hp version with Powerglide- all #’s match. Ermine White, Red Interior-Bench, there is absolutely no rust anywhere,truly 0 rust, under the doors look like new, cobwebs on the frame, all original. Everything opens and shuts and rolls up and down smoothly. Drum brakes, so it’s a no thrills car, however besides your normal “age”, the interior has no stains, rips, or excessive use wear, just needs a careful cleaning. The steering wheel looks like it has never been used, just dusty. The paint is original and has been touched up Over the years, your typical “Knick” touch up with a fingernail brush.
I have owned several other Chevelles, Novas, ‘65 Riviera, and C10’s, but this one for some reason has really captured my attention as a great cruiser.
I think because it’s just so original, bare bones, and a bit unusual for a Chevelle 52 years later.
My question is, I am torn between replacing items that have lost there luster on the inside/interior, or just leaving alone. An example would be- the dash, the radio bezel is a great example and some pieces are not real metal, so to replace with repro’s to me will only lessen the value. I would like to have the body professionally painted, the Ermine White isn’t so white anymore although ultimately it still shines but does need a fresh coat, over the years it’s become an antique.
My question is- if I go down the road of a complete restoration, with the intent of simply restoring it to original, would it be appreciated at a show or just dismissed because it’s not 1 of many at a show SS 396?
I bought it because it was 100% rust free and unmolested, there’s not even scale rust on the frame, it’s black underneath, not real pretty because it’s factory and old, but clean as a whistle.
Since buying it, I sandblasted a set of 15x7 Rally’s, painted them, put a new set of F70x15 Redline Wide Oval Coker’s on it and have just cruised it about 15 miles to exercise it once. It’s really pride of ownership and gives me a reason to hang out in the garage!
What is your guys/gals thoughts? Do I have something interesting or ?
Thank-you,
Kevin
I have owned several other Chevelles, Novas, ‘65 Riviera, and C10’s, but this one for some reason has really captured my attention as a great cruiser.
I think because it’s just so original, bare bones, and a bit unusual for a Chevelle 52 years later.
My question is, I am torn between replacing items that have lost there luster on the inside/interior, or just leaving alone. An example would be- the dash, the radio bezel is a great example and some pieces are not real metal, so to replace with repro’s to me will only lessen the value. I would like to have the body professionally painted, the Ermine White isn’t so white anymore although ultimately it still shines but does need a fresh coat, over the years it’s become an antique.
My question is- if I go down the road of a complete restoration, with the intent of simply restoring it to original, would it be appreciated at a show or just dismissed because it’s not 1 of many at a show SS 396?
I bought it because it was 100% rust free and unmolested, there’s not even scale rust on the frame, it’s black underneath, not real pretty because it’s factory and old, but clean as a whistle.
Since buying it, I sandblasted a set of 15x7 Rally’s, painted them, put a new set of F70x15 Redline Wide Oval Coker’s on it and have just cruised it about 15 miles to exercise it once. It’s really pride of ownership and gives me a reason to hang out in the garage!
What is your guys/gals thoughts? Do I have something interesting or ?
Thank-you,
Kevin
