[Chevy_Guy]

I just recently purchased my first 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I would very much like to convert to either a SS clone or look alike, not sure if there is a difference between the two. Is this just a cosmetic adjustment, ie. emblems, grille, etc. or is there more to it?

Thanks for the info!
Eric.

 

[cews1968]

OH, NO......your one of those people to change a chevelle to a SS-clone. Why do you want to do such a thing?? Is it your personal preference or do you want more money for it when you sell it? If it is your personal preference, I will have to say ok with it. If you want to sell it after "cloning" it, good luck. Many people now a days KNOWS the VIN numbers to chevelles. I was 15 years old when my father was almost taken when he was wheeling and dealing for my 68 chevelle. The guy we bargained with told us it was a SS. I told him no it isn't. Long story short, the guy was madder than a wet hound and he sold it to us cheaper after a 15 year old proved him wrong. WORD OF ADVICE.......DON'T change the vin numbers when cloning. ITS unlawful. When cloning a chevelle all the emblems are changed to suit SS, maybe a 10-12bolt rear with swaybar. 3/8" fuel line. You'll have to check the specs on this site.
PLEASE DON'T sell your cloned chevelle to some poor dumb guy that doesn't know better, tell him what you did IF you sell it

 

[1966_L78]

I don't see a problem, as long as your not going to try to eventually sell it as a real SS.
For the '66 SS, there are naturally the exterior emblems and the hood with the scoops. There also is the emblem above the glove box. The rest of the trim inside is the same as the Malibu. Facory guages, tach, bucket seats, etc inside are all the same as what is optionally available on the Malibu. These parts were optional on both SS and Malibu.
Under the hood, the frame-side motor mounts are different, bur small block or solid block-side motor mounts could be used with the Big Block. The passenger side front brake line is also different, crossing over the frame closer to the firewall than a smallblock car. This is for extra clearance from the exhaust manifold.
The SS always had a 12-bolt from the factory, and there are a few extra frame support brackets for the rear suspension pickup points, but these, as well as the brake line are often overlooked.
So really its the hood, emblems, rear end and engine that make the SS. You could have bought an SS with a bench seat, column-shifted powerglide with no gages (although I don't know why someone would.
I have had many '66 Chevelles. I currently have a cloned SS and a real SS. I have more fun in the cloned car, because I am not worried as much about parts breakage or modifications. I am even contemplating selling the real SS to help pay for some more modifications to the clone.
Of course, It all depends on my mood as to whether I'll admit its a clone or not. If I realize its someone who is truly interested in Chevelles, I will usually tell them its a clone, but if they are those "I had one of those when I was younger, what year is it?" kind of people, I tell 'em its real. So have fun with the car... do what makes you happy.

 

[1966_L78]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The grills are the same, just the SS is painted semi-flat (or flat?) black.

 

[Chevy_Guy]

The change to a SS clone is just a matter of personal preference. I do not plan on selling it for awhile, but when I do, I will not offer it as anything other than a SS Clone. I really bought for me and my 14 year old to work on. Thought that adding all the SS stuff might be a fun place to start for both of us.

Thanks for all the info!!

 

[69bigblock]

Is there really a need to make a clone? Are you not happy with a chevelle's looks alone? After the time, research, part gathering and money spent would it not be easier to buy an SS? I have a non-SS chevelle and it suits me fine. I am not ashamed to say it's not an SS or do I care if anyone thinks less of it because of it. Not saying you feel this way. You may simply like the looks of an SS and I do as well. But I do feel the car deserves the same respect (especially with the 454 like mine) that an SS has. If it is the value you are getting at then cloning is not the answer (removes originality). But the car is yours and you can add anything you wish. Good luck and send pictures of the progress.....

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Frank
69-454-456
Gold Member # 216

 

[DZAUTO]

It's your car. Clone it into a Space Shuttle if you want. But the only thing is, as mentioned several times, if you sell it later and try to pass it off as a Space Shuttle, the buyer will probably be pretty unhappy when he finds out it isn't. I have a 70 Malibu conv which LOOKS like an SS (including functional CI Hood) without the emblems. I left the original 307 emblems on it. Makes a few people do a double take, especially when they loose their doors.

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Tom Parsons

 

[mr409]

Chevy_Guy,

When you see how hard/expensive it is to locate certain 66 SS parts, your likely to change your mind.

The hardest parts to find will be the SS hood, bucket seats, and 12 bolt rear.

I have seen used SS hoods selling for as much as $650.00 a pop! (Thank God my car has it's original) Of course, I wouldn't doubt if a repro isn't in the works.

Everybody and his sister is looking for the correct 66 bucket seats including me. Mine has 68's unfortunetly.

Just something to consider.

Take care,



------------------
Bob (Pa.)

1963 Impala 283
1966 Chevelle SS 409
1969 Malibu 307
1972 Malibu 307
1969 Chevy stepside 350

Bob's 409 Chevy Page

silverstone.fortunecity.com/tvr/246/bob_s_409_chevy_page_index.html

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

On my 68 malibu i don't mind saying that it is a malibu but i don't think i could live without the factory SS hood that came with the car when i bought it (factory meaning not repro) i like the look of the hood but the other stuff it doesn't matter i like mine being more of a sleeper with those malibu emblems on the sides. But i like sleepers and i think more people like to show off to the guy that you drive by that he just saw an SS but mine isn't like that just a beefed up malibu

 

[66 bowtie]

well i read this message erlier today but didn't say anything but it is time for my 2 cents. I am 16 and am restoring a 66 chevelle malibu (not restoring really, putting it the way i would have liked to buy it) and my dad is the one who wants to somewhat clone it but i always say no because there is soo many clones out there if you really do reaserch you will find so but i like the malibu it is the one next to ss (i think) The ss features we have settled on are painting the rear (can't think of name) inbetween the lights black but the rest will be malibu style. the 6 was gone so a sbc now resides in it's place but i am happy to say i own a 66 chevelle malibu. hell it beats the things some people i know own. It is up to you but go for it if you and your son want to. But remember one thing you want to have fun doing it
(by the way the 66 is gonna be mine after it is done)
PS. i also put in bucket seats with a b&m shifter and sorry it is sooo long

------------------
OWNER OF 66 CHEVELLE MALIBU

Check out page dedicated to resto of my chevelle. still being made.
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Shop/9801/


Canadian Classics Chevelles and Beaumonts #393



[This message has been edited by 66 bowtie (edited 10-13-99).]

 

[jeffc]

Bob, They are selling the repro 66 hood. I haven't seen one in person, but I heard they were the same quality as the 67 repro. A store here in Wichita has on for $275 for the bare hood.

Eric. Pick what you like of the SS (I sure like the hood but I don't care about the emblems) and go for it. I have a 67 Elky and I will be putting a repro SS hood on it. What, no SS Elky in 67, your kidding?

I have a 65 Malibu SS. Hmmmmm. Guess I'll clone the space shuttle.

Have fun! Jeff


------------------
Got Chevelles?
Jeff Carpenter
65 Malibu Convertible
See it before- www.littlecars.com/car1.jpg
67 ElCamino - Pics coming soon
Team Chevelle Gold #61

 

[Al]

Pick and choose the SS items that you want on the car and do it how YOU want to. Don't try to make a perfect copy as that's fruitless, someone will call you on it.

My next purchase is probably going to be a 70 El Camino. I know exactly how it is going to look when it's done, factory or not. If I don't find what I want, I'll make it.

Enjoy your Chevelle, that's number one.

 

[RatPowr]

I am the owner of a 66' clone and I love it. I got the car when I was 16(im 19 now) and it was a bucket seat, powerglide, 283 malibu. It had a REAL SS hood on it when I got it though, and people would always ask if it was a SS or not (even though no SS badges)I always wanted an SS chevelle and good luck on finding a REAL 66 SS and then good luck on affording it! So I did the next best thing, made my own! Its got a 396, 12-bolt all the badges, interior things, the frame reinforcements and 3/8 fuel lines. Something that it almost ALWAYS overlooked when looking for a real 66 SS is the rocker panel moldings. A REAL 66 will have the rocker panel moldings with the ridges, and they will extend past the rear wheel-well to the bacl of the car. My malibu dosent have the extensions so thats about the only way to tell. I also put on front disc brakes, and if your gonna clone a 66 SS I recommend it. The drums arent up to stopping the extra weight of a big-block (mine are non-power). I have seen some guys tell me their car is a REAL 66 SS but they didnt have the rocker extensions, so after some inspection I eventually called them out. If someones REAL 66 SS dosent have the extensions, I would like to hear about it, cause maybe I am mistaken. Anyhow, nothing wrong with a clone, as long as you dont sell it like a real SS. I will post some pics of mine soon (My interior is always a conversation piece, I did 2 tone black and red, looks killer)

------------------
66 Big-Block Chevelle Houston, TX ACES#3321

 

[Mr. D]

I agree with AL and others above . . .
Bottom line. . . make it how ever YOU want it.

SS package was an option. Anyone who puts a BB in a small block car is just "adding" an option. Put the options on it that you want.

If that means the SS options like hood, suspension, etc then do it.

I have a 72 camino that I have put every option I could find on it (some came on it, others added: PS, PDB, a/c, Tilt, cruise, 454, turbo 400, 12 bolt posi, round gauges with tac, map light etc(lighting package), PW, PL, raised hood, chrome moldings, . . . including some of the SS package.

Trying to pass off a car as to something it is not for personal gain is a whole other ball game.

That would be dishonest.

I know that is not your intention and don't let anyone give you a bad time for "adding" options to your project.
Have a BLAST!!

------------------
Mr. D
72 454 Elcamino
68 RS/SS camaro
73 RS/LT/Z28 camaro
99 Firebird TA WS-6 A4

 

[Chevy_Guy]

Well Bob you just made me feel even better about my recent purchase. The Chevelle already came with the SS hood, not sure if it's a repro or not, 66 buckets, and a 12 bolt rearend with 430 gears. Just as an FYI, the car has a new 350 bored to a 355, new turbo 400 trans, a Lanotti 515 cam, dart 2 heads, forged pistons, pink rods. Not sure about the horsepower, maybe 425. ??? Anyone have a guess?

Thanks!!

 

[Didge]

Chevy_Guy,
I say do what you want. I have a 67 malibu that a previous owner started to clone. I like the look of the hood and emblems. It is what I want and it is my car. I consider mine a clone, but it does not have a 12 bolt or a TH400. I don't plan on replacing these items unless they should break.
So like some of the others have said clone the parts that you want.
P.S. the vin numbers on our cars show they are malibu's anyway so I don't see it being a big deal.

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Greg Chambers
Crowley, TX
67 ss clone

 

[Bob M]

I firmly belive that you should build your car to make you happy. I have a 66 Malibu that I'm finishing a frame-off on. Some people might wonder why I'm spending all the time and money on 'Just A Malibu'. The answer is simple, I love Chevelles, I love the looks of the 66 especially. I don't hang my head when someone asks if my Chevelle is a SS. If you want to build something a little different, build a clean, powerful Malibu. Leave it badged as a Malibu and you will be in the minority at the car show. You see 20 restored Super Sports to one restored Malibu.
Don't get me wrong, I like Super Sports and will probably have one someday. I don't like my Malibu any less because it is not a SS.



------------------
Bob Murray 66 Malibu
Greenfield, Indiana (Indianapolis)
TC Gold #49
Aces #01941
NCOA #20838

 

[Shawn]

I am proud to say that I have a non-SS El Camino. I actually like it better than an SS because of the bench seat, and the sweep speedo. I like the bench seat because if anything bad ever happens I could sleep on it (its very comfy) and the sweep speedo is cool because its just got good looks. Unfortunately, someone wasn't happy with it being a non-SS and stuck the emblems on the fenders and put on the domed hood as well as a blacked out grille. I wouldn't want Kaileigh any other way than a non-SS.

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1970 Chevy Custom El Camino non-SS aka Kaileigh
136800B122947 | November 25, 1969
Green Mist #45 w/Green Vinyl Top
350ci/300HP 4bbl Small Block
Factory Dual Exhaust and Rally Wheels
www.dreamelectric.com

 

[gene c]

Well well well that clone thing rears its ugly head again I for one am the proud owner of a 66 conv ss CLONE, it's your car do as you wish when people ask I tell them it's a clone, after all the purists will see it in a heart beat, you can do all of the cosmetics but when it comes down to it if it doen't have the 13817 on the body and trim tag it aint an ss. yes you can get a repo hood for 275, but wait till you try to locate the inserts on the top of the hood there are a lot of different things to do cosmeticly just look at ss's and go from there. just remember
if you can't find the little trim pieces used some of them are quite pricey, bottom line it's yours do what you want to.btw I alos am in the process or restoring another 66 conv. that is a #'s matching car, so i too am a purist at heart but the clone is showing off the best of the best.....gene

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Gene Callahan
Canoga Park Ca.
66 Conv.
Gold # 55
S.C.C.C.C

 

[jmw]

I am doing a 67 clone. Have some fun with the whole issue. I am making minor changes and leaving in clues as to what it really was, then I'll see who catches all of them without looking at the VIN first. Of course, the VIN will never be messed with.

One day I'd love to have a numbers matching SS car like the two I sold off(67 and 70) before I knew better.

The purists be damned, I tell em I saved a car from the crusher, so go find something else to whine about. At the same time, though, there is a special hell for the guys who try to sell clones at a premium saying they are the real thing.
jmw