I have a 72 Chevelle Malibu. I would like to put SS emblems on it because I like the way they look. I am not trying to convert the car to a total SS clone for resale purposes. Just wondered what your thoughts were on this.
SS "Clones"
Richard D.
41 - 60 of 185 Posts
I like to think of each one being an original, not made over into something they weren't...well, except maybe for a few 70's that are red. GM might have found a way to clone them since there are so many
Hey, I resemble that remark
Red on Red baby.. Member of the very rare Red 70 Chevelle SS Club
All the Best
Bruce
When I see a 70 with drum brakes, sweep dash, flat hood (usually red) with black stripes, AND it has SS454 on the fender, I just have to chuckle. Kinda like when I see a guy wearing a fake hairpiece. Flame me all you want, but I think it's just a little pathetic. But this is America, and everyone has the right to pretend to be what they wannabe.
Clones Anonymus:
Hi, my name is Dave and I have a, a, a..clone.
(Everyone)
HI DAVE!
![Image]()
I guess if I had a genuine SS, the clones would bother me more. However, If I did have a real SS, I would not hesitate to point it out to a potential buyer and that is the advantage a real SS would always have. I would never sell mine as a true SS. Yes the next seller may, but as in anything else, let the buyer beware. This is true with anything. I can see inflating the market with clones would eventually bring the value or demand for SS cars down, but I don't see that happening yet. If I had it to do over, I would not have cloned mine. BTW it is a poor clone at that and I know it. I think I'm leaving it that way so people that know what they are looking at will know. Their probably laughing at me, but I don't really care.
It's my car, my dream and I don't give a @%$*
what any one else thinks. Most people just say, nice car anyway. 1/2 don't know what they are looking at. I've heard Nice Nova several times.
Dave
Hi, my name is Dave and I have a, a, a..clone.
(Everyone)
HI DAVE!
I guess if I had a genuine SS, the clones would bother me more. However, If I did have a real SS, I would not hesitate to point it out to a potential buyer and that is the advantage a real SS would always have. I would never sell mine as a true SS. Yes the next seller may, but as in anything else, let the buyer beware. This is true with anything. I can see inflating the market with clones would eventually bring the value or demand for SS cars down, but I don't see that happening yet. If I had it to do over, I would not have cloned mine. BTW it is a poor clone at that and I know it. I think I'm leaving it that way so people that know what they are looking at will know. Their probably laughing at me, but I don't really care.
It's my car, my dream and I don't give a @%$*
what any one else thinks. Most people just say, nice car anyway. 1/2 don't know what they are looking at. I've heard Nice Nova several times.
Dave
For Clint 44
I agree totally with you about that "Corvette Mentality' and likely I will never own another one either. I enjoy my car...I enjoy modifying it and I enjoy restoring some of the cosmetics to original BUT it stops there. I don't walk up to the number crunchers and say...."boy you were stupid to pay $...... for that NOs whatever. I wish they were as curteous to me about my Edelbrock heads or my Richmond 5 Speed. I have a Muncie lever grafted to the Hurst and I run the stock muncie chrome knob. One guy saw it and remarked "I thought that lever was a 1/2 or so too long...I knew something was WRONG"! Well ya know what FY it aint wrong IT IS DIFFERENT and by the way likely that Jacka__ could not change anything other than his Corvette logo shirt. I freakin hate that attitude.
While I am at it...this numbers matching standard is the dumbest think I ever heard. It started as some kinda measure of the "correctness" of the car. It has turned into a parts chase Chinese Fire Drill from where I stand.
So freakin what if the parts that comprise a car COULD HAVE BEEN built at the factory into this single car based on dates and P/N s? So WHAT? Numbers matching is nothing more than a back door way into saying "original". All it says is that you chased around for a dated alternator or whatever....is dated anti freeze next? Could have been built this way does not equal was: it equals could have been, might have been, maybe.
If originality is the issue numbers matching is a half baked excuse for originality..in fact it could be construed to mean "Well it ain't REALLY original but I wanted it to LOOK or PERFORM like original and I am hangin my hat on this nutty standard.
What if badges had "numbers and dates"? Just suppose for a minute come on open your minds up a little. Using the "Numbers matching" mantra a Malibu 300 could become a "numbers matching" SS if ALL the badges and dash board parts the cowl induction parts and whatever other unique SS pieces had dates and numbers. All ya gotta do is chase down dated EVERYTHING! For all the Junior Mr Wizard part number Purists out there would the car then be? Holy Parts Department Batman ..IT WOULD BE A CLONE, not an original. Gee this numbers stuff seems sillier and sillier the more I look at it.
It is just so stupid. Original is original everything else is just an approximation (some are closer approxiations than others) but most cars after 35 years are just that: approximations. Gloss over that any way you want they are not original. Not that original is bad or good it is neutral. Few are original most are not original but in the final analysis SO WHAT?
I agree totally with you about that "Corvette Mentality' and likely I will never own another one either. I enjoy my car...I enjoy modifying it and I enjoy restoring some of the cosmetics to original BUT it stops there. I don't walk up to the number crunchers and say...."boy you were stupid to pay $...... for that NOs whatever. I wish they were as curteous to me about my Edelbrock heads or my Richmond 5 Speed. I have a Muncie lever grafted to the Hurst and I run the stock muncie chrome knob. One guy saw it and remarked "I thought that lever was a 1/2 or so too long...I knew something was WRONG"! Well ya know what FY it aint wrong IT IS DIFFERENT and by the way likely that Jacka__ could not change anything other than his Corvette logo shirt. I freakin hate that attitude.
While I am at it...this numbers matching standard is the dumbest think I ever heard. It started as some kinda measure of the "correctness" of the car. It has turned into a parts chase Chinese Fire Drill from where I stand.
So freakin what if the parts that comprise a car COULD HAVE BEEN built at the factory into this single car based on dates and P/N s? So WHAT? Numbers matching is nothing more than a back door way into saying "original". All it says is that you chased around for a dated alternator or whatever....is dated anti freeze next? Could have been built this way does not equal was: it equals could have been, might have been, maybe.
If originality is the issue numbers matching is a half baked excuse for originality..in fact it could be construed to mean "Well it ain't REALLY original but I wanted it to LOOK or PERFORM like original and I am hangin my hat on this nutty standard.
What if badges had "numbers and dates"? Just suppose for a minute come on open your minds up a little. Using the "Numbers matching" mantra a Malibu 300 could become a "numbers matching" SS if ALL the badges and dash board parts the cowl induction parts and whatever other unique SS pieces had dates and numbers. All ya gotta do is chase down dated EVERYTHING! For all the Junior Mr Wizard part number Purists out there would the car then be? Holy Parts Department Batman ..IT WOULD BE A CLONE, not an original. Gee this numbers stuff seems sillier and sillier the more I look at it.
It is just so stupid. Original is original everything else is just an approximation (some are closer approxiations than others) but most cars after 35 years are just that: approximations. Gloss over that any way you want they are not original. Not that original is bad or good it is neutral. Few are original most are not original but in the final analysis SO WHAT?
Let's see now am I forgetting anything that might let someone know I don't really have an 69 SS.
Original SS grill,
Bolted on rag joint,
12 bolt rear,
Support braces between the control arms,
Return line to the gas tank,
All holes filled and sanded inside and out where all the Malibu trim was,
SS wheels,
Door panel, Dash panel and steering wheel SS emblems,
Front and rear SS emblems,
Fender emblems that are straight not crooked like most clones and in the right location.
Correct chrome exhaust tips,
400 Turbo with the correct kickdown switch,
Hideaway Wipers with recessed park,
SS Eyebrow chrome,
SS Parking lights,
SS Hood,
Disk Brakes with the right proportioning valve,
Wheel well chrome,
5500 Redline Tach and guage set,
Bucket seats and console not necessary for an SS,
454 that looks like a 396. Can be easily spotted as a 454 by people that know their motors. I want the power of big cubes though.
Tell me if I am missing anything. That is the car I am putting together. I want experts to pick it apart when I get done with it. I think it is fun.
I am making a clone but it is a keeper. If I did sell it by some bad economic reasons I would have to tell the prospective buyer it is not an SS but they wouldn't beleive me.
Original SS grill,
Bolted on rag joint,
12 bolt rear,
Support braces between the control arms,
Return line to the gas tank,
All holes filled and sanded inside and out where all the Malibu trim was,
SS wheels,
Door panel, Dash panel and steering wheel SS emblems,
Front and rear SS emblems,
Fender emblems that are straight not crooked like most clones and in the right location.
Correct chrome exhaust tips,
400 Turbo with the correct kickdown switch,
Hideaway Wipers with recessed park,
SS Eyebrow chrome,
SS Parking lights,
SS Hood,
Disk Brakes with the right proportioning valve,
Wheel well chrome,
5500 Redline Tach and guage set,
Bucket seats and console not necessary for an SS,
454 that looks like a 396. Can be easily spotted as a 454 by people that know their motors. I want the power of big cubes though.
Tell me if I am missing anything. That is the car I am putting together. I want experts to pick it apart when I get done with it. I think it is fun.
I am making a clone but it is a keeper. If I did sell it by some bad economic reasons I would have to tell the prospective buyer it is not an SS but they wouldn't beleive me.
1970 Chevelle Convertible & 1965 Chevelle SS Convertible
Joined
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718 Posts
Wow - some very interesting reading here - I usually don't chime in on these subjects but - being I am considering cloning my convertable, no secret here by the way, I'm feeling awfully guilty.
In all honesty I have never looked down on a clone, especially a very well investigated and complete one. The object of cloning in my opinion is to do it 100% and insure you let people know as well, It's actaully to fun to find a good clone by eye where every detail was replicated and only numbers or documantation would prove otherwise. When you go the full route, all details, it's actually a lot of work to find all the right parts when you start with a plain car. For those who go as far as restamping drivetrains and compiling correctly dated parts to try and pass off a clone as real - that's where the line is crossed, but remember - a buyer must be educated before making a purchase. If the buyer does not care if it's a clone then so be it. If he fails to educate himself and was expecting an original - then unfortunately it's his or her loss. When I purchased my green SS - I wanted an original matching numbers documented car, before I even started looking I educated myself on what to look for, undocumented cars or non matching numbers were not even considered, the seller could sware all day it was original - without the proof I didn't want it. With the convertable I didn't care - just wanted a drop top.
In many cases people clone because an original documented car is just out of reach, some just have a plain car that they can afford to upgrade. With my convertable, I always wanted an SS convertable, real ones were just too expensive so I figured I can clone this one and modify it to the way I would want it, not someone elses restored SS or played with Malibu. I like doing the car myself - clone or not, it's my canvas and my outcome is mine to enjoy.
Hopefully one day GM will provide documantation to support the real ones and the clones will be just that.
Geee - I rattled on more then I expected - sorry
Rich
In all honesty I have never looked down on a clone, especially a very well investigated and complete one. The object of cloning in my opinion is to do it 100% and insure you let people know as well, It's actaully to fun to find a good clone by eye where every detail was replicated and only numbers or documantation would prove otherwise. When you go the full route, all details, it's actually a lot of work to find all the right parts when you start with a plain car. For those who go as far as restamping drivetrains and compiling correctly dated parts to try and pass off a clone as real - that's where the line is crossed, but remember - a buyer must be educated before making a purchase. If the buyer does not care if it's a clone then so be it. If he fails to educate himself and was expecting an original - then unfortunately it's his or her loss. When I purchased my green SS - I wanted an original matching numbers documented car, before I even started looking I educated myself on what to look for, undocumented cars or non matching numbers were not even considered, the seller could sware all day it was original - without the proof I didn't want it. With the convertable I didn't care - just wanted a drop top.
In many cases people clone because an original documented car is just out of reach, some just have a plain car that they can afford to upgrade. With my convertable, I always wanted an SS convertable, real ones were just too expensive so I figured I can clone this one and modify it to the way I would want it, not someone elses restored SS or played with Malibu. I like doing the car myself - clone or not, it's my canvas and my outcome is mine to enjoy.
Hopefully one day GM will provide documantation to support the real ones and the clones will be just that.
Geee - I rattled on more then I expected - sorry
Rich
I feel that everyone has the right to do what they want to their own car, as long as the car is not sold as something it is not (fraud).
Remember that a lot of people want to have something that no one else has, when fake diamonds and silicon implants are used they make they real ones seem less special. I’ve been to a lot a shows were you would think that a Malibu is a much rarer car than an SS. All I see at the shows is a sea of SS cars an one or two Malibus.
I can understand the owners of real SS cars feeling that their status is diminished when they are just one SS in a lone line at the show. I can also see the point that any car owner has the right to build their car the way they want.
Until Chevy comes out with a list of options that were in the car when it left the factory we will all have to careful when buying a car. I think we will all agree that no one should be deceived and ripped-off when buying a car other that that give up debating clones because feelings on the subject will be different and everyone will never agree so get over it and move on.
Mike
Remember that a lot of people want to have something that no one else has, when fake diamonds and silicon implants are used they make they real ones seem less special. I’ve been to a lot a shows were you would think that a Malibu is a much rarer car than an SS. All I see at the shows is a sea of SS cars an one or two Malibus.
I can understand the owners of real SS cars feeling that their status is diminished when they are just one SS in a lone line at the show. I can also see the point that any car owner has the right to build their car the way they want.
Until Chevy comes out with a list of options that were in the car when it left the factory we will all have to careful when buying a car. I think we will all agree that no one should be deceived and ripped-off when buying a car other that that give up debating clones because feelings on the subject will be different and everyone will never agree so get over it and move on.
Mike
I was kinda avoiding this thread.
But here is my argument for why a "REAL SS" is better.
It already comes with so many of the good parts.
The Better engines
The Tougher Transmissions
The Tougher Rear Axle
The Handling Package
The Nicer Trim
The Instrument Package
Sometimes the Buckets and Console
After 67 Optional Disc
After 69 Standard Disc
All or at least most of the above, need to be obtained, before a clone is complete.
I've got nothing against a nice clone.
As long as its not sold as the real thing.
A member had a sweet 68 Clone for sale, about a month ago, that was nicely done, and honestly, probably a nicer car than my real SS-396.
I'd bet it cost him as much to do, as to buy a real one though. But for what his price was, somebody got a bitchin looking car, that thanks to a bigger engine was probably quicker than mine too.
By the way his ad made it clear it was a clone.
![Image]()
But here is my argument for why a "REAL SS" is better.
It already comes with so many of the good parts.
The Better engines
The Tougher Transmissions
The Tougher Rear Axle
The Handling Package
The Nicer Trim
The Instrument Package
Sometimes the Buckets and Console
After 67 Optional Disc
After 69 Standard Disc
All or at least most of the above, need to be obtained, before a clone is complete.
I've got nothing against a nice clone.
As long as its not sold as the real thing.
A member had a sweet 68 Clone for sale, about a month ago, that was nicely done, and honestly, probably a nicer car than my real SS-396.
I'd bet it cost him as much to do, as to buy a real one though. But for what his price was, somebody got a bitchin looking car, that thanks to a bigger engine was probably quicker than mine too.
By the way his ad made it clear it was a clone.
There are good points to both sides of this issue, in my opinion it's all in what you like. I have a 70 malibu - at least it came off the production line in October of 1969 like that, but the only thing that makes it a Malibu anymore is the 10 bolt rear, side badges and the extra body chrome, nothing else about it says "Malibu" it's more of a suped up Mutt. The 6 banger and powerglide were switched out for a 350HO and TH 350 with shiftkit, the motor has been all modified to put out over 375hp, boxed control arms and thicker stabilizer bars were added for additional launch and stability with too many other mods to get into. So Technically I now have a modified 70 chevelle. It's not an SS and really is not a Malibu anymore, so if I put an "SS" badge on the grill, stripe the hood and trunk lid and leave all the other "malibu" badges/chrome in place does this fully describe my car as a "mutt"? I think so, so that's what I did, and I love it and could really careless what some "self proclaimed" car expert thinks. This is America and we are all granted the right of Freedom of choice. I would never sell the car as an true SS, heck the VIN even starts with 136, what moron would believe it was a true "SS" anyway. I like hotrods and there is no such thing as a matching numbers true hotrod, they are just fast, cool looking cars that orginaly started life as something else, and with some blood, sweat and ingenuity became the owners dream...isn't this what our hobby is all about? C'mon people! Life's too short!
Joined
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247 Posts
One of the best looking 70's at CB03 was a black with red interior Malibu with crager wheels. I thought it stood out even more than the original black LS-6 cars. No SS emblems on it at all. I even thanked him for not cloning it. A few issues back in the ACES magazine there was an awsome looking dark blue 68 Malibu. Those cars didn't need SS emblems to turn heads. This thread makes me wonder how many 136 vin's will show up with Heavy Chevy stripes when they feature Heavys at Chevellabration. Hopefully Chuck's people will check for that when that time comes. Yea, I'm one of the fortunate guys with a real SS and a real Heavy so maybe its easy to say don't clone it but there really isn't anything wrong with a Malibu.
Reading all these comments makes me wonder why all the "True SS" owners don't sell their SS and buy themselves a "True Malibu" if they think so highly of them and how great they stand out at shows.
The "True SS" owners speak so highly of them, yet no one has one. Wonder why? Can't believe they are wasting their time and money on a SS when deep down they really dig and want a Malibu.
![Image]()
Kerry
The "True SS" owners speak so highly of them, yet no one has one.
Wonder why? Can't believe they are wasting their time and money on a SS when deep down they really dig and want a Malibu.
Kerry
Joined
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247 Posts
Originally posted by analyte:
[QB] Reading all these comments makes me wonder why all the "True SS" owners don't sell their SS and buy themselves a "True Malibu" if they think so highly of them and how great they stand out at shows.
I do think some malibus stand out at shows. I think some chevelle SS, camaros, novas, rods stand out too but why would I want to sell my car everytime I saw something sharp looking?
The "True SS" owners speak so highly of them, yet no one has one.![Image]()
I would guess most classic car owners have enough room for 1 car. Most "true SS" owners could afford to pay for the True SS when they bought them. And yes, I think we all look at the resale-investment of a "True SS" so I don't think we are wasting our money on one. I don't understand how we waste anymore time on a "true SS" anymore than any other car
This is a free country- I know- I spent 5 years of my life defending it. In my opinion, unless you are making car payments to the "true SS" owner that you bought your Malibu from, do what you want with it. Heck, throw the SS badges on and leave the Malibu script if you want to. Stick a flapper door on a flat hood. IT IS YOUR CAR!!!
I am a little different- If I had a choice between a "true SS" and an equally nice clone, I'd take the clone. The reason is this- I can stick aftermarket rims, custom stereo, go-fast engine components, etc on the clone and no one gripes. Do the same to the real thing and I have to listen to everyone gripe about how I butchered the car. SCREW THAT! You guys can have your numbers-matching real Super Sport garage queens. I like to drive my cars- and drive them fast. Then I like to add something else to make it even faster.
So, which makes me feel better- some teenager shouting "NICE CARE DUDE" over my exhaust roar, or some stuffy judge deducting 10 points because I have a bug stuck on my bumper?
And before any "true SS" owners jump on me, I'd like to point out that I do own a "true SS" Nova. And I am hot-rodding/modding the hell out of it as if it was "just a clone." It don't even have the correct front fenders for the year it is, and to be honest- I don't care.
Love the car, not the option package.
Owning the real thing does not make you better, smarter, cooler or hipper than the rest. Maybe just wealthier.
Maybe they should make us some badges of our own- "SSS" for Simulated Super Sport.
I am a little different- If I had a choice between a "true SS" and an equally nice clone, I'd take the clone. The reason is this- I can stick aftermarket rims, custom stereo, go-fast engine components, etc on the clone and no one gripes. Do the same to the real thing and I have to listen to everyone gripe about how I butchered the car. SCREW THAT! You guys can have your numbers-matching real Super Sport garage queens. I like to drive my cars- and drive them fast. Then I like to add something else to make it even faster.
So, which makes me feel better- some teenager shouting "NICE CARE DUDE" over my exhaust roar, or some stuffy judge deducting 10 points because I have a bug stuck on my bumper?
And before any "true SS" owners jump on me, I'd like to point out that I do own a "true SS" Nova. And I am hot-rodding/modding the hell out of it as if it was "just a clone." It don't even have the correct front fenders for the year it is, and to be honest- I don't care.
Love the car, not the option package.
Owning the real thing does not make you better, smarter, cooler or hipper than the rest. Maybe just wealthier.
Maybe they should make us some badges of our own- "SSS" for Simulated Super Sport.
Maybe I should get a 3/4 carat clone for my wifes SI1/D diamond. After all a cubic zirconia looks the same right. Value is in rarity and desirability. I'd rather be proud of an original malibu than claim to own a fake SS. Many of you aren't old enough to remember when you couldn't give away a numbers match SS. Seeing my older brother throw them around and away has taught me the respect of not being able to readily have what others used to take for granted. Numbers match, ahh who cares about that, but a legit SS is a legit SS. Someones' 66 SS died for the hood that rests on my Elky. That hood was BENT up when I got it. You couldn't pay me enough to put a repo SS hood on it because that hood carries the pride of being from a true SS.
BUT, that's my humble opinion. I guess having respect for heritage means nothing anymore.
BUT, that's my humble opinion. I guess having respect for heritage means nothing anymore.
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15,673 Posts
Heavy Chevy's have 134 VIN's in 71 and 1C37x in 72 - but I get your point. With tongue-in-cheek, I must admit that one "Staff" member directing me to park my car on Friday didn't know what year it was.
One of the cleanest 69 Velles I saw at CB was this triple black Malibu. As I said, nothing wrong with a Malibu, I wouldn't hesitate to own one in a Chevrolet Heartbeat - and yes, I've owned a couple. It's just my opinion (I do get to have one don't I?) that hoods, chrome trim (or lack thereof), stripes, etal are fine, but why SS badges? What's the mistique of those two letters (or words) that drive people just short of name calling? What image is being projected? It's not whether you'd sell it that way - I'm sure everyone here is as honest as the day is long - but the guy who buys it sure will. You're right though, who cares? Let the buyer beware.
I just find it strange that one or two people (like me) who have an honest opinion get jumped on by the masses as though we're trying to stiffle creativity. Yes I have a SS, and yes I'm proud of it - personalized the heck out of it and drive it all the time. Would I ever put SS badging on my 67 Elky? Nope. Why? GM didn't make one in 67. Even though you could get essentially all the SS equipment except the hood, badges and some trim, it wasn't a SS. It never was and never would be no matter what I did to it. I'd rather it be ineffective than deceiving.
my .02
I have....a malibu
I considered 'cloning',but only for a short while. I'm glad it's a malibu,and it's strong enough to kick some ss tails too.
Thats what it came down to for me, as I really don't care if it has ss badges or not, but how does it perform?
If it was an ss that would be ok, but I'm not going to try and make ice cream out of vinegar. I'm already bucking trends by driving a 73...
I have....a malibu
I considered 'cloning',but only for a short while. I'm glad it's a malibu,and it's strong enough to kick some ss tails too.
Thats what it came down to for me, as I really don't care if it has ss badges or not, but how does it perform?
If it was an ss that would be ok, but I'm not going to try and make ice cream out of vinegar. I'm already bucking trends by driving a 73...
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