i'm 15 and have been interested in Chevelles for a while. I finally got one, a 71' malibu with two 454ci engines, two sets of headers, and a turbo 400. It came with a bench and buckets, with a black interior and puke green exterior. I'm going to install a floor shifter instead of the original column shifter. interior is in good condition. I wanted to know where I should start my resto? In the engine compartment? undercarrige? body work? and when should I paint?
Where do I start?.....help
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Im 16, still looking for a car, but i know what i want and what order to do it in. Personally im going to build a new motor, install a richmond 5 speed tranny and and put some 2.73s in the rear end first. I want to be able to drive it while working on it so i feel this is the best way to go. Im then gonna do the interior, and any minor things. Painting the car will be last for me. Hope i helped some.
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It all depends on where you want to go with it? You wanna make it look good? Of course you do! You wanna make it go fast? Of course you do! It all depends on what comes first.
STart with what power plant you have. How stout is the drivetrain? How long ago was the 454 put in?
Just do the necessary fluid overhauls and put in one of the three gauges setups. Just a temporary way to monitor the vitals.
put up some picks... Then I'll comment on the body. You gonna take it to the stip? Come on make it a steet/strip car!
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have now>>>>> am building
2.73 open 10bolt>>>>>>3.73 posi 12bolt
350>>>>396 w/nitrous
TH350>>>>TH400 (haven't found one yet...)
shooting for 12s in 1/4
college student budget!
STart with what power plant you have. How stout is the drivetrain? How long ago was the 454 put in?
Just do the necessary fluid overhauls and put in one of the three gauges setups. Just a temporary way to monitor the vitals.
put up some picks... Then I'll comment on the body. You gonna take it to the stip? Come on make it a steet/strip car!
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have now>>>>> am building
2.73 open 10bolt>>>>>>3.73 posi 12bolt
350>>>>396 w/nitrous
TH350>>>>TH400 (haven't found one yet...)
shooting for 12s in 1/4
college student budget!
I'd love to make it a street/strip car! I don't have the money for a new 4 spd, but i'd love to put one in. The 454 was just put in by the preveous owner, because I said I wanted to hear it run. I plan on detailling one engine while I keep one in the car, and then when I swap I'll sell the old one. Does Cowl induction have any major effect on HP?
Man, I wish you guys lived in my neighborhood when I was in high school! I'm friends with a guy who had a mint 69 GTX in high school, but he'd never drive it, just leave it in the garage and wax it.
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I wanted a Chevelle really bad in high school, and almost bought some real junk. I finally waited around and ended up with a really nice builder SS that I'm redoing as a 80% street, 20% strip car. You have to have enough performance to dust most everything, I mean, Chevelles have a reputation to uphold! Good luck -- this site will be your greatest asset in your buildup.
Mike, excellent score!
Most restos start with mechanicals first, brakes , suspension, lights/wiring, then mill, tranny and finally cosmetics.
Mike, not for nothing, but I consider all decent hipo rats street/strip cars, so you own, now, a street/strip car whether you take it to the strip or not.
Sweet huh!
Good luck with your new ride!
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Chaas
Gold #62/ACES
67 SS396/L88
[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 02-13-2000).]
Most restos start with mechanicals first, brakes , suspension, lights/wiring, then mill, tranny and finally cosmetics.
Mike, not for nothing, but I consider all decent hipo rats street/strip cars, so you own, now, a street/strip car whether you take it to the strip or not.
Sweet huh!
Good luck with your new ride!
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Chaas
Gold #62/ACES
67 SS396/L88
[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 02-13-2000).]
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224 Posts
About the SS/Malibu differences. It's a big ol' list that most people can't see with the naked eye.
I'll try and bullet some of 'em (some things are the smae for both, but a very rare, and I mean rare SS will have the "malibu" stuff)
MALIBU >>>>> Super Sport
Sweep Speedo >>>> Circular gauges
10 bolt rear >>>>> 12 bolt rear w/sway bar
Badging >>>> Hole lotta badging
smaller mill >>>>> usually a BB
I am not certain about more of the interior differences.... Just look at as many pictures as you can. There are also otehr member in FL, that might be near you... Most times we stick together and help out others
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have now>>>>> am building
2.73 open 10bolt>>>>>>3.73 posi 12bolt
350>>>>396 w/nitrous
TH350>>>>TH400 (haven't found one yet...)
shooting for 12s in 1/4
college student budget!
I'll try and bullet some of 'em (some things are the smae for both, but a very rare, and I mean rare SS will have the "malibu" stuff)
MALIBU >>>>> Super Sport
Sweep Speedo >>>> Circular gauges
10 bolt rear >>>>> 12 bolt rear w/sway bar
Badging >>>> Hole lotta badging
smaller mill >>>>> usually a BB
I am not certain about more of the interior differences.... Just look at as many pictures as you can. There are also otehr member in FL, that might be near you... Most times we stick together and help out others
------------------
have now>>>>> am building
2.73 open 10bolt>>>>>>3.73 posi 12bolt
350>>>>396 w/nitrous
TH350>>>>TH400 (haven't found one yet...)
shooting for 12s in 1/4
college student budget!
Would calling a chevelle a SS clone do anything to it's value?(ie:drop in value)
Where can I find paint combinations from '71? Were there certain colors with certain color stripes or was it your option?
Where can I find a history on my car? like all it's original options?
Where can I find paint combinations from '71? Were there certain colors with certain color stripes or was it your option?
Where can I find a history on my car? like all it's original options?
Try sending your VIN # and a copy of your title to your DMV. They can do a title search and send your vehicle's history for a small fee. (usually $1 per copy)
Even though a few folks have had trouble getting through, call Chevy Cuastomer Assistance (1-800-222-1020) or visit their web site http://www.chevrolet.com/gmnav/contact_us/index.htm and ask for a Restoration Packet for your '71
For '72, Black stripes were available for all exterior colors and White stripes all except Antique White. Sould be the same for '71, though not exactly sure.
As for the value of a clone, it should be the same as a regular Malibu with same options etc.. Just don't go trying to pass it off as real when time to sell. If I had a '71 0r '72, I'd clone a Heavy Chevy. They are much more rare than the SS, also everybody and their dog has or wants as SS. Just my opinion
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Richard Dorrough
Tulsa, Ok
'68 Chevelle
'70 Nomad (CHVLLE)
ACES # 789
Even though a few folks have had trouble getting through, call Chevy Cuastomer Assistance (1-800-222-1020) or visit their web site http://www.chevrolet.com/gmnav/contact_us/index.htm and ask for a Restoration Packet for your '71
For '72, Black stripes were available for all exterior colors and White stripes all except Antique White. Sould be the same for '71, though not exactly sure.
As for the value of a clone, it should be the same as a regular Malibu with same options etc.. Just don't go trying to pass it off as real when time to sell. If I had a '71 0r '72, I'd clone a Heavy Chevy. They are much more rare than the SS, also everybody and their dog has or wants as SS. Just my opinion
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Richard Dorrough
Tulsa, Ok
'68 Chevelle
'70 Nomad (CHVLLE)
ACES # 789
Just my .02cnts worth. No matter what you decide to do plan it out,gather all the parts and info you need and do the car in phases, ie drivetrain;buld a motor and trans you'll be happy with while one is in the car.That way your ride wont be out of comission for extended periods of time due to parts or budget constraints. The way I like to do it is drive train first. then strip the chrome and emblems,remove interior and send it oout for paint,when it comes back from paint install your newly redone interior,and then go have some fun.
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PhilMullaly Member562 72camino TPI proj
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PhilMullaly Member562 72camino TPI proj
Mike, before you start any work, think about getting a Factory Assembly manual and Fisher Body Manual.
The Assembly manual has all the demensions of where the badging goes, along with how everything goes together, including CI parts and wiring harnesses
The Fisher manual tell you how to make adjustments to the body, glass, etc. also troubleshooting
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Richard Dorrough
Tulsa, Ok
'68 Chevelle
'70 Nomad (CHVLLE)
ACES # 789
The Assembly manual has all the demensions of where the badging goes, along with how everything goes together, including CI parts and wiring harnesses
The Fisher manual tell you how to make adjustments to the body, glass, etc. also troubleshooting
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Richard Dorrough
Tulsa, Ok
'68 Chevelle
'70 Nomad (CHVLLE)
ACES # 789
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