I know a few of us on the site have Chevelles and Malibus that you have restored so maybe you guys can help me out. I wanted a restoration project and my mom had a rusted out Malibu she didn't drive so I convinced her to give it to me last year. This is my first full scale restoration and it's pretty major. I have to replace pretty much every body panel, floorboard, and the entire trunk. But on the positive side the interior isn't too bad, it's a 2 door, 4 barrel carb, 350 with a 10 bolt rear, it has fairly new front disk conversion kit, bucket seat and center console interior, OEM SS cowl induction hood that hasn't rusted through so it is still solid and good, 350 Corvette heads, vinyl top, the frame is solid, I have all the paperwork including the original owners manuals, and the car is mechanically sound and runs even though it's ugly. I could think of more positives probably. Quite a few people have been stopping by and making offers lately even though I don't have it listed or a for sale sign on it. So do you think it's too massive of a restoration for a first timer having to replace nearly every panel? Should I sell it and pick up something that requires less work? Even though I love the car if I'm not going to do something with it I would like to see it in the hands of someone that will. It deserves more than to be rusting on the side of my house. Here is a pic of the Rustibu. If you guys have pics of your Chevelles / Malibus post some pics for inspiration.

 

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/

Tons of great pics......

 

well honestly CH if you dont think you can do the body work yourself it could be a very costly resto!!
but on the other hand if it has to much sentimental value you may wanna keep it??

if you cant do the body work yourself sell it and find a nice clean body to start with!! Dont give the car away though even rough projects are bringing decent cash these days.

I bought this chevelle with the paint and interior just as it looks now for 4800 2 years ago with a descent running 350/350 and a 10 bolt in it. Now has 383/ built 350 trans with a kit and stahl convertor and a new 12 bolt 3:73!!

 

i have about 12-13 invested in it and it appraised recently for 17,000 so??

 

if you want an idea of what its worth post an question in the whats it worth section of this site
www.teamchevelle.com

 

if you part it out i want first dibs on the bucket seats!!!!

 

I have a buddy that did a frame off restoration on a '71 Malibu a few years back. He offered to help as much as he could with showing me what I don't know. He also has all the welding equipment I'll need and so forth. It's such a hard call because I know there is major work needed and I could get a project car that wouldn't take nearly as much work for less than the cost of restoring the Malibu. All the panels and stuff are readily available but I need pretty much all of them so like you pointed out it will be costly. The thing thats annoying lately is that guys are stopping by trying to way low ball me. A few offers have been a slap in the face. I realize the car needs lots of work but there is more than a couple hundred in good parts on it. Like the guy that stopped by earlier. He offered me $150 and said that he would leave me with the hood to sell on my own because according to him it was worth more than the car. It's also hard to let go because it was my mom drove it for so many years.

 

BTW your Malibu is beautiful oldschoolfreak! I love the color.

 

If it was Mom's, I would work on it. It may take forever to fix it but you will have the memories with you. I love the old Chevelles.

 

Howdy if you need bodywork info and how tos I would be willing to guide you. Having a two door is the first big step, so why not go for it !!! 'school, wow I had not seen pics of your Chevelle with the Rally wheels...love 'em !!!