1965 Malibu SS
- RPO L79
Well, it's finally
complete! After way too many years my old sweetheart is back in
one piece. There may be a few small things to do yet, but for
the most part it's done. I could drive this car anywhere if I
could just find the right gas. It's hard enough to find the gas
locally.
Anyway, for those
of you following this project thanks for sticking around and checking
in from time to time. Time to go for cruise! Wahooo! I'll be updating
the entire web page at some point to show off the history of the
project and all the details that make this car so special. I can't
wait for the big Chevelle shows I'll be going to in the near future.
Here are the detail
pictures. The details shots are back on page one.
This
is one sweet mother of a motor. I'll take an L79 over any and
all small blocks. Sure, it may not be as fast as a potent big
block, but I can still round a corner. And nothing sounds quite
a pleasing as a small block pinning the tach needle at 7,000rpm!
And yes, this thing can do it, with ease. It has clocked it's
share of miles (140k plus) and with a fresh rebuild runs as good
as new. No oil burners here! The carb is in need of constant tuning
but when everything is set right look out! How about just one
fan belt? Almost looks wrong after looking at modern stuff. The
belt is a reproduction with the part number pressed into the rubber
just like the originals.
Don't
you just love engine compartments of old cars? You know, when
you can actually SEE the motor! Mine is nicely detailed with original
style hoses, clamps, cables, plug wires and, well, everything!
I have an original style (reproduction) tar top battery that I'll
put in for shows. It's as stock as the day Chevy built it. I'm
always asked why I didn't port, polish and balance the motor.
I mean, who would know? I guess I'm a purist at heart and I like
my muscle original. The only modifications I've added are things
I can unbolt and replace with stock parts in a matter of hours.
The
white interior in this model year is very nice. It is rather rare
so I usually get lots of comments since all most folks have seen
are black interiors. The door panels are ORIGINALS! No overly
puffy reproductions for me! They may not be 100% perfect, but
they are close. The previous owner deserves much of the credit
since almost every part of this car was maintained so well I was
able to reuse most of them. I always prefer to use original or
NOS parts over reproductions when possible.
My
only real complaint about the interior is that the seats are not
all that supportive. This is enhanced since I've built the suspension
to handle well. With no power steering and a slow steering ratio,
brisk cornering can be quite a process since you also have to
find ways to keep yourself in the seat! The lap belts help, but
only marginally. And I have to remember not to Armor All the sets,
that makes them way too slippery for use! The seat belts are the
deluxe ones with chrome buckles, new Fisher emblems and rare retractors
that came new out of the box only a few days ago.
The
parting shot (for now). The spare is one of the original style
skinny tires I've had mounted up on the original wheels. They
really look dorky but they are part of the car's heritage. The
trunk turned out quite well, don't you think? There is a fair
amount of metal showing in the trunk, it's a wonder more cars
of the era don't have dings in the quarters made from the inside.
It sure is roomy in there though. Too bad it will never get used
for hauling stuff anymore. The spare is the only thing allowed
in this trunk. Just a few more things to do and the car is complete
and ready to compete!
<