This is our 1968 Chevelle Malibu - It took 6 months to find it. I looked at Chevelle's from Palmdale to San Diego and even considered driving to Fresno to look at one. They were nothing but rusty shells for $2500.00 - I found this one on OldCarLocator.com for $3500.00 I went down to see it and it appeared to be in perfect shape for restoration. The doors opened and closed but the windows we're off the track. The body had no visible rust and the floor pans and trunk had no rust at all. It had a crate GM 350 and turbo 350 trans, the rear end was a 10 bolt.It ran but it had issues. I removed the points, installed an electronic ignition but that didn't help. I took it to a local shop and they said that it would probably need to have the heads done. So I called around and found TG'SPerformance.com in Lawndale. I took the motor to them and they found out that the block was cracked and both of the heads we're no good. This left me with no motor. As luck would have it they needed some work on their website www.tgsperformance.com and I needed a motor. I worked out a deal for a 396 big block that they had laying around already machined .030 over and a steel crank. They built me a nice 402 big block in exchange for me doing their website. I had a turbo 400 laying around so I took it to Steve Sharp to get rebuilt. I found a 12 bolt online and had it rebuilt by Southbay truck and 4x4 in Hawthorne. They installed new 3:73 gears and a new posi. The body work, paint and frame off was done at Carrillos Garage in Hawthorne. They removed all the rust found under the paint, unbolted the frame so I could get it powder coated at Baycities Powder coating. I got a deal from UMI Performance on boxed rear lower trailing arms and adjustable uppers, they are the same quality as Hotchkis but 1/2 the price. It now has all new interior installed rebuilt 12 bolt posi, rebuilt turbo 400 with shift kit, 2500-3000 stall converter, rebuilt 402 big block, forged dome 10:1 pistons, h beam rods, clevite bearings and big hydraulic cam with a 590 lift. It should have a little over 400 hp.
Its running strong and is handling great with the hotchkis sway bars and lakewood shocks - It stops with CPP front disc brakes and new rear drums . Tgs Performance hooked it up and I am happy with their work - Give them a call if you need any work done on your Hot Rod and tell them Paul sent you . 310-679-3604