My 69 project

[1969chevmalibu1969]

I would like to add my project to your site. Hopeful we can help eac other out. I’ve been a member at tc for a few years and have my car there also, but would like to support your site with my build journey. A little update my first car. Bought from my uncle. Not new by far or original as to some things others I believe are body wise and some interior. My goal has been to put it together as original as it would have came (not number matching). I now as for the car. I’ve learned a lot about it as how I thought it came like that I was far off. 10 bolt, th350 were two. Well I tracked down a 69 12 bolt rear in Oregon, but it’s for a 350.(don’t care close as I’m gonna get). Got a th400 from my cousin but not sure what it’s from till we pull it from his c10. Side track. I found it interesting when I looked up my 10 it was from a 69 Chevelle and all my suspension, drums up front all original bolting like my body was replaced, but my body bushings and bolt were original. The body has 396ss stuff. Ok back to the build. Tomorrow after a good garage cleaning. I hope to run new brake lines, front to rear and as many of the front lines work front the drum brake line kit to disk. ( after redoing my front drums and buying a drum line kit I found a set of original 69 disk setup. Spindle, shield, rotors, calipers, brake booster, and m/c.). Now I get to learn disk. Yay. Had brake booster redo the booster and m/c. They did a fantastic job. This week I also hope to powder coat my front and rear springs, dust shield, some brackets and maybe a few other things. Well hope you enjoy. Thanks

 

[Leadhead]

It looks like your doing a very thorough job. Frame looks great! Welcome to the site, glad to have you!

 

[kmakar]

Looking good and welcome to the site.

This site belongs to everyone who is here (and that means you too).

We wanted to make sure everyone had a voice with free speech and could post about anything they wanted.

I think you'll find a great bunch of people here who love to help out.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

Looks good!

Frame off restorations take up so much room, looks like you have managed it well.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Thanks, it use to be managed better, but my other life (construction projects) are getting in the way. I got a little break now and with the wife off for Christmas (teacher) I plan to get back at it. Still been chipping at it but the frames been off for over a year last month and I thought I’d be a lot farther.

 

[Alan F]

I can't wait to read your posts and keep up with your build. I have a couple of '69s under my belt. Anxious to help.

 

[kmakar]

Thanks, it use to be managed better, but my other life (construction projects) are getting in the way. I got a little break now and with the wife off for Christmas (teacher) I plan to get back at it. Still been chipping at it but the frames been off for over a year last month and I thought I’d be a lot farther.

Funny how life gets in the way of what we want to accomplish. I've fell victim to that many times.

Just keep plugging along, it'll get there, and like Checo said, he's got a couple under his belt, so he'll be a wealth of knowledge (as I'm sure others will chime in too).

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Thanks guys, I’m going to need it. I know there is some good knowledge here. I will try to post as much as I can.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Working on the brake line front to rear. New line old line.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Pictures of old clips and screws. Pictures of new. I’m not sure about the colors. I would prefer them like the old. Any thoughts?

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

Mine were a teal blue IIRC. I used some duplicolor spray.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Distribution block and brackets. Before and after I cleaned and painted. I may strip the paint and go with the cast color. Checked the numbers on the bracket I believe it’s from a late 69-70. Not sure.

 

[Alan F]

Are you going for an authentic restoration or just a nice rebuild. Details matter on the former but it's not for everyone because it can be very tedious.

 

[KwikSS]

Welcome and thanks for sharing your build with us. I suspect going to front disc is a wise choice. Stopping is fairly important on these old turds. Enjoy your build and take lots of pictures because when you're old like me you'll wish you had. I never took may of my pre Vietnam 66 SS. I wish I had because in it's time it was a real contender in Orange County Ca. Being an early recipient of the then famous L-88. God I wish I had that car. Enjoy your car to the fullest.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

I like a restored car but it needs to be driveable. I have stuff on mine that is not correct but I am not afraid to put it on the road.

Just enjoy what you have and do it to the best of yours and financial ability.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Thanks Checo. I’m going for as original to how the manual would show. Trim codes and what I have originally. It’s a 69 with no docs so you know. Also I have Malibu parts I’d like to add (front grill bow tie and steering wheel which I believe are not repos. Where numbers only meant 396 not Chevelle 396, rear 12 bolt came from another 69 Chevelle but not 396. Th 400 but came out of ?. Also use as much of my original parts. 90% of my garage is all for that car and things I’ve acquired along the last few years. Hope I didn’t get side tracked trying to answer what I want. I thought when I started everything was there. Ha. Then I got the frame to look nice and now everything has to match the frame. Bad idea there so I’m working on that. Thanks, Tom

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

I like a restored car but it needs to be driveable. I have stuff on mine that is not correct but I am not afraid to put it on the road.

Just enjoy what you have and do it to the best of yours and financial ability.

I do want it drivable. And safe.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Also would like to document how things went on these, so others may learn.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

Did you take a bunch of tear down pics?

 

[cheveslakr]

Good call in joining the group, and welcome. I like where you're heading with your '69. If I may, try not to rush to sand blast all your unpainted parts, there are methods to get back to a factory finish and if you blast it, you'll never achieve true originality. Brass, raw steel, cad, black oxide, zinc, gray phosphate, and gold iridite are just a few of the common finishes that make a classic pop when you open the hood. Tedious, maybe, but imo, that's the pleasure of the build. You've entered a wealth of knowledge here.