1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible

This frame-off-restored Chevelle Malibu is finished in Vibrant Blue with smooth black stripes and a black German-cloth power top. It is powered by a 350 producing 350 horsepower and paired with a rebuilt 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission. The custom build combines show-quality presentation with air conditioning, power steering, upgraded power disc brakes and a comfortable leather interior.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Frame-off restoration
• 350 engine producing 350 horsepower
• Rebuilt 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission
• 12-bolt rear axle
• Vibrant Blue paint with black stripes
• Black German-cloth power top
• Genuine leather bucket-seat interior
• Vintage Air climate system
• Power steering
• Drilled-and-slotted front disc brakes
• Digital instrumentation
• Tilt steering column
• Sony Bluetooth audio system
• 17-inch polished Torque Thrust wheels
• BFGoodrich G-Force tires
• 9,350 miles shown on the digital odometer

EXTERIOR

The straight, solid body has precise panel gaps and an SS-style hood with twin scoops. The emblems were removed and their mounting holes filled for a clean custom appearance. Vibrant Blue metallic paint is finished in high-gloss clear, while the painted black stripes are smooth to the touch. A clear protective film covers the front.

The bumpers, mirrors, door handles and vent-window frames were replaced, along with the taillight bezels, wheel-opening moldings and rocker moldings. The glass was replaced, the side windows are smoked, and the weatherstripping and window seals were renewed. The car rides on staggered-width 17-inch polished Torque Thrust wheels with BFGoodrich G-Force tires.

INTERIOR

The custom black interior features genuine leather upholstery over new seat cushions, hand-stitched bucket-seat covers and a factory-style console. The console includes an overdrive shift indicator and digital clock. Additional equipment includes custom carpeting, front and rear seat belts, sculpted door panels with billet handles, a gloss-black reworked dashboard, blue digital gauges and a tilt column with a cushion-grip steering wheel.

Vintage Air controls and vents are installed with billet bezels. A Sony Bluetooth stereo uses speakers concealed in the door panels, with additional speakers and an amplifier in the trunk. The mirror, visors and interior lighting are complete.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

The smoothed firewall and engine bay are finished in matching blue. The 350 is equipped with an EnduraShine intake, Edelbrock carburetor with electric choke, HEI ignition and headers. A True Trac accessory drive uses billet pulleys and a serpentine belt, with a polished one-wire alternator, polished air-conditioning compressor and modern power-steering system with a remote billet reservoir.

Additional details include Chevrolet finned valve covers, neatly routed ignition wires, an Edelbrock fuel filter, braided fuel line, chrome fuel pump, polished water neck and billet hose clamps. A BeCool aluminum radiator and large electric fan provide cooling. The power-brake system uses a cadmium-plated booster and dual-reservoir master cylinder, and the wiper system has a Select-a-Speed motor.

TRUNK COMPARTMENT

The solid trunk floor is lined with Dynamat and fully carpeted, with upholstered side panels, stereo speakers and the amplifier. The power-top pump and lines, well liner and trunk weatherstrip were replaced. The underside of the trunk lid is finished in glossy blue.

CHASSIS AND UNDERSIDE

The body was removed from the frame during restoration. The solid floors were prepared and undercoated, while the stripped frame was finished in silver. The front suspension and steering were rebuilt with replacement bushings, ball joints, springs, shocks and steering components, plus tubular control arms. The rear uses tubular upper and lower control arms with replacement springs and shocks.

The fuel tank, straps and sending unit were replaced. The restored braking system includes drilled-and-slotted front discs with replacement lines and hoses. A Flowmaster dual-exhaust system is neatly routed with downturn tips. The rebuilt 700R4 has a finned aluminum pan and sends power through a rebuilt driveshaft to a 12-bolt rear axle with a finned cover.