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G3GM 1973 to 1977 A-bodys. Chevelles, Monte Carlos, El Caminos, Laguna, 442, Cutlass, Malibu, GTO, LeMans, Century, Regal, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Sprint, Gran Sport, Can Am, Hurst-olds, and other 73-77 A-bodies


1976 el camino vs. 1977 malibu

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1976 el camino vs. 1977 malibu Empty 1976 el camino vs. 1977 malibu

Post by rogal_tx Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:18 pm

Hello,
I'm looking to buy 1976 el camino and 1977 malibu as a package.
Malibu was in the accident and frame is damaged.
I like to take malibu body and put it on el camino frame.
Will that work? is the frame in both cars exactly the same?
Any help is appreciated.
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Post by driveit Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:19 pm

Frame is different, but you might be able to mod it and make it work. I think it is the same from the rear wheels forward, but longer behind the rear wheels if I remember correctly. Someone else may be able to confirm for sure on that.
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Post by Limey SE Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:30 pm

the elky frame is a narrower boxed frame I don't think I will work
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Post by Joe73 Tue Dec 02, 2014 10:46 pm

malibu has a 112" wheel base. Elky, wagon and 4 door frames have a 116" wheel base. So the elky frame would have to be shortened. Not really worth the work in my opinion.
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Post by rogal_tx Tue Dec 02, 2014 10:49 pm

That's not good, I was hoping I can put together one solid car without any crazy modifications. Any other options anyone got what would make mistakes sense? Maybe try to get bonded title for elk?
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Post by rogal_tx Tue Dec 02, 2014 10:55 pm

Yes but Malibu frame its damaged, and I would think that it's not worth trying to fix it.
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Post by Joe73 Wed Dec 03, 2014 6:41 am

whats damaged on the frame? It can be sectioned.
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Post by driveit Wed Dec 03, 2014 10:27 am

If the Malibu is nice enough I think it would be worth trying to fix, but I just really love the Malibu.  I have found myself wanting an El Camino as well though. Guess I was wrong about where the frame needed to be cut as well. Sorry about that. I knew someone would correct me. They usually do. lol
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Post by rogal_tx Wed Dec 03, 2014 10:50 am

Malibu is super nice inside, it was completely redone, including dash not a single crack. Looks like brand new. Exterior is really clean as well except the front nose of course. I guess when I pick it up this weekend I will inspect the frame closer and see if there is any other ddamage. If not it would be worth fixing. Thx for help
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Post by Joe73 Wed Dec 03, 2014 11:20 am

If its a front end hit, the front "horns" can be replaced. I've replaced them between the upper control arm and the firewall. I make a template with a piece of light cardboard and cut a zig zag pattern in the cardboard. Basically making "teeth" instead of cutting straight on the frame which wouldnt be as strong. Find a convenient mark on the frame, put the template around the frame and tape it in place. Then trace the zig zag pattern. Then cut on the line. Put the template on your new horn and cut it. Teeth should match up with little fine tuning. Take some measurements and weld it up. It will be good and strong.

Or you can just heat the heck out of it and pull it straight. Also pretty easy to do once cherry red.
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Post by driveit Wed Dec 03, 2014 1:02 pm

If there is a tech school with a body shop they may be able to pull the frame and such for free for you! just a thought.
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Post by rogal_tx Wed Dec 03, 2014 1:05 pm

Yes, that was another think. How much would it cost do something like that. But I will look into tech school.
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Post by pila Wed Dec 03, 2014 5:24 pm

I straightened the front section, firewall forward, on a '73 Chevelle I had. I used a Port-a-power to push the front diagonally, while heating both frame rails at the firewall with a torch, with a rosebud tip.

In your, case if you remove the body, take it to a place with a frame machine where they should be able to check & straighten the frame completely. If it was hit on a front corner, the whole frame may need to be tweaked back straight.

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Post by rogal_tx Wed Dec 03, 2014 8:58 pm

I'm not sure how it wa hit but whole nose is damaged and driver door won't open. I will pick it up this weekend and I will find out more.
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Post by pila Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:36 pm

The driver door being jammed a bit will likely be a front door post ( A pilar) being pushed back a bit. That can likely be pushed back into the correct position with a jack.

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Post by Laguna Budman Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:13 am

Is that Malibu green by chance?
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Post by Limey SE Fri Dec 05, 2014 11:04 am

That's what I was thinking George must have decided against redoing it ?
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Post by rogal_tx Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:01 pm

No its red
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Post by rogal_tx Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:06 pm

I will try to post pictures when I pick it up.
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Post by Limey SE Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:11 pm

Limey wrote:That's what I was thinking George must have decided against redoing it ?

this is why we thought it was green ...... He is a member here and I bought the other green one from him, and lives really close in your area.


1976 el camino vs. 1977 malibu IMG_0124
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Post by Joe73 Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:32 pm

I would say the nose is tweaked towards the drivers side. Check the bushing on the pass. side under the firewall to see how far it moved. But otherwise, I'd heat it up and pull it. Then take some measurements.
Once its stripped down, it wont look that bad. I say pull it.
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Post by Limey SE Fri Dec 05, 2014 1:20 pm

thats not the on Joe LOL, That's the one we thought it was but its not
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Post by Joe73 Fri Dec 05, 2014 5:15 pm

Oh ok, lol
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Post by Wallyuph Fri Dec 05, 2014 8:37 pm

Limey wrote:
Limey wrote:That's what I was thinking George must have decided against redoing it ?

this is why we thought it was green ...... He is a member here and I bought the other green one from him, and lives really close in your area.


1976 el camino vs. 1977 malibu IMG_0124

What did it hit or what hit it?
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Post by Limey SE Fri Dec 05, 2014 8:40 pm

His daughter was in a car accident a lady pulled out in front of her and bam this is the result
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