I finally got the 1974 Malibu grille installed (has the ‘Chevelle’ badge) and added my own home made rubber inserts to the rear bumper (rolled rubber plus 3M double-sided foam tape: I always liked the look of these massive rear bumpers better with the factory inserts to add a distracting accent to all of that chrome). A rebuilt 4 bbl 350 is now powering the car, soon to be mated to a rebuilt TH 350 trans. And I’ll soon be ditching the oversized rims for 15 inch wheels with 235/75’s and 1976 wheel covers. I have also done surface rust repair to inner door skins and door frames as well as sanded and polished the bright lower body moldings. Down the road, I will be replacing the too-loud exhaust.
Thank you Wylee! Tbe rear styling with the taillights in the bumper really turns some people off but somehow it works for me.
I've seen them like yours, as well as the late Seventies/Eighties wagons, give up the bumpers to be redone for custom Chevy/GMC trucks' back bumpers.
Yes, GM has kind of a history with massive rear bumpers, especially on the clamshells. Sometimes even the front bumpers were huge, as on the downsized Buick Estate wagons from 1977 through 1979.
I always thought these were a bit odd looking from the rear, same with the El Caminos of this era, but I wouldn't say it was a "turn off" for me. I like this wagon and I'm excited for you. Keep us updated on your progress.
Thank you OrthmannJ! Yes, they are unusual looking from the rear but I guess if I’d had too big of an issue with that I wouldn’t have bought the car, ha ha. The El Caminos only ever wore the smaller 1973 rear bumper, probably for tailgate clearance issues, and it’s a toss up in my mind which bumper looks worse! It’s great that you put your classic Mopar to regular use and I intend to do the same with the Chevy, and will post progress as it happens. For those in the US, Happy Thanksgiving, and best to all the SWF members wherever you call home. Owen Little Silver, NJ
My pleasure Thanks. It's the best type of classic car ownership (in my opinion ) I hope you get many years of happy motoring out of it. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Thank you so much Silvertwinkiehobo and OrthmannJ! Best to your families as well! I’m with you OrthmannJ about classic car ownership. I figure I’ll drive the wagon a lot and if it ends up needing metal-work in the future, so be it, I’ll have that repaired when the time comes. The ride is amazingly comfortable for a 45 year old domestic wagon, the greenhouse visibility is the best of any car I’ve owned, and the road manners are quite good. I know it’s a surprise when I can pull away from a late model pickup truck at a stop light with good torque and decent acceleration. Cheers! Owen
