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I've found a sweet project close to home and have been given permission to follow its progress for our blog. Gardner Competition Engines (GCE) is in the process of restoring a genuine 1964 Malibu SS Convertible. GCE (Jeff) is planning to have this car ready for this summer's cruising. Optimistically by Easter. We join this project already in progress. GCE will be restoring this 1964 Malibu SS convertible to a period correct car, that is, it will have the correct small block 283 cubic inch V8 power pack with 220HP, duel exhausts and a powerglide transmission. All the chrome, emblems, upholstery, etc. will be as it was when the SS was delivered new.

Emblems and run gear will be as new. No rust on these floor boards.

The engine has been rebuilt to better than new retaining all of the performance that the little 283 made available, no monster hot rod cam here. The powerglide has also been done over.


The engine and transmission are waiting their turn to be installed. As you can see, there is much still to be done, stay tuned for the next episode.

WOW, It looks to be in really good shape!!

Not to be picky.... the exhaust manifolds are not 'period correct'. For '64, I'm sure the 'Rams Horn' design was used.

Thanks Markss327, I'll be sure to pass that header information on to Jeff.

Been an interesting week with some traveling to investigate parts available possibilities and some additional purchasing of moulding, emblems etc.. Just another step in the process.
Some of the trim was simply not up to the quality of this car and its' outstanding new paint job.

The correct way to ID parts is via the casting number.

Here is a link to the various numbers for small block numbers.

http://www.nastyz28.com/sbcmenu.html

Here is a link for various other items.

http://links.chevelles.net/links/WorkSh ... lle_Parts/

It's not my car and Jeff can do what he wants but........ Barrett Jackson has proved that the more data.......... the more $$$$$ a car will bring. I would document all the numbers via a written log and digital pictures. Date codes wouldn't hurt too. Obviously the best time is when the car is apart.

Wash, glaze, and a car cover enhance the enthusiasm for this project. Most of the mouldings have been delivered to some folks for polishing and the bumpers for a quality rechroming. An acceptable supplier has been found and the under the hood and under the dash wiring harnesses have been ordered.

More pieces have been collected during the week and stuff has been prepared for under the dashboard, etc.. The weekend was spent rebuilding and installing the front brakes and front suspension.
Right down to the new tie rod ends.

It's hard to believe it takes so many brackets just to hold on two bumpers. All the brackets were tanked, bead blasted, etched, primed, and eventually painted. Considerable effort since they're not really seen, but they sure look good and they shouldn't rust.
This week also saw the installation of all new brakes and brake lines including the emergency brake cables.

Still a bunch to do under the car, before getting to the fun stuff.

Slow but steady progress. The gas tank is ready.
Still much more underneath!

Progess continues, although not yet visible. The 64 SS now has brakes, with the addition of the master cylinder and brake fluid. Also, it has a heating system. The heater core and box have been installed along with the heater control cables.

Notice the addition of pedals and the dash board wiring harness. The shifter and center console have been sent out for rechroming. There are at least a million details being worked on. Not much glamour yet.

The gas tank has been installed.

Primed inner fenders, can their installation be far behind.

Rats, I got there too late to see and hear it, but the 283 Cu. In. 220HP Power Pack motor was run in and dynoed out at 214HP, very close to the advertised 220HP. Motor had been completely rebuilt from the beautiful 4 barrel carb to the hugger orange oil pan.
The inner fenders are getting closer to installation.

This was at the spring 06 Canfield meet. They wanted $13k for it.

It looked really good but was not too authentic as you can see by the second pic.

Some things are harder than they look. Attaching the new front fender mouldings required removing the fenders.
Added under the hood wiring harness. New door hinges were installed along the way.

Just another Saturday!