Joe W’s 1970 Chevelle Malibu

Built From The Ground Up

Joe W’s 1970 Chevelle Malibu

Joe spent many years scouring the market for his Unicorn car: a 1970 Chevelle Malibu that would be as identical as possible to the one he owned 40 years ago before enlisting in the US Air Force. His search came to an end in 2015 when he stumbled upon a numbers-matching, fully documented, one owner survivor in 2015.

In a cruel twist of fate two days after purchasing the Chevelle, it was involved in an accident that ripped open the entire passenger side of the car. It was time to not only repair the damage but also to perform a full frame-off restoration. Joe opted to split the work between three shops, each taking on certain aspects of the restoration that they specialized in.

One shop replaced the damaged sheetmetal with NOS and OEM pieces, bringing this 1970 Chevelle Malibu back from the grave. A second shop upgraded the chassis and suspension, while a third shop built up a modest 350 small block to replace the original 307 engine, which Joe has stored in his garage to maintain the numbers-matching pedigree of this Malibu. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, within 6 months Joe was driving around a fully restored 1970 Chevelle Malibu that was better than new.

Since it is almost identical to the Malibu I owned and sold upon entry into the US Air Force… it brings me back to that simpler time after high school. I enjoy every minute that I drive her. My little grandkids like going for rides around the block in her too and ask for those rides by saying Grandpa’s car, Rum, Rum!

Ground Up Parts Featured In This Build

1970-72 Coupe Complete Window Felt Kit 8pc

Part #: CH197A

$94.99

Best Price Available

1964-1970 Chevelle T3 Super Bright Headlamp

Part #: LHT-T3-HI

$139.99

You Save: 12%

1970-1972 Door Handle Kit TrimParts GM Licensed

Part #: MPX-4782

$69.99

Best Price Available

1970 Chevelle Bowtie Grille Emblem

Part #: TC-4674

$84.95

Best Price Available

Shop our huge selection of Chevelle Parts!

1964-1977 Chevelle & Malibu Parts

We want to see your Built From The Ground Up Ride!

Submit your car to be featured here!

Share this car with your friends!

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

1969 Chevelle

Gary K’s 1969 Chevelle

Gary purchased this 1969 Chevelle from a seller on eBay back in 2015, having only seen the pictures. Luckily, the seller was honest and what he saw was what he

Read More »

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Operation Status

See what we're doing at Ground Up SS396.com

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!

Follow Us On Social