Anybody know these cars? Trying to find the numbers on my car. 79 Malibu, factory 4-speed and power sky roof. Internet search says 1,903 4-speeds, and I think 842 with the CA1 sky roof. But can't find how many with this combo. The CA1 was a $500 option I think, so can't imagine very many out there. Funny thing is there were more LS6 chevelles built than my car, but my car ain't worth a tenth of what a plane jane chevelle is...
CK5
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Who knows 78-88 G-bodies??
- Thread starter b454rat
- Start date
Pm Stomis
Not sure the years but I kno he's a g body kinda guy among other things.
Not sure the years but I kno he's a g body kinda guy among other things.
My son (with my help) is building a 79 GMC Caballero, only 6952 TOTAL produced in 79. His is factory v8, automatic, and A/C. Pretty hard to find those numbers, his only wish was for a factory Diablo. Which we will probably build a clone for fun.
Stomis
Professional Amateur
RPOs should be on the trunk lid unless it was different for the 78-81 cars. Factory stick is flat out rare let alone 4 speed. A fair share of the stick cars are usually 3 speed 6 banger econo type jobs IIRC. Certainly sounds like either someone ordered that car, or a dealer ship ordered it specifically trying to push it as a muscle car.
Im not super versed in the early g-bodies (78-81) as Ive never had a malibu or elco, more of a monte SS man myself but I certainly have a soft spot for the 2dr malibu.
You definitely need to check numbers on the sun roof or moon/astro roof as they referred to them. I know my 442 I had I thought had a rare optioned sunroof and upon some investigation I found out it was a dealer installed item.
Im not super versed in the early g-bodies (78-81) as Ive never had a malibu or elco, more of a monte SS man myself but I certainly have a soft spot for the 2dr malibu.
You definitely need to check numbers on the sun roof or moon/astro roof as they referred to them. I know my 442 I had I thought had a rare optioned sunroof and upon some investigation I found out it was a dealer installed item.
RPO codes are pretty much the same for cars as trucks. But I looked and previous owner looked and couldn't find the tag. I know this a factory installed sky roof, not an aftermarket dealer installed piece. Car has the rally gauges, tach with clock, black interior, buckets, center console (rare I've heard with a 4-speed) F-41 suspension, power windows but no locks. Original column is gone, but doesn't have cruise, not sure on tilt. Delay wipers, 3.08s, was open now has posi with 3.42s. PO knows the history of the car up to 4 years or so after it was bought. I've seen online 1,903 sticks, and now can't find the numbers for the CA1 skyroof. It's either 824 or 842 something like that. I've loved these cars pretty much since I've seen one, and had many over the years. I've only ever seen one other skyroof, that was a 78 I had after I joined the military and was in P-cola. Car ended up in the junkyard. 
I don't plan on selling it, almost got it the way I want, other than paint n some interior stuff. But everywhere I go, no one has seen one with the skyroof, and only have heard of the 4-speed. Most ask what kinda car it is, cause there are no badges on it. But it's an absolute blast to drive with the 454, 4-speed and posi. Course takes a lil bit to get the 295/50s to send smoke, but rubs lil bit around corners and bumps....
I don't plan on selling it, almost got it the way I want, other than paint n some interior stuff. But everywhere I go, no one has seen one with the skyroof, and only have heard of the 4-speed. Most ask what kinda car it is, cause there are no badges on it. But it's an absolute blast to drive with the 454, 4-speed and posi. Course takes a lil bit to get the 295/50s to send smoke, but rubs lil bit around corners and bumps....
Stomis
Professional Amateur
RPO codes are pretty much the same for cars as trucks. But I looked and previous owner looked and couldn't find the tag. I know this a factory installed sky roof, not an aftermarket dealer installed piece. Car has the rally gauges, tach with clock, black interior, buckets, center console (rare I've heard with a 4-speed) F-41 suspension, power windows but no locks. Original column is gone, but doesn't have cruise, not sure on tilt. Delay wipers, 3.08s, was open now has posi with 3.42s. PO knows the history of the car up to 4 years or so after it was bought. I've seen online 1,903 sticks, and now can't find the numbers for the CA1 skyroof. It's either 824 or 842 something like that. I've loved these cars pretty much since I've seen one, and had many over the years. I've only ever seen one other skyroof, that was a 78 I had after I joined the military and was in P-cola. Car ended up in the junkyard.
Sounds like a sweet car and definitely someone optioned to be a muscle car.
Put some pics up. Whats left thats got you wondering? Just where to find the numbers?
The car still needs a lot of work, just trying to get the expensive stuff done first. Motor is done, want to get a TKO-600 next year, and then get a 9" or 8.5 10 bolt from a 442/Hurst. But those are tough to find. G/F knows nothing bout cars, trying to learn her on what cars are lol.....But I know these cars are rare, and getting more so every passing year. But, they still aren't worth anything. I tried to sell it once, not once person came to look at it. After thinking bout it, I will never be able to replace it if I do sell it. I've had many Malibu's over the years, always wanted a stick, and finally got one. So why sell it?? I'll have to get pics on a website n post em here...prolly should pay subscription to post pics....
Just an FYI, not trying to sell anything, but I've got a long time buddy who is a Monte SS owner, who rebuilds T56's and knows what it takes to install them in the A/G-bodies, if you had considered one. Unfortunately as you've found out, being rare doesn't make these cars worth much, but they aren't making them anymore.
I wouldn't want to cut that car up just to install a different trans, so perhaps the TKO is a better option than a T56, don't know if either requires floor mods, but just wanted to mention it. PM me if you want me to put you in touch. Not even sure he is taking on additional work, but he is a stand-up guy and knows more about the A/G-bodies than I ever will.
Anal I know, can't help myself, but 78-81's are A-bodies.
I wouldn't want to cut that car up just to install a different trans, so perhaps the TKO is a better option than a T56, don't know if either requires floor mods, but just wanted to mention it. PM me if you want me to put you in touch. Not even sure he is taking on additional work, but he is a stand-up guy and knows more about the A/G-bodies than I ever will.
Anal I know, can't help myself, but 78-81's are A-bodies.
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Stomis
Professional Amateur
The best bang for the buck is by far an 8.8. Mosier gbody 9in housings are pretty cheap but its the good guts that get you. Theres nothing wrong with 8.5s except they need 9in outers welded on them.
IDK how far you are from central jersey but we do this stuff everyday where I work. We have a malibu wagon in the shop right now getting a 25.3 chassis.
IDK how far you are from central jersey but we do this stuff everyday where I work. We have a malibu wagon in the shop right now getting a 25.3 chassis.
Technically, 78 is an A body, after that they were G bodies. But pretty much the same other than the front wheel bearings and spindles little different....Not sold on the TKO just yet, but I know they are cheaper than the T56s. Only need a small hole for the shifter, and would prolly cut and keep the stock hole for side shifter. I can get 8.8s all day long, so that was an option that I forgot about. But heard they aren't as strong in stock form, where as the 9" is pretty strong stock. I had one in my old 78 Malibu that came from a drag car that went into the 9s, and had stock 28 spline axles. But for now need to worry more bout the stock Saginaw trans breaking over the 7.5....not running sticky tires, but the tranny ain't gonna be able to take a couple 5-6k RPM shifts....
Same deal as the C/K's in '86-87. Platform designation changed in 1982 with the introduction of the FWD crapboxes.
