1973 Chevy Malibu Junkyard Find

1973 Chevy Malibu Junkyard Find. This was an unexpected treat for me as I haven't seen a 73 2 door Malibu in the junkyard in who knows how long. Unfortunately this one was suffering from the dreaded vinyl top rust action that the vast majority of classic cars suffer from. But it was mostly all there and still had some good parts to give up. Sadly she will be crushed soon.

[@googleusergp]

That dealer is still in business at 629 N Interstate 35 E, DeSoto, TX 75115. However, that dealer logo on the back was added later on, perhaps when it was sold as a (very old) used car, because GEO vehicles started around 1989. It could have been sold there, traded there, or the owner worked there. VIN is 1 for Chevrolet, D for Malibu, 37 for two door, H for 350 V8 2 barrel, 3 for 1973 model year, R for Arlington, TX assembly and the rest is the production sequence. Yup, been "sitting for a while" to use your terms. LOL. DeSoto, TEXAS, not DeSoto as in the brand of Chrysler. My cousin was the head of Chamber of Commerce there I believe up until recently. No trim tag, can't tell anything there......

[@manicmechanic448]

I like these late model Chevelles. I've owned 2 in my time, a 75 and a 77. My daily is still the 75 Laguna. See left.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

always like to 73 the last year that use the round tail lites. the Laguna was a pretty cool ride to sometimes you see them pop up every now and then

[@scrappy7571]

Door hinges used to sag from those heavy ass doors

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Even the later gbody doors were heavy. My 80 Monte had a saggin drivers side door

[@davidallen5776]

It still takes me back to my youth!

[@adamtrombino106]

My favorite version of that generation was the 73-74 Laguna

[@gertraba4484]

with the tilt away seats , and the endura front end .............

[@79tazman]

A good friend of mine has a mint 1974 S-3 Laguna he got it when he was young and restored it to mint condition he also has a 1971 GMC Sprint GM's version of the El Camino it's a 454 big block car

[@gertraba4484]

@@79tazman el camino got no traction and with the BB it's slip and slide ride, still a cool car

[@paxhumana2015]

@@gertraba4484 , you could easily remedy those issues with some aftermarket parts.

[@markj2838]

Oh ya those are pretty cool...

[@WagsAutomotive]

First Chevelle I ever owned was a 73. That was in 1982! Bought it out of the junkyard for $100!

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

I got mine in 85 for 350. The rust was horrendous though

[@HondariderLee]

Gotta love the taillights an back of this car...thanks for the videos man...

[@allenmax8995]

like em too...and the those sportroofs on the GM intermediates, but without the damn vinyl please and thankyou

[@ppeters480]

Wow that brings back memories. My first car was a 73 Malibu it was a gift from my grandmother. It was a dark blue with a blue interior, equipped similar to this one with a 350 2bbl as well. Its interesting that one has a hood ornament, wondering it that came with the option of the vinyl top. MIne had the 350 emblems on the side but it didn't have that 350 emblem on the trunk or the hood ornament. I'm sure mine never had those as the car originally was a GM company car that had been at the tech center in Warren MI. My dad had bought it through the employee purchase program back in 73 or 74. I had that car a few years in the mid 80s always a strong runner, it met the crusher much earlier being in the salt belt of the Mitten. I had sold it to a family member and they drove it to work a few more years but one day after he went over some railroad tracks the frame separated. I believe the 350 lived on in a neighbors car for awhile after. You really don't see many of those anymore, classic styling for sure on those.

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

That Malibu was unique because it had the same lights used on the Camaro, I believe there was a Super Sport version,& Laguna version, the Laguna version, had a vynil top, swivel seats plus some other options, The El Camino for that year also had the C add maroon lights but bbn on the bumper, of course later on, they would become, rectangular like in 1974 to 1976, in 1977 when the body style changed those light also changed.

[@glennmanchester1568]

The ss had the swivel buckets center console and round guages w factory tach much like the Laguna and they had several engines too 350 454

[@maxfroedge8983]

I had one 1973 loved it had swivel seats !! Burgundy with black vinyl top !!! Couldnt kill that car i drove it all over the usa!!!

[@lordstrong1545]

Those early 70's Malibu's were nice, especially those round tail lights and the fender flares. That car would look BA done up, what a shame to see it in the graveyard, that would be a great project.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

And sadly a little while later it was stacked between two other cars waiting to be crushed

[@willhorting5317]

I always liked that generation of Malibu. Especially the Laguna.

[@nathankim7664]

Man what a find! I love the color and the tail lights, 73s an underappreciated year tho, the last good Malibu may have been before the cat converters in 75. I was about to say something about the OEM GM 8 track, but you did mention that this is the place with lady loca. Too bad the cars had to come to this yard, doubt these are gonna hardly be touched! Guess the flood & the vinyl top didn't help with preserving the car and keeping it on the road. This reminds me of the flooded Pontiac Lemans from Junkyard Digs!

[@gt-37guy6]

73 was the BEST year for all of the GM A body cars: Cutlass, LeMans, Monte Carlo, Century / Regal...excellent ride and handling. 73-74 engines had some guts as just before Cad converters.

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Benny I always enjoy watching your wonderful videos I am from South Africa

[@officialkidkentucky]

I have a 73 Chevelle Malibu today viper red black vinyl top. She’s been mine since I was 18 and I’m 48 today. Love my car. Very rare indeed. Thanks for sharing this video. Hope it can be partied out before it gets crushed. I don’t see much hope in a restore here.

[@kevinposhepny8907]

Classic Ride Society...Awesome find !! Yeah, yeah, yeah people, I know...it's not a '68-'72 A-Body. This is an overlooked body style. I bought mine back in 1986 when I graduated high school. Same color as mine was..Code #74 Dark Red Metallic, mine had a black vinyl top and factory swivel buckets. Still have it today. It's now rolling with a Summit Racing small block, with TrickFlow heads and a Muncie 4-speed.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Now that's cool that you still have your car. My first car was a 67 Malibu 2 door. I got it my sophomore yr in high school. Sadly I dont didnt keep it. Now im wanting to get another one but dam they arent cheap

[@aa64912]

These were great riding and driving cars. Easy to work on too. Ashamed this classic is in such bad shape

[@bryanmendoza3062]

Nice! My dad use to have a 74 Malibu...Brand new from Smith Chevrolet in S.A.TX...Damn good car up until he sold it!

[@passwordbosco407]

I was 13 in '70 and my girlfriend's mom bought a brand new Monte Carlo. It was a deep metallic green with a black vinyl top and black interior. They just lived down the street so I got to see it a lot and even rode in it a few times. I think I loved that car more than my girlfriend Pam :). And I was (and still am) a Ford guy all the way. Wonder what happened to it ?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Ive had a few cars i loved more than some women😄

[@markhamrick9078]

These were great looking cars! 👍

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Agreed.i just found another one in a junkyard. A 74 Laguna s4. I should have the video up this week

[@markhamrick9078]

@@ClassicRideSociety Look forward to it! 👍

[@kennethdavis8892]

I had this same car in the Chevelle SS 454 version

[@yoboi01]

If they were smart they would save these cars and sell them

[@ClassicRideSociety]

These yards dont keep them whem they come in with no title.

[@yoboi01]

@@ClassicRideSociety that's suspicious. Classics in that good condition

[@danesderelicts]

I know what. You can apply for a title if the vehicles over 25 years old

[@danesderelicts]

Should also be able to get a salvage title.

[@3713msg]

I am also a classic car A/C freak, so I do care that 1973 was the last year for the POA valve. It is too bad, that the 1970's cars rusted so badly. They were hard to find in decent shape, when they were only a few years old.

[@nathanmccree3089]

Thank for all the good videos here in Canada don't have really an old cars like these to even go check out love the video's British Columbian Canada were I'm watching from

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

Had one just like it. God I miss that car

[@crazybobdj]

I used to deliver mail in a '73 Malibu, back in 1982.

[@davidrubin1895]

That is a rare car considered nowadays. Gm in 73 & 74 cars got made with recycled metal without the proper amount of zinc being added. Most gm products had a bad case of rusting real bad. That's why u don't see them around anymore

[@apatheticempathy]

So so TRUE ^^^ My sister had a 73 and it rusted out BAD with 10 years !!!

[@damongenter7062]

The wheel well trim, rocker trim and rear glass trim will bring a nice haul too.

[@texboi709]

I like the taillights on these too don't see these often

[@neilschipper3741]

You sure can find some neat Treasures. Something I've noticed in your videos, quite a few 90s cars like the Lincoln the other day. When people go to start restoring cars of that era parts are going to be hard to find. Right now they're just cheap old luxury cars you can get for a couple of grand. Thanks for sharing again, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

[@garbage854]

Cool 😀 My 2010 Chevy Cobalt LT Crystal red metallic has tail lights similar to those . in a solid panel, bot round .

[@malikdigger4544]

They were. First produce on 1960 Corvette kool those round taillights are even on new cars now

[@gregbenwell6173]

I always liked the Swivel Bucket Seats these cars came with that turned to allow you easier access to the interior!! Now that I am old and fat that would be hand for me because my knees and back to bend and twist like they used too!!! LOL!!!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I actually have a pait of those swivel buckets i pulled out of a cutlass of this era

[@JohnCritch-tf4mb]

Love the taillights

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

When I was in high school in the early 1980s, these GM midsize coupes were popular as cruisers...slightly lowered with Cragar wheels and raised white letter tires.

[@LSCHEVYRYDER254]

Man you bringing up old memories lol I would have grabbed that trunk emblem yep exactly like mine hood

[@alainbrisebois8334]

I had a 74 with 350. Those huge bumper where used to bump the fast lane huggers. At 135 mph, every car where too slow.

[@scottywalker4312]

Wow that’s a shame! They don’t make them like they used to!

[@TheBgred1]

my buddy had a 76 2 door chevelle/malibu just like that, taillights were different in 76, great cars tho, sad to see that in that shape

[@cashmerefunk2136]

Wooow i had 1977 yellow and black with a black top aaaaaaahhhh mannn i love tha car when i got it it had 87 mlies on it i bought it back to life....nice car...350...

[@foreverendeavors6210]

That was a cool model, i wouldn't mind running one of those.

[@petervitti9]

When I was a kid there were zillions of these malibus.

[@JT-id9nn]

Had a 73 elco, bought one of these for parts. These cars are lead sleds. Frame section on front is over built. Hood weighs over a 100 pounds. Hard to find cross members with two humps for dual exhaust. Rear ends in these cars are the big 8.5 ten bolts. There is aftermarket co.panies that sell parts for these.

[@m43988]

That car wasn't in a flood. Those cars especially that year notoriously leaked real bad when it rained. I had a laguna same color scheme leaked awful when it rained and soaked the carpets. In the winter you could skate in that thing. I had a pair of sneakers on the rear floor that froze solid to the floor.

[@cardtrix1970]

I, too, liked the tail lights on the 1973 Malibu. I would imagine it is rare to see these in a 2-door model, really, anywhere. Sadly, this generation Malibu/Monte Carlo wasn't very well built, & prone to *heavy* rust & the paint jobs were horrid, even when new, but I liked the way they looked!

[@FatSal619]

Hope that malibu can be saved. Don’t make them like they used to..bad ass ride…

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Unfortunately they crushed it

[@dstorage2198]

Want one bad love those tail lights 2

[@79tazman]

When I was young my dad ran a junk yard for his good friend and I use to go to work with him and play in all the cars and even learned how to drive in the bone yard this was back in the mid to late 80's when there will still lot's of classics on the road but I use to go through the cars find cassette tapes and money and all that stuff but I use to collect the Emblems off the cars I have a bunch of 454, 350,440 things like that I have a awesome Shelby Cobra Emblem the is mint and come off a old Shelby Cobra car it's one of the coolest emblems I have anyway I have those emblems off a car just like that the Chevelle with the bowtie on it and the 350 badge and malibu badge too.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I have a nice little collection of emblems as well. Really like dealer emblems as well

[@oscarbirch6685]

Hell yeah a buddy of mine from high school had a 73 it had the swivel bucket seats that turned loved that

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I have a pair of those swivel buckets. Pulled them from a cutlass I found a while back

[@Super_Sport_Marc]

I own a 75 and I found a 74 close buy that I'm buying tomorrow. They barely make sheet metal for these abodys. The one I'm buying is a bucket seat console car. Plan on Ls swapping it. 6.0 4l80e. My 75 is already Ls swapped. Might 6.2 swap the 74

[@nathanmccree3089]

Man I wish I was alive in the 70 missed out on all the good vehicles sucks

[@ClassicRideSociety]

We missed out when they were new but at least some are still around

[@mikeg8517]

Lol I had a 4 door just like that when I was 16 I'm 50 now wow that's kool

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Time sure does fly

[@emeyer6963]

Geez!I remember when you couldn't drive 100 ft without running into one of these.My x girlfriends Dad bought a 74' as a beter back in late 80's.Rust monster has eaten this one up but plenty of parts for the taking.

[@antoniomancini1794]

My friend had a car just like that but it was blue, cool ride what a shame to see it in the junkyard.

[@walterbatman7949]

Cool ole ride

[@splender88]

I had a 73 Laguna fortunately it had no vinyl top. While they looked good on some cars eventually especially on the GMs it would always rust out at least under the rear window.

[@joshagar8061]

Next time you come across one I would be interested in buying the trim for around the side back windows

[@markj2838]

Imagine her new... oh my..

[@ClassicRideSociety]

True

[@56cadd]

I had the green one with black top. 1981

[@malikdigger4544]

That must nice car green with black vinyl top you probably had sucevial seats too right

[@stevemino142]

Thats amazing bud i was born in the back seat of a 75 chevelle malibu very similar to this it was redish brown color it was my dads car had a 350 2 barrel small block alberta canada keep em comin good to see your videos the green 78? impala was good too

[@allenmax8995]

I have never had any use for vinyl roofs, 1st I do not find that they enhance any car's styling...2nd...well...this vid is a classic example

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Vinyl tops cause more harm than they're worth

[@Super_Sport_Marc]

I wish I knew where this was. I'd buy all the metal for it

[@ClassicRideSociety]

It was at Callahan Auto Salvage in Mesquite TX. But unfortunately, they crushed it a few weeks later

[@MidnightinSavannah]

Did anyone else notice it still had some of the original tower clamps on some of the hoses?

[@bigptm1364]

I forgot how big those front bumpers were on those. That's slot of shine.

[@chuk11011]

I had a green 2dr 73 just like that w 73k miles, was a great car, miss it.

[@rexcars1835]

Oh this makes me sad. I had a blue one. Put a 454 and a stick in it. Took the black gut from a 74, the power windows from a 77 and had a fun car. Had New England rust on the bottom but the vinyl was removed before the roof got that bad. Shouldn't have cut it loose. I like those much better than the older ones.

[@butchc7650]

73 was the only year for that car that had the round tail lights 74 on had rectangular lights and the grills were different is the whole car for sale

[@marktellez9719]

Excellent video

[@MEANGENE]

I had a yellow one with the green top

[@troyanacker7190]

Had a 73 El Camino with side pipes to much fun

[@drippinglass]

I never saw a car get uglier in one year than the 1972 to 1973 Chevelle. It’s hard to believe it to be possible! 😀

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Its a love it or hate it kinda car

[@drippinglass]

Classic Ride Society A 1973 SS454 4-speed would be cool and rare... but a 1972 with the strait 6 would look way better! 😀

[@seand2711]

Ya that can be restored.

[@aarongranda7825]

Lovely Bill Mitchell creation, brother to LeMans, century, Cutlass. Camaro taillamps. Love the bigass bumpers, make me feel safe. Pre 73 weakass bumpers are pretty and pretty pathetic. Years ago I don't know how many 70 Chevies I saw with tipped up bumpers. Wtf is poa?

[@duanegordon2979]

have you ever bought a car from a junkyard and try to fix it back up and how do you do it love your videos bro

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Yes I have. 77 formula firebird, 89 formula 350 firebird, 64 galaxie, 67 polara. 67 Cutlass bought from last who getting ready to sell it to the junkyard

[@Fotosaurus56]

Dayum, I had the exact color with white vinyl top, two door even. It didn't have a 350, though. I liked that car, but it was stolen and totaled.

[@damongenter7062]

Too bad about the roof. Great parts car. Those trunk emblems are highly desirable.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

And basically nothing was used from it. They crushed her after a couple of weeks

[@crazypainter56]

that could be redone -decent car for the east coast -can't find them out here

[@Super_Sport_Marc]

I currently have a 75 that I 6.0 / 4l80e swapped. Cammed, tbss intake 3200 stall

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Nice! I have a 5.3/4l60e in my Monte

[@jasonsheppard9479]

Momma had one😁😁rip mom and the boo we named it..

[@gertraba4484]

Called the COLLONDE COUPE , with the big B pillar , BTW thse cars were to be intro as a 1972 model but the 1971 GM extended strike hobbled all new car intros.and the top lookalike an aftermarket third party install

[@jamesandrew5205]

I live in the northeast and am very familiar with rust on old cars. I’m surprised to see so much in Texas. What causes it down there?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Car may have came from another area like southern Texas close to the Gulf of Mexico

[@garymckee8857]

It seems like GM started using imported steel in 73,I might be mistaken but it seems it. Iike it was imported from Brazil.

[@outcastprojects6733]

About ten years ago,I drove one of these an hour to the scrapyard and pulled the tires, rad and gas tank when i got there.Young and Dumb!!!!!It was green.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

If only we knew then what we know now

[@dadams19111]

How can I find out where the yard is located located?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

It was at Callahan junkyard in Mesquite TX just south of Dallas. But that was 4 years ago. They actually crushed this car the following week after I made this video so she's long gone

[@malikdigger4544]

Yeap that would be nice restoration only thing I hate it was a vinyl top car last been on road 95 woow I was 4 years old than . She got a few rust spots nothing but a lil trip to Opgi will fix most of it can't believe the yard is going crush this gem.

[@LSCHEVYRYDER254]

Malik ElcoSS454 only bad things is that they don’t make many parts for this cat anymore I had one I just sold

[@malikdigger4544]

@@LSCHEVYRYDER254 ; I like the station wagon & Elco version aswell

[@glennmanchester1568]

Last year of the points distributor as well

[@glennmanchester1568]

Even though that has an hei in it that's not original

[@robertchall8576]

I had a 76 4door with 350. best car I will ever have. 240.000 on it body was all rusted out or I would of rebuilt the motor and kept it.

[@jimmyhamm6041]

Deserves to be jacked up and put some blocks under to keep it off the ground .

[@jes.8314]

Yeah!!! 2door!! Lol good job!

[@davehibbs9111]

After 72' the collector's didn't much want them!!! Cost more to restore than what it was worth... 350-145hp wasn't a thrill

[@glennmanchester1568]

I had one same color and all

[@42mrtree]

I own a 1974 Malibu, they call it the ugly year.

[@cnkilts]

My first car was a 1972 Malibu 2 door. As a 16 year old I had no idea what it was or could be. Not sure why GM took a step back in style in 1973.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I agree. My first car was a 67 Malibu 2 door

[@cnkilts]

I used to not like the 73-75 years, but now I have changed on that. They do look pretty cool when fixed up.

[@chargermaster3716]

Despite what the so called enthusiast say I really dig those 73-78 Personal Luxury coupes yes there not as pretty as the 60s cars but those personal 70s Luxury Coupes were very nice imo all we get now are SUVs or sports cars no personal Luxury.

[@rockeroller]

I'd l9ve to have it as is

[@jeffteeples2983]

Is this car still available.?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Long gone. They crushed it soon after I made this video

[@OrangeBoss-ww8eb]

every one up north used the 2 door for hooby stock IMCA dirt track in the 1990's now figure 8

[@valentinrobert1192]

Man those people at the junk yard Don't Give the old cars chances to live on Use as parts so many good parts Just hold the cars a least a month So get strip of good parts door front End. Motor whatever can use What reason did crush it because need Room other car look not bad shape All that can be fix ill seen worst and get fix sad was nice car those are better then the new cars

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Most yards dont care about old cars.

[@glennmanchester1568]

Two bolt main two barrel 350 150 hp

[@rodneyclark1990]

that's saveable give me a week of just detail work and a tune up and I'd be driving