Dec 24, 2022  •  For Sale  •  84 Comments

It’ll Buff Out: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible

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The vehicle needs work and is not regularly driven” opines the seller. Really? Glad we got that out of the way. Had I not read the listing’s identification of this car, I wouldn’t have known that it is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible.  So, is there anything here with which to work? Let’s find out, this slightly used Chevy is located in Manahawkin, New Jersey and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,020 with the reserve not yet met. There is a BIN price of $18,000 available too. Larry D found this gem for us.

Decoding the VIN tells us that this Chevy is a ’70 Malibu convertible, that was originally powered by a six-cylinder engine (“35” in the VIN) and was assembled the first week of May (from the trim tag) at Chevrolet’s Broening Highway assembly plant in Baltimore. The seller claims that the frame and firewall are solid but the images of the rear boxed (convertible enhancement) frame tell a different story. The floors are shaky and the body has that usual GM A-body rot-thing going on. I guess it’s New Jersey’s northeastern geography, but of the thousands of cars that I have reviewed, those with Garden State residency are usually in the worst condition from a surface rust/full deterioration perspective. Digging around, the folding top frame is still present but the front inner fenders and other clip components, including the hood, are gone. Essentially, this car is a frame and a VIN.

Having been powered by a six-cylinder engine means a 155 gross HP, 250 CI straight-six, probably tied to a Powerglide automatic transmission, though that gearbox inclusion is not known with certainty. Regardless, neither are present any longer though the ten-bolt differential is still holding up the rear end.

Inside, I have little to share, there are blue bench seats front and back, but nothing else is photographed. The rear upholstery panels are dissolving – no included images of the dash or instrument panel. Underside images tell us that the floors will likely need to be replaced, though patching might be an option. The trunk pan is heavily corroded, but it doesn’t look as if it’s perforated, yet.

It is suggested that this convertible “needs resto” but I’d suggest that there’s not enough here to restore. We all know about “Mopar Mania” and the absurd values being assigned to old Chargers, Challengers, Coronets, etc., and with a BIN price of $18,000, we’re now witnessing “Chevelle Craziness”. I don’t know what one could do with this former Malibu convertible or even why, there are certainly better, more reasonable examples available. That’s my two cents, what’s yours?

Comments

  1. James Pickard
    Dec 23, 2022 at 12:22pm

    We all can appreciate a project car…but really? $1,000 max, its not a unicorn.

    Like 20
    • shelbyGT500Member
      Dec 23, 2022 at 5:23pm

      $18,000 ! I guess nowadays the money is growing on the trees. Merry Christmas to ALL

      Like 21
      • Robert White
        Dec 24, 2022 at 10:06am

        When Richard Nixon closed the gold window in 1971 money started to be grown on Keynesian Macroeconomic trees from that juncture.

        That’s why the Dark Pool Derivatives universe is estimated at $3 quadrillion all denominated in U$D.

        Bob

        Like 4
    • Robert
      Dec 24, 2022 at 10:41am

      It’s 100% scrap metal, worth about $200 at the scrap yard. Someone would be a fool to but it.

      Like 11
  2. Harvey HarveyMember
    Dec 24, 2022 at 5:52am

    Seller must be hoping Santa delivers a buyer!

    Like 9
    • Jamie
      Dec 24, 2022 at 7:10am

      … and a giant brick of the crack they’ve been smoking

      Like 14
      • Robert
        Dec 24, 2022 at 10:46am

        Both the seller and any buyer must be smoking crack. Something this bad should not be allowed on Barn Finds. Whoever is responsible for this junkyard P.O.S. making this page must be smoking crack himself. lol

        Like 13
      • Jim ODonnellAuthor
        Dec 24, 2022 at 11:15am

        I’m the guy responsible, and I’m hardly smoking crack, lol or not! Too bad you didn’t like it, thanks for the snotty comment.

        JO

        Like 22
    • Bick Banter
      Dec 24, 2022 at 11:55am

      I think it’s a POS too but it’s important that BF provide a broad view of the hobby. I am totally for putting it here. If you don’t like it, don’t click on it.

      I find it fascinating that it’s bid up to $6,600. That blows my mind.

      Like 12
      • Danny
        Dec 26, 2022 at 12:08pm

        Nick, I totally disagree about the parts for this car! Yes, you can purchase the cheap made in China parts, if you choose. However, if you are willing to pay for higher quality parts, made in America, they are readily available. I have rebuilt numerous Chevelles, with American parts only and paying the higher price. It is a hughe selling point, and you will make more money on the back end when selling with American made parts. So this car could and should stay American.

        Like 1
      • Bick Banter
        Dec 29, 2022 at 9:42am

        Thanks. Can you give us the sources for American restoration parts, and how you are able to tell that they’re actually made in America? I have asked vendors a few times over the years about this and I get a cagey answer usually.

        Like 0
  3. Pat
    Dec 24, 2022 at 7:19am

    Bids to $5800…for this…..

    Like 5
  4. Nick P
    Dec 24, 2022 at 7:32am

    The benefit here is simply being a 70 convertible. Relatively rare in any form and surely destined to be an LS6 4 speed clone. Every part is available to build it. The elephant in the room that really stinks is the 6 cylinder vin. But maybe being a known clone anyways, that won’t matter. I’m a believer that every car can and usually should be saved. But yes, I think he’s shooting for the moon here.

    Like 4
    • Bick Banter
      Dec 26, 2022 at 8:41am

      Don’t forget that many of those restoration parts are made in China. So unless the person is going to painstakingly source NOS parts, this thing is going to be as Chinese as a Wuling Hongguang when it’s completed!

      Like 1
  5. Doone
    Dec 24, 2022 at 7:50am

    Not a clone, more like a clown, BF……where rust turns into gold!

    Like 4
  6. mike
    Dec 24, 2022 at 8:16am

    Just another seller who thinks their scrap is valuable.

    Like 6
  7. Connecticut mark
    Dec 24, 2022 at 8:19am

    Worth your 2 cents only.

    Like 3
  8. Chasman
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:25am

    Very nice, honest writeup. Thank you, Jim.

    Like 10
  9. Jay McCarthy
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:33am

    That is going to be a monumental task returning this to life 😂

    Like 1
  10. scott m
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:37am

    Interior, engine bay, underside- this car has better photos than some of the 6 figure offerings!

    Like 2
  11. John Irwin
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:37am

    Mark Worman could probably have his staff bring it back to life for well over 100k. But he just resurrects Mopars right?

    Like 1
  12. JTMember
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:55am

    Looks like a parts car that has already been parted out!

    Like 11
  13. Danny
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:57am

    Well…Mmmm I am always looking to bring all these old muscle cars back to life, and I am a big chevelle fan, owning a 68 Chevelle SS and 70 Chevelle SS. However, this car is too far gone in its current state! That being said, with the value and rareness of a chevelle and being a convertible, this car should be brought back to life again, in one form or another! The buyers price is the potential it will have, not current state. I do hope the car is returned back to its glory days.

    Like 4
  14. Robert White
    Dec 24, 2022 at 10:02am

    Folks, the price is outsized due to all the restoration shops that bid on these wrecks to increase their inventory of stock for customers. If the restoration shops had plenty of choice to choose from we would see these cars going for the high dollars that they go for these days.

    Restoration shops want low cost wrecks of classic car value when finished. This Chevelle would be a high dollar item if it was restored and that’s why we see the crazy asking prices, frankly.

    Most restorations look this bad before they get started.

    Merry Christmas to all on BF.

    Bob

    Like 5
  15. Elco Fan
    Dec 24, 2022 at 10:03am

    Could be an anazing car restored or even restomodded. But after replacing everything, is it still the same car? Ship of Theseus rule applies here…

    Like 0
    • Danny
      Dec 24, 2022 at 1:28pm

      Elvis, you could debate that question with every car that has been in a major accident down to someone who replaced a front clip. As long. As the car has the vin and firewall info intact, which it was gave birth with from the factory and never removed original rivets it’s the same car…Period!!!

      Like 2
  16. BigBlocksRock
    Dec 24, 2022 at 10:10am

    $18k? Who knows, P.T. Barnum had a saying back in the day that might apply on this one.
    Merry Christmas all!

    Like 6
  17. Timothy Phaff
    Dec 24, 2022 at 10:40am

    Ya, he needs money for his other build.

    Like 2
  18. MOPAR Joe
    Dec 24, 2022 at 10:40am

    2 words: Hurricane Sandy

    Like 2
  19. Howie
    Dec 24, 2022 at 11:08am

    Before i bid i would like to take it for a test drive.

    Like 17
  20. George Mattar
    Dec 24, 2022 at 11:28am

    The world has gone mad. Read something the other day that is actual fact. 1 in 3 people, including those making at least $100,000 have trouble paying their bills monthly. And average credit card debt is almost $10,000. Yet those same buffoons will buy this.

    Like 0
  21. Chuck
    Dec 24, 2022 at 11:31am

    Would you really want a car “restored” by a flipper that started like this?

    Like 3
    • Danny
      Dec 24, 2022 at 1:38pm

      Chuck, really in the big pic, does not matter what it started out as? It is the final state the car ends up that matters. Please get real here, you are talking about 53 year old car, all are rare anymore. Pretty soon these will not exist either for people to complain about…then they will be complaining about their battery operated plastic cars…which they deserve!

      Like 4
      • chuck
        Dec 24, 2022 at 2:01pm

        Unfortunately the “final state” isn’t always what it may appear to be. Buying a car from someone who bought it with the sole intention of flipping may come with nasty surprises. Start with more than a VIN and body tag for better outcome.

        Like 1
  22. Dan
    Dec 24, 2022 at 12:24pm

    Try not to get any buffing compound on the glass or interior

    Like 0
  23. Larry siegel
    Dec 24, 2022 at 12:43pm

    I didn’t know so many people still do LSD

    Like 3
    • Dan
      Dec 24, 2022 at 1:47pm

      They don’t have to do LSD anymore, it’s all the legalized drugs that makes them happy

      Like 3
  24. George Birth
    Dec 24, 2022 at 12:52pm

    A fool and his money are soon parted!! It will take a fool to pay $18K for this pile of rust!!!!!!!

    Like 0
  25. Timothy P Quimby
    Dec 24, 2022 at 1:31pm

    I see nothing wrong with the ad on ebay other than a very vague and misleading description and it’s kinda obvious that quite a few of you know nothing about the Chevelle condition, these especially convertible Chevelle’s are going for 6 figure plus $$ a lot of people cannot afford the prices on a restored Chevelle however they have the talent and desire to build their own now a days even clone SS convertible especially a 1970 will bring 125-160k I have a very rust free 72 conververtible and have been offered $50,000 just for the body.. I paid 5k and will never part with it.. please do a little research before putting anyone’s project hopes down. .. I agree car is very rough but you’d be amazed at how easy it would be to rebuild… Every piece needed is available to put it back together aftermarket and OEM parts are at a premium I can personally see the diamond in the rough and possible dollar this car can bring once completed

    Like 5
  26. Larry
    Dec 24, 2022 at 2:14pm

    Get real does anyone know how much time and money it will take to make this pile of scrap metal and rust into a useable vehicle?

    Like 2
    • Nick P
      Dec 25, 2022 at 8:23am

      The shop i use could do all the metal work to this car replaced at the spot welds and replaced properly in about 100 hours. Then body and paint. I do my own engine rebuilds,, mechanicals and reassembly. Done a few in the past couple years and the car is basically brand new when completed. Lotsa pictures with nothing to hide. And its just a hobby. You could make a lot of money doing it full time.

      Like 1
      • John
        Dec 25, 2022 at 9:11am

        A 100 hours of metal work doesn’t even get you started on something like this!
        I agree that cars should be saved when possible, but this makes absolutely no financial sense to continue especially since it’s not a significant car.
        This is crusher material.

        Like 3
      • Nick P
        Dec 25, 2022 at 10:53am

        You’re using the wrong shop

        Like 0
      • John
        Dec 25, 2022 at 12:02pm

        You’re looking at well over $100,000 to restore this, worth maybe $40000 if we’ll done, people have been conditioned by the flipper tv shows that all these cars can bring huge money.
        Not this one.

        Like 3
      • Bick Banter
        Dec 26, 2022 at 8:46am

        Can you post your shop and hourly rate? And will your shop guarantee 100 hours as a cap on price? I’m not trying to be a smart bleep or call you out. I’m just sure a lot of people here would be very interested If you could fix complete rust buckets that quickly and cheaply!.

        Like 1
      • Bick Banter
        Dec 26, 2022 at 8:48am

        It looks like the average shop charges $50 for body work. So you’re saying this body could be brought back to new for $5,000 or so. Yeah, please post your shop, and their guarantee.

        Like 2
      • Nick P
        Dec 26, 2022 at 3:18pm

        The shop we use is actually $75/hr and I know of others in the $50 range. The difference is in their skill and efficiency. So far, we have had them do a 70 Cuda, multiple 70-73 trans ams, and 2 70 chevelles. The Cuda was the most extensive. Both chevelles got 1 piece floor, 1 piece trunk floor, inner and outer wheel houses, both quarter panels and clocked in at just over 100 hours labor. We’ve spoken with them in the past about notoriety but are happy with their customer base and choose not to be named or nationally recognized.

        Like 0
      • Nick P
        Dec 26, 2022 at 3:19pm

        There are others out there. Many talented bodymen round the country. You just need to find them

        Like 0
      • Bick Banter
        Dec 29, 2022 at 9:47am

        That’s kind of a non answer answer. Anyway, I don’t think you’d be able to get this car’s body shell restored anywhere near 100 x $75 an hour. I think it would cost 5 times that. The shop that my friend’s girlfriend’s cousin’s sister works at told me that ;-)

        Like 0
      • Nick P
        Dec 29, 2022 at 8:14pm

        Well, you’re welcome to think what you think and I’ll continue to know what I know. People who don’t Do will never know what it actually takes to get it done. After you’ve Done many, many times, you will. Or you can continue to Think you know, which is much worse. Good luck to you.

        Like 0
  27. Robert West
    Dec 24, 2022 at 2:48pm

    I really hope the seller gets the help he needs for his mental condition. I would love to know just how this car got to this point!

    Like 2
    • John
      Dec 25, 2022 at 12:04pm

      It’s worth a shot, I can picture the seller and his buddies sitting around laughing that anyone bid on this at all.
      Most people just have no clue as to what they’re getting into with something like this.

      Like 1
    • Kim in Lanark
      Dec 25, 2022 at 12:40pm

      He already has a 5800 offer for this crusher bait. He’s doing fine. If Timothy Quimby is accurate someone who has access to the right parts can have the car built the way he wants it and get most of his money back if needed. I dont know the ages of the responders, but it’s hard for me to grasp the prices of some of the 30-50 year old cars that I remember as clapped out used cars going for a couple paychecks.

      Like 2
      • John
        Dec 25, 2022 at 1:25pm

        There are projects like this scattered all across the country, thanks to the flipper shows people just think ” I’ll fix it up” and be rich!
        Looking at this car all I see that even might be worth something is the convertible top frame, $300 bucks and I’ll get rid of the rest for you

        Like 1
      • Pnuts
        Dec 25, 2022 at 3:56pm

        Yea, if it comes thru. More and more scams on eBay. People run up bid to chase off the real buyers then pull out at the last minute. Had it happen to me once in the early days. I’ve heard it’s a lot worse now. I have 4 to sell, maybe 5. I’ll give eBay a try on one and see how they it goes.

        Like 1
  28. normadesmond
    Dec 24, 2022 at 3:49pm

    Definitely a top ten title!!!

    Like 0
  29. Adamsallycat
    Dec 24, 2022 at 6:22pm

    Fools and their money easily parted. This is laughable at 18k.

    Like 2
  30. Pnuts
    Dec 24, 2022 at 7:13pm

    Ran when parked

    Like 1
  31. John
    Dec 24, 2022 at 8:51pm

    A car in this condition is only really needed for the vin tag
    This car is lacking a desirable vin.
    This car rebuilt or cloned is no way worth the kind of money mentioned above.
    Collectors aren’t going to be fooled by something like this.
    This is pure junk.

    Like 2
  32. Tom
    Dec 24, 2022 at 9:43pm

    My rust free 71 project car can be had for a cool $200k

    Like 2
    • Kevin Kendall
      Dec 27, 2022 at 1:24pm

      Got a 98% rust free 72 SS project that I’ll let go for a reasonable 150K 👍😁

      Like 1
  33. Danny
    Dec 26, 2022 at 12:34pm

    John, yakey yuck, with your flipper idealiog. That dog is not hunting anymore, along with your Vin comments. This car can and will be marketed into 2-3 different markets, first as a highly sought after 1970 chevelle convertible, restored .. Or a very highly sought after chevelle convertible restored with a major engine upgrade (396) or a total restored resto mode, updated for today’s car enthusiast. Your approach to this current market is yesteryear, outdated, and please do not go into the business restoring and selling these rare cars, you will not be successful!

    Like 1
  34. John
    Dec 26, 2022 at 4:33pm

    Dream on buddy.

    Like 1
    • Danny
      Dec 26, 2022 at 6:01pm

      John, now that is a response I would expect from someone not currently involved in the muscle car market or platform, which I do respect…typically clueless!

      Like 1
      • John
        Dec 26, 2022 at 6:21pm

        Grow up Danny, if you can’t handle a different opinion then maybe you should rethink posting on here.
        My remarks on the viability of this as a high dollar restoration is my opinion and probably shared by many of the people posting.
        Lucky for me that I couldn’t care less what you think.
        Good day.

        Like 1
  35. Larry s
    Dec 26, 2022 at 7:13pm

    John you are so typical of those who think a piece of junkyard detris is worth something, it’s pure scrap with ambitions and an unrealistic value.
    Would you if you had enough money to do so, which I don’t believe you do, actually waste all the time and money to restore this second rate car?

    Like 0
    • John
      Dec 26, 2022 at 8:11pm

      I’m the guy saying it’s junk, not worth putting any money or effort into it!
      Did I miss something?

      Like 1
  36. Danny
    Dec 26, 2022 at 8:50pm

    John, I can handle a different opinion when the opinion is derived from an individual, who is currently participating in this market place that has a clue what they are talking about! Those people who come on this site and judge rare cars based on what they perceive is not viable, totally exclude what is taking place within the industry… You are viewing what is left of ” the greatest muscle cars ever produced”.. These cars will also be gone in the next couple of years.,,and people are paying for the right and option to own a piece of muscle car history…and invest or create their dream or potential future investment. So yes, per your own words, if you cannot accept a reality check, please think about future postings! Sorry do not give closure comments when not deserved,,,

    Like 2
    • John
      Dec 26, 2022 at 9:00pm

      The problem here that you don’t want to recognize, is this particular example is not a rare or valuable car, other than being a convertible this is the lowest spec version offered, it will always have that VIN, which will preclude this car from ever being collectable.
      Sure you could clone it, but it won’t bring anywhere near the money that you would have in it.
      I personally don’t see any metal on this car that is worth saving, knowing when to walk away is the real skill in this hobby.

      Like 1
      • Danny
        Dec 26, 2022 at 11:10pm

        John, your mindset continues to stay in the past, which will not allow you to move into the future. Your still looking for viable metal on a 53 year old RARE muscle car, that Does not exist..ZERO..NONE!!!
        Also, looking for that special vin,
        where only about 1% of muscle cars came with a box of chocolates…if that was the case the other 99% of these rare cars are not viable In the market place! Chevelles always sale,. Look to the movies, commercials, or standard tv shows… What muscle car do they generally reflect?Wait for it…a CHEVELLE!! John, I generally charge for these lessons, however this one is on the house, however one per customer…hopefully you are a quick learner, and start to learn how the current market works..and will be better informed regarding this industry….take care.

        Like 2
    • Donnie L Sears
      Jan 1, 2023 at 7:41am

      Muscle car history was made in 1987. When Buick got the GNB perfect GM decided they never wanted any more made. It was actually faster than most muscle cars made in the 60″s in the 1/4 mile. But they now sell for the big bucks also. But like most people I miss the muscle of the 60’s. There will never be anything like it again. Today it is all RPM’s from the factory.

      Like 0
      • Pnuts
        Jan 1, 2023 at 11:17am

        A new Honda Accord is quicker than a GN and most 60s muscle cars.

        Like 0
  37. John
    Dec 27, 2022 at 1:00am

    Danny you are the perfect living example of ” there’s on born every minute”.

    Like 1
    • chuck
      Dec 27, 2022 at 4:22am

      I always suspect so called “experts”.

      Like 1
  38. Danny
    Dec 27, 2022 at 11:20am

    I am a so called expert and been in this muscle car industry for 40 years. I drove, worked, restored these cars with my father through high school.. Late 60s thru 70 and up through today and grew a successful business model based on the evolution of these cars and the market platform..the market always dictates what is currently viable..Econ 101. What you see and judge is not necessarily what the market relates to current or future. Oil on the world market is purchased in futures demand not current consumption… Currently completing 69 chevelle total restoration no SS no special box of chocolate vin sold, before completion..and making a very nice profit on the back end.. And have 3 on the rotary waiting.. So yes it does take a few so called experts to stop the clueless experts blab blab on here.. By the way this was your second lesson..i do charge for these you know…Econ 101

    Like 1
    • BigBlocksRock
      Dec 27, 2022 at 11:30am

      Danny , you’ve been whining about the posts regarding this “rare muscle car” for 3 days.
      WTH is rare about a factory 6 cyl, powerglide powered pile of rust that used to be a Chevelle?

      Like 2
    • ChasMan
      Dec 27, 2022 at 11:46am

      Danny, no disrespect is meant here. I believe you. And I admit, I am not an expert. So, why don’t you buy it for the $18k and make all that money? That will teach us all the best lesson.

      Like 2
    • chuck
      Dec 27, 2022 at 2:47pm

      Danny you are hilarious.
      The beauty of the internet is anyone can claim to be an expert. I’ve found that self proclaimed experts are usually the farthest thing from it. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.

      Like 2
  39. Danny
    Dec 27, 2022 at 12:11pm

    ChasMan, thank you for a realistic question. Currently, I have 3 waiting in line as mentioned above in my latest post and people waiting in line for additional projects which will take me thru the next 2 years. I have a 68 Chevelle SS, another 70 Chevelle waiting behind those, with a firebird following close behind. So yes, I am backed up for a few years. However, my point was an attempt to educate many of the clueless experts on here regarding the evolution of this market and platform.. Which sometimes you just cannot fix clueless. Take care.

    Like 1
    • John
      Dec 27, 2022 at 1:59pm

      Post a link to your business, I would be very interested to see some of your work.

      Like 1
  40. Larry S
    Dec 27, 2022 at 7:04pm

    Danny
    I just found the steering wheel from a 1969 LincolnMark 1
    Do you think your shop can build the car around it?

    Like 2
  41. Pete
    Dec 28, 2022 at 12:38pm

    roflmao

    Like 0
  42. Howie
    Jan 1, 2023 at 11:38am

    Sold $15,000. Happy New Year.

    Like 1
  43. JTMember
    Jan 1, 2023 at 6:46pm

    As PNuts said, my 2017 Odyssey with the middle seats removed could out run most muscle cars of the era.

    Like 0

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