'66 Malibu N/SA

Dave Muller · 05-22-2017, 09:44 PM

Yes, it has the 4.0, and with the weight distributing hitch it's very stable at any speed. Once on the way back from Bakersfield, after cruising smoothly at 70+ MPH I stopped for gas, and when I got out the wind nearly blew me over because I had no idea it was windy. I was completely unprepared for it.

Without that hitch it's almost undrivable though.

It'll accelerate (a little) up a 6% grade with my Camaro on the back, which is a little heavier than the Chevelle.

But I've logged a lot of miles going up hills with the pedal on the floor, and the storage space is very limited. Not to mention space inside the cab. So I plan to upgrade to an F-150, probably within the next couple of months.

Dave Noll · 05-23-2017, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Muller

So I plan to upgrade to an F-150, probably within the next couple of months.

I like my F250 better than the 1/2 ton.

nickh · 05-23-2017, 05:32 AM

Dave, I had a ford explorer sport 5 speed with the 4.0, that thing was stout. But I was working jobs up in Montana and Wyoming during winter it was 2 wheel drive..LOL, found a 2007 F350 4x4 with 6.0 diesel (that was already bulletproofed), cold air intake, tuner, 4 inch down pipe with a 5" straightpipe all the way back.

It saved me in the winter months,gets 22 to 24 mpg on highway depending on the wind, get 15 to 16 towing.

Beautiful car!

HandOverFist · 05-23-2017, 10:42 AM

Even tho I am currently pulling with a 1/2-ton, I have to agree a larger truck is always less stressful.

Dave Muller · 05-23-2017, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

Even tho I am currently pulling with a 1/2-ton, I have to agree a larger truck is always less stressful.

Yeah, I'll drink to that! I'm looking forward to lower-stress towing.

Dave Muller · 05-23-2017, 11:18 AM

I guess from here updates will be less common, as the build is complete. I'll throw in information about upgrades once in a while I guess.

I'd like to thank everyone for your encouragement and suggestions! Quite a few blunders were averted by getting your input, it has been much appreciated.

Greg Reimer 7376 · 05-24-2017, 10:33 AM

I would defer to the 3/4 ton for towing. The frame, springs, etc, are usually larger and more adequate for towing.The equalizer hitch is a must. As you know, whether it's Vegas,Phoenix,or Bakersfield ,there's no flat easy tow to SoCal. 20 years agi, I towed my first '68 Chevelle on a small open trailer with a 71 El Camino. Never had a problem, I was just that fortunate.My Suburban handles that open trailer with a car on it like it's not even back there.

05-22-2017, 09:44 PM	#1
Dave Muller Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 497 Likes: 162 Liked 223 Times in 73 Posts	Re: '66 Malibu N/SA Yes, it has the 4.0, and with the weight distributing hitch it's very stable at any speed. Once on the way back from Bakersfield, after cruising smoothly at 70+ MPH I stopped for gas, and when I got out the wind nearly blew me over because I had no idea it was windy. I was completely unprepared for it. Without that hitch it's almost undrivable though. It'll accelerate (a little) up a 6% grade with my Camaro on the back, which is a little heavier than the Chevelle. But I've logged a lot of miles going up hills with the pedal on the floor, and the storage space is very limited. Not to mention space inside the cab. So I plan to upgrade to an F-150, probably within the next couple of months.

05-23-2017, 05:32 AM	#3
nickh Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 838 Likes: 3,754 Liked 692 Times in 205 Posts	Re: '66 Malibu N/SA Dave, I had a ford explorer sport 5 speed with the 4.0, that thing was stout. But I was working jobs up in Montana and Wyoming during winter it was 2 wheel drive..LOL, found a 2007 F350 4x4 with 6.0 diesel (that was already bulletproofed), cold air intake, tuner, 4 inch down pipe with a 5" straightpipe all the way back. It saved me in the winter months,gets 22 to 24 mpg on highway depending on the wind, get 15 to 16 towing. Beautiful car!

05-23-2017, 10:42 AM	#4
HandOverFist VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 1,651 Likes: 8 Liked 33 Times in 16 Posts	Re: '66 Malibu N/SA Even tho I am currently pulling with a 1/2-ton, I have to agree a larger truck is always less stressful. __________________ Rich Taylor I/SA - 321

05-23-2017, 11:18 AM	#6
Dave Muller Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 497 Likes: 162 Liked 223 Times in 73 Posts	Re: '66 Malibu N/SA I guess from here updates will be less common, as the build is complete. I'll throw in information about upgrades once in a while I guess. I'd like to thank everyone for your encouragement and suggestions! Quite a few blunders were averted by getting your input, it has been much appreciated.

05-24-2017, 10:33 AM	#7
Greg Reimer 7376 VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora,Calif. Posts: 1,139 Likes: 172 Liked 720 Times in 221 Posts	Re: '66 Malibu N/SA I would defer to the 3/4 ton for towing. The frame, springs, etc, are usually larger and more adequate for towing.The equalizer hitch is a must. As you know, whether it's Vegas,Phoenix,or Bakersfield ,there's no flat easy tow to SoCal. 20 years agi, I towed my first '68 Chevelle on a small open trailer with a 71 El Camino. Never had a problem, I was just that fortunate.My Suburban handles that open trailer with a car on it like it's not even back there.