So I sold my '96 Pontiac Grand Prix SE, it just needed way too much work, it had a lifter tapping, a bent rod, cooling fans stopped working, battery wouldn't stay charged, A/C receiver had holes burnt in it so the a/c didn't work, needed the radiator flushed and some exterior cosmetics. I sold it for 2500 after having 3500 in it, but I wanted rid of it because I was so mad that I didn't have the money to fix it. So after a couple days of looking for another car in halfway decent shape and halfway decent miles. I picked up a 1999 Chevy Malibu Classic in Kansas with 130k for 1800 dollars. Its a V6, a little hail damage, but not super noticable until you get really close up.

Anyway my questions are pretty simple, right now the car looks like a Granny mobile. I know I want to put some 16 inch wheels and tires on it, cheapest ones as possible that still look nice so I think I'll go with American Racing wheels and Kumoho tires there. Also going to put a LeBra on the front end to cover up a few scratches, for further protection and looks. Also thinking about having the windows smoked to a light tint.

Ok so my questions I also have seen these chrome looking fender covers for cars does anyone know where to get them??? Next does anyone know if they make Euro tail lights for this year of Malibu and the black headlight covers??? Also if anyone knows where I can purchase a rear spoiler for this car? (nothing tacky, just something subtle)

I'd also like any further suggestions on how to dress this car up from you all. On that note I will not consider putting a body kit on this car since it has to be driven in the Iowa winters.

Heres some pictures of it all cleaned up, (spent 3 hours waxing, armour alling, detailing) Thanks for looking all! Not bad I would say for a 1800 dollar car.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/JeepXJLover/000_0474.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/JeepXJLover/000_0475.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/JeepXJLover/000_0477.jpg

You're joking.........right???

Why would I be joking? Alot of people dress up Malibu's

Why would I be joking? Alot of people dress up Malibu's

Just going by your user name, I figured you for a XJ driver and wondered why you would be trying to pimp up granny's Malibu and not fix up a Jeep...any Jeep. Seems like a hell of a 180 flip if you actually drove a XJ and now this.

What gives?

Nice looking Malibu, I had a 98 and it proved to be a great car for me for a lot of miles. Heads up, watch the intake manifold gasket, they go bad on almost all 3.1 and 3.4 GM V6's. If you ever notice low coolant or coolant getting into your oil that is most likely the cause.
As for your questions, I can address the spoiler one pretty easily. Search ebay for "malibu spoiler", you should be able to find something that would be similar to what they put on the LS models pretty reasonably. I have seen the chrome trim on the wheel openings on these too but personally think they would look tacky on that color car. You might also consider skipping the bra, most people I've known who have them didn't like them because they figured out they just trap dirt under them and scratch the paint up.
Not sure on headlights/tail lights but I would bet there is stuff out there. Good luck with the car!

Like stated earlier, not really a bad looker. I would probably set a dollar amount on what i'd want to add and do that and start saving for the car that I'd really like to get in. I know that will be tough, but look at the long term return. Doesn't sound like this is the car you really want and I can't blame you for wanting to spruce it up. Remember, you may not get back the $ you put into her when the time comes to part, regardless how good she looks. Anyway, been there and have done it and have taken $ losses too. Somethings you may think add value to the car may not convey when you need to get rid of her. JMHO. Still looks like it would be a good driver for as long as you want it to be with regular care, especially with gas prices today. :thumbsup: rr

Nice looking Malibu, I had a 98 and it proved to be a great car for me for a lot of miles. Heads up, watch the intake manifold gasket, they go bad on almost all 3.1 and 3.4 GM V6's. If you ever notice low coolant or coolant getting into your oil that is most likely the cause.
As for your questions, I can address the spoiler one pretty easily. Search ebay for "malibu spoiler", you should be able to find something that would be similar to what they put on the LS models pretty reasonably. I have seen the chrome trim on the wheel openings on these too but personally think they would look tacky on that color car. You might also consider skipping the bra, most people I've known who have them didn't like them because they figured out they just trap dirt under them and scratch the paint up.
Not sure on headlights/tail lights but I would bet there is stuff out there. Good luck with the car!

Intake Manifold gasket was replaced shortly before I bought it, $600 receipt. For what I gave for it I know I could resale it easily for 2500, but I'd rather see what I can do with it first. As for the wheels, they could be pulled off the car and put on my other car if I sold this. I'm kind of in limbo at the moment I know I'm getting a big loan back from college, so I could sale or trade this car in, but I've always wanted a Malibu, my Grandma has a 99 LS, its a sweet car. I may upgrade to a LS Malibu with lower miles and Cruise control!

As for the Jeep, I did love my Cherokee Sport (before it started using transmission fluid at 84,000), I could go anywhere even without 4x4 locked in, however I could never pass a gas station without stopping, so I don't miss 18 mpg, I enjoy the 30 mpg from the Malibu.

As for the Jeep, I did love my Cherokee Sport (before it started using transmission fluid at 84,000), I could go anywhere even without 4x4 locked in, however I could never pass a gas station without stopping, so I don't miss 18 mpg, I enjoy the 30 mpg from the Malibu.


18 mpg! I wish my Jeep got that. I get only 13mpg downhill with a tail wind! LOL.

Didn't mean to bust your chops. With a few mods that Mali' can be a good looker. Just not my style.

Wheels, A good looking set of wheels would set her off nice !!!

Oh yea... I love that color... Nice ride !!!

it looks fine as is , drive it, enjoy it, keep it running and save up for something worth sinking more into . don't turn it into a K-mart Kustom by adding chrome ,tint , wheels and bras.

but if you really need to ...you can get all that stuff at K-mart.

Keep your eye out on your rear brake lights, those are famous for eating brake light bulbs. If the taillamp boards haven't been replaced, you may want to consider changing them if you replace the bulbs for being melted at the tips where the plug into the lamp. GM said they goofed & made the contacts with a screwy metal & causes high resistance when heated causing the plastic base light bulbs to melt & also melts the boards!!! James

Keep your eye out on your rear brake lights, those are famous for eating brake light bulbs. If the taillamp boards haven't been replaced, you may want to consider changing them if you replace the bulbs for being melted at the tips where the plug into the lamp. GM said they goofed & made the contacts with a screwy metal & causes high resistance when heated causing the plastic base light bulbs to melt & also melts the boards!!! James

Thanks for the tip I'll let others with Malibus know, I don't have this car anymore, but my grandma has a Malibu that she bought brand new in '99 I'll have to let her know.