The Malibu Head Turner

Changed fluids, belts, hoses, brakes, brake lines, and patched a hole in the radiator, now the '65 Malibu SS 327 2-dr Htp. with original red paint and white upholstery is noticeable parked in front of the Black Bear Coffee shop in downtown Vernonia on a Saturday morning. Crowd control is often considered and the Chief wants me to get a parade permit.

She won a trophy during the annual Nehalem Valley Speed and Beauty Car Club car show this summer. It was the "Best Diamond In The Rough" category.

The more it's driven the better it feels. However, there are some bits and pieces that need attention: the windshield wiper motor is frozen (not a good thing in Oregon), and there are body rust issues.

The wiper motor is made of unobtainium and rebuilding costs $400, or something equally ridiculous. I carry the old one in my truck, so when I am inspired to track down a replacement, I'll have the one I need for comparison.

Asleep For 30 Years

I have one of those legendary stories car lovers find fascinating. The one where a rare and desirable collector is stowed in a barn for 30 years, unmolested, then brought back to life.

My folks, Jack and Bonnie Justice lived on the farm for about 20 years. When Jack passed away Bonnie decided to move to California to be with friends. In 1979, she packed up what she wanted and left the rest for caretakers. She put her 1965 Chevy Malibu SS up for sale. "I only wanted $2,000 for and it had new tires," says the spry lady of 85. "If no one will buy it for that, I said I'll just leave it in the barn."

Remarkably, the red coupe with the white upholstery sat all these years without being picked apart and relieved of its trim or mechanical items. I have always liked the 356 Porsche and had little regard for the Chevy and all its muscle, so I didn't do anything with it.

I moved to the farm 5 years ago and have been taking a fresh look at that Malibu, trying to figure out why so many find it so wonderful. It's coming to me.

Last week -- after changing fluids, spark plugs and distributor parts -- four friends from the Vernonia Speed and Beauty Car Club came to my garage and we started the 327 motor and it purrs.

In subsequent Kid Justice Blogs I will cover the process of restoring "Mom's little red racer" to road worthiness.