I have an '84 El Camino 305 and recently rear ended someone...I already got a salvaged header panel from another Elky and I got a hood off of an '81 Malibu. I think I need to replace the metal header inside because it got bent a little too. If I can't bend it back with an easy out, does anyone know if I can use the '81 Malibu metal header to replace mine? It looks about the same, but I'm not sure. Thanks...

if youre talking about the metal part that the radiator and stuff mounts to (its called the core support btw) yes,it should go right on.you'd probably be better off just installing the one from the '81 instead of trying to fix your original one too.

... does anyone know if I can use the '81 Malibu metal header to replace mine...
Yes, it will fit.

...you'd probably be better off just installing the one from the '81 instead of trying to fix your original one too...
Ditto.

Thanks for the info guys...I ended up replacing the radiator core support with the one from the '81 Malibu. Now all I have to do is repaint...the car is white and I was thinking of just getting some spray paint from the store and doing the hood and the front grill myself...any suggestions?

Thanks for the info guys...I ended up replacing the radiator core support with the one from the '81 Malibu. Now all I have to do is repaint...the car is white and I was thinking of just getting some spray paint from the store and doing the hood and the front grill myself...any suggestions?

Spray cans will put on a paint job that will last a few years if you take the time for good prep and prime first.