Bringing it back to life

[samsquanch]

Hello. I'm finally getting a chance to work on my car. The car has been sitting under an oak tree since around 2000 when the transmission went bad. Long story short. I have been riding in this car since before I was born to around the age of 10. The car was bought new by my grandmother in 86. Other stuff got in the way and working on the gn was pushed to the back burner. It's in rough shape, and now it's time to restore it.

I got it started a few years ago after sitting all that time, but havent done much since then. Started it a few weeks ago and still runs great, but the fuel pump didn't work today so another is on order.

Where should I start on the restoration? I'm thinking swap the transmission get it driving then asthetics. The trunk is filled with oem plastics trim and badging. Interior is still in fair shape. Was parked on concrete for all those years.

 

[samsquanch]

Today I pulled the transmission. Turns out the converter self destructed. Large chunks of the rotor fell out when draining it. Pump shaft is damaged towards the case and will not rotate.

I'm a but worried about this new Trans I have that's been sitting. Case has 403 cast on the bell housing. Trans I removed was 404. Same pattern but the new Trans has less metal on the belhousing at the top. Also, I am unable to spin the pump shaft by hand haven't tried installing the new converter to spin it that way. Depending on rain I will be installing it tomorrow or next weekend and see what happens.

 

[6gunn]

Looks like a nice project that has some sentimental value. Good luck!

 

[samsquanch]

Transmission installed yesterday. Hopefully it will work out. Waiting on fuel pump in the mail to test. Was a rough task in the dirt with a bit of light rain.

Next task will be to address the brake situation. Replace a few hoses. Possibly rebuild the power master, then eventually install a hydroboost system.

 

[samsquanch]

Fuel pump installed. Transmission filled. Seems to work fine in 1st and reverse. Car really wants to go. Might see about 2nd 3rd and 4th after I get some tires put on. Now I can drive it closer to where it can be more easily worked on.

 

[samsquanch]

Ok. So I put a few tires on the car. Fired it up. Drove it up to the main driveway for ease of working on it. By drove it I mean brakes didn't work very well due to PM not functioning. So I kind of eased out of the spot. Had to go around the corner and up a hill to the driveway. Anyways I got carried away. Gave it a little gas before the corner and burned some rubber by accident. Once I rounded the bend and headed up the hill I punched it for a split second, more of a full throttle blip. Lit up the new tires and got to hear some turbo noises. Started braking and eased to a stop in front of my garage. First drive in 20 years.

Im switching to vacuum brakes this weekend. Plan on flushing the radiator and installing a new thermostat before any longer drives. Thermostat is a bit suspect at the moment.

 

[Rick the pool guy]

Make sure you put a pressure gauge on your trans to make sure you have proper psi through the gears if not you'll smoke that trans in a heartbeat.
I've seen so many people ruin their trans over wrong psi.
Also get yourself a scanmaster to make sure that your running proper air fuel ratio.
Scooby doo has some great videos explaining the scanmaster I'll include a link for you to watch

 

[Rick the pool guy]

 

[samsquanch]

I will be picking up one of those scan masters eventually. I currently have an older can/obd with live scan for the time being.

I will be guessing with the trans press for now. Tv is set to full pull cheese cutter mode at full throttle. Not much else I can do in that dept unless I need to lower the pressure.

Booster and master cylinder installed after work today. Will be modifying the pedal tomorrow if I can find a clevis that will fit.

 

[samsquanch]

Pedal welded and installed about to bleed the brakes.

I ran across the original window sticker today. Also found a few other artifacts. Real cool brochure showing how the pistons were manufactured.

 

[Rick the pool guy]

If you take the door skin off look inside the driver's side door the build sheet should be there or underneath the backseat

 

[samsquanch]

Are you talking about the rpo code sheet?

 

[samsquanch]

 

[samsquanch]

Haven't done much all week. Today installed connector for the rad fan sensor since it decided to crumble when I was poking around last week. New headlight installed. Changed the 20yr old oil and added some zinc. It was literally brand new before I started running the car a few weeks ago. Mobile 1 seems to hold up well over time.

Checked fuel pressure and regulator is working with vacuum but pressure still seems a bit low. It's pushing around 36 at idle and 40-41with the hose pulled.

While I was down there noticed the intercooler is completely caked with oily road dust and fibers. So that will need to be removed and cleaned. Pressure tested and possibly repaired.

Radiator flush and new thermostat if the parts store ever gets it delivered.

Will be installing new front calipers and all rubber lines on the brakes.

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

Haven't done much all week. Today installed connector for the rad fan sensor since it decided to crumble when I was poking around last week. New headlight installed. Changed the 20yr old oil and added some zinc. It was literally brand new before I started running the car a few weeks ago. Mobile 1 seems to hold up well over time.

Checked fuel pressure and regulator is working with vacuum but pressure still seems a bit low. It's pushing around 36 at idle and 40-41with the hose pulled.

While I was down there noticed the intercooler is completely caked with oily road dust and fibers. So that will need to be removed and cleaned. Pressure tested and possibly repaired.

Radiator flush and new thermostat if the parts store ever gets it delivered.

Will be installing new front calipers and all rubber lines on the brakes.

If you haven’t purchased brake hoses yet, the stainless steel braided hoses make a big difference in pedal feel. They’re not as spongy as the rubber ones.

https://www.opgi.com/fittings-hoses/hoses/stainless-steel-brake-hose-set/brake-hose-disc-1978-88-g-body-stainless-steel-c210177.html

 

[samsquanch]

AcDelco brake lines for me. Kind if pissed they were NOS made in China. Acdelco spark plugs are China as well. For some reason they sent 8 and I only ordered 6, maybe they expect a few to be defective. I'm losing faith in the rock auto, but I am starting to get quite the collection of refrigerator magnets.

 

[samsquanch]

Well I got to work since this morning. Pulled and cleaned the intercooler. Installed new thermostat. Replaced some more vacuum hose. Then I went for a drive.

Everyone always said this car was fast. Guess riding it in growing up everyone took it easy on the gas. I think my neighbors don't like me now. I was cruising around the block and decided to blow the cobwebs off the turbo. Gave it about half throttle and tires lite up next thing I know I'm really moving. The busy body lady walking the dog got to see a few burnouts, and probably heard a few more in the distance.

Still a few things to sort out. Might need to swap the governor on the transmission. Seem to get stacked shifts accelerating slow. Not so much when giving it gas. Downshifts fine and up shifts nice under load. The speedo isn't working, I think cobwebs on the needle side because miles still counting. Vacuum booster works great. Brakes will be top notch once I install calipers and hoses.

 

[wdxwrx]

Well I got to work since this morning. Pulled and cleaned the intercooler. Installed new thermostat. Replaced some more vacuum hose. Then I went for a drive.

View attachment 397084

Everyone always said this car was fast. Guess riding it in growing up everyone took it easy on the gas. I think my neighbors don't like me now. I was cruising around the block and decided to blow the cobwebs off the turbo. Gave it about half throttle and tires lite up next thing I know I'm really moving. The busy body lady walking the dog got to see a few burnouts, and probably heard a few more in the distance.

Still a few things to sort out. Might need to swap the governor on the transmission. Seem to get stacked shifts accelerating slow. Not so much when giving it gas. Downshifts fine and up shifts nice under load. The speedo isn't working, I think cobwebs on the needle side because miles still counting. Vacuum booster works great. Brakes will be top notch once I install calipers and hoses.

I recommend replacing the rear wheel cylinders while you're at it.
They are probably rusted and possibly frozen.

 

[samsquanch]

I will get to that eventually. Once I get the front stuff sorted out I will make my way to the back of the car. Surprisingly enough the rears were the only ones doing anything. Found the front calipers seized when I swapped the new ones in last night. Car stops really good now. Pedal feels better as well.