1987 pro-touring grand national, from the ground up

[SFI Cutlass]

Everything is powder coat on the car, including the wrinkle finish

I like the way you incorporate European trends on your car. I wish I could do the same, I'm just not at that level yet. I've even dreamt about adding SLR style exhaust right behind the front wheels but that's being very ambitious not to add very expensive! If even possible. I have driven the f430 spider and loved the exhaust characteristics so I ended up adding a boost driven cutout, that will open at a set boost level. Trying to mimic the Ferraris dual port mufflers.

 

[we4Mateo]

.... I have driven the f430 spider and loved the exhaust characteristics so I ended up adding a boost driven cutout, that will open at a set boost level. Trying to mimic the Ferraris dual port mufflers.

That's pretty trick. I like the thought process.

 

[dsapper]

one side shaved, working on the other as we speak

 

[BigTady]

This thread is ridiculously entertaining, I love a lot of these mods and am adding some to my list of todo's down the road.

 

[dsapper]

Small update. Both drip rails are shaved, filled and smoothed. Removed the stock mirrors and installed C4 mirrors based on this picture I saved forever ago

After attaching them I think it would look better moved forward quite a bit so we are modifying it for the new position closer to the front of the car like more modern cars, quick mock up to show progress, they will be moved forward maybe 6-7" to give it a more updated look

 

[dsapper]

As were finishing up the fabrication I need some opinions. I've been avoiding the GNX fender flares but keep going back and forth. Any opinions?

Keep it as is or Add the GNX flares?

 

[IceHockeyJedi]

Just a noob's .02 cents....I wouldn't go with the GNX flares. The smoother look plays well with the sleeker door handles and mirrors. This thread is amazing and it's provided much reading entertainment for a while now. Congrats on a sweet build and best of luck to you!

 

[autodynamics]

Add the flares !!!


GNXED

 

[Fast4Ward]

forget the flares the factory ones look better...i find those GNX ones just abit too bulky looking...but from far away and in pics they look ok.

 

[dsapper]

Its funny I've been looking for good pictures of the flairs on our cars but black cars don't photograph well lol

 

[coach]

I like the flares, but only if they are installed like the factory. You need to trim the qtr panel and cut the inner fender, so you can actually use the room they add.
I've always wanted them, but won't chop my 25,000 mile car.

 

[novaderrik]

the GNX flares will just make the car look goofy- unless you hack out the wheelwells and get wheels that are 2" wider to the outside.. and even then, they will kill the smooth lines of the car... they were only used on the GNX because it was the 80's and that was one of the things people did to their cars to make them look "fast", and Buick/ASC wanted to add something to the body to make it stand out from a regular GN.

regarding the mirrors: you are right to move them forward on the door... they kind of look like the 87/88 Monte SS mirrors, and those were pushed more toward the front edge of the door and blend in better with the windshield angle up there...

 

[BigTady]

Just a noob's .02 cents....I wouldn't go with the GNX flares. The smoother look plays well with the sleeker door handles and mirrors.

I agree, flares would take away from the sleek lines you are creating with the door handles and drip rails.

Dsapper, I didn't read anywhere on this thread but are you going to shave the rear quarter glass? There is another thread where a guy did that I thought it looked slick.

Tad
87 GN
Sent from HTC Sensation

 

[wmerrell]

As were finishing up the fabrication I need some opinions. I've been avoiding the GNX fender flares but keep going back and forth. Any opinions?

Keep it as is or Add the GNX flares?

I have GNX wheel flares.
The flares make the wheels and tires look lost.
The flares extend too far outwards of the tires.
Maybe with proper offsets and wheel withds they would look ok.
The flares are coming off my car.

 

[dsapper]

Thanks for the opinions guys, I guess I'll stick with my original opinion and go sans GNX fender flairs.

novaderrik- I posted that we were moving them forward about 6 inches, we mounted them and thought the same thing.

BigTady- I'm getting flush mount ones from mcclean if he ever gets them maid, already paid for them lol

Next is the rear zr1 spoiler and the rest of the audio. The ipad in the dash is going to be a big surprise when you guys see the execution

 

[Scott Atk]

Dave, Have you seen this air conditioning thread?
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/th...-air-under-dash-unit-has-it-been-done.391683/
Would be cool to clean up the firewall and by going to a Vintage Air controller, it would free up space for the Ipad.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-491223-rua?seid=srese1&gclid=CMax14Tb2bYCFYF7QgodFjMA_g

 

[dsapper]

Yeah, I've seen it. I think its to late for me to go that route. I'd have to redo the firewall etc. When you see what we are doing with the ipad you'll realize the a/c controls are a moot point. On another note the wideband and powerlogger are in, I'd love your help getting it tuned when it gets out of body work... again lol

 

[Scott Atk]

Sounds like fun... I'm in.

 

[coach]

Awesome mods Dave. I'll be in touch about front suspension talk soon.
I love following your thread while doing mine. I would hope someday, somewhere to get the two cars together for photos.

 

[dsapper]

Thanks, call anytime. Been busy and I'm forgetful but I always try and answer my phone lol. Drive down for SEMA in november, short 2500 mile drive hah