80's addict

[John Knolla]

So I have an agreement with mother-in-law to purchase her recently departed husband's '84 Grand National. I am almost 47, and I remember when the Grand National came out, it was my freshman year in high school ('84). We will be waiting on the title since it has to be processed after his death back in early November, should be back in KS to pick it up in February or March which gives me time to clean out the garage.

I suddenly realized I may have an '80's problem....

12 years ago I completed a 2 year search and purchased a rare 1987 Honda VF700C SuperMagna which was another of my obsessions from back in the day. Here is the SuperMagna in its' current state, an occasional rider with my 1990 Kawasaki KLR-650 (bought in 1989).

2 years ago I bought a 1987 Yakovlev Yak-52 Russian Military Aerobatic Trainer that I fly regularly.

And I now will have an '84 Hot Air GN - planning on a frame-on pro-tour restomod, to maximize driveability and handling with as much reliable horsepower as possible on a ~103K mile 3.8L. Car has astroroof, power windows, locks and trunk release, needs interior and paint work but appears to be a solid relatively rust free project.

As it sits in a barn in KS

My objective

Looking forward to this project and using this amazing resource to help, so thanks in advance.

JK

 

[kidsixpack]

Cool toys! The GN looks like a perfect candidate for a resto mod.
Best of luck
KID

 

[Buckshot G/N]

Looks likes a doable project,
There are a lot of knowledgeable T/B folks on this forum. So Welcome,and always remember T/B has first priority parking in the garage. Lol..

 

[John Knolla]

I had a 1983.5 Ford Thunderbird Turbocoupe about 20-25 years ago, super nice and fun to drive but ate distributors (5 in 6 months), made the dealer buy it back, wish I'd kept it, the T-5 5 speed was great fun.

Really looking forward to this build although living in CA may limit some possibilities.

JK

 

[JAMCAR223]

What's funny here is that I'm the same age (48). I had a 85 T-Bird (5.0L) in high school. It had the digital dash, so when we would be out driving fast on the freeway, I would inconspicuosly switch the speedo to Kilometers, and it would go to 188. All the girls thought I had the fastest car in town, Lol. Now... take a look at my avatar... See anything you like?? It was my inspiration, as well. I built this 87 GN. Good luck with your project. I'd be all over that for 3K. ( If that's what you ended up paying ). Happy New Year, Sir!

 

[Reggie West]

After you get it cleaned up and in good running order have a look at GNS performance they have what you need for suspension and brakes.

http://www.gnsperformance.com/

A turbo upgrade and an alky kit will go a long way for your car.

 

[kidsixpack]

I had an 84 turbo coupe with a bigger turbo from roush. I blew it up. My buddy had an 86 that ran really good. Had prototype parts for the 87-88.
KID