84 Grand National

[ZNix]

Hello everyone. I am starting the process of restoring my 84 Grand National. I picked this up in August after searching for one in my price range. Since I had only about 2500, I had to find a fixer-upper and I sure did! She runs, drives, and sounds really good! The only problem is body work so far! The interior is in shambles however.. Here are some pics from today's work. Hopefully I will post more pics of my project, and someday.. The finished product ,

Enjoy!

 

[ZNix]

Hey everyone! I have a question, hopefully you guys can answer. What is the best match for trunk paints? I want mine to look as original as possible! Thanks!

Znix

 

[Red Regal T]

I don't know what the best match is, but neither does anyone else. If you use some type of trunk coating, nobody will say, "well, that's not original", because they won't know what original was, plus I'm sure GM used more than a few different coatings.

 

[ZNix]

Alright then! I think ill go with a black coating then.. Seems only fair to match it with the black paint.

 

[Red Regal T]

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/2348144-post16.html

 

[ZNix]

Thanks for that post. Im going to PM him and ask what he used.

Thanks
ZNix

 

[ZNix]

Hey everyone again! My 84 GN Wheels are starting to corrode almost.. I am not sure how aluminum corrodes, but thats what it looks like. How do you guys think I should clean them? I read on a Mazda forum that using a wire brush and oven cleaner works.. But won't that scratch the rims? I don't want to do that! Any advice would be great!

Thanks
ZNix

 

[Red Regal T]

You could use easy-off oven cleaner and steal wool to clean them up. Won't scratch them. Eventually, you're probably going to have to paint them or have them professionally redone. If you don't want to spend much money, buy a can of silver chrome paint.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/2512146-post9.html

 

[ZNix]

Thanks Red! You've been a lot of help!

 

[ZNix]

Im losing my mind trying to take off the radiator support. (I think that's what its called. The piece that the fan shroud connects to?) Anyways.. Does anyone know what bolt size it is? Everything I try doesn't work.. And its hard to get the tools when you are all the way out back. Im just about to cut the bolts off... AHHHH

 

[Red Regal T]

10mm normally.

 

[ZNix]

Thanks again! Good thing it was on my parts car not the GN . I got it off, and now ill most likely be pulling the body off the frame. I think I may be mocking up a custom GNX-type suspension on the frame of the donor car.. We will see. I have images but I think im going t contact X-Ray about getting me some pictures of it. Anyone think it is a good idea?

 

[ZNix]

Almost got the body of the frame. Me and my dad tried to lift it, but it seems we may have missed a few bolts. Can someone show me a diagram of where they all are?

 

[O SO LO]

try this link-

Bushing Replacement Procedure

 

[ZNix]

Okay, all the body bolts are out, and the whole car is almost stripped completely. I will finish pulling apart the motor and trans when the frame is out from underneath the shell. The only reason I could not pull it off today was because of time constraints... And pulling the radiator support was a PITA. Took me at least 2 hours to wiggle those bolts loose.

If anyone reading this needs anything for a maroon interior hardtop, let me know. I have a 60/40 Bench (Needs recovering badly), and 90% of the interior plastics (Some I am keeping for my car). The seat belts are so-so. Not best quality. The dash has 3 holes drilled into it.. I think maybe gauges possible? I have no clue what they are there for. ( and if the holes do not deter you, show me how to pull a dash so I can get it for you ). I have a chrome bumper that probably needs polishing, and lower door trim panels for the exterior. I do have upper and lower door panels in maroon color.. but again not best quality. Fenders, non-turbo hood. Whatever you need PM me. We will work out a price!

 

[ZNix]

Well, I finished pulling the regal off, pulling everything I could possibly need off of it.. Now its time to start on the GN. Here is where the pics are going to flow! I plan on documenting as much as possible. Now my question is.. Where do I start? Where does everything think is the best place to start?

 

[ZNix]

Getting frustrated.. Working in the dirt sucks! I need a garage.. I have to walk all the way out back to the barn with tools, then when done walk all the way back and I must not forget those tools! My dad has his carpentry shop in the garage while my GN slowly rusts away in my back yard.. I can't do ANYTHING back there.. What should I do guys? Im going to end up selling it over frustration!

 

[charlief1]

Getting frustrated.. Working in the dirt sucks! I need a garage.. I have to walk all the way out back to the barn with tools, then when done walk all the way back and I must not forget those tools! My dad has his carpentry shop in the garage while my GN slowly rusts away in my back yard.. I can't do ANYTHING back there.. What should I do guys? Im going to end up selling it over frustration!

Well after living here for 4 years my land lord finally realized that he was loosing out on some cash.:biggrin: We put an extention on the shop a few months ago and after 3 years I finaly have a place to work on mine as well as other vehicles. Here's a few pics for you. Just take your time and remember that dad's in charge and it's his place kid.:smile:

 

[ZNix]

Yea.. Ive calmed. I need somewhere to work on this car.. I'm going to wreck something important out there (Like engine, trans, rear.. you know, stuff that doesn't like dirt in it )... So I think Im going to try and convince them to help me put up an addition to the garage. Shouldn't be too hard right?

 

[charlief1]

Well in the last couple of weeks I've got one fender installed at least.:biggrin: Have a good night kid.:smile: