Burned on a Grand National

[earlbrown]

I don't think only a 'lot' will do it. A complete noob that's new to these cars will most likely not know how to find parts cost effectively. And if they pay someone else to work on the car, there's a good chance they'll take it to a hack that will charge $$$ to make it worse. An experienced guy normally has known good spares or a running car to borrow from. With these cars, that help with troubleshooting is priceless.


There's been many a car that runs someone ragged just to be sold after the owner gets tired of a car that doesn't run right. (throw in a wife/GF that thinks she's a financial adviser and it's a recipe for disaster)

 

[hiboom]

Looks like a perfect way to learn about one is buy one and fix it if you buy it rite and can't learn and fix it you just lose interest resale it and recoup most of your money if your desire is there to own one then the the leaning will be easier how better way to learn it pretty simple really follow a trouble shooting guide and figure it out ask questions someone somewhere has come across the same problem lot of history on this forum with all the information available on there I don't know how you could not fix it don't know if you don't try.

 

[2QUICK2B6]

it always helps having a running tr to swap parts back an forth on to tell whats good an whats bad instead of just throwing money at it.

 

[hiboom]

Yes I agree swapping parts is very helpful and I personally have 3 of every thing lol but before I go to that extreme of part swapping I like troubleshooting ohm parts out check voltages amp through wiring that sort of thing without codes presents it can be difficult at times a good software like all data or Mitchell's helps to

 

[earlbrown]

The problem with trying to learn how to work on these cars with a basket case is because more than one thing is broken. (ever tried to fix crimmus lights when more than one bulb is blown?)

With multiple problems the car sometimes won't respond to a valid repair. That can lead you down the wrong fork or cause the part to be removed and replaced with a bad unit.


Like I've said many times in the past these cars have a LIST of things that all have to be perfect for them to run right. Before the list is done to completion the car will run you ragged if you don't know all the systems and how they intertwine with each other.


It's not like an old carbed SBC when a clogged idle circut can be driven with a maladjusted throttle blade. These cars flat out won't put up with stuff like that. If you're lucky it'll run so bad you can't beat on it.... If you're unlucky there's plenty of threads on replacing headgaskets on the interwebz.

 

[TurboTGuy]

IMHO, the ONLY people that should be buying a non running turbo regal is someone VERY familiar with their workings, and has worked on them enough to be familiar with what they see and hear.
Novices have no business buying a non running car of this complexity.

It's really nice that of all you guys are scolding this fellow and telling him he "has no business" buying the car that he bought, running or not.

Here's the real deal, it's you guys who "have no business" telling the OP what car he has the right to choose to buy and own.

Instead of beating up on him, why don't you "experts" pitch in and help the guy out? After all, isn't that what the spirit, intent and purpose of this board is?

Sheesh, what a bunch of primadonna's.

 

[bpman1234]

yup hands on and all of guys here will get you on the way ....when i mean hands on is do everthing your self get some manals and treat this website full of great people thatk now these cars like your new bffs . never used that before .oh and keep your alky level full ha ha .good luck end wecome

 

[earlbrown]

Not a problem at all helping out the OP.....

It's just not possible unless EVERY weak link and preventative maintenance item is addressed. And some sort of scanning device is installed to relay accurate information.

Starting out with a non running car with no experience and no parts stash is going to be a slow and expensive exercise.


Other than that, I stand by what I said about finding head gasket threads.

 

[Joeld]

How does the VIN come back with xxx miles?
CarFaxc or Autcheck?
CarFax and Autocheck are notorious for not showing things on cars this old.
But never the mind.

I always roll my eyes at these "barn find ads"
Riigghht...a Grand National tucked away in a barn for 20 years.
And - please include a unicorn with the car.
Let me guess? EvilBay?

Every TR car I own has had the engine and transmission pulled - so I don't see that as some sort of fatal flaw.
And unless you are going for some Barrett-Jackson resto (which it doesn't sound like you are) - who even cares if they are not numbers matching components.
You can start to match up VINs and RPO codes by looking at the cowl tag, the trunk deck lid SPI label, the driver's side door tag, and there is a VIN stamped on the frame but hard to get to without lifting the body.
The trans and engine are also stamped with the last 6 VIN digits.
As long as the trans is a BRF, and the rear end is a G80, the engine a 109 block - you're still good.

A lot of Grand Nationals get sold as rollers - or parts cars - without drivelines- and get put back together.
No foul in that.

Why don't you take a second and breathe.
Change all the fluids; plugs, wires, etc - 100-200 bucks.
Do a spring cleaning.
Change out your 25 year old rubber lines for 25 bucks.
Clean your intake
Pull the MAF tube or pipe - and look at the turbo for play.
Check your brake system.
Do a general overall - top to bottom - check up.
Then - as Rick said - prime your oil pump - disconnect your ECM and crank it.
Then connect the ECM and see if she starts?
If she does- slowly put it into Drive and see what's what.
You might actually have a running car.
If it starts after doing all of the above - your $2300 left will be a start to the endless money pit you are about to feed.
But join the club.

Post some pictures of the overall and under the hood for more assistance.

And oh - get a Scanmaster.
Now.
You're now down to $2000..and counting

Hi Heisenberg,
Not wanting to argue, but purchased my 86 from original owner who had put in a barn 18 years ago and did not remove from barn until I came with car trailer and picked it up. He had been parking it outside, under car cover, until he rented spot in barn, parked it, and that was it. I did first plugs, first air filter replacement, fuel filter, etc, etc. Had the original eagle GT's on it (I still have them in my shed now), which were slick as ice.

It does happen for many different reasons. I've got video when I removed from barn and I've got pictures of me getting it inspected, where the 1995 inspection sticker was removed and 2013 sticker installed. I've got every original document from owner including his purchase documentation from dealer, window sticker, even original key fobs. Like a time machine.

Joel