New To The Grand National World Need Some Help

[Howdy1606]

Hey guys, i have been looking into getting a Grand National for sometime. i have been looking around lately and i found a guy selling a 1996 GN. I told him to send me some pics of it so he did and here they are. My concerns are the rust that is on the car, is this anything to worry about? I will let you guys look and decide, also i would like to know if anyone does know how much am i getting into looking to fix this?

 

[626gn]

worry about rust...absolutely!

As a general rule take the amount of rust you see visually and times it by 2. Whether or not this car is for you depends on what bodywork skills you have or the amount of money you are willing to dish out to fix it. Bodywork and paint ain't cheap, especially if you want to do it right. Last time I checked, a decent repaint will set you back at least 5k (prices vary greatly), and this is assuming very minimal bodywork. Not the case for your pictured car. For people who do not have the skills to do it themselves or is connected to someone who can at a reasonable price, it is always better to purchase as rust free a car as you can afford. Just my personal opinion...

 

[TURBOV8R]

Would agree with above post,judging by the pics you show,she's already had a repaint,most are due to the paint issues that were around in those years.Dirty doorpads sometimes indicate weatherstripping replacement as your photo shows,I would Def.look at the floorpans/rockers by peeling away the carpet.Undercoating can still hide surface rust from the inside as I found out.

I see the fel pro gasket in the windshield guessing the valve covers are leaking?and also the rub marks on the up pipe where the hood pad was making contact may indicate the #1 body bushings (under the rad support)have given up the ghost.Other than that it appears to be as stock as can be which depending on what your looking to do is a great start.You can tinker and learn from stock settings giving yourself a good "learning"baseline with a stock engine rather than jumping in feetfirst into a hi-po motor that you may be unfamiliar with.Also may want to contact members in your area that can assist you from their experience on what else may be hiding.Rate your bid accordingly,but research,research,research and leave no stone unturned...Good luck

 

[notacarlo]

I can't see the pics at work, but I assume you mean a 1986 GN and not a 1996.

 

[theCATman]

I hope you can get it cheap, and by cheap I mean $5000 TOPS. Just looking at the pics that poor thing needs $5000+ in proper body work.

To be blunty honest........ it looks like a pile of $hit.:frown:

Also, if you're truely interested, make sure the trunk tag & cowl tag verify it's a true Grand National.

 

[JOHNDEEREGN]

Not even interested unless it is C H E A P!

 

[theCATman]

Looking at the pics again, closer this time, I'd guess that thing was in a flood. Texas car, rusted out ??

Why is there a sandy, red clay looking film of dirt over EVERYTHING. The undercarriage is rust covered, and what's up with the rusted cowl trim?? That piece is supposed to be stainless steel.

 

[1quick6]

I don't think that is the right car for you. Some cars need work and then there are cars that are just neglected. This car is definitely in the latter category.

 

[Howdy1606]

Thanks guys, that is kinda what i thought about the car i just wanted to get yalls input because i didn't know if this was normal for these cars. Sorry about the typo i did mean 1986 thanks for catching that.

I was looking around last night and a guy from TB is selling his GN i will post up the ad and the users name so yall might be able to give me the low down.
User: 84GN-TX
Buick Grand National 12,500 obo

Thanks guys

 

[Dabigguy]

$12.5k for a car that needs paint, body work and interior work seems a little steep. Nice motor, but you will have almost $20k tied up in the car when finished.

Plus, the "Hardoned pushrods" skeer me.

 

[626gn]

I agree with the above post. 12.5k for an 84 with a rebuilt 87 motor that needs bodywork and paint...not my money, but I personally would move on. If your range is around 12k you can land a nice, REAL 86/87 if you're patient.

 

[Junior Samples]

I agree with the above post. 12.5k for an 84 with a rebuilt 87 motor that needs bodywork and paint...not my money, but I personally would move on. If your range is around 12k you can land a nice, REAL 86/87 if you're patient.

wow i musta misread somewhere, i thought he was asking around 6k then seen postings saying maybe at 5k but 12.5k? not a snowballs chance.

 

[1quick6]

The 12.5k car is a different car.