Restoring an '87 GN

[Michael McCoy]

I bought a high mile '87 GN several months ago & recently got the bug to redo it from the ground up. It's a hardtop with all the power options, posi, etc. It also was 100% bone stock all the way down to the chip, air filter, & exhaust. It needs paint & alot of cleaning all the way around, but it's rust free and ready for a new life. The original owner leaned on the header panel years ago & damaged it, so an '83 version is currently on it. I dropped off 3 correct GN header panels at my buddy's shop last week to get them ready for paint, so she'll be looking right soon. I've got several TR frames on hand, so I plan on using one of them as the backbone for the newly restored GN. The rims have been sent out to be reconditioned & I've already refurbished most every piece of trim for the interior. The bumpers, taillights, wheelwell moldings, & windshield/back glass moldings are off of it. I'll drop off the seats @ the upholstery shop this week & hopefully get the body off the other frame and take it to my buddy's shop to get started on redoing it (weather permitting-it's a swamp out here now). New suspension/braking/& fuel lines components are here already & we've got spare bumper struts/control arms/A-arms/& a tranny crossmember on hand so they'll be ready to go on when the frame is completed. This GN will also be pretty much stock so we can take it on long trips without fear of breaking any hi-po parts & getting stranded. It should get terrific gas mileage too with the 2.73 geared 7.5" rear that's going under it. We need to upgrade to a posi & new axles, but the gearing will still be "highway friendly". I'll keep updating the progress as time goes on. Here are some pics of the 'ole girl, so let the resto begin.

 

[Michael McCoy]

Here's some pics.

 

[ZNix]

Nice! Goodluck with it! I have to put a floor pan, and interior in mine =\.. I don't even know where to start with the floor pan though.

 

[Michael McCoy]

ZNix I'd definately check around with multiple shops for quotes on doing the removal/replacement work. Ask other car guys at shows or at the track for their choice of repair shops. The more you know, the better off you are. Good luck with it.

 

[getchasum]

Hello Mike, Good to see ya back around. Looks like you've got yourself a good project car.

What ever happened to the GN that was in your father's garage the last time I was down. If memory serves me correct it was currently under going a restore?

Welcome back buddy......

 

[Michael McCoy]

Hey there Scott. Thanks for noticing my latest project. It's a little on the dirty side, but it's a rust free bone stock '87 GN that's gonna be livin' the high life soon enough :smile: As for the '87 GN you saw years ago, it's still in the same spot & still in the same condition. My sons will probably restore that one! Speaking of my sons, I hear my 7yr. old trying to sneak out of bed so I better run. Take care buddy & it was great hearing from you.

 

[jdpolzin]

Cool project Mike! It's always nice to see another one restored back to it's glory. Get those sons involved with it too. My boy is only 2 but he's spent a lot of time sitting in the seats of my car while i work on it. It's "DADDAS VROOM VROOM!"

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

nice to see one get saved rather than junked.looks like its pretty solid also.goodluck with it :smile:

 

[Michael McCoy]

Thanks Jeremy. My 7yr. old son Connor has been helping me clean parts & get them ready for refurbishing. My 5yr. old son Nate is still into video games, so he's yet to grasp the excitement of the Buicks. All my other cars are "dust collectors", but this one will be too nice not to drive & enjoy. I'll just have to tell my kids the same thing I told the gal that came to visit me the other night: DON'T TOUCH MY CARS :mad

Thanks Korey. I tried to say a bunch of them over the years (unlike some of the $$ hungry vulchers that prowl the web), but everything I got while I was in the business was too far gone or just an empty hull. Chopping up this one was never an option. If it will ever dry up, I'll get some pics for you. Take care bud & tell the "boss lady" I said hello (again).

 

[Michael McCoy]

Here's the fun I had this weekend out in the NC snow. The ttop Regal offered up it's frame so we can get it fully redone & just sit the GN's body down on it while the motor & tranny are being refurbished. I put the frame on the trailer today & headed to the car wash to clean some of the gunk off before I blast it. Remind me not to do a frame off/ground up resto on a turbo Regal ever again

 

[Michael McCoy]

Well it rained me out today, so what else is there to do but refurbish parts for the GN :biggrin: I didn't get a chance to snap a shot of all the other pieces I did, but there's still alot more left. The saga continues...