Ugh...this is time consuming...Turbo T

[Turbo1dr]

I think it's much easier to buy a car already restored than to go through all this trouble to do it yourself. The only good part about doing it yourself is you will KNOW what's under the paint and under the interior pieces.


Before...

During...

After: You'll have to wait and see!


Everything listed below is preventive maintenance...

Cleaned inside and outside of vehicle. Including the door jambs and under the package shelf just behind the rear window on the outside.
Thorough safety inspection before driving vehicle.
Reline front brakes with new seals and pads. Turned the rotors and repacked the wheel bearings.
Inspected, cleaned and adjusted the rear brakes.
Oil change, lubed chassis and checked all fluid levels.
Adjusted transmission shift cable.
Cleaned the rims
Cleaned engine compartment (still dirty)
Fixed the interior lights and under hood light.
Fixed hood latch so hood will release when inside cable is pulled.
Adjusted shift linkage after putting body bushings in
Adjusted steering gear
Front end alignment
Serviced Transmission
Serviced differential
Serviced powermaster (replaced fluid in entire brake system)


Everything listed below is NEW. These are things that are going to be installed or have already been installed: (*)=quantity

Factory Boost/Tachometer (recalibrated unit) (1): DONE
Shocks (4): DONE
Power door lock switches (2)
Power window switches (2)
Hood Shocks (2)
All body to frame bushings DONE
Upper ball joints (2): DONE
Lower ball joints (2): DONE
Upper control arm bushings on both sides (4): DONE
Tie rod ends, outer (2): DONE
Tie rod ends, inner (2): DONE
Drag link (1): DONE
Idler arm (1): DONE
Chrome OEM Headlight bezels (2)
Chrome OEM side marker lenses (2)
Window molding clips...front and rear
Seat upholstery...front and rear: DONE: (ready to be installed in car when ready)
Upper Door panels (2)
Simulated aluminum console over-lay: DONE: (ready to be installed in car when ready)
Simulated aluminum Dash over-lays: DONE: (ready to be installed in car when ready)
Simulated aluminum Glove box over-lays
Simulated aluminum door panel over-lays
Back-lit 145 Speedo over-lay. (recalibrated speedo..no reducers used)
Speaker panel for upper dash (1)
Diamond cut headlights with bulbs (4)
Interior panel clips for moldings and door panels
Cruise/Turn signal lever (1)
Shifter handle (1)
Trunk weather-strip (1)
Door weather-strip- upper and lower(both doors) (4)
Hood ornament...yep...I bought a NEW one! (1)
Carpet (1)
Power antenna mast repair kit (2) (one is for the GN too)
Door hinge pin/bushing rebuild kits (4): DONE: (ready to be installed in car when ready)
Window sweeps...inner and outer (both doors) (4)
Trunk lock chrome surround piece (1)
Headliner material (1)
Headlight adjusters (8)
Chrome Door lock pull handles (2)
A/C-Vent chrome surrounds (3)
Chrome door handles (2)
Chrome OEM door sill plates (the BODY BY FISHER pieces) (2)
Trunk Carpet (1)
Windshield washer jug (1)
Emergency brake pedal pad, brake pedal pad and gas pedal pad
Coolant overflow jug (1)
Rear Speaker carpet
Rear speaker adaptors for 6x9's
6x9 speakers
Front speakers
CD player
GM Ignition/Trunk keys
All reproduction decals (belt routing, jacking, caution fan, oil change recommendation sticker)


Everything listed below is MINT but "used":

Heater control cable: DONE
Lower door panels (2)
Sun visors (2)
Third brake light assembly (1)
A-pillar trim (2)
B-pillar trim (2)
C pillar trim...upper (2)
Arm rests (2)
Trunk lid (1)
Seat trim pieces for sides of seats (4): DONE: (already on seats and ready to be installed in car)
Dodge Intrepid dual cooling fans (1)


Things to fix after painting:
AIR CONDITIONING!!!

Things still needed as of May 25 2009:
DARK BLUE leather wrapped STEERING WHEEL
Reproduction SPID label under trunk lid
Reproduction weight/tire loading label in drivers door jamb.



Some pictures of the stuff...

 

[bmackinnon]

Rims look good in the last set of pictures... how did you clean them? Did you use Alan Minga's routine?? Nice car, gonna' be REAL nice...

 

[dozer]

Looking good. That thing is going to look sweet when it is finished. It is alot of work but it is well worth it in the end.
Good luck with it. Chris

 

[Turbo1dr]

I'll probably be doing the same thing to my GN next year.

Rims look good in the last set of pictures... how did you clean them? Did you use Alan Minga's routine?? Nice car, gonna' be REAL nice...

I bead blasted them first then scuffed the shiny areas out with 3M scuffing pads. I might go back and polish them some more but they look pretty good as is.

 

[forcefed3.8's]

Good work, nice to see these cars get the restoration they deserve.

 

[turbo39151]

I see you have "one of those" rooms stuffed with all your TR stuff while the car is being finished. I have one of those romms too. Looks like you're making progress.

 

[russgoodman]

Where did you get the seat covers from? Jax? They look pretty good in the pics. I might have to break down and buy a set.

 

[Turbo1dr]

Where did you get the seat covers from? Jax? They look pretty good in the pics. I might have to break down and buy a set.

Not Jax, they are made by PUI. They matched the color good with the original blue.

 

[russgoodman]

Thanks for the extra pics. Where'd you buy them from?

 

[Turbo1dr]

I put some carpet jute all over the interior to make things quieter and to help the heater and a/c.

 

[Turbo1dr]

The blue courtesy lights are just temporary until I get my white LED's in the mail. The blue dash lights are not Kirbans kit. I had a strip of LED lights just laying around and decided to see what they would look like installed in the dash.

While I had the doors off I removed the window regulators and installed some helper springs. Now, the window motors won't have to work so hard rolling up the windows!

2 Dodge Intrepid cooling fans used as ventilation of the paint booth...lol! They worked very nice since they move LOTS of air without having to suck through anything.

 

[Turbo1dr]

Here's an updated list of things I've bought and already "DONE" to the car.

Everything listed below is preventive maintenance. I started fixing these problem areas soon after I bought the car in Dec 2008.

Cleaned inside and outside of vehicle. Including the door jambs and under the package shelf just behind the rear window on the outside.
Thorough safety inspection before driving vehicle.
Reline front brakes with new seals and pads. Turned the rotors and repacked the wheel bearings.
Inspected, cleaned and adjusted the rear brakes.
Oil change, lubed chassis and checked all fluid levels.
Adjusted transmission shift cable.
Cleaned the rims
Cleaned engine compartment (still dirty)
Fixed the interior lights and under hood light.
Fixed hood latch so hood will release when inside cable is pulled.
Adjusted shift linkage after putting body bushings in
Adjusted steering gear
Front end alignment
Serviced Transmission
Serviced differential
Serviced Powermaster (replaced fluid in entire brake system)


Everything listed below is BRAND NEW...NOT USED! These are things that are going to be installed or have already been installed: "DONE" means it's already installed; ( ) means quantity of item.

A/C-Vent chrome surrounds (3) DONE
Ball joints Upper (2): DONE
Ball joints Lower (2): DONE
Body to frame bushings DONE
Boost/Tachometer (recalibrated unit) (1): DONE
Bulbs, #1157 x 6 turn signal/brake - front and rear
Bulbs, #194 x 8 side markers front and rear
Bulb, console shift indicator DONE
Chrome OEM Headlight bezels (2)
Chrome OEM side marker lenses (2)
Chrome door handles (2) DONE
Chrome OEM entry moldings (the BODY BY FISHER pieces) (2) DONE
Carpet (1) DONE
Carpet, reupholster rear window package shelf DONE
Carpet Jute insulation DONE
Cruise/Turn signal lever (1) DONE
Drag link (1): DONE
Dome Light clips (2) DONE
Door panel clips DONE
Door panel carpet, lower dark blue (2) DONE
Door lock cylinder rubber gaskets (2) DONE
Door weatherstrip- upper and lower (both doors) (4)
Door hinge pin/bushing rebuild kits (4): DONE
Door handle gaskets (2) DONE
Diamond cut headlights with bulbs (4) DONE
Emblem, Trunk "BUICK" chrome (1)
GM Ignition and Trunk keys (4) DONE
Hood Shocks (2) DONE
Hood Ornament (1) DONE
Headliner material (1) DONE
Headlight switch DONE
Idler arm (1): DONE
Ignition lock Cylinder (1) DONE
License Plate bulb DONE (might put a LED lamp in there)
Overlay Kit, Simulated Aluminum, Speedometer bezel DONE
Overlay Kit, Simulated aluminum Console Shift plate: DONE
Overlay, Radio bezel (2) DONE
Overlay, RH Dash plaque (1) DONE
Overlay, Upper door panel pull-strap
Power door lock switches (2) DONE
Power window switches (2) DONE
Power Antenna mast repair kit (2) (one is for the Grand National too) DONE
Power Antenna, upper mounting nut, chrome
Power Antenna Tip, chrome
Rear window filler pan clips DONE
Shifter handle (1) DONE
Shocks (4): DONE
Seat belt guides on headrests DONE
Seat upholstery...front DONE
Seat upholstery, Rear DONE
Speakers, Front 2 way 3.5" with tweeters DONE
Speakers, Rear 6x9 with adaptors DONE
Speaker panel for upper dash (1)
Tie rod ends, outer (2): DONE
Tie rod ends, inner (2): DONE
Tires, factory optioned with white letter tires (4)
Trunk weather-strip (1)
Trunk lock chrome surround piece (1) DONE
Trunk Carpet (1)
Trunk lock cylinder rubber gasket DONE
Upper control arm bushings on both sides (4): DONE
Upper Door panels (2)
Window molding clips...front and rear DONE
Window guide felts DONE
Windshield, DONE
Window sweeps...inner and outer (both doors) (4)


Everything listed below is "used" but VERY NICE:

Arm rests (2) DONE
A-pillar trim (2) DONE
B-pillar trim (2) DONE
Brake Light assemblys, rear (2) DONE
C pillar trim (2) DONE
CD Player, OEM from a 1999 S-10 Blazer DONE
Heater control cable: DONE
Lower door panels (2)
Mirror, rear view, used with compass display
Quarter glass chrome inserts DONE
Sun visors (2) DONE
Seat hinge trim pieces for sides of seats (4): DONE
Third brake light assembly (1) DONE
Trunk lid (1) DONE

 

[esinger]

Looking Good Vernon! I'd love to see it at Auto Fair.

 

[jdpolzin]

Ahhhhhh memories! I've done this wonderful restoration 4 times now. I keep telling myself I will never do it again because it takes soooooo much money and sooooo much time! You were right when you said it may be easier to buy something someone has already restored! Problem is a lot of people do things half a$$ed and I am just not fan of crappy work. Good luck and congrats on an awesome project coming along very nicely!!!

 

[THE BLACK MAMBA]

Thats one mean looking guard dog, i dont think nobody would every come close to all the parts now....

 

[black owned]

Here's an updated list of things I've bought and already "DONE" to the car.

Everything listed below is preventive maintenance. I started fixing these problem areas soon after I bought the car in Dec 2008.

Cleaned inside and outside of vehicle. Including the door jambs and under the package shelf just behind the rear window on the outside.
Thorough safety inspection before driving vehicle.
Reline front brakes with new seals and pads. Turned the rotors and repacked the wheel bearings.
Inspected, cleaned and adjusted the rear brakes.
Oil change, lubed chassis and checked all fluid levels.
Adjusted transmission shift cable.
Cleaned the rims
Cleaned engine compartment (still dirty)
Fixed the interior lights and under hood light.
Fixed hood latch so hood will release when inside cable is pulled.
Adjusted shift linkage after putting body bushings in
Adjusted steering gear
Front end alignment
Serviced Transmission
Serviced differential
Serviced Powermaster (replaced fluid in entire brake system)


Everything listed below is BRAND NEW...NOT USED! These are things that are going to be installed or have already been installed: "DONE" means it's already installed; ( ) means quantity of item.

A/C-Vent chrome surrounds (3) DONE
Ball joints Upper (2): DONE
Ball joints Lower (2): DONE
Body to frame bushings DONE
Boost/Tachometer (recalibrated unit) (1): DONE
Bulbs, #1157 x 6 turn signal/brake - front and rear
Bulbs, #194 x 8 side markers front and rear
Bulb, console shift indicator DONE
Chrome OEM Headlight bezels (2)
Chrome OEM side marker lenses (2)
Chrome door handles (2) DONE
Chrome OEM entry moldings (the BODY BY FISHER pieces) (2) DONE
Carpet (1) DONE
Carpet, reupholster rear window package shelf DONE
Carpet Jute insulation DONE
Cruise/Turn signal lever (1) DONE
Drag link (1): DONE
Dome Light clips (2) DONE
Door panel clips DONE
Door panel carpet, lower dark blue (2) DONE
Door lock cylinder rubber gaskets (2) DONE
Door weatherstrip- upper and lower (both doors) (4)
Door hinge pin/bushing rebuild kits (4): DONE
Door handle gaskets (2) DONE
Diamond cut headlights with bulbs (4) DONE
Emblem, Trunk "BUICK" chrome (1)
GM Ignition and Trunk keys (4) DONE
Hood Shocks (2) DONE
Hood Ornament (1) DONE
Headliner material (1) DONE
Headlight switch DONE
Idler arm (1): DONE
Ignition lock Cylinder (1) DONE
License Plate bulb DONE (might put a LED lamp in there)
Overlay Kit, Simulated Aluminum, Speedometer bezel DONE
Overlay Kit, Simulated aluminum Console Shift plate: DONE
Overlay, Radio bezel (2) DONE
Overlay, RH Dash plaque (1) DONE
Overlay, Upper door panel pull-strap
Power door lock switches (2) DONE
Power window switches (2) DONE
Power Antenna mast repair kit (2) (one is for the Grand National too) DONE
Power Antenna, upper mounting nut, chrome
Power Antenna Tip, chrome
Rear window filler pan clips DONE
Shifter handle (1) DONE
Shocks (4): DONE
Seat belt guides on headrests DONE
Seat upholstery...front DONE
Seat upholstery, Rear DONE
Speakers, Front 2 way 3.5" with tweeters DONE
Speakers, Rear 6x9 with adaptors DONE
Speaker panel for upper dash (1)
Tie rod ends, outer (2): DONE
Tie rod ends, inner (2): DONE
Tires, factory optioned with white letter tires (4)
Trunk weather-strip (1)
Trunk lock chrome surround piece (1) DONE
Trunk Carpet (1)
Trunk lock cylinder rubber gasket DONE
Upper control arm bushings on both sides (4): DONE
Upper Door panels (2)
Window molding clips...front and rear DONE
Window guide felts DONE
Windshield, DONE
Window sweeps...inner and outer (both doors) (4)


Everything listed below is "used" but VERY NICE:

Arm rests (2) DONE
A-pillar trim (2) DONE
B-pillar trim (2) DONE
Brake Light assemblys, rear (2) DONE
C pillar trim (2) DONE
CD Player, OEM from a 1999 S-10 Blazer DONE
Heater control cable: DONE
Lower door panels (2)
Mirror, rear view, used with compass display
Quarter glass chrome inserts DONE
Sun visors (2) DONE
Seat hinge trim pieces for sides of seats (4): DONE
Third brake light assembly (1) DONE
Trunk lid (1) DONE

where might one find those upper door panel,overlay for the pullstrap covers?and could you post pics...of those installed?thanks....looks good!

 

[THE BLACK MAMBA]

Where did you get this? thanks

 

[blackmonte]

I am always amazed on how well your work is, great job that paint is frickin sick! Want to paint mine?

 

[pontiac6269]

Car is looking great.

 

[BuickGN29]

Awesome thread!

I'm looking forward to following this. :smile: