Update on "Project Gertrude"

[SIRIUS]

As some of you may remember I bought an '87 Grand National a few months back. I knew going into this it would be a "project" car. Well anyway, we're finally making some good progress.

Day I bought her (had to flatbed her home):

A peak at what it looked like when we pulled up the carpeting (rotted due to leaky T-Tops):

A look at the new floor pans. Passenger and driver's side front and rear. We also replaced the rear seat pan (wher the passengers sit) as well as repaired both rear wheel tubs due to rot also. Also welded all new body mounts.

Finished floors ready for all new dynamatting and carpetting:

Washed her all up afterward (she has a shower cap on b/c the windshield sealant is dried up). Windshield to be replaced come spring time.

For those of you who don't know and care, Gertrude is a 1987 Buick Grand National (Regal). The car has a factory Turbocharged and Intercooled 3.8 litre V6. It was the fastest factory production carin 1986/1987 (yes faster than a Corvette). Comment/flame/ask questions at will. thanks for looking.

 

[NOFX]

Sweet, I can see something very nice coming of this. Good progress so far. Any plans besides restoring?

 

[SIRIUS]

Sweet, I can see something very nice coming of this. Good progress so far. Any plans besides restoring?

Well after the complete resto (body will be completely media blasted and stripped) I want to build the motor. That's down the line though. First I'll have Cotton's Performance (Turbo Buick Specialist) give the motor and trans a good refreshing. I'm in the process of ordering parts now. Tackling the basics first. All new fuel and brake lines, new fuel pump, battery, alternator, brakes. Already did the exahust (Hooker cat-back) and suspension (new shock all around). All in due time.

 

[Jezek]

good s**t, i forgot that was you that had the GN....cool s**t 8)

 

[$lick Rick]

you should have the exterior shot with that sprayon bedliner stuff when you're done

that things gonna be awesome

 

[NOFX]

you should have the exterior shot with that sprayon bedliner stuff when you're done

that things gonna be awesome

Like this?

This guy does spray-on beadliners professionally and this is his work vehicle btw.

 

[Rand0m]

i almost bought a GN....it wasnt in the best condition on the outside, but it ran, and ran pretty good.....but i bought the em1 instead i kinda wish i had the grand national

 

[SIRIUS]

Well I'm doing something similar for the undercarriage but I like my exterior paint to shine, thanks for the suggestion though LOL.

 

[Destroy]

asfd

 

[42Steps]

Who can flame a GN.... Those things are balls to the walls fast...

Good luck on it, and of course keep us updated....

 

[rei]

good luck on the restore..

 

[SIRIUS]

Gertrude's new "buddy" so I can get her around and to the track. Completely home fabbed from scratch.

 

[King Bob]

yeah dude f**k the flamers those things are crazy fast. Good luck cant wait to see some time slips. BTW what are your plans for the engine?

 

[SIRIUS]

yeah dude f**k the flamers those things are crazy fast. Good luck cant wait to see some time slips. BTW what are your plans for the engine?

I'm still sort of researching all of that but I know I want Cotton's (local T-Buick guy) to do all the motor work. I'm going to be sitting down w/him shortly and devise a game plan. I want something streetable and reliable (relatively speaking) that's capable of 11's on pump.

 

[NOFX]

yeah dude f**k the flamers those things are crazy fast. Good luck cant wait to see some time slips. BTW what are your plans for the engine?

Um... I don't see anyone flaming it here. In fact I don't think I've *ever* seen anyone flame a GN.

 

[cole]

wow , great project a freind of mine has a gn and its fast as fook lol , nice trailer too i want to be able to fab stuff like that up

 

[Blazed]

great stuff..did a great job on the interior..cant wait to see her done..

 

[deaconwagers]

nice car. you'd think domestic car companies would have figured out that turbos own a long time ago...

 

[$lick Rick]

now if only honda could get that through their thick f**king skulls

 

[SIRIUS]

Thanks for the comments guys, I don't know of another car that gets more respect from a more diverse crowd of people than the turbo Buicks. Import guys love 'em, domestic guys love 'em, bikers, etc. I honestly feel like a celebrity when I drive this thing LOL (I'd be lying if I said it's not a cool feeling). If I go to a gas station I have to plan at least an extra half hour b/c someone always comes up to me and wants to chat about the car. It's amazing....

The first time I took it on the road (no insurance, not reg'd) I was driving down the road and a cop on detail waved me over and I thought to myself "oh s**t".......he just wanted to check the car out b/c he used to have one hahaha.....anyway thanks again guys and I look forward to posting more pics as I continue on w/ the project.