Hi GN Enthusiasts
I wanted to thank y’all for the great response I have received on my original Grand National. It has not been sold yet because, well, I can’t just give her away. The last EBay auction was fun.
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Renewed HappinessIt feels like the first time
After about six weeks and a whole bunch of money my engine was completely rebuilt and ready to go. It was like starting all over again! I could feel the renewed excitement I had felt twelve years ago. This time the roads were dry and I was well acquainted with the car. I spent the next few thousand kilometers breaking in the engine, kind of like a virgin. I actually changed the oil three times in the first 3000km. I continue to drive this car in the summer months, changing the oil every 3000 to 5000 kilometres. On most weekends my time was spent cleaning and detailing my GN. In 2010 I replaced the passenger side floor board due to small rust holes. I also completely gutted the interior applied rest proofing, soundproofing, new floor molding a new header liner. I noticed the transmission was beginning to slip a little bit so I had a rebuilt transmission installed on June 01, 2010. This would complete the restoration of a very special Buick Regal Grand National.
Rebuilding HappinessIf we have to rebuild - let’s make it stronger
If I had to work from the bottom up again I decided to do some research and find out what the strengths and weaknesses are of the Buick Regal Grand National, 3.8 SFI, Intercooled and turbocharged engine. I learned that these blocks had a weakness in oil circulation. What can we do in the new engine build to improve on oil circulation? We purchased a block and had custom machine work done to improve oil flow. Here are the basic specifications we built the new engine on. The Painful Moments
Good and bad times
When I purchased the car I also took out an extended warranty plan. This plan meant that my sweetheart was covered from bumper to bumper for 72 months or 150,000km … whichever came first. Because I never drove this vehicle in the winter time the mileage was kept very low. During the course of the warranty period a leaky sunroof was repaired, a couple of transmissions were replaced and a few other odds and ends were covered under the warranty. It was well worth it. I also made sure that all oil changes and tune ups were made frequently. Regular maintenance was like a religion. The Love SicknessNo sex until marriage
The next three months of my life were filled with dreams and major excitement. I can recall a dream I had while waiting for delivery. It started on a picnic with my family. After a fun day out in the sun we packed up and drove home. On the way home we pulled up to a set of lights beside a convertible red Corvette with those big “454″ chrome Icons on the side of the fenders. As the dream continues our eyes meet followed by a mutual “Let’s Race” nod. The light turns green and we roar away – neck and neck. I hear the kids and wife cheering me on the “floor it” daddy. As I press my foot to the floor I find no end. The gas pedal has no stopping point and every time I press it the G-force becomes more intense … I wake up in a cold sweat and realize it was all a dream. The AntipicipationAfter Pulling a Heavy, Will I Get My Grand National?
The phone rings, “Hello this is Peter from General Motors, I understand you have a problem and would like to help you solve it.” Peter exclaims with a distinct tone of confidence. The RejectionNo Grand Nationals Anywhere to be Found
After visiting several other dealerships the truth became obvious. There were no more Grand Nationals in Canada. To be honest, I was a little ticked off. I went home and called General Motors head office and asked for customer care. A girl named Rebecca took my call and heard my story. “I’ve driven General Motors products all my life, your vehicles are great and I feel a sense of loyalty to your brand. Now, I see the car of my dreams and cannot have it…. I am very disappointed!” The ApproachWhere can I Test Drive a Grand National?
As I arrived at our local Buick hometown car dealer I had my eyes wide open for a glistening black Grand National. 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Love Story
Interest!I Want One
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