It was closer than the first Ebay auction.

I also listed my Grand [...]]]> 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.

It was closer than the first Ebay auction.

I also listed my Grand National on Kijiji.

The truth is, Ebay is the place to sell an item like this. Most people that responded from Kijiji wanted trades and asked uneducated questions. On EBay people interested in my car really knew their stuff.

Through this experience I have compiled a list of questions that were asked. I thought it would be a cool idea to put all my questions and answers in one place. Maybe you have questions you want to ask? If so, please read through the Q & A below.

You Ask, I Answer …

Question 1 – Option Codes

Hi, I read your story and was looking up some info on your GN. On the underside of the trunk lid, there is a 4 x 6 sticker that lists all of the option codes, etc. for the car. On the top line of that sticker, next to the VIN is the six digit build #. Could you tell me what that six digit build number is? I think it would start with 127xxx.

I am one of about six guys in the Buick community that maintain a registry of sorts for the turbo Buicks. GM did not retain any of the build records for these cars, so a few of us over the past 20 years maintain & add as many car records as we can. The build # was only found on that trunk sticker and the original window sticker. With the trend being to return these cars to their original stock condition and searching for specific documentation, the data from this car helps to fill in some of the blanks that those in the Buick clubs have about their own car. And it helps to validate what is seen on others since CarFax is not always available.

Answer

Option Codes

VIN

Question 2- Trades?

a)      Hi, would you be interested in a trade?1967 impala ss convertible.

b)      Hi, would you be interested in a trade?? I’ve got a 2002 corvette, blk on blk

c)      Interested in trading for a Mercedes SUV?

Answer

Thanks but I am not interested in any trades. Due to a career change I am relocating to a new city where I do not have the space to keep toys.

Question 3- Rust Spots and Wear

Hi: are there any tears in the seats in one picture looks like driver side has a tear. Also for having a rebuilt motor in there why is it so dirty and how is the bottom of the doors they seem to have surface rust already thank

Answer

The interior is like new. There is one small tear on the driver’s seat around shoulder height. I could have fixed it but I also want to be truthful in the original state. There are no hidden flaws; anything you see is a result of mother time. The car is mechanically sound. You will find 2 small rust bubbles at the rear spoiler. There are also rust spots behind the two rear wheels … again original. Any rust you see inside the doors is surface.

If you like I can clean up the engine to look like some of the others. The reason it is not chromed up is I want you to see the truthful state of this beauty. The engine purrs like a kitten. It was professionally rebuilt and installed with real copper lines.

More here http://gn.galearning.com/gn-purchase/rebuild-gnengine/

Question 4- Condition

Just a few questions, please may I know the present condition of the car and the reason why exactly you are selling it? Please I am asking just to be sure of what I want to buy please don’t be annoyed with me.

Answer

The reason I am selling it is a career move that will require traveling and mobility. I am also selling my house; the car is in the garage. The condition is great. It is original with a few little rust spots on the rear fenders and spoiler… not bad after 23 years.

I left it original for a reason, so you can see the truth!

Question 5- Why Sell?

The obvious question is why sell it? It seems you are quite attached to the car.

Answer

Indeed I am. I have been presented with a career opportunity that requires me to relocate. Unfortunately I do not have the room for my baby now.

Question 6- Images of Rust

Hi rob I was wondering if you could send me pictures of the rust spots on the spoiler and rear fenders so I know how it looks thanks? And also you were saying you replaced the passenger floor did you buy a prefit piece or made your own? Thanks

Answer

Left Side

Right Side

Spoiler

Question 7- Paint?

Hello there, Very nice car!! I also have owned several gn’s

You state the paint is original? In your close up shot of the fender emblems I can tell that they have been pulled before and put back on, how come? By the way who ever put them back on should have put the intercooler emblem about a 1/4 of an inch under the GN emblem. Also it is fact that about half of the gn’s where hardtop and 45 to 46 percent were t-tops and the rest of the small percentage was the Silver astro sliders aka the power moon roof.

Answer

Right you are. In 1989 the front nose piece was vandalized. I had to replace it and asked the dealer (Meadow Mills in Streetsville, ON, CA) what the extra cost would be to paint the car at the same time. We agreed on a price, I had the car painted when the front header panel was replace and refinished.

Question 8- Shape of Body

I’m interested in buying one of these cars but would like to know what the price is and where go from there. I have been a true Pontiac lover all my life but a 1987 GN has been my dream car since I was a young teen. I want to know more about the body shape and why the engine/ transmission was rebuilt?

Due to my job I am only home on weekends but would love to get emails from you and talk about the car and prices and so on I’ll be waiting for a email rob thanks

Answer

I am asking $17,900 for this originally owned GN. There is a small rust spot on the rear fenders. You will also find one bubble on the back spoiler. It is all original though.

I blew the engine a few years ago that’s why it was completely rebuilt from the bottom up. The tranny was slipping a wee bit so I rebuilt that too.

Question 9- GM Wants It!

Hi There, I heard through the grapevine you have a clean GN for sale.

I work for GM as a manager. I had purchased one in 1987 and sold it to pay for my MBA. I shouldn’t have done that!!

I would like to re-purchase one now and show it in the lobby here at HQ.

I have read some info on yours. I am particularly interested in anything that has been put on the car that is not stock. The power sunroof is interesting as I didn’t think any got that application.

Let me know what your bottom line on the car and maybe we can make a deal on it.

Answer

Hi: I was doing a bit of thinking here. GM would be the coolest new home for my original owner GN.

If my auction does not hit reserve do you want the car? If so, I will not put it on the market. I will sell it to you at the reserve price.

L’me know!

Question 10- Delivery

Anyway to get it delivered to NF NY?  And how would the title work?

Answer

Hi: Yup, you would have to arrange shipping. I would simply sign the ownership over to you after payment is made. This would apply to any purchase made in the US.

Question 11- More Details

Hey have you sold the car yet?
Pls give me more details?

Answer

You can read all about her right here http://gn.galearning.com/

Question 12- I Want it Now

Dear Seller,

How you doing today? I am George and i am interested in buying your (Buick : Grand National). I would like to know its present condition if it still in good condition any pics available? What is your last asking price? I would appreciate concluding this deal within this shortest period of time. I would also prepare a pick-up with a shipping company to do the pick-up from your home to my house. I look to have a good business relationship with you. George.

Answer

The present condition is very good. There are a few small rust spots but it is all original. She has been with me for 23 years. I am asking $17,900.

Robert’s Law

I had a bad dream last night. My baby was telling me; “please don’t”. Three strikes and you’re out! This will be my last auction. If you want her you’ll find my final 87 GN EBay auction here.

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 [...]]]> Renewed Happiness

It 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.

What Makes This Car Special

Here’s what makes this car special …

-         Early model 1987. General Motors announced in late 1987 they would manufacture another 20,000+ Grand National Units. This was really done based on demand, General Motors had already publicly announced 1987 would be the last year of production for this vehicle. Amongst grand national enthusiasm the early model 87 grand national is a higher quality than the later models.

-         Power sliding sunroof. The majority of grand nationals were produced with T-roofs or none. A handful of them were produced with power sliding sunroofs. I was one of the lucky ones to receive this option

-         Never winter driven. Besides coming with a factory rust proofing from Fisher this car also had its undercarriage oiled regularly. It has never traveled on winter roads and been stored in heated storage for 23 years during winter months.

-         Original owner. Talk to me all you want about this vehicle, I love to chat. The important things to you or structural and mechanical soundness.

Summary Bullet Points

-         Original 3.8 Liter, Turbo engine with Upgrades

-         Rebuilt automatic transmission

-         Rear defrost-factory option

-         New carpet

-         Factory sunroof

-         Electric windows and locks-factory option

-         Concert Sound II option, factory option that sounds amazing

-         Power trunk release – factory option

-         New Flowmaster exhaust

-         New hood support struts

-         New fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator

-         New headliner

-         New tires

-         New water pump and thermostat

-         New plug wires and plugs

-         New coil pack and module

-         New O2 sensor

If you are interested in seeing more of my GN I would be happy to show it to you. Heck, maybe we can even go out for a drive. Out of all the Grand Nationals you’re looking at right now, how many are original owners? Can the seller absolutely guarantee you this car has never been in an accident? If you are going to invest in this kind of car you must ensure you’re not buying a pre-crashed, twisted lemon.

A Cool Grand National Video

Warning Religious People Should Not Watch This

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 [...]]]> Rebuilding Happiness

If 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.

• 43lb. Fuel injectors
• High volume oil pump
• High volume fuel pump
• 200 Amp alternator
• Block machined .030 over
• Three and a half inch turbo down pipe
• Three and a half inch exhaust system
• All new copper wiring in engine
• Extra oil galleries added
• Chrome moly rings
• Aluminum pistons

Added Interior Gauges

With a freshly built engine the standard gauges built into the dashboard were not enough for me. I had to get some real gauges that would let me see more about what the engine is doing.

Seeing the turbocharger performing and watching your knock sensor are great improvements. The knock sensor helps protect against the number one killer of this engine; detonation. I also want to keep a closer eye on oil pressure and water temperature. To do this I will get gauges we can install on the dashboard console.

A Fresh Rebuilt GN Engine With Some Fine Tuning Left

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 [...]]]> 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.

On November 1, 1999 devastation occurred. I remember this exact day because it was the day after my favorite race car driver of all times was killed in a race. I left my home early in the morning and merged onto the highway while thinking about the death of Greg Moore. He was such an entertaining and highly skilled Indy car driver.

RIP Greg Moore

These thoughts were going through my head as I merged into traffic like this car was so great at doing. After twelve years of driving this car I was very well acquainted with her moods on different days. On this day the temperature was cold in the morning which meant the car is more powerful and responsive. Most turbocharged car owners will tell you the same thing about cold weather. As I approached the speed limit of 100km per hour something was wrong.

Every time I tried to accelerate I could hear ping noises from the engine. I was on a three lane high speed road and needed to pull off onto the shoulder quickly. As I accelerate onto the shoulder I notice a trail of white smoke billowing from the exhaust pipes through the rear view mirror. I managed to get onto the shoulder and bring the car to a stop. The first thing I did was popped the hood, open the door and ran like a bullet to look under the hood. Ouch, I could see engine coolant everywhere and it wasn’t looking good. I called CAA and had it towed into my Grand National mechanic’s shop.

The news is bad! I have cracked the block. It is so badly cracked it can no longer be used.

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 [...]]]> The Love Sickness

No 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.

I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve as the days drew nearer, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.  I remember counting weeks, days, hours, finally minutes.

Marriage

Exchanging Vows

On June 15, 1987 we drove to Colborg Ontario in the 1982 BMW 320i turbocharged with Alpena suspension.  In a second car, another group of friends followed driving a Volkswagen rabbit tuned to European specifications.  The orgasmic moment has arrived as I take delivery of my new 1987 Grand National. The biggest disappointment on this day was the rain falling like cats and dogs. I had approximately 160 kilometers to get back to my hometown in a brand new car with more power than any other car built in North America this year. What do you think is on my mind? I could not resist stepping on the gas to accelerate onto a busy highway. What a terrible mistake? All of a sudden the back of my new Grand National is almost parallel with the front. I struggled to gain control but luckily managed. From that moment forward I knew this would be a very special – long lasting relationship!

“I do solemnly swear to respect you in sickness and in pain” I remember thinking to myself within the first hour of ownership. My friends that were in the car with me at the time will never know what thoughts were really going through my head. In hindsight, it was a great way to gain total respect immediately for the rare class of car I was driving.

Looky What You Can Do With a G-Body Buick Regal

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.

I can feel the sudden rush of [...]]]> The Antipicipation

After 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.

I can feel the sudden rush of joy and running through my entire body just by the sound of his voice. “Well Peter, thanks a lot for calling me back … I assume Rebecca briefed you on my disappointment?” without a moment of hesitation Peter jumps in “Yes Mr. Kennedy I understand the vehicle you’re looking for and want to thank you for choosing General Motors. I have found two Grand Nationals in Canada right now. One is in Victoria British Columbia and the other is in Colborg Ontario. Are you willing to go to either of these car dealers and leave a deposit for the car? They cannot be test driven, you have to order them from the principle of the dealer who has reserved one.”

I can’t believe this, Colborg Ontario is about a two hour drive from my home. “Peter, what is next? I want the car in Colborg Ontario how do I get it?” I asked in a very matter of fact way. He replied “All you need to do is phone the dealer after a call him and reserve the car for you. Then you can go down and give him a check for $500.00 as a deposit. The car will arrive in approximately three months after your deposit is received.”

There’s not much of the decision-making process here. I made my intention clear to Peter immediately, obtained the dealers phone number and made the call. I spoke to the owner of the dealer who was a very cheerful fine gentleman. He was the principle of a small town car dealership. As the story goes owners or principles of dealerships were able to order a limited number of Grand Nationals. There were only two dealerships in Canada still with a waiting list of two Grand Nationals and I have one of them on the phone. Arrangements were made for me to drive down to Colborg Ontario with a check for $500.00.After that, I wait three more months for my true love.

It Just Happens So Easily

Something Only a GN Owner Would Know

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 [...]]]> The Rejection

No 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!”

After hearing my sob story she decided to escalate my concern and told me that somebody would call me back within the hour. I had my fingers crossed while staying within a 3ft. radius of the telephone for the next hour. What if there really aren’t any more of these sinister looking black beauties to be found? Will I survive the trauma? As my anxiety levels began to skyrocket I looked up to the mighty lord in the sky and asked for help.

How Sexy Are These Demons Really?

They try hard to not be what they really are…

As I arrived at our local Buick hometown car dealer I had my eyes wide open for a glistening black Grand National.

Either I was blind or there were none of these cars present on the car lot.  I talked [...]]]> The Approach

Where 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.

Either I was blind or there were none of these cars present on the car lot.  I talked to a salesman and told him what I was looking for.  I can recall the look on his face when I said what I wanted it and I would settle for nothing less.  He quickly snickered and said, “Good luck, there are no more Grand Nationals left in the country you are out of luck!  We have a beautiful red Trans AM GTA that you can test drive right now if you like” my heart was broken.  I took him up on his offer and gave the Trans am a test drive.  Although I was impressed with the handling it was not what I was looking for.

The real dilemma I have is “who’s got my factory GN?” There has to be a dealer In Canada that has one … I just know it! Buying a Grand National should be a lot easier than this!

A Sinister Look and Feel

Ask Vin Diesel What He Thinks!

]]> http://gn.galearning.com/gn-purchase/grand-national-story-approach/feed/ 0 http://gn.galearning.com/gn-purchase/regal-grand-nat-story/ http://gn.galearning.com/gn-purchase/regal-grand-nat-story/#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:43:48 +0000 admin http://gn.galearning.com/?p=1

Interest!

I Want One

 

In April of 1987 I can remember saying to myself  “man I gotta get me one of these Buick regal Grand Nationals”. At that point in my life I had driven nothing but General Motors vehicles and felt a strong [...]]]> 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Love Story

Interest!

I Want One

In April of 1987 I can remember saying to myself  “man I gotta get me one of these Buick regal Grand Nationals”. At that point in my life I had driven nothing but General Motors vehicles and felt a strong loyalty. I hopped in my 1984 Oldsmobile Firenza and drove to the nearest Buick dealer in Brampton to test drive my dream car. Admittedly, I should have done lots of homework where I would have learned that these vehicles could not be test driven. They had to be purchased on speck. Unfortunately I stuck to my source of information for these cars which was advertising and performance magazines  … “The fastest North American Built Car in 1987” – General Motors. I had also learned that this car drove like it was on glass… smoother than a baby’s bum. It’s hard to imagine a family car cram packed full of horse power, yet that was exactly what attracted me to this sexy vehicle.

After all the reading I had done this car was a ‘must have’ for me. I was bound, bent and determined to find one!

Performance Video On The Grand National