This is why you are the man Derek. You show it all as it really is in real life. I have no doubt we will see that Grand National roasting those Cooper's some time in the near future.
I have an 87 GN sitting in my garage. Not cranked since 2007 but it’s in great condition. This is the inspiration I needed to get her going. Thank you so much for this!!
There were 20,000 Grand National produced but only 547 GNX's which was the follow-up car after the Grand National production stopped. Either way, gotta love the Grand National.
I had a friend that had one back in the day, and I did not fully appreciate it. I was driving a 1980 V-8 Cutlass I wouldn't part with, and I felt superior because of two more cylinders. LOL Kids! 🤣
My father had a 56 Chevy that unfortunately collected dust for decades, eventually he sold it for a small amount. Time, money, motivation…etc were all just not quite in the right place to make restoration happen. He passed away two years ago just a year into retirement. I really enjoy watching these videos, and I’m sure if he were alive, he would too. I miss him a lot and wish we could’ve rebuilt that Chevy together when he was still alive. Thank you for putting content like this together, it truly means a lot to me.
I just had a stroke and can no longerr wrench on dirt bikes. Once a passion of mine. I can barely walk now, 40 years of racing and wrenching on bikes are over now :( This fella is keeping me going!
His work is the typical work of a mechanic. The big difference is he's actually really good at what he does and he has the patients of a saint. He's wholesome and just all around likeable. All I can say is thanks to him he decided to share his ability and work with us on you tube.
Got yourself a new Aussie subscriber here Derek! 🇦🇺Found your channel 2 days ago. Already binged 5 full episodes 😅 very, very rare that a guy doesn't skip small parts of long re-build videos but have watched every second of yours! Just wish we had gems like this Buick to 'find' over here in Aus. This thing would be of astronomical value over here in Australia. Keep at it legend!
I almost bought a new Grand National In 86, I told my wife I didn’t think they would ever be collectible. We were building show cars back then and I decided to put my money into a 63 GMC pickup, I won a truck load of trophies with it, but I’m still sick over not buying the hot rod Buick!!
Holy smokes! I’ve been following your resurrections for quite a while now, but this is the pinnacle. This is gonna be a hard one to beat! Thank you so much Derrick for letting all of us live vicariously through you.
I agree and I think it deserves a frame off. At the end of the day it comes down to whether or not this is a bucket list car for Derrick. It would be for me.
I rarely and barely skip around these videos, and usually watch the entire video. I dont want to miss any of the funny stuff Derek says and does. Plus, at the end, I feel like I'm joining in on the sense of accomplishment(or disappointment, the few times it goes that way). That moment when he pulls in his driveway, is always such a satisfying moment. Thanks for being you Derek.
I’ve been watching you for a long time and this by far is one of my favourites. Buick grand nationals are my favourite cars !! Can’t thank a guy enough for what he does and keeping a feller entertained.
Great watching this! I had an 87 that I regret selling. The brake gave me issues too and I ended up swapping them with some 82 Regal hydro boost setup. I got a couple of bad boosters but afterwards, it worked great. Connected it to the PS pump and steering rack, it bolted right in, but I did have to bend the coiled brake lines slightly to make it fit.
I am learning a lot about mechanics, but what I'm really learning in my old age (just turned 64 which meant I was in my late 20s when that car came out) I am learning patience and tenacity. You are very patient, especially with your son. Awesome.
I’ve been watching your channel since a guy was about 14 or 15 years old, you and a few other great car channels actually inspired me to go pull an old ford dump truck out of a pasture sitting for about 13 years. I’m 18 now and now I’m going to have a 2 year degree in diesel mechanics soon. I have to say you are a lot of the reason I love wrenching on stuff. Thanks Mr. Derek.
Definitely one of my top 5 VGG - glad you did the right thing and didn't drive it 400+ miles - hoping you take the time to restore this one right - she's definitely a keeper. I grew up in the 80s and these cars mean alot to me - ultimate sleeper cars back then and now.
I was a shop foreman at a Buick dealer in 1986. Used to take these home on test drives all the time. Fairly easy to work on for it's time very simple design. Good luck with this car a lot of fun to drive.
A quick question....when Derek discovered the leaking fuel line, why not replace the entire rusted out hard line with high pressure hose? Would that work?
yea, i tbought that too, but i'm amazed at wjat he can achieve with such limited resources and tools so far away from home. I livve in N.Z. and to have a yank tank over here is a prized thing and acquiring parts for them over here is not a happening thingg
With all the space under the hood, not having to contend with a massive 400 or 50ci engine, leaves lots of space. You got to love the placement of the turbo, right up front and center for everyone to see.
Man don't be so disappointed stuff happens! Sometimes the "brakes" don't go your way but it's all good. You'll get it going. Looking forward to the next episode.
That was one of the most inspirational video from you all for a long time. That never give in attitude and dedication to that car was so brilliant. So many car people can relate with there own projects, constantly fighting set backs and real world limts vs the Hollywood rubbish that a lot of shows indulge in. That you for being you. From day one you have not changed and for me, you remain such a genuine person to watch. I use your phrases when i work on my sons race kart, not for fun but to keep myself calm and focused as you are. Just a massive thank you really. You and your amazing family are so inspiring.
Dear Vice Grips my name is Scott Clarke and I wanted to thank you good sir for helping our world be a better place, you are a fun guy and a joy to watch with your awesome lingo and humorous comments , you make my heart glad in such a time as now ...man you make me laugh brother
I don’t have time to watch this all in one sitting at the moment, but let me tell you sir this is the most wholesome and honest thing I’ve seen on RUclips in a long while. Just a mechanic dude who bought a project and wants to share his failure or success because what the hell else is there to do. Funny, entertaining and edumicationing so far. I’ll be back to finish this up later. Keep on mate 🤘
@@ViceGripGarage hey derek, love the channel! Great family. Hey you still have the suzuki madura u bought with the old blk elcamino? I have one you need for parts! Its complete just hasnt ran forever.need to get it out of my shop. U can have it if u want it. Please lol. Keep up good channel and god bless u and family.
@@ViceGripGarage Yes you are right , the T-Type & T-Type Grand National were born from the Buick Regal platform but platform was all they shared . Believe it or not even the frame on the turbo models were made more ridged if you look carefully . What amazed me is that you started the engine and planned to drive it 400 miles . I have restored and been involved with many barn finds or vehicles which have sat for extended periods of time . I have had arguments with others regarding running engines that have sat . That 3.8 liter has different internals than your average 3.8 liter not to mention the oil seals on that 48mm Garrett turbo was temperamental and tended to leak oil even if driven every day let alone sitting for 20 years . Finding a stock turbo or even a 3.8 liter that has the internals to withstand being turbo charged is a hunt and parts are becoming harder to find . I would love to see another Grand National back on the road I just hope you throw caution to the wind and trailer it so you can take the time to reseal the engine and turbo properly as I'm sure you know what happens to seals that sit . Take care
Me being born in Minnesota and this man the same I have come to watch and learn from do this if you dare mentality. Thanks Derrick you are a legend especially the incredible father figure you are. God bless you sir!
Best vid yet. You truly inspire me to want to do a rescue. You took this “semi defeat” with style and grace sir. Been watching you for awhile. Love what you do for us vets. I salute you. OOH RAH!!
I grew up in a Grand National and after losing my father (original owner) in 2011 my brother and I inherited it. She’s all original with 83k and completely stock. It’s in great shape and besides my kids it’s my favorite possession! I am leaving this comment before watching this video and I will comment again after finishing this video. Love seeing any and all you tubers paying tribute to these bad ass “Darth Vader” muscle cars! Hats off Derek!
Yep I think all our hearts went out to him at that point and I was surprised there wasn't a 'Moses sandals!' moment. I suspect a 'aww ffs!' might have been edited out lol.
The part where you said "underneath all that, it's a pushrod GM engine; if it rotates, it'll run" is a true statement. The old 3.8's were solid little engines.
Maybe I'm old school. I the eighties models of these cars the Monte Carlos. A Buick Regals and other makes. They just simply rattled apart. Junk. The cars I drove my first car a 74 javelin 401 4 speed. 72 grand torino. A 65 Buick Riviera 425 dual fours. 68 dodge fargo pickup 383 auto off the dash shift. And many more older rides. The eighties really sucked. But we have gotten better today. Some real fast ride out there
@@derrickconnolly9164 I feel imilar about 2000s and 2010s cars. The early 2000s had tough, easy to fix, fun cars. After like 2010, they got so complicated and tin roof like
@@derrickconnolly9164 MC owner. I whole heartedly disagree. People said the same thing in the 90s about these 80s GMs. Also owned Hondas from the same era. The GM chasis and accessories lasted 1000x longer. Nothing but stupid issues with the Honda.
As somebody who both fixes cars for a living and has owned a GN back in the 80's, this video really checks all the boxes for me. I very rarely see something of this vintage come through our shop and we generally work on modern cars so these videos are a nice departure to a simpler time. A time that I wouldn't mind going back to. Thanks for doing what you do.
Most shops around me, if not all of them have no idea how to work on this old stuff because their computer won't hookup to them to tell them what is wrong LOL. Had a shop chasing an issue on one of my trucks a couple years ago, they put a bunch of parts into it and still hadn't fixed anything. I posted on a forum what issues I was having and what had been done and checked, and one of the mechanics on there says change the O2 sensor...well ok, but didn't see where that would cause the issues I was having....new O2 sensor for $45 and problem solved...woohoo, truck runs awesome now...shops have no idea how to work on anything they just throw parts, and oftentimes the wrong parts. Now I just look on forums, and do my own troubleshooting, no shops will touch my vehicles anymore, they are totally useless for old vehicles. Most times they can't do much better with newer videos either.
This is my favorite one. I've watched so many and this is definitely my favorite. I'm watching this with my boys on father's day and I love the Grand National. It's a good day. Thanks Derek.
I was playing in a band on the road back in 87 or 88, and had a week job at a bar in Lewiston, Montana. Two of our patrons were sitting at the bar one night arguing about their cars and who's was the biggest baddest SOB in town. The one guy had a new corvette, and the other guy had a Grand National. Just outside of Lewiston there wa a long strip of real smooth Blacktop that goes for miles and miles they would go out there and run those things just about every night, dead stop to top end. Around 200 mph, from what I picked up from the fued. They were both trying different computer chips to beat each other, but I think that the guy in the Corvette got real familiar with what the ass end of Bad Ass Buick exactly what the taillights on a The Corvette came out on the short end of the stick
Sorry...My Fone Phucked up. But I think you got my point. The image of Buick taillights probably haunts that guy in the corvette to this day...Unless he blew a tire at 201 mph. If he did, you know what the last thing he ever saw was.....Those damn Buick taillights.
The smile that came to my face when he turned the key and it started ever since I found this channel this is all I watch think think I just about watch all the will they start and drive videos lol
What a spectacular Grand National his friend had. Derek puts in so much work, so happy to see him have success after all the back breaking work he puts in. Glad to hear he's doing great financially, he deserves every single cent. What a good guy!
I really really appreciate the quality and quantity of stuff you put out. Seriously, you are fun to watch and I am grateful. An hour and half, incredible! Thanks sir!
Love your old school ways. especially your comic relief. Flying on a dime, once pulled my engine on my VW bus. It was on the highway headed east from NM. Replaced a piston plus cly, you have to do what you have to do. Great show thanks for the laughs. Take care.
I'd love to see more content on this car, love the Grand National! This could be a good contender for a full restoration on the channel, perhaps? Great episode.
Brings back memories. I worked at a Buick dealership when these were new. I had the pleasure of road testing quite a few of them. I did a lot of fuel pumps in those days as well. Seems they were always a problem.
Love these videos. VGG inspired me to get a project car at 17 years old, got a 1968 Cadillac Eldorado. I'm even driving to Nebraska on Sunday to get all the parts I need to get it rolling.
I just discovered this channel after catching a few Roadworthy Rescues episodes. Derrick is one of those guys you like immediately. He is a true talent, and I hope he and his family enjoy great success.
Outstanding video ! You continue to showcase More Automotive Talents and Entertainment Abilities in each new 'Resurrection' video. Love how you walked thru the troubleshooting steps to make all that complexity much more accessible to us with lesser skills. Thanks to you and your outstanding Family (Capitalized 'cause its important!) for sharing all this with us.
Derek, I love the fact your out there saving all these classic's. that's something I've always wished I had the money to do myself. It always saddens me to see vehicles rotting away forgotten out in the woods and fields. Up here in northern Maine they are usually rusted beyond repair and can't be saved unfortunately.
Man I watch this video like five times. This car brings back so many memories. One of my friends had one and put it in a ditch upside down in about 3 feet of salt water with you guys over six Ford 250 pounds upside down at night in March they barely got out of that thing
Love your content and it just so happens, the 86 Grand National is my dream car and to see you working on one just made my day! Keep up the great work!
Enjoyed your video. I had a modded 87 GN. TA60 turbo, 50 lb injectors, ported heads, cam, and a stretched intercooler. It was a bad ass car and I never should have sold it. My memory is a little fuzzy since this was 20 years ago, but when you were trying to spin the engine to see if it would turn over, there’s an electrical connector by the battery with a pink wire. It sends power to the fuel pump. You can just unhook that connector and the motor will spin when you crank it but it won’t fire (no fuel.). Good luck on the car!
I was thinking about it and I believe I need to correct my prior post. The small electrical connector by the battery cuts power to the ECM, not the fuel pump. Sorry, like I said it’s been 2 decades. Watching the car fighting you back when you were wrenching on it brought back some memories. Kind of like the old REO Speedwagon song….”I make you laugh and you make me cry”. LOL. Many thanks for the great video.
Another great episode. Good to see Derek doing a bit of electrickery diagnosis correctly. Isolating modules, testing stuff along the way guarantees a good (and cheap!) outcome.
Hey Derek, I bought the first edition of this car, I believe, 1979 Regal V-6 Turbo 2 door. I bought it in late 1978 and drove it across the country twice and probably 40 trips from the Bay Area to LA. They educated me on care of the turbo namely always give it a minute to spool down before shutting down. Never had a lick of trouble with it. Beautiful car. This brings me back.
Howdy! A feller's still playing catch-up but... I was just getting close to (legal) driving age when these glorious machines of automotive history were being produced! I've always been mesmerized by these. Especially when I learned that they were faster than the Vettes of those years & my dad's favorite car was the Corvette! We always had a competitive relationship and I miss him tremendously. R. I. P. Daddy 💙🙏🏼
Just watched your latest episode of roadworthy rescues. Wow such a nice thing you did. You are such a nice person . Awesome to see in this out of control world we live in today. All I can say is , Thank You !!
Think I remember you distinctly saying that this was one of your choice dream cars. Awesome catch Derek! You deserve this and many more gems to come! Proud of where you’ve come from. Been with ya since 50k subs and to just see ya now is just insanity. A guy gets teary eyed with how happy he is for ya. Send the family my love brother ❤❤❤❤
Appreciate you very much and of course, Jessica and the boys for sharing all your roadventures! I can say I'm one fellette who always gains a plethora of knowledge as your journey evolves with each vehicle 🚙🛻🏎🤓💜
This was the big deal new hot rod car right around in the high school days for me. And for years after, we all lusted after one from the Pittsburgh Police vehicle auction (their traffic guys had 5 or so of them). Very cool car, Derek.
I’m from the uk and am just a happy amateur but I always watch your content with a smile on my face as I have to try and decode what your on about half the time, “BUT ILL BE DIPPED “ I love it😁.
Derek, that tune when you open the barn doors. I appreciate it. 80s synth vibes mingled with digical guitars. How on earth did you manage to find a track that fits both the era of the car and the VGG vibe? Also: What cursed condition is Ken's Grand National in? How is that even possible?!
I'm at least 73.245% sure that Derek plays the guitar to a pretty decent standard. My guess is that he works out what he wants and just plays it with his buddies - or few just requests it in Fiverr and someone else plays it for him!
That bank building looks simply amazing! For what it's worth I have a similar Buick story. I own an '81 Riviera with 23 800km on the clock. Car was imported into South Africa as a year old vehicle from Old Mill, Ontario. Also seems to have been 'mothballed' for a long while. Certainly since the 1990s to 2017, from what I gather from the paperwork of which there is lots, inc of import/shipping documents and all owners manuals, shop manual etc. I am third owner and bought it from a Cape Town based Buick and Cadillac Club member ,who had gotten it off the first SA owner's estate executor. Nothing exists regarding its first year in Canada. Car is excellent condition save for non working AC and driver side seat motor. At least it had been well cared for in it storage. Known as 'Milly' apparently, due to dealer trunklid sticker- 'Old Mill Buick-Pontiac'. Cheers.
Excellent video! That was a Herculean effort with some humor thrown in to boot. My dad bought a brand new 1986 GN back in late 1986 when I was 18. I had a lot of seat time in that awesome car. Makes me feel really old seeing how aged the GN in the video is.
Congratulations Derek!!! Just a fantastic car AND ME AND THE WHOLE FAMILY LOOOVE THE WAY YOU BOUGHT IT AND THE WAY YOU HANDLE YOUR JOBS!!!! God bless you the wife and kids!!
Great job Derick, you got this old girl moving on her own power, I look forward to seeing you do a lot more with this gem. I would likely be worth spending the money to get this GN looking and driving good again, and maybe even restore her back to her former glory.
Loved this episode. Not going to lie, this one hurt that you had to throw in the towel. Hate to see a guy feel defeated. But so glad to see how ready and jazzed you are to get back to it and get it on the road. Eagerly waiting to see you work on it again. Thank you Derek for another excellent episode.
Derek I’m so happy you found this rig. Some of my favorite videos you’ve done are those two old LE SABRAYS. Love my Buicks. Can’t wait so see more of this one!
Thank you for doing this episode. It brings back memories back in the mid 80s me and a friend of mine drag race at Keystone dragstrip in Pennsylvania right outside of Pittsburgh re-race day 69 GTO 400 four-speed we were running 1390s I remember the first time I sold a few grand national and it was due in mid 13 on street tires. Thank you again brings back good memories.
To get these old rigs running in a day or two while filming and doing commentary is so impressive. Let’s be honest, in a weekend the rest of us would MAYBE get the fuel system fixed, maybe.
Hey Derek, love that Grand National! I had a 1982 black Regal with a 3.8. bought it with a bad crank. I actually was able to "clam shell" the engine and tranny and replaced the crank without pulling the engine. Loved the car! Landau roof, red velure upholstery, wire spoke wheel covers! To have a complete Grand National is quite the thing! Can't wait to see the drive home!
Sad to see one of my dream cars sitting in disrepair for so long but I’m glad you’re working on getting it running again. Hoping for more videos of this beauty!
This one seemed to take a lot out of Derek, but regardless, still amazing to see him persevere despite problem after problem only to be stopped by a literal lack of options for a unique brake system that I didn't even know existed. 👏👏👏 Well done as always sir, look forward to this car get the VVG restoration it deserves.
You hit the jackpot with this one. You should do a full restoration on it. This car deserves to be shiny again. Congrats man!
and then keep it. NOT FOR SALE!
How can a guy make it shiny when that scares him?
Well, it ‘s Halloween. A guy has to have something to scare him.
Well, it ‘s Halloween. A guy has to have something to scare him.
Yeah, a full restoration plus what he already paid for it and he ends up spending more than a nice one would have costed
This is why you are the man Derek. You show it all as it really is in real life. I have no doubt we will see that Grand National roasting those Cooper's some time in the near future.
Between roadworthy rescues and VGG a feller is fully entertained and edumacated all the time
Mind bottled.
@@helium5912 you need a hug?
@@helium5912 go to bed son
@@helium5912 been talking weird my whole life feller. Go watch Disney princess movies and leave the automotive channels to the car enthusiasts.
Help me understand!!!! Well I'll be dipped!! That'sssss,,,, fine. Perrfect!!!
I have an 87 GN sitting in my garage. Not cranked since 2007 but it’s in great condition. This is the inspiration I needed to get her going. Thank you so much for this!!
Tke the plugs out before you crank it and the let it build oil pressure before you put them back in.
@@mistersniffer6838 how in the hell can an engine "build pressure" without the plugs in the heads?!🤔🤦🏾♂️
@@JaysRandomnessChannelOIL pressure.
A guy's really pushing out the content lately, more than we deserve. Makes a guy appreciative.
A guy had to throw this a thumbs up, but unfortunately, it took your thumbs up count from 69 to 70. Dangit.
Giving ol' Scotty Kilmer a run for his money!
Wonder how a guy has time for all this and the road worthy rescue show too
You Tube pays more between October to Christmas.
With all the suck going on in America right now...its nice to see what normal looks like!
You can tell this channel will always be his pride and joy. Awesome show Derek
This Buick Grand National is such a rare find that it definitely deserves some love.
Not really. The only thing that’s rare is the shape this one’s in.
Its a POS.
@@Cultofpersonality09129 nope. They’re in fact a rare bird
There were 20,000 Grand National produced but only 547 GNX's which was the follow-up car after the Grand National production stopped. Either way, gotta love the Grand National.
I had a friend that had one back in the day, and I did not fully appreciate it.
I was driving a 1980 V-8 Cutlass I wouldn't part with, and I felt superior because of two more cylinders. LOL
Kids! 🤣
My father had a 56 Chevy that unfortunately collected dust for decades, eventually he sold it for a small amount. Time, money, motivation…etc were all just not quite in the right place to make restoration happen. He passed away two years ago just a year into retirement. I really enjoy watching these videos, and I’m sure if he were alive, he would too. I miss him a lot and wish we could’ve rebuilt that Chevy together when he was still alive. Thank you for putting content like this together, it truly means a lot to me.
I just had a stroke and can no longerr wrench on dirt bikes. Once a passion of mine. I can barely walk now, 40 years of racing and wrenching on bikes are over now :( This fella is keeping me going!
Your patience in the face of continual frustration on the fuel lines and brake lines was a thing to behold. Respect to you, sir.
He seems like a solid dude, but I can only imagine, off camera, the expletives that were thrown around 🤣
His work is the typical work of a mechanic. The big difference is he's actually really good at what he does and he has the patients of a saint. He's wholesome and just all around likeable. All I can say is thanks to him he decided to share his ability and work with us on you tube.
@@보예노지-w3c t😅g🎉Joni
Derek has the patience of Job.😇
Cause he knows you can ask too much a 20 years sleeping car! :) an all mecanicians know that haha
Doing a great job managing all these jobs. Thanks for all yall do and the great content
Oh YEAH!
Got yourself a new Aussie subscriber here Derek! 🇦🇺Found your channel 2 days ago. Already binged 5 full episodes 😅 very, very rare that a guy doesn't skip small parts of long re-build videos but have watched every second of yours!
Just wish we had gems like this Buick to 'find' over here in Aus. This thing would be of astronomical value over here in Australia.
Keep at it legend!
And one from Iceland 🇮🇸👊
@scottofford3061I'm from Australia and my sheds full of chevs 🦅🦅🦅
I almost bought a new Grand National In 86, I told my wife I didn’t think they would ever be collectible. We were building show cars back then and I decided to put my money into a 63 GMC pickup, I won a truck load of trophies with it, but I’m still sick over not buying the hot rod Buick!!
Ohh you messed up big time ! Well we all learn .
Holy smokes! I’ve been following your resurrections for quite a while now, but this is the pinnacle. This is gonna be a hard one to beat! Thank you so much Derrick for letting all of us live vicariously through you.
Thanks for watching!
I thought you said you've been following
*his resurrection*
Seeing this restored would be an absolute treat
Love my Grand National, I got it has a graduation gift and still have it to this day and this past summer I just hit 100,000 miles on it
Definitely needs a full restoration. I would love to see a multi part series on this one.
Problem with that is GN parts are ridiculously expensive cause they made so few before GM smacked them down for beating their precious Corvette.
As iconic as these GN are you gotta do a frame off restoration
I agree and I think it deserves a frame off. At the end of the day it comes down to whether or not this is a bucket list car for Derrick. It would be for me.
I rarely and barely skip around these videos, and usually watch the entire video. I dont want to miss any of the funny stuff Derek says and does. Plus, at the end, I feel like I'm joining in on the sense of accomplishment(or disappointment, the few times it goes that way). That moment when he pulls in his driveway, is always such a satisfying moment. Thanks for being you Derek.
I’ve been watching you for a long time and this by far is one of my favourites. Buick grand nationals are my favourite cars !! Can’t thank a guy enough for what he does and keeping a feller entertained.
Great watching this! I had an 87 that I regret selling. The brake gave me issues too and I ended up swapping them with some 82 Regal hydro boost setup. I got a couple of bad boosters but afterwards, it worked great. Connected it to the PS pump and steering rack, it bolted right in, but I did have to bend the coiled brake lines slightly to make it fit.
I am learning a lot about mechanics, but what I'm really learning in my old age (just turned 64 which meant I was in my late 20s when that car came out) I am learning patience and tenacity. You are very patient, especially with your son. Awesome.
I’ve been watching your channel since a guy was about 14 or 15 years old, you and a few other great car channels actually inspired me to go pull an old ford dump truck out of a pasture sitting for about 13 years. I’m 18 now and now I’m going to have a 2 year degree in diesel mechanics soon. I have to say you are a lot of the reason I love wrenching on stuff. Thanks Mr. Derek.
Definitely one of my top 5 VGG - glad you did the right thing and didn't drive it 400+ miles - hoping you take the time to restore this one right - she's definitely a keeper. I grew up in the 80s and these cars mean alot to me - ultimate sleeper cars back then and now.
Can't say you didn't try! I don't think many can appreciate the incredible effort you put into making this drivable. Tough luck!
I was a shop foreman at a Buick dealer in 1986. Used to take these home on test drives all the time. Fairly easy to work on for it's time very simple design. Good luck with this car a lot of fun to drive.
Bullshit so did I
A quick question....when Derek discovered the leaking fuel line, why not replace the entire rusted out hard line with high pressure hose? Would that work?
yea, i tbought that too, but i'm amazed at wjat he can achieve with such limited resources and tools so far away from home. I livve in N.Z. and to have a yank tank over here is a prized thing and acquiring parts for them over here is not a happening thingg
With all the space under the hood, not having to contend with a massive 400 or 50ci engine, leaves lots of space. You got to love the placement of the turbo, right up front and center for everyone to see.
Man don't be so disappointed stuff happens! Sometimes the "brakes" don't go your way but it's all good. You'll get it going. Looking forward to the next episode.
Thanks John
@@ViceGripGarage "Ok now what? Uhaul trailer? That's cheap. Nope!" Definitely a W, appreciate you and all you do.
This one deserves a full resto, and if you take us along with you it'd make a great series.
yes sir. i agree
Thank you for engaging the audience and asking them to help, this channel is so soothing...
That was one of the most inspirational video from you all for a long time. That never give in attitude and dedication to that car was so brilliant. So many car people can relate with there own projects, constantly fighting set backs and real world limts vs the Hollywood rubbish that a lot of shows indulge in. That you for being you. From day one you have not changed and for me, you remain such a genuine person to watch. I use your phrases when i work on my sons race kart, not for fun but to keep myself calm and focused as you are. Just a massive thank you really. You and your amazing family are so inspiring.
Thanks for the kind words
exactly what I wanted to say! cheers Richard!
Dear Vice Grips my name is Scott Clarke and I wanted to thank you good sir for helping our world be a better place, you are a fun guy and a joy to watch with your awesome lingo and humorous comments , you make my heart glad in such a time as now ...man you make me laugh brother
Glad you enjoy
I don’t have time to watch this all in one sitting at the moment, but let me tell you sir this is the most wholesome and honest thing I’ve seen on RUclips in a long while. Just a mechanic dude who bought a project and wants to share his failure or success because what the hell else is there to do.
Funny, entertaining and edumicationing so far. I’ll be back to finish this up later. Keep on mate 🤘
Thanks so much!
@@ViceGripGarage “So uh…y’know…” 😂 man I felt the heartbreak. Its a shame you weren’t able to finish on time but man I can’t wait for the update guy!
@@ViceGripGarage hey derek, love the channel! Great family. Hey you still have the suzuki madura u bought with the old blk elcamino? I have one you need for parts! Its complete just hasnt ran forever.need to get it out of my shop. U can have it if u want it. Please lol. Keep up good channel and god bless u and family.
Ol😊 mm pp 😊hm😊
@@ViceGripGarage Yes you are right , the T-Type & T-Type Grand National were born from the Buick Regal platform but platform was all they shared . Believe it or not even the frame on the turbo models were made more ridged if you look carefully . What amazed me is that you started the engine and planned to drive it 400 miles . I have restored and been involved with many barn finds or vehicles which have sat for extended periods of time . I have had arguments with others regarding running engines that have sat . That 3.8 liter has different internals than your average 3.8 liter not to mention the oil seals on that 48mm Garrett turbo was temperamental and tended to leak oil even if driven every day let alone sitting for 20 years . Finding a stock turbo or even a 3.8 liter that has the internals to withstand being turbo charged is a hunt and parts are becoming harder to find . I would love to see another Grand National back on the road I just hope you throw caution to the wind and trailer it so you can take the time to reseal the engine and turbo properly as I'm sure you know what happens to seals that sit . Take care
Me being born in Minnesota and this man the same I have come to watch and learn from do this if you dare mentality. Thanks Derrick you are a legend especially the incredible father figure you are. God bless you sir!
Best vid yet. You truly inspire me to want to do a rescue. You took this “semi defeat” with style and grace sir. Been watching you for awhile. Love what you do for us vets. I salute you. OOH RAH!!
I grew up in a Grand National and after losing my father (original owner) in 2011 my brother and I inherited it. She’s all original with 83k and completely stock. It’s in great shape and besides my kids it’s my favorite possession! I am leaving this comment before watching this video and I will comment again after finishing this video. Love seeing any and all you tubers paying tribute to these bad ass “Darth Vader” muscle cars! Hats off Derek!
So, the wife just didnt make the list, ehy?
@@mistersniffer6838 I don’t own the wife… she owns me 🤣
You have a lot of knowledge. But most importantly you have patience. Hats off to you, good channel.
Boy, when the brakelines blew, you sure looked like you deserved 3 to 16.5 cold snacks! Awesome rescue! And Ken's rig sure is a beauty!
Yep I think all our hearts went out to him at that point and I was surprised there wasn't a 'Moses sandals!' moment. I suspect a 'aww ffs!' might have been edited out lol.
When Derek threw the wrench it made me laugh out loud , one of the best revival channel on youtube🇺🇸
Greatest revival Channel !!
Great vid Derek. I’m amazed people left it outside for that long. I’m glad we will see it again down the road.
I would have sold it before I let it sit up that long.
The part where you said "underneath all that, it's a pushrod GM engine; if it rotates, it'll run" is a true statement. The old 3.8's were solid little engines.
Right when he cranked it to test it out, you could hear it chuff. Oh! There's already good compression. :)
You’re so funny and I like how you teach people about the history of cars
Thanks appreciate that!
That old rig is worth the efforts for sure! So nice to see it come back to life 👌
A GN?!!!! man you scored high this time, one of my all time fav cars, congrats Derek looking fwd to it
Maybe I'm old school. I the eighties models of these cars the Monte Carlos. A Buick Regals and other makes. They just simply rattled apart. Junk. The cars I drove my first car a 74 javelin 401 4 speed. 72 grand torino. A 65 Buick Riviera 425 dual fours. 68 dodge fargo pickup 383 auto off the dash shift. And many more older rides. The eighties really sucked. But we have gotten better today. Some real fast ride out there
The last great last gasp for Buick, these were pretty fierce for the time.
@@derrickconnolly9164 I feel imilar about 2000s and 2010s cars. The early 2000s had tough, easy to fix, fun cars. After like 2010, they got so complicated and tin roof like
@@derrickconnolly9164 MC owner. I whole heartedly disagree. People said the same thing in the 90s about these 80s GMs. Also owned Hondas from the same era. The GM chasis and accessories lasted 1000x longer. Nothing but stupid issues with the Honda.
As somebody who both fixes cars for a living and has owned a GN back in the 80's, this video really checks all the boxes for me. I very rarely see something of this vintage come through our shop and we generally work on modern cars so these videos are a nice departure to a simpler time. A time that I wouldn't mind going back to. Thanks for doing what you do.
Most shops around me, if not all of them have no idea how to work on this old stuff because their computer won't hookup to them to tell them what is wrong LOL.
Had a shop chasing an issue on one of my trucks a couple years ago, they put a bunch of parts into it and still hadn't fixed anything. I posted on a forum what issues I was having and what had been done and checked, and one of the mechanics on there says change the O2 sensor...well ok, but didn't see where that would cause the issues I was having....new O2 sensor for $45 and problem solved...woohoo, truck runs awesome now...shops have no idea how to work on anything they just throw parts, and oftentimes the wrong parts. Now I just look on forums, and do my own troubleshooting, no shops will touch my vehicles anymore, they are totally useless for old vehicles. Most times they can't do much better with newer videos either.
This is my favorite one. I've watched so many and this is definitely my favorite. I'm watching this with my boys on father's day and I love the Grand National. It's a good day. Thanks Derek.
Man I really really hope he does a full restoration on this car and keeps it forever. I would watch every single episode
he won't ...shiny makes him nervous
Way to go Derek. I can see how exhausted you were towards the end. Thanks for what you do.
I like how the picture on the cover of the manual is of one doing a burnout. We could only wish car manufacturers would still be that bold.
I thought the same as soon as I saw that haha
I was playing in a band on the road back in 87 or 88, and had a week job at a bar in Lewiston, Montana. Two of our patrons were sitting at the bar one night arguing about their cars and who's was the biggest baddest SOB in town. The one guy had a new corvette, and the other guy had a Grand National. Just outside of Lewiston there wa a long strip of real smooth Blacktop that goes for miles and miles they would go out there and run those things just about every night, dead stop to top end. Around 200 mph, from what I picked up from the fued. They were both trying different computer chips to beat each other, but I think that the guy in the Corvette got real familiar with what the ass end of Bad Ass Buick exactly what the taillights on a The Corvette came out on the short end of the stick
Sorry...My Fone Phucked up. But I think you got my point. The image of Buick taillights probably haunts that guy in the corvette to this day...Unless he blew a tire at 201 mph. If he did, you know what the last thing he ever saw was.....Those damn Buick taillights.
The smile that came to my face when he turned the key and it started ever since I found this channel this is all I watch think think I just about watch all the will they start and drive videos lol
What a spectacular Grand National his friend had. Derek puts in so much work, so happy to see him have success after all the back breaking work he puts in. Glad to hear he's doing great financially, he deserves every single cent. What a good guy!
I just went through a similar experience fixing popped brake lines on a 22 year old car, but hey, mine wasn't a BGN ! You are an inspiration. 😇
I really really appreciate the quality and quantity of stuff you put out. Seriously, you are fun to watch and I am grateful. An hour and half, incredible! Thanks sir!
Thank you!
@@ViceGripGarage brother.... I've seen this stuff that you brought home that one's a pretty decent.....
Love your old school ways. especially your comic relief. Flying on a dime, once pulled my engine on my VW bus. It was on the highway headed east from NM. Replaced a piston plus cly, you have to do what you have to do. Great show thanks for the laughs. Take care.
I'd love to see more content on this car, love the Grand National! This could be a good contender for a full restoration on the channel, perhaps?
Great episode.
Brings back memories. I worked at a Buick dealership when these were new. I had the pleasure of road testing quite a few of them. I did a lot of fuel pumps in those days as well. Seems they were always a problem.
The grand national is the exception, whatever if we are 50's 60's or 70's car fans, this unit is just something else 🖤
That Journey-like intro had me rolling, well played.
Love these videos. VGG inspired me to get a project car at 17 years old, got a 1968 Cadillac Eldorado. I'm even driving to Nebraska on Sunday to get all the parts I need to get it rolling.
Good luck! And unlike Derek, I hope you have brakes 😂
I call it a win / victory 👍
You got everything done that you were able to,not your fault for not having any way of getting new stuff for the brakes.
A feller CAN'T WAIT... but I guess I have to...
Lololol
That's the way she goes 😏😏
I’m not yet looking at it!
Here she goes!!!
I mean I'm starin at a video that's 1:32 long... I can't believe it but I guess I got to
I just discovered this channel after catching a few Roadworthy Rescues episodes. Derrick is one of those guys you like immediately. He is a true talent, and I hope he and his family enjoy great success.
Outstanding video ! You continue to showcase More Automotive Talents and Entertainment Abilities in each new 'Resurrection' video.
Love how you walked thru the troubleshooting steps to make all that complexity much more accessible to us with lesser skills.
Thanks to you and your outstanding Family (Capitalized 'cause its important!) for sharing all this with us.
Appreciate the kind words
Thanks to your videos, I was able to get my late uncle’s ‘85 Chevy S-10 up and running after sitting for 33 years. I can’t thank you enough man🙏
Derek, I love the fact your out there saving all these classic's. that's something I've always wished I had the money to do myself. It always saddens me to see vehicles rotting away forgotten out in the woods and fields. Up here in northern Maine they are usually rusted beyond repair and can't be saved unfortunately.
Man I watch this video like five times. This car brings back so many memories. One of my friends had one and put it in a ditch upside down in about 3 feet of salt water with you guys over six Ford 250 pounds upside down at night in March they barely got out of that thing
I thought you would get it to work, but alas, if the power brake booster goes out, what can you do? Good Job Derek, I would call this one a win.
Love your content and it just so happens, the 86 Grand National is my dream car and to see you working on one just made my day! Keep up the great work!
Great video! Nobody is perfect, but I know you’ll get her right as rain when she’s in your garage! Loved every minute of it!
Thanks!
Grew up in Cincy, moved to Colorado from Mason! All kinds of great old deals back home, congrats!
What a GREAT video and EPIC car project. Can hardly wait to see what you do with her. Cheers
Enjoyed your video. I had a modded 87 GN. TA60 turbo, 50 lb injectors, ported heads, cam, and a stretched intercooler. It was a bad ass car and I never should have sold it. My memory is a little fuzzy since this was 20 years ago, but when you were trying to spin the engine to see if it would turn over, there’s an electrical connector by the battery with a pink wire. It sends power to the fuel pump. You can just unhook that connector and the motor will spin when you crank it but it won’t fire (no fuel.). Good luck on the car!
I was thinking about it and I believe I need to correct my prior post. The small electrical connector by the battery cuts power to the ECM, not the fuel pump. Sorry, like I said it’s been 2 decades.
Watching the car fighting you back when you were wrenching on it brought back some memories. Kind of like the old REO Speedwagon song….”I make you laugh and you make me cry”. LOL. Many thanks for the great video.
Tough break, but an overall victory! Eager to see part 2!
This car needs to be your next build series!
Great show Derek.. Thanks for all your work to bring us such great entertainment..
Thanks Brian
What a fantastic revival! Love the dedication to getting content out and HIGH quality stuff at that! Thanks derek!
You never fail in my book Derek, once again a very interesting and entertaining show.
Thanks!!!
Another great episode. Good to see Derek doing a bit of electrickery diagnosis correctly. Isolating modules, testing stuff along the way guarantees a good (and cheap!) outcome.
Hey Derek, I bought the first edition of this car, I believe, 1979 Regal V-6 Turbo 2 door. I bought it in late 1978 and drove it across the country twice and probably 40 trips from the Bay Area to LA. They educated me on care of the turbo namely always give it a minute to spool down before shutting down. Never had a lick of trouble with it. Beautiful car. This brings me back.
What really impresses me about this guy is his ability to make parts work that the rest of us would toss out.
He’s old school. Not many left!!😉
It's called cleaning. Alot of people don't know how to do crap these days, they just follow they're herd.
@@lucidrebuilds6129 "their".... sorry.
My absolute dream car! I'm jealous Derek. Congrats on a great find! 👍
Thanks Nick
Howdy! A feller's still playing catch-up but... I was just getting close to (legal) driving age when these glorious machines of automotive history were being produced! I've always been mesmerized by these. Especially when I learned that they were faster than the Vettes of those years & my dad's favorite car was the Corvette! We always had a competitive relationship and I miss him tremendously. R. I. P. Daddy 💙🙏🏼
We all appreciate your hard work saving these old cars and trucks and bringing us along on the adventure! Thank you sir.
Just watched your latest episode of roadworthy rescues. Wow such a nice thing you did. You are such a nice person . Awesome to see in this out of control world we live in today. All I can say is , Thank You !!
What a great family!!! Awesome place, thanks for showing it!!! Stay safe in your journey!
Think I remember you distinctly saying that this was one of your choice dream cars. Awesome catch Derek! You deserve this and many more gems to come! Proud of where you’ve come from. Been with ya since 50k subs and to just see ya now is just insanity. A guy gets teary eyed with how happy he is for ya. Send the family my love brother ❤❤❤❤
Would make a great restoration series for the channel.
Appreciate you very much and of course, Jessica and the boys for sharing all your roadventures!
I can say I'm one fellette who always gains a plethora of knowledge as your journey evolves with each vehicle 🚙🛻🏎🤓💜
This was the big deal new hot rod car right around in the high school days for me. And for years after, we all lusted after one from the Pittsburgh Police vehicle auction (their traffic guys had 5 or so of them). Very cool car, Derek.
Do you remember how much $ they went for?
@@kanervatie - I'm going to dig back in the cobwebs of my memory and say I *think* around $5,000? This was early-mid 90s when they got rid of them.
@@wes11bravo Oh wow...
I’m from the uk and am just a happy amateur but I always watch your content with a smile on my face as I have to try and decode what your on about half the time, “BUT ILL BE DIPPED “ I love it😁.
Derek, that tune when you open the barn doors. I appreciate it. 80s synth vibes mingled with digical guitars. How on earth did you manage to find a track that fits both the era of the car and the VGG vibe? Also: What cursed condition is Ken's Grand National in? How is that even possible?!
@@boroughmanager7067 Yes! At least I wasn't the only one that heard Separate Ways
I'm at least 73.245% sure that Derek plays the guitar to a pretty decent standard. My guess is that he works out what he wants and just plays it with his buddies - or few just requests it in Fiverr and someone else plays it for him!
@@JerGol cold snacks, guitars and garages. Add a dog , and some burnable smoke snacks and a feller is in for a good time.
timestamp?
That bank building looks simply amazing! For what it's worth I have a similar Buick story. I own an '81 Riviera with 23 800km on the clock. Car was imported into South Africa as a year old vehicle from Old Mill, Ontario. Also seems to have been 'mothballed' for a long while. Certainly since the 1990s to 2017, from what I gather from the paperwork of which there is lots, inc of import/shipping documents and all owners manuals, shop manual etc. I am third owner and bought it from a Cape Town based Buick and Cadillac Club member ,who had gotten it off the first SA owner's estate executor. Nothing exists regarding its first year in Canada. Car is excellent condition save for non working AC and driver side seat motor. At least it had been well cared for in it storage. Known as 'Milly' apparently, due to dealer trunklid sticker- 'Old Mill Buick-Pontiac'. Cheers.
Excellent video! That was a Herculean effort with some humor thrown in to boot.
My dad bought a brand new 1986 GN back in late 1986 when I was 18. I had a lot of seat time in that awesome car. Makes me feel really old seeing how aged the GN in the video is.
Congratulations Derek!!! Just a fantastic car AND ME AND THE WHOLE FAMILY LOOOVE THE WAY YOU BOUGHT IT AND THE WAY YOU HANDLE YOUR JOBS!!!! God bless you the wife and kids!!
Great job Derick, you got this old girl moving on her own power, I look forward to seeing you do a lot more with this gem. I would likely be worth spending the money to get this GN looking and driving good again, and maybe even restore her back to her former glory.
Loved this episode. Not going to lie, this one hurt that you had to throw in the towel. Hate to see a guy feel defeated. But so glad to see how ready and jazzed you are to get back to it and get it on the road. Eagerly waiting to see you work on it again. Thank you Derek for another excellent episode.
Thanks for the spoiler😒😠
@@my95buick LOL really? Don't scroll through the comments until you've watched it. It's not rocket appliances my guy.
@@my95buick sorry...😔
Can a guy get a spoiler alert for the fellers that like to watch and read at the same time!
I don’t think it’s a spoiler. It actually makes me more excited to see all the stuff he went through to get to that decision.
Derek I’m so happy you found this rig. Some of my favorite videos you’ve done are those two old LE SABRAYS. Love my Buicks. Can’t wait so see more of this one!
Thank you for doing this episode. It brings back memories back in the mid 80s me and a friend of mine drag race at Keystone dragstrip in Pennsylvania right outside of Pittsburgh re-race day 69 GTO 400 four-speed we were running 1390s I remember the first time I sold a few grand national and it was due in mid 13 on street tires. Thank you again brings back good memories.
To get these old rigs running in a day or two while filming and doing commentary is so impressive. Let’s be honest, in a weekend the rest of us would MAYBE get the fuel system fixed, maybe.
Hey Derek, love that Grand National! I had a 1982 black Regal with a 3.8. bought it with a bad crank. I actually was able to "clam shell" the engine and tranny and replaced the crank without pulling the engine. Loved the car! Landau roof, red velure upholstery, wire spoke wheel covers! To have a complete Grand National is quite the thing! Can't wait to see the drive home!
It was a true pleasure to spend 92 minutes and 6 seconds with you this evening.
I was glued to every minute of this episode. Edge of my seat. Excellent!!
Sad to see one of my dream cars sitting in disrepair for so long but I’m glad you’re working on getting it running again. Hoping for more videos of this beauty!
My Dad has a 87 with ttops, it's been sitting in our garage since 2009 🥲
This one seemed to take a lot out of Derek, but regardless, still amazing to see him persevere despite problem after problem only to be stopped by a literal lack of options for a unique brake system that I didn't even know existed. 👏👏👏 Well done as always sir, look forward to this car get the VVG restoration it deserves.
if you think this brake system is something you should check out a rolls royce there a doozzzzzy
The Tonya Harding line keeps getting me