@@kyrujames yup! I miss the old spike tv. Tv for men! Lol. Now everything is getting pussified and I don't even have tv (sat/cable/ota) anymore. Just my few core streaming that my cell co pays for for being a sub and then Plex with Ombi, Radarr, Sonarr, prowlerr setup to fire me all my other shows to my tv. Just need a massive network and setup lol
Alex, that thin washer on the top of the shocky at 39:52 is actually a locating washer placed below the isolating rubber and stops the shocker shaft rattling in the mounting hole. Then the second heavier washer goes on top of the rubber isolater. Its "old school mechanics", trust me, I've been there for 50 years. Still keep making these style videos I love 'em...John Australia. (PS I'm surprised none of the comments I read never mentioned it)
As I watch you disassembling that front, I'm reminded of a polyurethane bushing swap I did on my old Iroc. Every time you loosen a nut or hammer a bolt I see some fine dirt dropping down. In my case, some of that dirt wound up in my eye. I wound up at the ophthalmologists office with a corneal abrasion. They removed a small piece of rust from my cornea and had me wearing a patch for a week to minimize blinking and allow healing. Putting ointment in my eye twice a day sucked too. Since then I never get under my car without eye protection
I had an 86 GN for 22 yrs. and I too got a lot of parts from Dennis Kirban. In fact I went to one of his Grand national reunions at the Warminster Naval Air Base back in 1992. The night before I left MI I dropped the tank and installed a double pumper in the tank because I was running green stripe injectors. And I also have that book. Plus I met Molly, who designed the GN for GM and he signed my owner's manual. The first color design for the GN was red, and GM rejected it, so then he came up with the all black and the black and grey interior. I bought parts from Kirban, Applied Technologies, Bolling Green Customs, and Ken Bell. I also found a Prom Pac system that held 4 e-prom chips in a 4-wheeler mag. Also had a few other electronic features that were available back in the late 80's and early 90's. Long before Holly came out with the digital equipment.
Sorry Alex, the "pretty washer" on the top of shock was suppose to be between bushing and frame. Notice the small inner flange, that locates the shock stem to the center of the hole or it can migrate to the side and make noise and damage shock bushings. I've seen many where the Shock stem wore a slot in the side of the frame hole, causing one to need to weld up the frame to prevent destroying new shock. Love the car, Remember, they also used a Grand National in Fast and Furious 4.
@@mujahidbagha7609 Yes, Look at the one he put on top, it has a flange sticking up, that flange locates the bushing in the center of frame hole, or shock mount.
@@doug3805 Problem, the locating flange is now damaged from the shock nut, will no longer locate the shock stem in the center of hole as intended, I know this because I learned this the hard way, hat to weld shock hole up and buy new the shock bushings and washers to fix.
Been a freeloading non-subscribed viewer for years. This is the series that finally made me subscribe, great job. PS - front spindles from a S-10/Blazer will lower the front end 2" and still maintain full travel of the stock springs. Old G-body trick.
If you swap in 98+ S10 Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada spindles, it gives you a dual piston brake calipers vs the small single piston caliper. This also gives you a separate hub/rotor setup as well so it's easier to replace brake rotors. You don't have to mess with replacing bearings and seals since they are a sealed assembly. You can get drop spindles for these as well.
The Buick 3.8 V6 was so good at putting down the power it embarrassed and outran the C4 Corvette for years, especially when GM put that engine in the Pontiac Trans Am Anniversary Edition for the '89 only model. Thanks for the video!
Hey guys, saw you using that red zero degree tip on the pressure washer. There's a really nice option that we use in the pressure washing world called a turbo nozzle. Same zero degree tip, but it spins around in a housing that gives you more coverage. At that distance, you'd maybe get a 2 inch diameter pattern and they're relatively inexpensive. In any case, checking in from Rockford, love your work!
Not good for many things. And people need to be careful using zero tips. Sertain higher psi pressure washers can cut through a 2x4 with them. Very dangerous. Be very careful what you do with the red tips
Since I bought my turbo nozzle I haven't used any other nozzle on my pressure washer... Sure, it's electric, but I've had it for over 10 years and washed many things with it. It came with just an adjustable nozzle so I never had to worry about the red tips, but I agree the red 0 degree tips are very dangerous.
That's great, but be careful using it on painted surfaces. A friend of mine stripped the estorilblau paint off the front spoiler on his European 3.2 E36 M3 with that same type of nozzle.
The right rear does get lower but completely from the engine twisting over.. It is do to the rotation of the pinion on the ring gear. The rear axel is pulled up into the housing. I cannot remember the Drag Racing weekly paper I read it in it was a very long time ago. I do remember it was around 1979-1983 when I read it. Lastly please remember the greater the spring rate you use the more shock dampening you will need. The soft ride is a large part of it charm. Many miles of enjoyment with your GN. Mark
I’m loving the Grand National series! I’ve been watching your channel for a couple of years now, and this channel has become my favorite car RUclips channel.
Back in 1990, I had a 1985 Cutlass supreme with the landau roof. I pulled the stock 137 horsepower 307, and built an Oldsmobile small block 403, based on a Dave Smith Oldsmobile design. 410 horsepower and 440 ft lb of torque. I used a 700R4, using a TCI adapter plate to fit on a BOP mount. That was the best times ever. The second year when I wanted to go faster, instead of sending the heads to Dave Smith Oldsmobile, I had a local guy do it. Big mistake, the heads ended up failing with the valves sinking in the head. Before that happened, I was able to pull off a 12.7 in the quarter mile, with what I believe was a 1.58 second 60 foot time. Most of that was using the computer-controlled quadrajet, that I had the carb shop in California calibrate. Boy do I miss that vehicle.
Of all the car channels on RUclips that I watch, I always watch yours last because if I watch yours first, the others don't measure up. I save the best for last for the simple reason that I learn more from yours as I'm a do it yourself type of person. Also, great camera work and attention to detail guys. You rock !
Yeeesssss GN content!!!!!!!! This pleases me! Such a kick ass car and even in its current state, its a total knockout. Once it reaches true LSC levels, my mind will be blown!
I think the rear 10” wheels will look great once they are polished up. I believe you need another half inch of sidewalk in the front though, they look too small for some reason
Another awesome video Alex. Mate, keep the 10s on the rear. You know you will need them in the future with more power upgrades. Also, lower it 2 inches both front and rear. It would look cool as. Keep up the good work. You and Peter were made for this
Damn... you are throwing out long run time content like there is NO tomorrow. Fantastic work on all the cars and personally i LOVE this car. Wish i could have one to just show of in the summertime. Thanks for all the great videos.
Alex, about power washing on the lift, yes, it can get REAL messy if you don’t stage the cleaning area properly. But, if you set up a proper curtain wall of plastic sheeting and a box fan for air flow ventilation so the moisture doesn’t creep into the cabin area too much, power washing the underside of the car on a lift is the only way to create an almost “new car” result. We mounted some tracks on the ceiling to make it easy to create an actual wash bay with a lift by simply dragging the plastic around the whole thing. Works beautifully given there is a drain right in that area. But you can simply drop a couple huge sheets right over the car itself and get the same results, but it’s a little tight at the sides. The greatest aspect of the results of such a deep and complete cleaning under there (as you probably already know) beside looking beautiful is finding all the stuff that needs to be replaced but you would never know from all the thick gunk covering it up. Plus in some cases where there’s a lot of heavy gunk build up, it can actually take a decent amount of weight off the car. We actually weighed a truck we were going to clean before and after and dropped 31 pounds of crud from the underside!! 👍🏻😎👍🏻
Not a what?!?! Dry ice cleaning is one of the dirtiest things ever, all the dirt goes literally EVERYWHERE!! You need a separated area or do it outside to dry ice clean anything.
I used to work at garage here in Norway specializing in US cars. One of my first jobs was to inventory the huge number of parts they had accumulated in 30 years. We got shipments from the US every 2 weeks. One of the parts I found was for a 1956 Buick. But when I ran the part number, I found that this part was used in Buicks from 1956 till 1982!
Hello from Finland! :D I just have this urge to say that our neighbours in Sweden made almost the same car, Volvo 140/240 series from 1967 until 1993. 😂 Exactly the same amount of time!
48:27... You can just remove the strap by using a screwdriver and simply prying on the tabs on the battery. That strap is meant to be removable. And you can reinstall it in literally 5 seconds to remove the battery. I keep my strap in the trunk.
Alex ur videos are so great you actually do the work on the cars it’s not just having someone else do all the work and then selling it you get cars you love and show so much attention to detail. You and Peter are great seriously no better channel for fun car stuff. Keep up the good work man
Yes bracing the body on a GM G Body is 100% worth it. You need to adjust the air filter because it is very evident from the side. For sure it needs to be lowered a little in the front. Leave the rear wheels.
That air filter looks out of place because he is missing the air dam deflectors that attach to the bottom of the fenders/bumper. I'm hoping he gets them soon!
Though I do enjoy all the videos in various cars and repairs or updates, this one was satisfying to see you not run into any problems and replace all those suspension pieces with excellent camera work and explanations. I can't wait to see everything under there painted black and clean... ride height looks good and I agree with the 8s in the rear.
I absolutely love the way that looks with those big fat tyres on the rear, don't swap em :( All it needs is that lowering at the front to give it a bit of a droop snoot and she'll be aggressive as can be, which will be perfect
This series hits close to home for me. Back in 1981 I got my 3rd car…it was a 1978 Buick Regal. It had the 231V6, bench seats. It was a pretty nice car. I trashed the motor and put in a 283 V8. That V8 smoked the Techtronic Trans so I bought a Turbo 400 with a manual valve body, reverse shift pattern. Installed a B&M Quickshift, bucket seats out of a Pontiac. Had it like that for about 1 year and bought a built 355SBV8. I owned that car for about 8 years. I put some ET mags on it, lowered the front, raised the rear. Tons of great memories in that car. I love the Regal body style of the 70’s and 80’s. I always dreamed of getting a GNX.
Love watching you guys! The GN is looking great! It's totally worth the wait to watch these videos each weekend and they always motivate me to keep moving on my own project.
Keeping several cans of flat black rust converter handy goes a long way when working on these older projects. I like to pressure wash, dry, then quickly spray suspension components/frame/underbody like this for some quick and easy protection that looks good.
When I was in junior school (primary in Australia) the Grand National is how we used to draw cars that shape, small wheels at the front and big wheels at the back. LOVE those rear wheels so taken back to the early eighties right now Alex. 😃
Really enjoyed the series on the Grand Nation personally I wouldn’t change a thing looks sweet and then once you’ve done the paint correction, this car will be mint
I love videos like this. Lots of channels do repairs/replenishment, whatever you wanna call it, but very few actually show how's its done. I get that what you do to a GN won't really apply to my focus or fiesta but little tips may come into play someway down the line.
You could probably make some sort of frame with shower curtains to use for pressure washing a vehicle on a lift to keep from destroying the shop, lol. Really enjoyed the video, you and Peter make a great team!
🏁 If this was a dedicated drag car I think the 28" tall tires would look good in the back but since it's more of a streetcar I would recommend 275/50R15. Those are closer to 26" tall which should match the front better but you'd still get to keep all that width! 👍
Guys, loved it. Have to say, I really don’t watch many 20+ minute youtube vids. At least, without fast forwarding. I’m pretty sure this is the only channel I watch content vids this long. You really have a niche and are experts at entertaining said niche. Doesn’t take much 😅. Keep it up!
I think they look great and if you are going to do some runs you have the best tyre for the launch. then if you retire it from the track it will still look the part even with a road tyre.
Would definitely go with 8's in the back, like the front for street driving, and keep the 10's for the track. Would love to see that just crusiing down the streets with a stock look. It's looking beautiful! Can't wait to see the start of the frame-off restoration!
I watched this twice, and remembered back in the late 80s having the suspension on my 1978 Regal fixed piece by piece. I don't think I had the front springs replaced but definitely the rear, which had the car sit level instead of sitting low on the right side. When I got the car from my mom, the shocks were leaking. I also added a rear sway bar which helped. Pittsburgh is very hilly with plenty of curves in the roads, so having the car handle better was needed. The car is looking great. Looking forward to more videos about this car!
The Lifehouse bit had me giggling!😂 11mm = 7/16, 11 fits a tad snug on a 7/16 bolt. Oh and those KYB shocks were super common even in the ‘90’s-‘00’s, I can recall installing a few sets myself. Personally I would go with the bit narrower rear wheel. Good work all around though, really enjoying this series.
I installed a pair of those KYBs just a few years ago as on a truck while I was still planning out the build. They are a decent off-the-shelf type shock that gets the job done for cheap.
Dude! You should get an award for the car channel with the most depth of field! You have everything! American muscle, Japanese, American truck, European, supercar….my head is spinning! Keep up the good work!
Love the way you format your videos. Like you, I vividly remember watching weekend car shows- so I appreciate the way you’re bringing that to RUclips in this day in age.
Love the fat tires on the rear, and it sits perfectly. Always going to have some gap in the front with a staggered setup. Beautiful wheels, reminds me I need to polish mine as well.
Good choice on the Bilstein shocks. That's the first thing I changed on my 86 gn back then. It stopped the rear end from bouncing to the side over sharp bumps.
If you’re ever looking for Canadian cars…I have a 2011 e350 that needs some work 😂 Just as a side question, don’t see a lot on power mods for the e350 🤔 Lots on the 550 or even the diesel motors..but not a lot on the 3.5 ..also would be cool to see a brake mod, like converting e350 brakes to the 550 brakes?
Great video. I love the car # Wheels. The rear looks too big, and fronts look too small to be honest spoils. The look sadly looks very odd # constructive lads well done.
Loved every minute of this video. I grew up working on Hondas so it's interesting to see a different mechanical design language like how that upper shock brace mounts because the shocks mount to an extrusion from the chassis instead of mounted to the body.
28:11 this Jeep shaft also works on 70-81 F-bodies. I put an 89 IROC quick ratio steering box in an 75 Trans Am**. Reused the stock Pitman arm on the box, steering shaft off an XJ Cherokee and (IIRC) an ~86 Caprice power steering hose so it would all work with a 5.3 LS PS pump **the “XH” IROC box worked well with 17” wheels. I previously used the stock 15” wheels and narrow tires with a “WS” box from an F41-equipped 85 Camaro (that had a 215 tire profile) still a quick 12.7:1 ratio, but lower steering effort than the IROC box.
Always look forward to waking up early on a Sunday morning and watching LSC!! Even better when we get 2 uploads a week.. watching from Western Australia since the beginning 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Great, useful upgrades on the GN. Definitely go 8's in the rear for street cruising. The GN is one of those cars that came from the factory looking pretty much perfect. I recommend a stock look for this one.
the front braces came on many gm cars and wagons....the seat brace works really well, be sure to add the missing body mounts, put boxed lower rear arms on, it has good uppers already. put manual brake rear s10 wheel cylinders and get two sets of rear shoes, use the long ones from both sets and they will hold 6lbs of boos at launch.
Loved it!! Thank you Alex!! Not loving the tires and wheels set up but that's me. It might look awesome for other people. Can't wait to see this gorgeous car finished and tearing the quarter mile.
Alex, Peter, your videos are the best. You can basically follow your work step by step and learn a lot in every single one of your videos. Keep up the great work and content. Greetings from Germany.
Hey! Kyb gas-a-just are just fine. In the GM truck apps their only a few bucks cheaper than the factory (ZR2) Bilsteins ND act just fine. Zero noticeable difference in my opinion.. although I ditched my rear bilsteins for QA1 a few weeks back and boy....different vehicle altogether, holy crap worth the investment. But GNX/GN talk: grew up with my dad's 87 GN. Loved that car, when it behaved
For the front brakes, a cheap easy upgrade is getting the dual piston calipers from a 2000s s10. You have to replace some of the suspension part but it is a bolt in swap and let's you keep you 15 inch rims. It also is easy from their to upgrade to Corvette 6 piston calipers if you go to bigger rims later.
That brings me back to when I was fixing all the steering and suspension on my 85 Monte Carlo SS and from what I remember after replacing all those parts it handled pretty good for being like 17ft long
You need to get the 200-4R trans in that custom built. They will handle around 1000hp with the right parts in them, seriously underrated transmission and sought after now because they have an efficient .67 fourth gear.
Gotta love the 3.8 Buick V-6! Great engine, one of GM's legacy engines. Had one in my '76 Buick Skyhawk, never gave me a bit of trouble. Went to 285K before losing track of the car/engine. Also helped my employee put one in a '63 Spitfire, w/Corvette 4-speed and IRS rearend. What a beast!! The engine was an early iteration, can't remember what it was out of, but something from the 60's. Mild cam, neat 4-bbl carb, and other mods. Fully balanced. Flew like a raped ape...Keep up the good work. Living it vicariously with y'all!
Those KYB's have been around for awhile, the Gas A Just's are a monotube step up from the basic budget twin tube option. Obviously you are replacing them with way better shocks but for a stock vehicle you could do worse than those KYB's. Nice to see all the new gear, should be awesome to drive after.
Hey Alex that “extra washer” on the top of the front shocks is meant to go on top of the first rubber spacer to stop the rubber being ripped up then just the one thicker one on top with the nut. Love this series.
I'm your age Alex, and my dads Grand National he had when I was a teenager is the reason I'm into cars to this day. I was a very lucky kid from the ages 16-18 as I probly put more miles on the car than he did during his ownership. Sure felt like the cool kid on the block, used to take it up and down the ave and everyone loved it, even the ones who only saw tail lights in the end lol. Love the channel/content and your taste in vehicles. This is the first channel I ever subscribed to back in 2017 and continues to be my favorite. Great work fellas, that million + subs is right around the corner!
34:20 that point is to let you know its a 10bolt 8.5" the 10bolt 7.5" got a half moon in there. its the easiest way to tell them apart w/o removing the cover.
Another great video,you guys are definitely my favourite RUclips channel , just like 2 friends working on cars just how it should be, just not sure you will get the time to finish all your projects mind
Is it bad that I done watched this video 3 times in the first day?? I just absolutely LOVE Grand Nationals. My grandpa had 1 and I was supposed to get it but my brother wrecked it before it was mine. So i guess I'm living my GN dreams thru Alex and Peter. Keep up the great work y'all!!! P.S. LOVE THE BLOOPERS!!!
Alex. I used to have a 80 Buick Regal. Replaced all front suspension that you have done mine was non turbo. But loved it just the same. Great 231. Engine.
As an old guy I see it as my duty to straighten out you young whippersnappers. First KYB gas adjust shocks are a well respected brand of shock that are still made to this day. When have the Japanese made a crappy product? Second 12 point fasteners are not just header bolts. They are widely used in the aircraft industry and anywhere else where a high strength compact fastener is required. BTW I love your channel. LS forever
If it was not for interest in fixing cars, this channel is perfect for watching friendly enthousiast people doing the thing they like doing. Holland says keep up the good work and spirit.
In my 86' GN I installed the x brace behind the rear seat. They help prevent cracking by the rear quarter windows. They did seem to stiffen the car. I seem to remember that the cross braces from the fender to the radiator bulkhead were standard on the 78' to 87' G bodies. Take care.
Wow, brings me back to when I updated the suspension and brakes on my G Body El Camino. I did the Jeep steering upgrade as well and it really tightened up the steering too. The Bilsteins are perfect with the Moog and OEM parts.
Love the Turbo Buick content! The bolt in X Brace behind the rear seat makes a noticeable difference. You do need to take out the back seat to mount it but it is worth it. The cool front cross braces could be found on early 80s G Bodies. I remember searching the junk yard for all the unique G body braces. Keep the Buick vids coming!
I finished my Buick Grand National with a 50-hour Restoration! ruclips.net/video/gM0AiLbT7GI/видео.html
Where is your shop located
These Saturday morning videos with the TV host style are both nostalgic and funny. Jeep them coming and hope to see more of the cobra.
Hell yeah man, I’ve got some old power block vibes
@@kyrujames yup! I miss the old spike tv. Tv for men! Lol. Now everything is getting pussified and I don't even have tv (sat/cable/ota) anymore. Just my few core streaming that my cell co pays for for being a sub and then Plex with Ombi, Radarr, Sonarr, prowlerr setup to fire me all my other shows to my tv. Just need a massive network and setup lol
Yup. My classic car and horse power tv
And since you guys watched those, did you also blink/squint when he shaved the shaft for the bolt because I know I did
I enjoyed every moment! You guys are funny!
Alex, that thin washer on the top of the shocky at 39:52 is actually a locating washer placed below the isolating rubber and stops the shocker shaft rattling in the mounting hole. Then the second heavier washer goes on top of the rubber isolater. Its "old school mechanics", trust me, I've been there for 50 years. Still keep making these style videos I love 'em...John Australia. (PS I'm surprised none of the comments I read never mentioned it)
Im upvoting and commenting so he sees this and the other comment.
Man I thought this was going to be everything, as his picture had him tearing a motor apart..oh well..
As I watch you disassembling that front, I'm reminded of a polyurethane bushing swap I did on my old Iroc. Every time you loosen a nut or hammer a bolt I see some fine dirt dropping down. In my case, some of that dirt wound up in my eye. I wound up at the ophthalmologists office with a corneal abrasion. They removed a small piece of rust from my cornea and had me wearing a patch for a week to minimize blinking and allow healing. Putting ointment in my eye twice a day sucked too. Since then I never get under my car without eye protection
same with creating fine particles from grinding, blowing, etc., wear a proper respiratory mask.
I had an 86 GN for 22 yrs. and I too got a lot of parts from Dennis Kirban. In fact I went to one of his Grand national reunions at the Warminster Naval Air Base back in 1992. The night before I left MI I dropped the tank and installed a double pumper in the tank because I was running green stripe injectors. And I also have that book. Plus I met Molly, who designed the GN for GM and he signed my owner's manual. The first color design for the GN was red, and GM rejected it, so then he came up with the all black and the black and grey interior. I bought parts from Kirban, Applied Technologies, Bolling Green Customs, and Ken Bell. I also found a Prom Pac system that held 4 e-prom chips in a 4-wheeler mag. Also had a few other electronic features that were available back in the late 80's and early 90's. Long before Holly came out with the digital equipment.
Dude, your intros keep getting better like the hotrod tv shows we grew up watching. Love it. Keep up the great content
The sunglass promo was wicked cool & well done.
Sorry Alex, the "pretty washer" on the top of shock was suppose to be between bushing and frame. Notice the small inner flange, that locates the shock stem to the center of the hole or it can migrate to the side and make noise and damage shock bushings. I've seen many where the Shock stem wore a slot in the side of the frame hole, causing one to need to weld up the frame to prevent destroying new shock. Love the car, Remember, they also used a Grand National in Fast and Furious 4.
Came here hoping to see this comment.😁
The top rubber bush is supposed to be between two washers
I hope he fixes that because it will bug me knowing it’s not right.
@@mujahidbagha7609 Yes, Look at the one he put on top, it has a flange sticking up, that flange locates the bushing in the center of frame hole, or shock mount.
@@doug3805 Problem, the locating flange is now damaged from the shock nut, will no longer locate the shock stem in the center of hole as intended, I know this because I learned this the hard way, hat to weld shock hole up and buy new the shock bushings and washers to fix.
Been a freeloading non-subscribed viewer for years. This is the series that finally made me subscribe, great job. PS - front spindles from a S-10/Blazer will lower the front end 2" and still maintain full travel of the stock springs. Old G-body trick.
If you swap in 98+ S10 Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada spindles, it gives you a dual piston brake calipers vs the small single piston caliper. This also gives you a separate hub/rotor setup as well so it's easier to replace brake rotors. You don't have to mess with replacing bearings and seals since they are a sealed assembly. You can get drop spindles for these as well.
It don’t cost anything to subscribe why even wait if you been watching
@@1_slow5.02 some people are weird man...
I’m a mechanic of 11 years and this is one of the only channels that shows you true struggles with no cuts love it been binging this so far!
“People back in the day didn’t care about breaking, they just died” 🤣 my favorite Peter quote
I love how Alex saying "They just wanted to go" (16:09) fits with both what he was saying and with what Peter said.
@@phenomanII Alex’s comment made it so much better I agree 🤣
Laughed at this. Can we get that on a GN T-shirt? 😂
Who cares, as long as you win the race!
😂
The Buick 3.8 V6 was so good at putting down the power it embarrassed and outran the C4 Corvette for years, especially when GM put that engine in the Pontiac Trans Am Anniversary Edition for the '89 only model. Thanks for the video!
Hey guys, saw you using that red zero degree tip on the pressure washer. There's a really nice option that we use in the pressure washing world called a turbo nozzle. Same zero degree tip, but it spins around in a housing that gives you more coverage. At that distance, you'd maybe get a 2 inch diameter pattern and they're relatively inexpensive. In any case, checking in from Rockford, love your work!
Oh man yeah turbo nozzles are great for other pressure washer things.
Not good for many things. And people need to be careful using zero tips. Sertain higher psi pressure washers can cut through a 2x4 with them. Very dangerous. Be very careful what you do with the red tips
Since I bought my turbo nozzle I haven't used any other nozzle on my pressure washer... Sure, it's electric, but I've had it for over 10 years and washed many things with it. It came with just an adjustable nozzle so I never had to worry about the red tips, but I agree the red 0 degree tips are very dangerous.
That's great, but be careful using it on painted surfaces. A friend of mine stripped the estorilblau paint off the front spoiler on his European 3.2 E36 M3 with that same type of nozzle.
@@LloydBraun11 oh yeah I wouldn't dare get close to paint with it, and I have a pretty wimpy pressure washer
The right rear does get lower but completely from the engine twisting over..
It is do to the rotation of the pinion on the ring gear.
The rear axel is pulled up into the housing. I cannot remember
the Drag Racing weekly paper I read it in it was a very long time ago.
I do remember it was around 1979-1983 when I read it.
Lastly please remember the greater the spring rate you use
the more shock dampening you will need.
The soft ride is a large part of it charm.
Many miles of enjoyment with your GN.
Mark
I’m loving the Grand National series! I’ve been watching your channel for a couple of years now, and this channel has become my favorite car RUclips channel.
Thanks! Means a lot!
Back in 1990, I had a 1985 Cutlass supreme with the landau roof. I pulled the stock 137 horsepower 307, and built an Oldsmobile small block 403, based on a Dave Smith Oldsmobile design. 410 horsepower and 440 ft lb of torque. I used a 700R4, using a TCI adapter plate to fit on a BOP mount. That was the best times ever. The second year when I wanted to go faster, instead of sending the heads to Dave Smith Oldsmobile, I had a local guy do it. Big mistake, the heads ended up failing with the valves sinking in the head. Before that happened, I was able to pull off a 12.7 in the quarter mile, with what I believe was a 1.58 second 60 foot time. Most of that was using the computer-controlled quadrajet, that I had the carb shop in California calibrate. Boy do I miss that vehicle.
Of all the car channels on RUclips that I watch, I always watch yours last because if I watch yours first, the others don't measure up. I save the best for last for the simple reason that I learn more from yours as I'm a do it yourself type of person. Also, great camera work and attention to detail guys. You rock !
Yeeesssss GN content!!!!!!!! This pleases me! Such a kick ass car and even in its current state, its a total knockout. Once it reaches true LSC levels, my mind will be blown!
Peter really has a way of capturing the glow from your eyes. You can really see how Legit you are.
I think the rear 10” wheels will look great once they are polished up. I believe you need another half inch of sidewalk in the front though, they look too small for some reason
Always interesting to see Alex work his magical mechanical know-how including some excellent camera work from Peter.
Another awesome video Alex. Mate, keep the 10s on the rear. You know you will need them in the future with more power upgrades. Also, lower it 2 inches both front and rear. It would look cool as.
Keep up the good work. You and Peter were made for this
Damn... you are throwing out long run time content like there is NO tomorrow. Fantastic work on all the cars and personally i LOVE this car. Wish i could have one to just show of in the summertime. Thanks for all the great videos.
Alex, about power washing on the lift, yes, it can get REAL messy if you don’t stage the cleaning area properly. But, if you set up a proper curtain wall of plastic sheeting and a box fan for air flow ventilation so the moisture doesn’t creep into the cabin area too much, power washing the underside of the car on a lift is the only way to create an almost “new car” result. We mounted some tracks on the ceiling to make it easy to create an actual wash bay with a lift by simply dragging the plastic around the whole thing. Works beautifully given there is a drain right in that area. But you can simply drop a couple huge sheets right over the car itself and get the same results, but it’s a little tight at the sides. The greatest aspect of the results of such a deep and complete cleaning under there (as you probably already know) beside looking beautiful is finding all the stuff that needs to be replaced but you would never know from all the thick gunk covering it up. Plus in some cases where there’s a lot of heavy gunk build up, it can actually take a decent amount of weight off the car. We actually weighed a truck we were going to clean before and after and dropped 31 pounds of crud from the underside!! 👍🏻😎👍🏻
Hey guys, look into getting a dry ice detail on your frame. It's no mess and works great!
No mess? Dude, dry icing is a total mess.
Not a what?!?! Dry ice cleaning is one of the dirtiest things ever, all the dirt goes literally EVERYWHERE!! You need a separated area or do it outside to dry ice clean anything.
Yeah fair enough. I guess what I was getting at is that you're not spraying water everywhere. It does leave dust lol
I used to work at garage here in Norway specializing in US cars. One of my first jobs was to inventory the huge number of parts they had accumulated in 30 years. We got shipments from the US every 2 weeks. One of the parts I found was for a 1956 Buick. But when I ran the part number, I found that this part was used in Buicks from 1956 till 1982!
Hello from Finland! :D I just have this urge to say that our neighbours in Sweden made almost the same car, Volvo 140/240 series from 1967 until 1993. 😂 Exactly the same amount of time!
48:27... You can just remove the strap by using a screwdriver and simply prying on the tabs on the battery. That strap is meant to be removable. And you can reinstall it in literally 5 seconds to remove the battery. I keep my strap in the trunk.
Alex ur videos are so great you actually do the work on the cars it’s not just having someone else do all the work and then selling it you get cars you love and show so much attention to detail. You and Peter are great seriously no better channel for fun car stuff. Keep up the good work man
Great work Alex, Peter & Max!!! Love the Grand National! Living vicariously through you guys right now hahaha. Keep up the great work guys!
Yes bracing the body on a GM G Body is 100% worth it. You need to adjust the air filter because it is very evident from the side. For sure it needs to be lowered a little in the front. Leave the rear wheels.
Leave the rear wheels add Power.
That air filter looks out of place because he is missing the air dam deflectors that attach to the bottom of the fenders/bumper. I'm hoping he gets them soon!
Though I do enjoy all the videos in various cars and repairs or updates, this one was satisfying to see you not run into any problems and replace all those suspension pieces with excellent camera work and explanations. I can't wait to see everything under there painted black and clean... ride height looks good and I agree with the 8s in the rear.
I absolutely love the way that looks with those big fat tyres on the rear, don't swap em :( All it needs is that lowering at the front to give it a bit of a droop snoot and she'll be aggressive as can be, which will be perfect
Loved this intro a lot more. Also, Alex should sneak in a 'Family' while he's talking about the GN! Love the new wheels!
Your show is like an upgraded version of power hour when I was growing up. And 2 videos this week! Right on brotha!
This series hits close to home for me. Back in 1981 I got my 3rd car…it was a 1978 Buick Regal. It had the 231V6, bench seats. It was a pretty nice car. I trashed the motor and put in a 283 V8. That V8 smoked the Techtronic Trans so I bought a Turbo 400 with a manual valve body, reverse shift pattern. Installed a B&M Quickshift, bucket seats out of a Pontiac. Had it like that for about 1 year and bought a built 355SBV8. I owned that car for about 8 years. I put some ET mags on it, lowered the front, raised the rear. Tons of great memories in that car. I love the Regal body style of the 70’s and 80’s. I always dreamed of getting a GNX.
Good to see such an icon back on the road and performing as intended. 👊🏼
Good to see the grand national up and running as well 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Thank goodness for Peter!! He was a great addition to your channel!! He is so so so good on camera! Love it!!
Love watching you guys! The GN is looking great! It's totally worth the wait to watch these videos each weekend and they always motivate me to keep moving on my own project.
Keeping several cans of flat black rust converter handy goes a long way when working on these older projects. I like to pressure wash, dry, then quickly spray suspension components/frame/underbody like this for some quick and easy protection that looks good.
Your wife cracked me up with that genuine commercial reaction. Nicely done! 😂
She’s adorable lol
When I was in junior school (primary in Australia) the Grand National is how we used to draw cars that shape, small wheels at the front and big wheels at the back. LOVE those rear wheels so taken back to the early eighties right now Alex. 😃
Wow the front end definitely needed attention! So many parts replaced! But i know she’s in great hands with you and Peter. Man looking real good.
Max is killing it by adding the bloopers at the outro.
Really enjoyed the series on the Grand Nation personally I wouldn’t change a thing looks sweet and then once you’ve done the paint correction, this car will be mint
I love videos like this. Lots of channels do repairs/replenishment, whatever you wanna call it, but very few actually show how's its done. I get that what you do to a GN won't really apply to my focus or fiesta but little tips may come into play someway down the line.
KYB's were state of the art back in the day, probably still are! Real quality.
Yep. I still run KYB AGX 8 way adjustable shocks/struts on my foxbody. good quality indeed.
Japanese quality just like Peter! 👌
Mah , you buy KYB as a little upgrade from stock OEM but Bilsteins eclipse them no doubt.
I believe KYB stands for keep your Bilsteins. Major upgrade in the shock department.
You could probably make some sort of frame with shower curtains to use for pressure washing a vehicle on a lift to keep from destroying the shop, lol. Really enjoyed the video, you and Peter make a great team!
I love the content you and your crew produce! I'm looking forward to what you come up with next! :)
I came to make this same comment!! Love this channel, so very enjoyable to watch!!
🏁 If this was a dedicated drag car I think the 28" tall tires would look good in the back but since it's more of a streetcar I would recommend 275/50R15. Those are closer to 26" tall which should match the front better but you'd still get to keep all that width! 👍
Yes this is the way. Speedometer will be correct as well.
Guys, loved it. Have to say, I really don’t watch many 20+ minute youtube vids. At least, without fast forwarding. I’m pretty sure this is the only channel I watch content vids this long. You really have a niche and are experts at entertaining said niche. Doesn’t take much 😅. Keep it up!
Do you think the rear wheels and tires are a little too much? What would you do?
Track use only - go with the 8s and 255/265s as you stated. Awesome car!
I would have 2 sets for the rear. Street and track
I think they look great and if you are going to do some runs you have the best tyre for the launch. then if you retire it from the track it will still look the part even with a road tyre.
Too much and they will wear out incredibly quick since they are drag tires.
Stock tire is 235/75 15 same as my 85 trans am.
Would definitely go with 8's in the back, like the front for street driving, and keep the 10's for the track. Would love to see that just crusiing down the streets with a stock look. It's looking beautiful! Can't wait to see the start of the frame-off restoration!
This man has priorities first the power and safety later :D - love this channel!
I watched this twice, and remembered back in the late 80s having the suspension on my 1978 Regal fixed piece by piece. I don't think I had the front springs replaced but definitely the rear, which had the car sit level instead of sitting low on the right side. When I got the car from my mom, the shocks were leaking. I also added a rear sway bar which helped. Pittsburgh is very hilly with plenty of curves in the roads, so having the car handle better was needed.
The car is looking great. Looking forward to more videos about this car!
The Lifehouse bit had me giggling!😂 11mm = 7/16, 11 fits a tad snug on a 7/16 bolt. Oh and those KYB shocks were super common even in the ‘90’s-‘00’s, I can recall installing a few sets myself. Personally I would go with the bit narrower rear wheel. Good work all around though, really enjoying this series.
I installed a pair of those KYBs just a few years ago as on a truck while I was still planning out the build. They are a decent off-the-shelf type shock that gets the job done for cheap.
This is my favorite channel on YT. Thank you Alex, Peter and Max for the awesome content!
I love the GNX series. Curious why you did not take the opportunity to upgrade the brakes.
Just couldn't for anymore in this video.
I think it's just a Grand National, not a GNX.
Dude! You should get an award for the car channel with the most depth of field! You have everything! American muscle, Japanese, American truck, European, supercar….my head is spinning! Keep up the good work!
Love seeing the quality work you guys do. Just fantastic. Big fan keepem coming.
Love the way you format your videos. Like you, I vividly remember watching weekend car shows- so I appreciate the way you’re bringing that to RUclips in this day in age.
Love the fat tires on the rear, and it sits perfectly. Always going to have some gap in the front with a staggered setup. Beautiful wheels, reminds me I need to polish mine as well.
Good choice on the Bilstein shocks. That's the first thing I changed on my 86 gn back then. It stopped the rear end from bouncing to the side over sharp bumps.
Right now when you buy one pair of Shady Rays you’ll get a second pair FREE! Go to shadyrays.com/LEGIT and use code LEGIT
If you're ever short on content I have a 92 300CE with tons of problems.. LOL
Hmm they prescription sunglasses wonder if they ship to Canada
If you’re ever looking for Canadian cars…I have a 2011 e350 that needs some work 😂
Just as a side question, don’t see a lot on power mods for the e350 🤔 Lots on the 550 or even the diesel motors..but not a lot on the 3.5 ..also would be cool to see a brake mod, like converting e350 brakes to the 550 brakes?
00 a 2❤a ,
Great video. I love the car # Wheels. The rear looks too big, and fronts look too small to be honest spoils. The look sadly looks very odd # constructive lads well done.
Loved every minute of this video. I grew up working on Hondas so it's interesting to see a different mechanical design language like how that upper shock brace mounts because the shocks mount to an extrusion from the chassis instead of mounted to the body.
Man, these Intros are getting so good 👌🏻👍🏻 keep up the good work, greetings from germany ✌🏻
@LSC Peter I thought it was just you, alex and max? Anyway great work from each and every one of the team👍🏻
28:11 this Jeep shaft also works on 70-81 F-bodies. I put an 89 IROC quick ratio steering box in an 75 Trans Am**. Reused the stock Pitman arm on the box, steering shaft off an XJ Cherokee and (IIRC) an ~86 Caprice power steering hose so it would all work with a 5.3 LS PS pump
**the “XH” IROC box worked well with 17” wheels. I previously used the stock 15” wheels and narrow tires with a “WS” box from an F41-equipped 85 Camaro (that had a 215 tire profile) still a quick 12.7:1 ratio, but lower steering effort than the IROC box.
Always look forward to waking up early on a Sunday morning and watching LSC!! Even better when we get 2 uploads a week.. watching from Western Australia since the beginning 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Love the videos! Keep up the great work.
Those under hood braces from fender to core support were factory installed on my G Body (1983 Grand Prix)
Great, useful upgrades on the GN. Definitely go 8's in the rear for street cruising. The GN is one of those cars that came from the factory looking pretty much perfect. I recommend a stock look for this one.
Yikes
the front braces came on many gm cars and wagons....the seat brace works really well, be sure to add the missing body mounts, put boxed lower rear arms on, it has good uppers already. put manual brake rear s10 wheel cylinders and get two sets of rear shoes, use the long ones from both sets and they will hold 6lbs of boos at launch.
Loved it!! Thank you Alex!! Not loving the tires and wheels set up but that's me. It might look awesome for other people. Can't wait to see this gorgeous car finished and tearing the quarter mile.
I’ll trade ya a kidney for this car 😂
Awesome work as always team!
Thanks Anabel! Have a great weekend!
I actually need one , so all I have to do is get you a grand national? 😂
Alex, Peter, your videos are the best. You can basically follow your work step by step and learn a lot in every single one of your videos. Keep up the great work and content. Greetings from Germany.
Hey! Kyb gas-a-just are just fine. In the GM truck apps their only a few bucks cheaper than the factory (ZR2) Bilsteins ND act just fine. Zero noticeable difference in my opinion.. although I ditched my rear bilsteins for QA1 a few weeks back and boy....different vehicle altogether, holy crap worth the investment. But GNX/GN talk: grew up with my dad's 87 GN. Loved that car, when it behaved
For the front brakes, a cheap easy upgrade is getting the dual piston calipers from a 2000s s10. You have to replace some of the suspension part but it is a bolt in swap and let's you keep you 15 inch rims. It also is easy from their to upgrade to Corvette 6 piston calipers if you go to bigger rims later.
That brings me back to when I was fixing all the steering and suspension on my 85 Monte Carlo SS and from what I remember after replacing all those parts it handled pretty good for being like 17ft long
You need to get the 200-4R trans in that custom built. They will handle around 1000hp with the right parts in them, seriously underrated transmission and sought after now because they have an efficient .67 fourth gear.
This are the satisfying kind of repair/upgrades/fixing video of cars worth work in. Great job!
So you're a Lou Malnatis guy? I've only had Giordanos myself and loved it ❤! Can't go wrong with Chicago style pizza!
All the braces on my monte SS and Malibu helped a ton with all the interior creeks and noises. The Xbrace behind the seats totally worth it!
Really appreciate your detailed explanations, your ense of humor, your genuine love for what you do. Thanks!
Gotta love the 3.8 Buick V-6! Great engine, one of GM's legacy engines. Had one in my '76 Buick Skyhawk, never gave me a bit of trouble. Went to 285K before losing track of the car/engine. Also helped my employee put one in a '63 Spitfire, w/Corvette 4-speed and IRS rearend. What a beast!! The engine was an early iteration, can't remember what it was out of, but something from the 60's. Mild cam, neat 4-bbl carb, and other mods. Fully balanced. Flew like a raped ape...Keep up the good work. Living it vicariously with y'all!
Those KYB's have been around for awhile, the Gas A Just's are a monotube step up from the basic budget twin tube option. Obviously you are replacing them with way better shocks but for a stock vehicle you could do worse than those KYB's. Nice to see all the new gear, should be awesome to drive after.
Hey Alex that “extra washer” on the top of the front shocks is meant to go on top of the first rubber spacer to stop the rubber being ripped up then just the one thicker one on top with the nut. Love this series.
@GIVEAWAY-200Is a scammer
I'm your age Alex, and my dads Grand National he had when I was a teenager is the reason I'm into cars to this day. I was a very lucky kid from the ages 16-18 as I probly put more miles on the car than he did during his ownership. Sure felt like the cool kid on the block, used to take it up and down the ave and everyone loved it, even the ones who only saw tail lights in the end lol. Love the channel/content and your taste in vehicles. This is the first channel I ever subscribed to back in 2017 and continues to be my favorite. Great work fellas, that million + subs is right around the corner!
Great Video, I think the 10’s in the rear are awesome. The front end needs to come down but other than that great job. Car is really coming along.
Love how you guys sing old 90s songs while working, it brings back locked memories I forgot I had.
34:20 that point is to let you know its a 10bolt 8.5"
the 10bolt 7.5" got a half moon in there. its the easiest way to tell them apart w/o removing the cover.
These guys! Making it happen. The Grand looks legit! Good work and nice to see you drive it. Lotta nice cars sitting around waiting to be used
Another great video,you guys are definitely my favourite RUclips channel , just like 2 friends working on cars just how it should be, just not sure you will get the time to finish all your projects mind
Is it bad that I done watched this video 3 times in the first day?? I just absolutely LOVE Grand Nationals. My grandpa had 1 and I was supposed to get it but my brother wrecked it before it was mine. So i guess I'm living my GN dreams thru Alex and Peter. Keep up the great work y'all!!!
P.S. LOVE THE BLOOPERS!!!
Alex. I used to have a 80 Buick Regal. Replaced all front suspension that you have done mine was non turbo. But loved it just the same. Great 231. Engine.
Beautiful job Alex!
As an old guy I see it as my duty to straighten out you young whippersnappers. First KYB gas adjust shocks are a well respected brand of shock that are still made to this day. When have the Japanese made a crappy product? Second 12 point fasteners are not just header bolts. They are widely used in the aircraft industry and anywhere else where a high strength compact fastener is required. BTW I love your channel. LS forever
If it was not for interest in fixing cars, this channel is perfect for watching friendly enthousiast people doing the thing they like doing. Holland says keep up the good work and spirit.
Excellent video, great job! Looking forward to the next episode! Thank you!
In my 86' GN I installed the x brace behind the rear seat. They help prevent cracking by the rear quarter windows. They did seem to stiffen the car. I seem to remember that the cross braces from the fender to the radiator bulkhead were standard on the 78' to 87' G bodies. Take care.
Wow, brings me back to when I updated the suspension and brakes on my G Body El Camino. I did the Jeep steering upgrade as well and it really tightened up the steering too. The Bilsteins are perfect with the Moog and OEM parts.
Love the Turbo Buick content! The bolt in X Brace behind the rear seat makes a noticeable difference. You do need to take out the back seat to mount it but it is worth it. The cool front cross braces could be found on early 80s G Bodies. I remember searching the junk yard for all the unique G body braces. Keep the Buick vids coming!
Love the Big tires in the Rear. 👍
Badass Buick and awesome work man. I would get smaller wheels and tires for the rear but those 275s are mean! Great video.