Buick Grand National Owners

priobe · #1 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 07:43 AM

I am thinking of purchasing a Grand National. I have owned one in the past and loved but was around 18 yrs old at the time.

My thought process is different now. I am thinking of getting one preferably w/ T-Top (to enjoy the drive).

I figured I could restore it to like new condition body off restoration and keep for a few year and possibly sell it.

Your thoughts

flwolfman · #2 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 10:08 AM

Priobe, this is a little off of the Cobras, but the GN's are great cars. I would look for an 86 or 87 due to the intercoolers on those years. Of course the best cars are the GnX, but look at the price now. I have a GN and also a Turbo T. Good luck in your search. Regards, Jim

priobe · #3 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 10:49 AM

Jim,

I am just about to finish up the Cobra Build. I figured I could get into a GN and restore it as a next hobby while still keeping the Cobra.

Is your T-top, if so do you regret the T-top option?

Thanks

Phil

flwolfman · #4 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 11:56 AM

Mine are not T tops. T tops are nice when the top is off, but they are not nice for our Florida rains and trying to keep them from leaking. It is amazing how fast these cars are for a 6 cylinder weighing 3600 lbs. I know that several people have put them into Cobras. Not the right looks, but they have to be fast! Jim

FFR428 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 02:50 PM

I had a 86 with T tops. There was a lot of body flex which caused some cracking in the pillars. Added bracking in the trunk/rear seat area took care of it with some braces under the hood. A very FUN car. Poston and ATR both sell new seals kits for the T tops that are supposedly better. I'm sure there are more vendors and better parts now as this was back in the 90's. Mine never leaked with the stock seals. But a bud of mine had a new 87 and it leaked bad on the drivers side to the point the dealer replaced the T top and seals plus the drivers seat. I'd love to have another one. Only 5,512 86 GN's made to the 20,194 in 87. 84-85's are rarer (2,000 ans 2,102) but have no intercooler and rear mounted turbo as mentioned. They also had a rare leather seat package. T-types are nice as well but the GN's look evil in black. Good luck!

priobe · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 02:55 PM

Thanks for all of the support

It is sounding good

Now how do I convience my wife that I want a GN and keep the Cobra.