Novice Frame Off!!

[V8Assassin]

First let me say I am a true novice. I had never turned a wrench on a Turbo Buick in my life until last June. As a matter of fact, really didn't have any experience on anything else. With the help of this board and its members we, and I say we because I could have never done this alone, have managed to pull the 87 GN now, now known as humpty, and put it back together again. I have a long list of people to thank starting with Randy Alexander. Randy has helped, taught, and answered way too many phone calls. Chris Cambell has also been an enormous help with my turbo habit. Chris is actually the reason I decided to go ahead and get a GN in the first place. About a year and half ago he came over and invited me to go to church, within the next couple of weeks he got tired of my excuses and just showed up one sunday morning and said get dressed. I cannot thank Chris enough for the effort he has put into my sorry arse. As for the rest of the gang Stephen Miles and John Thames were here tonight until after eight. Both of these guys have been pitching in when they certainly had better things to be doing. Stephen is a dedicated turkey hunter missing days in the woods, and John works on cars all day and then shows up at my house with a smile.

Vendors! There really are some great guys and gals associated with this board! Cal and Holly at Hartline performance and Bweavy at G-body. Dan at DLS and the man, the myth, the legend Mr. Don Cruz. H&R Parts, Champion Racing, and RJC Racing, thank you all for your long hours and dedication to the Turbo Buick community!!!!

Now on to the pics...................

This is where we began, 87 GN purchased in "mint condition" from an unnamed party in Buffalo, NY. The mint part gets real funny as the pics continue

[V8Assassin]

As the story continues so do the pics, more of the starting point.

[V8Assassin]

Sorry forgot to load the pics This is the separation, as you can see the mint part just keeps getting richer. At this point my wife and most of my friends had thought I had just plain lost my mind. My wife, a patient and understanding woman, looked at me and just laughed when she saw what I was up to in "her" garage. By the way, it is hers or at least it will be after this. I have been informed an away from the house work place would be much better and healthier for our marriage.

At this point in the project we had removed the suspension, both front and rear. A few frozen bolts required some strategic grinding with the angle grinder to get everything loose. Overall the project had only taken about 20 hours at this point.

Everything was done using post from this board. The directions were found searching and sending some pms to some very helpful members. Some of the threads used were

Frame off restoration kind of.

And so it begins!! started the teardown today.....

Body Mount Bushings

There were others used as well, however would take all night to list them all. As a matter of fact it would take equally as long to list all the members who I have either I have contacted or repied to posts I started. It is amazing how helpful everyone on here seems to be when someone gets in a pinch or doesn't know which direction to go with a project.

[Roc87]

Dang man, sorry to hear about the "mint" part, but seems like your tackling it pretty good, and seems like the body is in good shape. Best of luck!

[Phoneguy]

Well done. When can you start on mine

Bryan

[V8Assassin]

The good news is St Louis is only about seven hours from here, just bring it down. Tell you the truth, this project has been really fun. The worst part was getting the por 15 all over the place. I should have just taken a bath in the stuff and saved myself the trouble.

Here are a few more pics of the progress.....

[V8Assassin]

This is where we stopped tonight. We should have the frame and body mated back tomorrow. The rear suspension was able to be put in, however we did not have time to tie up a few loose ends. We will be replacing the front hardware with new stuff soon, going to G-body lower tubulars. We just received carpets, ta perf. cover, brake line kits, and a few other goodies today. The motor and trans should be here soon as well. The goal is to take this car to BG. Any bets on whether or not it will make it?

[Phoneguy]

I think that you have proven that you are able to do the work, now you have to depend on the motor/tranny and other parts to be there on time. If all the parts make it in time I would bet that you will be there.

I just talked to Bobby at RPE on Wednesday and he is is going to do a stroker for me by the end of April. I hope everything goes smooth and I can make it to BG, not sure if I will go if the car is not ready.

Bryan

[Red C5]

Wow! Wish I had the guts to take on a project like that. Nice work.

[usetaboost]

you aren't the only one A total of 2 busted body mounts now. Can't wait to see all the rust on the body where the frames been sitting. You can view my horrendous 2 stall garage adventure in the restoration forum Looks like the paint guy that does the inside of the floors was off that day when they did your car. Don't worry, it didn't help much on mine.

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by Phoneguy

I think that you have proven that you are able to do the work, now you have to depend on the motor/tranny and other parts to be there on time. If all the parts make it in time I would bet that you will be there.

I just talked to Bobby at RPE on Wednesday and he is is going to do a stroker for me by the end of April. I hope everything goes smooth and I can make it to BG, not sure if I will go if the car is not ready.

Bryan

Exactly, the only thing stopping us now is the shipping time on stuff. It pays to plan extra time into something like this. Never know when things will come up to delay you.


Wow! Wish I had the guts to take on a project like that. Nice work.


Doesn't take much guts, just a few tools and much stupidity. At least that seems to be working so far. Just get under there and start taking stuff apart. Eventually it makes sense


you aren't the only one A total of 2 busted body mounts now. Can't wait to see all the rust on the body where the frames been sitting. You can view my horrendous 2 stall garage adventure in the restoration forum Looks like the paint guy that does the inside of the floors was off that day when they did your car. Don't worry, it didn't help much on mine.


Which mounts broke? I couldn't believe it, but only one broke taking mine out. I coaxed them with plenty of PB Blaster and a ratchet. The broken cuprit was the number six, right behind the rear wheel well. Luckily access to that one is pretty easy. In the trunk there are "dimples" in the pan. I'm not sure what else to call them. Had to grind the drivers side out to get to bolt head. I will post some pics of the procedure tomorrow (well today now). Rather than try to separate the old bolt, we are putting in a regular bolt and washer to hold there. Maybe not the best way, but the best we could come up with given time and tools.
No doubt about the por 15. It gets everywhere. Called the company and they said it would take a couple of weeks to come out of my skin. Oddly enough all my help dissappeared when that stuff came out. I guess they knew something I didn't The company has a conspiracy going to make you buy their concrete armor. Seems to be the only way to cover the mess up.

[8AV8]

Keep on plugging away...you will get there.


Thats if you know who doesn't throw a match on it first....

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by 8AV8

Keep on plugging away...you will get there.


Thats if you know who doesn't throw a match on it first....

No Kidding, I didn't manage to get it out of the garage today, but the frame and body are back together with a couple of bolts to finish. It's the first time in two months she has been able to pull her car into the garage. That was enough to keep the peace.
BTW if you see this tonight, I buried the four wheeler along with my phone in the river this afternoon. Sorry if I have not been answering

[usetaboost]

Dude, you really should invest ina boat if you wanna go out on the river . Started taking mine off today. Just gotta get the front up a little higher to get a board over the tranny and a few long boards to stretch across and its rolling out. I used the rockers to lift the front on mine. Seems to be the only thing solid at the moment . FOund more rust holes on the pass side inner quarter well on the bottom. I don't think I could possibly run into any more problems. I can't wait to see my body back on the frame. You're making me jealous but at the same time motivated!

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by usetaboost

Dude, you really should invest ina boat if you wanna go out on the river . Started taking mine off today. Just gotta get the front up a little higher to get a board over the tranny and a few long boards to stretch across and its rolling out. I used the rockers to lift the front on mine. Seems to be the only thing solid at the moment . FOund more rust holes on the pass side inner quarter well on the bottom. I don't think I could possibly run into any more problems. I can't wait to see my body back on the frame. You're making me jealous but at the same time motivated!

Awesome! Watch the 4X4"s, I used 10' and they wanted to bow pretty good when the jack stands were more than 6" from the body. The biggest problem I ran into getting the body up was the balancing act. With the two jacks on either side it can start to overweight either towards front or back. A third set of hands helps. Don't feel bad about your rockers. I crushed one of mine when the 4X4"s went under. There are replacement rockers available pretty cheap. Going to have to replace the passenger side. The rust was just too bad there. Other than that, the holes in the pans and rockers on the drivers side were able to be saved with the POR 15 floor pan kit. If you go that direction, order an extra quart of the silver POR. The floor pan kit only comes with one pint and it was not enough. The fiber they send actually adds a decent amount of strength. We were using two 2"X6" against the floor pans. They were only about 18" long, but did not buckle the floor pans.

Another problem we encountered was getting the chassis out. Had to take the back wheels off and drag it out on the hubs. Never could get enough clearance to just roll out. I was going to put doughnut tires on the back, I am pretty sure that would have given us enough clearance. Had the extra hands so dragging was quicker and easier. Not something I would try alone.

The most difficult task was removing all the undercoating from the body and frame. Spent quite a few days under there with a wire brush and grinder. Paint removal pads for the angle grinder worked best under the body and the wire brush worked best on the frame. I wanted to make sure the POR was making contact to metal and not paint. Grab a good set of safety goggles and some knee pads, and don't forget the throw away clothes. Once all that is done, you will be on the downhill slope. It only took a week to lay down the POR, alot of that is drying time. Once that is over its as easy as pushing the chassis back under and just putting the bolts in .

Seriously, once we started dropping the body we put the body bolts as allowed. The first two to go in were ther very back number sevens. We used them to anchor the rest of the body while it was coming down. Next were the front two around the radiator support. With these four in, the rest should line up enough to get them started. I should mention we did not tighten them until last. We did not tighten any of the body bolts until all were in place and started.

If you will take care of the shipping, I will send you my floor dollies. Ordered them from Jegs after dragging the chassis out. They made getting everything to line up much easier. They allow lateral movement once the chassis is back underneath the body. And don't forget the spring compressor. Got mine at Autozone on the loan a tool deal.

Stay in touch and let me know any problems you may run into. Don't get discouraged, once all the supplies are there and the POR starts going on things really pick up. My wife still can't believe how far we have come since thursday. Good Luck!!!!

Oh yeah, the river. It's a place called Fair River, runs behind some land we hunt on. Most of the time you can ride for miles with no problems, but I guess I should have figured all the rain had a few weeks ago stirred things up. Found a sink hole halfway across one crossing. One minute the ground is firm the next. not so much. My buddy who pulled me out didn't believe me until he walked out into it. He was standing in about ankle deep water one step and the next was up to his waist.

[V8Assassin]

This is where the rocker gave way

[SGRIM]

Looks like your doing a great job... NICE!

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by SGRIM

Looks like your doing a great job... NICE!

Thanks, it has been alot of fun so far! Be easier with an unlimited bankroll. Like Homer Simpson said "daddy could do alot if he had money".

[BetMinesFaster]

Looking good dude!!!! I didnt forget about the brace aither, Maybe ill just ship you my proto and make another one.....I wont need it any time soon!!! My GN progress came to a hault for a bit when closing my shop so I could see my daughter caused healthy legal fees over the shop lease I never signed which consumed my entire car fund (about 8K I saved) and since I dont do credit cards for cars im buying things as I can afford them now.....LAIM PM me about the brace if your still interested!! Ryan

[johnnyttype]

Originally Posted by V8Assassin

The most difficult task was removing all the undercoating from the body and frame.

I can't agree more...i did that this winter to a frame, primed and painted it up! i never want to remove undercoating again!!!!

the best way i found was use a scrapper to get the chunks off and then take laquor thinner over the rest. turned out really good. only one body mount hole needed fixing! #6 drives side.

Keep up the good work man!

[usetaboost]

Too bad about that rocker. At least you found the rust now instead of later. I had my driver's floor fiberglassed with a metal patch riveted-that didn't seem to great to lift up on when it started crackling like a tree branch was coming down. I decided I'm not screwin around and I'm putting metal where there are holes-not fiberglass. IF anything is weak, its getting cut. I wanna do this once not twice! Motors are way more fun to do that bodies, that's for sure .

Damn Ryan that sucks . I was wanting to see some pics of that frame finished Wish I didn't have 3 extra bills sitting around that never seem to go away I could do a lot more with mine also.

[Turbo6Smackdown]

I would love to do that to my car. How did you get the body off? That honestly looks like a lot of fun to tell you the truth. I'd love to do that. Are you sandblasting the parts as they go back in?

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by Turbo6Smackdown

I would love to do that to my car. How did you get the body off? That honestly looks like a lot of fun to tell you the truth. I'd love to do that. Are you sandblasting the parts as they go back in?

Have not sandblasted anything. Used the POR marine clean and metal ready along with plenty of elbow grease to prep all the parts before applying the POR. I am replacing the entire drive train, fuel system, and suspension so wasn't alot going back on other than proportioning valve and brake lines. As far as the body coming off, I used a thread referenced above and basically followed their procedure. Tools required were four jack stands, two 2x6"'s, four 4x4"'s, two floor jacks, and a 15ml rachet. Don't forget the PB Blaster! Started the body up on the floor pans with the 2x6's parallel to the frame, once there was 4.5" clearance, slid the 4x4's under the body between the body and frame. This is where I departed from Sam's procedure. I could not get enough lift under the 4x4's to raise the body enough, so I placed another 4x4 parallel to the frame under the other two supporting the body. Then raised the body on both sides with the floor jacks trying to keep both sides even. Just depends on your specific equipment I guess.

It has been fun until today, cannot quite get the body bolts to line up. The front radiator supports are started as well as the number 3, 6, and 7 on the drivers side. Passenger side has the number 7. Any tips or tricks I should know to get these to line up? I am afraid to back out the ones already started to line up the ones that won't for fear I will never get them back in This is truly the frustrating part when you are so close and a 16th here or there stops the whole thing.

[johnnyttype]

Maybe try lifting the body just a little bit to get some angle on the bolt to get it started? it might just be enough if you can do that. hth

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by johnnyttype

Maybe try lifting the body just a little bit to get some angle on the bolt to get it started? it might just be enough if you can do that. hth

Was just checking the board, that is what I am getting ready to try. Hopefully it will work, if not I think I have another way. Need some guide rods or long bolts that will thread into the body. Let ya know how this turns out soon.

[V8Assassin]

So there I am staring blankly at the tool box, cannot figure how to get these body bolts back in. An old wood handle screw flat head screwdriver was the only thing I could find to run up through the body mounts into the holes. It was the only one that would fit and was long enough. Just so happens this was my Granddad's screwdriver my Dad passed down to me. Dad used to get very upset when he couldn't find part of the set. He has been gone for two and a half years now. Ran the driver into the holes and what do you know....................

Body Bolts lined up perfectly and slid in and threaded with no problem THANKS DAD!!!! Now I just need to put the bumpers and radiator back in to wrap this project up. Will post pics tom, going to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[12lbChevelle]

This thread is extremely enjoyable to read, thanks for posting. Please keep on the pics too!

[Sam Colalillo]

Looking GOOD.
Sounds like you got the body aligned up.
It would be cool to see it at Bowling green.

[usetaboost]

Awesome Isn't it great when things can all of a sudden come together Just think, one more TR saved from the perils of neglect!

[V8Assassin]

Originally Posted by 12lbChevelle

This thread is extremely enjoyable to read, thanks for posting. Please keep on the pics too!

Originally Posted by Sam Colalillo

Looking GOOD.
Sounds like you got the body aligned up.
It would be cool to see it at Bowling green.

Thanks, gonna sleep much better tonight with the bolts in place. Here is a couple of pics taken tonight. Trying to show body mounts in place and the trunk challenge set to begin tom afternoon with the POR prep work

Broken body bolt in trunk pan, good thing it was there never helps to have a little luck now and then, should be easy to fix. Gonna tac in the body bolt washer and torque to specs (54lb ft). BTW what is the conversion from 50n.m to lb ft? After that use the floor pan patch kit and cover. Considering using dynamat in the trunk, maybe later as budget allows Still have detail cleaning and such to knock out after the last coat of POR goes on the interior.

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Originally Posted by V8Assassin

Thanks, gonna sleep much better tonight with the bolts in place. Here is a couple of pics taken tonight. Trying to show body mounts in place and the trunk challenge set to begin tom afternoon with the POR prep work

Broken body bolt in trunk pan, good thing it was there never helps to have a little luck now and then, should be easy to fix. Gonna tac in the body bolt washer and torque to specs (54lb ft). BTW what is the conversion from 50n.m to lb ft? After that use the floor pan patch kit and cover. Considering using dynamat in the trunk, maybe later as budget allows Still have detail cleaning and such to knock out after the last coat of POR goes on the interior.

36.88 Pound feet.

By the way, where are you getting all this time at? You're lucky. I want to do this soo bad. I'd love to go thru every nut and bolt in my car. I'm obsessive like that.

[V8Assassin]

is the mark of many great men I always say. Besides its not obsession it's an eager passion. Nothing wrong with loving what you do

Time, hmmm, had a "discussion" with the Mrs. today about that very subject. Evidently there is a downfall to my eager passion, got to tear myself away. Seriously, the time invested so far hasn't been terrible. Maybe 55-65 hours in so far. I try to put a few hours in every evening, starts adding up after a while I will get some pics of the progress up tom....

[V8Assassin]

Found the brake upgrade directions on the following thread.....

11" bolt on brakes

Decided to go ahead with the conversion, took most of the afternoon to run down the parts between the boneyard and the auto parts store. The setup came from a 2000 s10 blazer 2wd, went ahead and replaced the caliper and rotors due to condition from boneyard. Gonna drop these on tom between drying times on the POR in the trunk Must say this seems to be one of the best values as far as the upgrades I have been doing Thanks G-body for the brake lines!!!

[GN73]

Way To Go ,got The Front End Off Mine And A Spare Frame And I'm Still Leaning Towards Not Doing This Looks Great

[V8Assassin]

Well the brake upgrade is on, installation was not too difficult. Not sure I have it exactly correct. The spindle is hard to turn laterally, as if it were being steered. Not too upset about a tight fit, but want to make sure it is correct, steering and braking being right up there on the list of important things to be able to do Have not torqued the castle nuts yet, need to find the specs. Please take a look at the following pics, tried to get close to give some details, if anything jumps out please let me know.........