PLAINWHITE T
Tree peddler
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2010
This is a factory white hardtop car with blackout package (as all ’86 T’s were) and gray bucket seat interior. At the time of this writing, the car has approximately 86K miles, but I still drive this occasionally so the miles may increase a bit. Much of the credit for the mechanical work on this car belongs to TB board member “jdpolzin” who knows these cars very well. Some highlights pertaining to the car and general descriptions of condition are outlined below:
Mechanical:
This car has been converted to E85 specifications for superior performance, reliability and exceptional idle quality. This conversion includes a “Turbo Tweak” chip, high impedance 80lb. injectors, Scanmaster, hotwire kit, Deutchwerks fuel pump & G7 Racetronix hanger/sending unit and aCasper’s volt booster. I’ve also had a 3 ½” stainless steel downpipe w/dump, a Pypes 2 ½” stainless steel exhaust w/race pro mufflers and LS1 MAF/Translator installed. I replaced the stock radiator with an Alradco unit (see the threads on these)….this car never runs above 185 degrees. It is still running the factory turbo and intercooler (with Dutt neck) at 19-20 lbs. boost. This combination results in a very quick-spooling, streetable package that is loads of fun which also allows a solid foundation for future upgrades. I have not run this car in the ¼ mile nor am I interested in doing so...my intended goal with these modifications was to have a quick, reliable and streetable package that I could jump in and take on a 300 mile road trip without worry. The drive train is in great condition and runs, shifts and drives great. As is the case with many of our cars, the rear main seal does leak…I’ve simply learned to accept it as a cost of ownership of these cars. This car is also factory equipped with the desired G80 rear end.
Body:
In 2009-2010, I had this car treated to a professional, glass-out re-spray at a professional body/paint shop. Prior to paint this was a very rust free vehicle, but had various nicks, chips and minor dings. I have some pictures of the car prior to paint which I can provide upon request. At the time of the repaint, I replaced all weatherstriping, had the door hinges freshened with new bushings and pins, and replaced the windshield due to a large number of rock chips in the original. All the appropriate badges and emblems were replaced with new ones at that time as well and the black trim refinished with the correct satin black finish. The chrome bumpers have no dings, rust or blemishes and both front and rear impact strips were replaced with NOS pieces at the time the car was painted. I also replaced the under-hood pad with an NOS (8 hole) turbo regal specific replacement. The shut lines and body gaps on this car are excellent as shown in the photographs and the doors close with a tight, solid “thwump”. The trunk and passenger compartment floors show no evidence of rot or repair. The only deviations I took from the stock presentation were to delete the header emblem (I have it for buyer) and to add a factory Grand National spoiler as I’ve always liked how they look on these cars.
Interior:
Aside from the addition of an in dash CD player, Scanmaster, pillar gauges (boost and knock), and custom floor mats as pictured, the interior is as it left GM in 1986. It is in exceptional condition given its age and the seats and door panels show very little wear. The factory original carpet does show some staining in the typical area near the driver’s left foot and there is about a 4” long separation in the vinyl on top of the dash. Given these issues, I would critically rate the interior an 8 out of 10.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension:
In keeping with my personal preference for some of the Grand National trim items, I fitted GN wheels to the vehicle following the re-spray. I do have the factory turbine wheels (with 4 center caps) that will be provided to the new owner upon purchase. The front wheels are 15x7 with 225/60/15 T/A radials and are in good condition with some small blemishes in the chrome. The rear wheels have been widened to 15x8 with excellent (nearly perfect) chrome and 255/60/15 T/A radials. I also had Moog 5658 front springs installed which, when combined with this wheel and tire combination, gives this car an awesome stance. The often troublesome and potentially dangerous “powermaster” braking system has been replaced with a vacuum set up as well. This car drives and stops dead straight with no pulling or alignment issues whatsoever.
Summary/Price:
Overall, this is a very, very nice car that you could be proud to drive or show anywhere. I would not consider this a #1 concours quality trailer queen, but an extremely nice car that runs and drives beautifully and is far better than just “solid driver” condition. I have receipts dating back to the late 80’s (including Midas rust-proofing in 1987) in addition to copies of titles which help to support the ownership history, maintenance, and relatively low mileage. I have enjoyed this car a great deal in the years I have owned it, but due to recent changes in my career and a daughter with plans to attend private college next year, I no longer have the time or interest in this car I once had. Although I am looking to sell the car, I am not faced with a “must sell” situation. I feel my price of $13,900 is very fair given the history, upgrades, and improvements this car possesses. General inquiries may be directed to me via “conversation” and serious inquiries may call my cell # at (641) 330-0398. This car is located in Northern Iowa and I will not ship the car-shipping arrangements will be up to the purchasing party. I encourage interested buyers to come see and drive the car as I don’t want to deal with any sight unseen/buyer’s remorse issues following the sale. I hold clean/clear Iowa title and due to my personal circumstances outlined above, I am not interested in trades. All transactions must involve cash or a financial document approved by my bank prior to transfer of ownership. Sorry, I will not accept paypal under any circumstances.
Thanks for looking.
Mechanical:
This car has been converted to E85 specifications for superior performance, reliability and exceptional idle quality. This conversion includes a “Turbo Tweak” chip, high impedance 80lb. injectors, Scanmaster, hotwire kit, Deutchwerks fuel pump & G7 Racetronix hanger/sending unit and aCasper’s volt booster. I’ve also had a 3 ½” stainless steel downpipe w/dump, a Pypes 2 ½” stainless steel exhaust w/race pro mufflers and LS1 MAF/Translator installed. I replaced the stock radiator with an Alradco unit (see the threads on these)….this car never runs above 185 degrees. It is still running the factory turbo and intercooler (with Dutt neck) at 19-20 lbs. boost. This combination results in a very quick-spooling, streetable package that is loads of fun which also allows a solid foundation for future upgrades. I have not run this car in the ¼ mile nor am I interested in doing so...my intended goal with these modifications was to have a quick, reliable and streetable package that I could jump in and take on a 300 mile road trip without worry. The drive train is in great condition and runs, shifts and drives great. As is the case with many of our cars, the rear main seal does leak…I’ve simply learned to accept it as a cost of ownership of these cars. This car is also factory equipped with the desired G80 rear end.
Body:
In 2009-2010, I had this car treated to a professional, glass-out re-spray at a professional body/paint shop. Prior to paint this was a very rust free vehicle, but had various nicks, chips and minor dings. I have some pictures of the car prior to paint which I can provide upon request. At the time of the repaint, I replaced all weatherstriping, had the door hinges freshened with new bushings and pins, and replaced the windshield due to a large number of rock chips in the original. All the appropriate badges and emblems were replaced with new ones at that time as well and the black trim refinished with the correct satin black finish. The chrome bumpers have no dings, rust or blemishes and both front and rear impact strips were replaced with NOS pieces at the time the car was painted. I also replaced the under-hood pad with an NOS (8 hole) turbo regal specific replacement. The shut lines and body gaps on this car are excellent as shown in the photographs and the doors close with a tight, solid “thwump”. The trunk and passenger compartment floors show no evidence of rot or repair. The only deviations I took from the stock presentation were to delete the header emblem (I have it for buyer) and to add a factory Grand National spoiler as I’ve always liked how they look on these cars.
Interior:
Aside from the addition of an in dash CD player, Scanmaster, pillar gauges (boost and knock), and custom floor mats as pictured, the interior is as it left GM in 1986. It is in exceptional condition given its age and the seats and door panels show very little wear. The factory original carpet does show some staining in the typical area near the driver’s left foot and there is about a 4” long separation in the vinyl on top of the dash. Given these issues, I would critically rate the interior an 8 out of 10.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension:
In keeping with my personal preference for some of the Grand National trim items, I fitted GN wheels to the vehicle following the re-spray. I do have the factory turbine wheels (with 4 center caps) that will be provided to the new owner upon purchase. The front wheels are 15x7 with 225/60/15 T/A radials and are in good condition with some small blemishes in the chrome. The rear wheels have been widened to 15x8 with excellent (nearly perfect) chrome and 255/60/15 T/A radials. I also had Moog 5658 front springs installed which, when combined with this wheel and tire combination, gives this car an awesome stance. The often troublesome and potentially dangerous “powermaster” braking system has been replaced with a vacuum set up as well. This car drives and stops dead straight with no pulling or alignment issues whatsoever.
Summary/Price:
Overall, this is a very, very nice car that you could be proud to drive or show anywhere. I would not consider this a #1 concours quality trailer queen, but an extremely nice car that runs and drives beautifully and is far better than just “solid driver” condition. I have receipts dating back to the late 80’s (including Midas rust-proofing in 1987) in addition to copies of titles which help to support the ownership history, maintenance, and relatively low mileage. I have enjoyed this car a great deal in the years I have owned it, but due to recent changes in my career and a daughter with plans to attend private college next year, I no longer have the time or interest in this car I once had. Although I am looking to sell the car, I am not faced with a “must sell” situation. I feel my price of $13,900 is very fair given the history, upgrades, and improvements this car possesses. General inquiries may be directed to me via “conversation” and serious inquiries may call my cell # at (641) 330-0398. This car is located in Northern Iowa and I will not ship the car-shipping arrangements will be up to the purchasing party. I encourage interested buyers to come see and drive the car as I don’t want to deal with any sight unseen/buyer’s remorse issues following the sale. I hold clean/clear Iowa title and due to my personal circumstances outlined above, I am not interested in trades. All transactions must involve cash or a financial document approved by my bank prior to transfer of ownership. Sorry, I will not accept paypal under any circumstances.
Thanks for looking.
