BUILD THREAD 81 Buick/Olds Turbo Wagon 02/15/2024 More Parts!

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 11/28/14 Electrical!

I think I can arrange some moldings for you.
I always thought the wheel well moldings were stainless, but I didn't realize until I started cutting mine that they were aluminum like the rest of the trim.
I had to tap out a few damaged areas when I was fitting them, and was pleased with how quickly it came around versus lots of the other trim I've restored in the past.

I'm gonna get smart the next time I head to the yard and bring my drill, since the screws never want to let go for me... :lol:

That would be great Blake! Like I said, I'll be painting them anyhow to match the rest of the trim. THANK YOU!

When I take the screws off, I used use an impact driver, the kind you hit with a hammer, and an old stubby #2 Phillips so I can whack it with a hammer, usually one way or the other works every time.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 11/28/14 Electrical!

Not a whole lot of measurable progress, but I did get some done.

I installed the driveshaft loop I fabricated, no pics though.

I had to add a hole in the firewall for the cruise control wire harness.







I had ordered some stuff from Racetronix to allow me to power 2 in-tank fuel pumps. I got a new tank sender bulkhead connector with 4 wires, 14awg, 1 power for each pump, a ground and the sender. I installed all that in the sending unit, and added the fuel pump power wires through the factory rubber grommet in the cargo area floor. These will go to the firewall C100 connector to the underhood relay panel.



I placed an order from Summit for a few AN fittings I have been needing, DEI titanium headerwrap for the downpipe I am building, a tight radius 3" SS bend, and an NOS brand nitrous fogger nozzle. Should be at my house when I get home.

I also placed an order from Rockauto getting new ebrake cables and a mini starter. Then another order from Gbody getting a stainless cat hanger, the one that goes from the transmount to the pipe flange. I won't be running a cat.

My RJC racing SS downpipe flange came in also with the oversized wastegate puck, I'll start working on the downpipe here soon.



Over the next few days, I hope to finish up the fuel system, get the ebrakes done, and start on the exhaust.

 

[Blake442]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

Drilling holes in your fresh paint?!?! :shock:

Keep up the good work!

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

Drilling holes in your fresh paint?!?! :shock:

Keep up the good work!

haha, that is EXACTLY what I said. I was doing the wiring and realized the hole needed to be there, D'OH

 

[ssbrewskyaz]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

Lookin good Jim! Every little bit is one step closer to nearly done. I say nearly done because they're rarely completely done.

Ready to get back after mine now that I'm off for the year.

Is that the OE location for the crusie control or is there some creative license being taken?

Scott. ...

:arrow: :wink: :arrow: 8) :arrow: :arrow:

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

Lookin good Jim! Every little bit is one step closer to nearly done. I say nearly done because they're rarely completely done.

Ready to get back after mine now that I'm off for the year.

Is that the OE location for the crusie control or is there some creative license being taken?

Scott. ...

:arrow: :wink: :arrow: 8) :arrow: :arrow:

Thanks Scott, that is the truth! That would be the factory location. After some research and help from the guys on the turbo Buick boards, I was able use the right dimple (there were 3) for the hole.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

Received my mini-starter, its a 96 'Vette piece. I had to pay the core charge, but from this point forward if it goes bad, I can go to a parts house and get a replacement. Unlike the aftermarket starters.



I bought some new 8mm wires also, the Magnacores that were on it were too long, and the boots were all jacked up. I got a cut to fit set for a V8, I have a spare pair of wires now just in case.



Started working on the downpipe also. My first few welds were a little sloppy, gotta knock the rust of my TIG welding skills

 

[HAFROD]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

This is gonna be one hell of a Grand Century. Makes me miss my GNs.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

This is gonna be one hell of a Grand Century. Makes me miss my GNs.

Thanks, This is like a Grand BOP wagon, Buick drivetrain, Pontiac/Chevy interior, Olds front end, a bit of Corvette, a mix of all the generals cars.

Update from the weekend. I managed to get the downpipe built, took some time to get it fitting just right, but I am very pleased with the results.

Here is all the bends in there for the final test fitting, everything is tucked in nice and tight, not like the pipe you buy. This won't hit the AC box, or the lower control arm.





Fitted up to the turbo, my TIG welds weren't the most even, but hey, I don't do it everyday.





Here it is all welded up.



I added an o2 bung at the bottom for my wideband, I forgot to take a picture of that. This pipe is all Stainless, the flange, wastegate puck, o2 bung, bolts, and the pipe, which is a very thick stainless.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon Update 12/16/14 Electrical and stuff

I wrapped the downpipe in DEI Titanium wrap. This stuff is great to work with, and looks REALLY nice. I used a few stainless clamps to retain it. Took me a bit to get the wrap really tight, but it turned out good and should keep the heat off the AC box and underhood temps down.









You can only get the wrap so close to the flange because or the irregular shape of the pipe in that area.