81-87 Regal?

[Muswagon]

I have always wanted a GNX, of course, I cannot afford one. I am trying to figure out the difference between the various years of the 81-87 regal.

I tried searching alot...please don't roast me like the Ford forums do 😉

Anyway, I can tell the front nose/grille is for sure different on the 81-83? any other differences that CAN be changed to the later?

Plan would be to build it and LS swap it. 5.3 or 6.0 turbo.

I have been a Mustang guy (mostly fox) my whole life, but the idea of a restomod regal really turns my crank.

I looked at an 87 today that has a crazy SBC 400 in it, very very fast car but the body is more than I want to take on. The rear frame rails have holes, which my searching has said is a common problem.

Anyway, i will have a ton of questions as I go along. Looking forward to my first G body

 

[565bbchevy]

If you buy a 84' and up Regal it will have the same style nose, grill and tail lights as a GN just in chrome.

 

[Muswagon]

I kinda figured it was the nose and grille that were changed, same sheet metal?

 

[565bbchevy]

I kinda figured it was the nose and grille that were changed, same sheet metal?

Yes, if you buy a pre 84' they sell the nose and grill aftermarket and the tail lights interchange between the later years just a different style.

 

[Muswagon]

I kinda dig the 81-83 tailiights, the nose/grille however looks grandpa ish so would for sure change. I found a 85 GN front nose already, parts are easier to find than cars 😉

What is a good price for a rust free 87 roller? He is asking about 2300 USD ($3,000 Canadian). Would cost me $600 USD to trailer it here, which isn't bad

 

[1evilregal]

81-83 instrument clusters are different from the 84-87's as well...

 

[1evilregal]

I'd ask for pics of the bottoms of the doors, and rear frame rails.... that's the main rust magnets on these cars. I think that wouldn't be a bad price on that car if it is indeed rust free...

 

[Muswagon]

Fair enough... doors I am not too worried about, the rear frame rails is a whole other story.

 

[565bbchevy]

I think 86' and up come with a third brake light and rear defrost grid that goes around it.

 

[UNGN]

I kinda figured it was the nose and grille that were changed, same sheet metal?

For the actual grille insert, '87 Grille is '87 Only, but you can still buy them new. '84-86 grilles have a chrome strip at the top that says "Buick". '87's had a little "buick" emblem attached to the griile.