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

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up 56K beware! update 7/31/13

Looks great, Jim.
The factory didn't take as much care into assembling these cars as you're doing. :wink:

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up 56K beware! update 7/31/13

Thanks jack. I posted the pictures from tapatalk and they are in the wrong order. But you get the just of it.

I'll try and do some more tonight.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up 56K beware! update 7/31/13

Nothing tonight, had to work on a friends dodge, drilling out and re tapping the exhaust manifold bolt holes in the head. Got it done, now it is beer thirty.:lol:

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up 56K beware! update 7/31/13

Got this outer patch welded in. I have been using a combination of TIG and MIG to get these in. The factory post was spot welded to the quarter with 3 spots, and filled way up with lead. I welded it up and should be able to use less filler to take up the difference. I am not worried about, since from the factory that whole area clean up the pillar was thick lead.



A view from the back. I still have to trim up where the drip rail goes. I left the metal there long and full length to combat any warpage that may have happened while welding.



Inside the jamb area. There is some brown/gold in there still in all the little divets in the steel. That is the factory paint. I'll be giving this area a skim coat of filler just to clean it all up like the other side.



And the outside. Again, this will get a skim coat of Metal-to-Metal, instead of the lead that was there.



I started to make the inner piece where the window sits, that is a 4 piece patch panel, I have to take a few pics. But there are too many bends to make it one piece 🙁 . So, I am TIGing a few pieces together to get what I need.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/7/13

As I look at more and more cars on the web, I am thinking about building a custom console instead of using the factory GP console. I am up in the air at this point.

The reasons for this thought, are wanting to be able to fit the 7 inch touchscreen, cup holders, etc. Something these older cars severely lack. I will have to do a search here quick and see if I can find something. There is a nice thread on the TB boards of a custom console getting built now.

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/7/13

Jim,
I'm liking the thought of building a custom console. At least you can add whatever you want to it from the get-go, rather than modifying a stock console.
As much as I like the GP console, it is kinda massive. It also seems to take a taller shifter, unless you build up the base to accommodate a shorter handled shifter.

The pillar is shaping up nicely, man.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/7/13

Jack, I have been thinking about it. I have a gp console, just have to figure out placement for the touch screen and HVAC controls.

As an update, I got another piece done on the pillar. Took four different pieces TIG welded together to get the profile, but it is in.



I also found some more rot to cut out. :sad:

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/7/13

Nice work, Jim.
Rust never sleeps... :? Every time you turn around, you find another area that needs repair. It's like chasing your tail sometimes.
Good to see you back at it again.
What did you decide to do about your frame?.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/7/13

Jack, I am still in the air on the frame. I want to go to Maryland and get that frame, but it seems like I just can't get the time. I am working like every weekend, or I have the little ones home with me while the Wife is out farting around.

Modifying, prepping, painting, a replacement frame and swapping it out one for one is more convenient I think.

Here are a few pictures from Sunday's work. I only had a few hours to do something, Saturday had me on the river fixing my cousins boat, (305 cid chevy)., so no work on the car.

Tacked in and fitted, now to TIG it in.







All welded in and ground smooth 🙂



Now to fix the rot at the upper rear jamb area I posted a picture of. That may turn out to be a PITA. 🙁

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/12/13

Nice job on the sill and pillar, Jim.
You can't beat a nice TIG weld.
Oh, I didn't know you picked up that frame in Maryland. I thought you had a problem communicating with that guy.. Glad to hear
that he came thru.
Sounds like there's not enough hours in a day. :?