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

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Jack,
That is a good idea on the hinges. I'll be taking mine apart so i can blast them and paint/plasti-dip them black. I'll look into your tip for the bushings and see how it turns out. 😀

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Jim,
I didn't even consider using Plasti-Dip on the hinges. That's a great idea, and we all know how the hinge bases rust out. I've replaced at least one set of hinge bases over the years. The sheet metal half is hidden under the rubber seal and tends to rust out due to the crud that gets trapped under the rubber. The pot metal pieces last a long time. However, the screw threads can become stripped easily and the chrome finish dies over time. I've also had to re-drill and tap a set of hinges, and used a slightly deeper, oversize bolt. The factory bolts are a bit shallow, and not too much thread on them.

I may end up unbolting the hinges and Plasti-dip them. 🙂

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

You are right about that Jack. Mine are all rusty also, so is the handle for the glass. I figured I would blast them with some aluminum oxide, then plasti-dip the hinges and handle. I tried painting them before, but especially with the handle, the paint wears off over time. And since I am using the Mo-parts minivan weather stripping in the back, that rubber flap is not there to cover the hinges. I still haven't bought a can of it yet. I have a few things that I think would be great to use the stuff on, those hinges and glass handle included.

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Jim,
I had painted my hinges and rear hatch handle with SEM trim black. I'll see how they hold up over time.
Second thought, once the headliner and perimeter trim is back up, I won't want to take it apart again...mainly because I wouldn't want to break the trim clips.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Jack, I have used the SEM on some things, it always started to get chalky on me over time. But that was years ago, so it may have a better formula?

As far as the car. I got some metal bent, blasted, zinc primed and tacked in. Almost out of Argon though for the TIG 😢 . Been doing allot of little side projects for people in work welding. I'll use that money to get the gas refilled, and buy more tungsten. I also have to replace the transmission in the wife's 2001 Venture this weekend, so I don't expect to get a good deal done on the wagon. 🙁

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Well, no new update on the wagon. 🙁 I had to replace the transmission in the wifes '01 venture, bought a used on and it is bad. :evil: Have to yank it again! Had side work on the neighbors tahoe, calpers, rotors, brake lines, problems, lol. Some side work welding. Hopefully I can get back into it on Sunday/Monday.

 

[gearhedjon]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

When I built my wagon, I found the S10 hatch handle was the same as well as the tailgate lock assembly. The chrome one like our wagons had is now discontinued but you can still get the black one. The hatch handle is still available as well. On my 81 Century I replaced the flat hood with a early 78-80 turbo coupe hood. All body lines line up.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Still nothing new. Nothing but unplanned side work and repairs. BMW 325i a/c compressor, recharge, water pump, t-stat. I'll be building my neighbors garage soon (need the cash). Bills, ughh. I hope to raise some cash for the glass hood. front and rear bumper, and front spoiler/air damn.

We'll see! I am going to upload a few pics of my brother 79 Monte I have been giving him a hand getting together.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Here is is, One of my little brothers hot rods. The first three were right after we fit the decklid on. He did all the paint and body. the interior will be black. This is a low mileage car, original V8. Fully loaded. It will be getting some drop springs to get the rear down and get rid of the stink bug stance.






The hood is a on off steel cowl hood.(4")

 

[Blake442]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 8/27/13

Your brothers Monte looks great!