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Passing the reins to our Grandson
Our Grandson is old enough to start driving our old Regal. In this picture, his father is installing new tires. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0570-regal.jpg
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
3rd generation Dykstra.....very cool :-)
Hope you are munching on those yummy home made Chocolate Chip Cookies [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Dan |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Postsedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3rd generation Dykstra.....very cool :-)
Hope you are munching on those yummy home made Chocolate Chip Cookies [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Dan </div></div> Those cookies were REALLY good! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img] |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
So, yes - the newest Jake has expressed an interest in driving a muscle car this summer. A little back ground on the car - a 1987 Regal Turbo T-Type. Dad bought it brand new in 1987 and was his daily driver for around 10 years. Like all of his daily drivers it was very well maintained. It also saw regular duty at the drag strip over the years, clicking off consistent mid 13 second passes with very minor mods (chip and trans kit). When my brother and I were in High School we regularly enjoyed driving it and both have many fond memories of fun evenings on the street with it. Fast forward a few more years and Dad relegated the car to sitting in the garage with only occasional drives. My brother and I said the car had too many memories to sell it and Dad did not want to store it any longer so it ended up in my garage with the stipulation that my son could drive it when the time was right. All the time it was in our garage we made it a point to drive it every summer and put enough miles on it to burn through a tank of gas. In addition it was still maintained with regular cleanings and fluid maintenance. Last summer he was able to drive it for the first time with his learners permit and immediately was hooked. He turned 16 last fall and over the winter asked about the possibility of driving the Regal next summer when the weather was nicer (he has a daily driver of his own). He has been taking auto shop class this semester and it has piqued his interest in cars beyond attending shows with Dad and Grandpa. Needless to say I was excited that he was interested.
The Regal had 25+ year old tires on it, so the first order of business was to take care of those. After a quick call to Rusty (Smallhurst) we had a set of the reproduction Eagle GT's. Rusty was great to deal with and we had the tires in short order. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-img_2655.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-img_2654.jpg On Saturday I loaded up the old ones and headed over to a friends shop. We had a spare set of almost NOS wheels so I decided to mount the new tires on the newer wheels. I was hoping to be able to have Jake help with this process so he could learn, but he was out of town on a school DECA trip and baseball season starts this week, and we had a timeline we were trying to keep so I did this part on my own. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-img_2656.jpg New tires on newer wheels - happy so far. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-img_2658.jpg |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
So the next step was to complete some maintenance items like an oil and filter change, chassis lube, fuel filter change, replace the power steering and brake fluid, all before the new wheels and tires were re-installed. This was last nights project.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-img_2662.jpg Lots of opportunities for him to learn. Here is the finished product. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-img_2665.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-img_2666.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-img_2667.jpg We have not driven it with the new setup yet but plan on taking it out over the Easter weekend. We have to move cars around and switch positions in the garage with the Chevelle so it can be taken in and out easier. Updates to follow. |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
I'm in love. I love those turbo Buick of all flavors.
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
For those that are familiar with and driven these cars they can be great fun, but also be a handful for the uninitiated.
In preparation for that we went to the Road America Teen Driving School last summer. I would highly recommend that course for teens as it deals with vehicle dynamics in a very practical way and puts kids behind the wheel in situations where they can experience it. In addition there will be several one on one sessions coming up that explain how the boost affects the way the car reacts to your right foot. |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RPOLS3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For those that are familiar with and driven these cars they can be great fun, but also be a handful for the uninitiated.
In preparation for that we went to the Road America Teen Driving School last summer. I would highly recommend that course for teens as it deals with vehicle dynamics in a very practical way and puts kids behind the wheel in situations where they can experience it. In addition there will be several one on one sessions coming up that explain how the boost affects the way the car reacts to your right foot. </div></div> Great story guys! |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
I agree with that 110% ... I own an 85 with an 87 motor. when I worked for a small shop back east we had picked up an 89 TTA 20th aniv. for those that know these cars had a slightly better breathing LC2 3.8 liter turbo. I made a right turn as it spooled up and needless to say the thing went into hyper fishtail mode for 100 feet.
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
This summer is going to be awesome!! More boost!
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] that's a nice story!!!
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Man, I always loved those T Types, even more than the GN's for their stealthy flavor.
I'm having some trouble with the math though; how are you old enough to have a grandson when you were in high school after 1987??? |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
You are confusing Jake #9 with Jake #8! (There were 10 Jakes). Jake # 10 is the grand son. Jake #8 is 74 years old, Jake #9 is 46, Jake #10 is 16. Clear huh?
This was a "Kick ass" car on the street! It looked like a grandma's car until you got it up on boost! Surprised many a Mustang/Camaro with this car. Drove it hard every day for 10 years! Our two sons took care of the night time duties! |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Those tires look great!!!! If you have any problems, contact me. I will have to say, I can do nothing about reduced rubber levels on the rear tires!!!! Keep me informed on the way everything works for you!!!
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Jake #8,Drove it hard every day for 10 years! Our two sons took care of the night time duties!
Looks like you taught them right!! George |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
----I expect Jake #10 will keep up the tradition!!!.....Bill S
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
I would like to extend a personal invitation to "Jake #10" to join us in our Modern Muscle area for the MCACN show this year.
https://secure.jotform.com/form/50863715637967 Some of you may remember that Jake #10 participated in the show previously with his Schwinn Stingray, so it is only fitting that he carry on the Dykstra tradition with his T-type! Bashton |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bashton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to extend a personal invitation to "Jake #10" to join us in our Modern Muscle area for the MCACN show this year.
https://secure.jotform.com/form/50863715637967 Some of you may remember that Jake #10 participated in the show previously with his Schwinn Stingray, so it is only fitting that he carry on the Dykstra tradition with his T-type! Bashton </div></div> How cool is that!! |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bashton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to extend a personal invitation to "Jake #10" to join us in our Modern Muscle area for the MCACN show this year.
https://secure.jotform.com/form/50863715637967 Some of you may remember that Jake #10 participated in the show previously with his Schwinn Stingray, so it is only fitting that he carry on the Dykstra tradition with his T-type! Bashton </div></div> Thanks for the personal offer Bob! I must say that MCACN is one of the reasons #10 has taken a greater interest in our hobby. He has been to several of the shows and looks forward to it every year. |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
This is quite the honor for a 16 year old gear head. He knows the procedure, having been a participant with his Schwinn, and his fathers Chevelle, and his Grandfathers '62 Impala 409/409! The Dykstra tradition continues!
Visit www.dykstramotorsports.weebly.com The automotive history of the Dykstra family. |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dykstra</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bashton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to extend a personal invitation to "Jake #10" to join us in our Modern Muscle area for the MCACN show this year.
https://secure.jotform.com/form/50863715637967 Some of you may remember that Jake #10 participated in the show previously with his Schwinn Stingray, so it is only fitting that he carry on the Dykstra tradition with his T-type! Bashton </div></div> How cool is that!! </div></div> I am pleased to announce that the young Mr. Dykstra has accepted my invitation and is now officially registered. Let's all make a point of stopping by his T-type and shaking his hand at the show. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img] Bashton |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Nice picture, Jake, Jake,& Jake
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
----Left to right, 9, 10, 8!!!.......Bill S
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Moe, Larry And Curley!!!LOL
It's still hard to imagine that the Turbo Regal has antique vehicle plates. The car looks great, Jakes! Dave Dykstra |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Update on things........
Before our annual Good Friday trip this year to Mom and Dad's we did some more work. The car had some high performance "Day 2" spark plug wires. In addition to being almost 30 years old they were red and stuck out like a sore thumb on an otherwise mostly stock under hood setup, so a new set of replacement AC Delco wires were ordered. They showed up Friday morning and I figured we could try and get them on before we left. Since the wires were going to be replaced I thought it would be a good idea to replace the spark plugs too. Back in the day Dad bought spares of almost everything so there were some new AC Delco plugs in the parts bins and those went in along with the new wires in time for us to leave and take the car with all of the improvements on its 2016 first run. It ran very well and everything worked perfectly on the 110 mile round trip. These cars have flexible soft plastic/rubber bumper filler inserts and over time they start to decay and literally fall apart when touched. We first noticed this several years ago and chose to leave the originals in place. The drivers rear side is getting really bad and needs to be replaced - it can't be justified as survivor quality any longer since 2/3 of it is missing. The other 3 sides are not too far behind. I noticed the Parts Place sells the pliable reproductions and coincidently I had a meeting on a project we are finishing up about 5 miles from there. I stopped in and they had a set of fronts and rears in stock so they came home with me. Now to get them painted with the correct flexible additive and then installed on the car. Hopefully they fit well. Stay tuned.... |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
You go...Jake(s)! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
The car looks great. I always liked seeing that car in the Dykstra driveway. One of the reasons I eventually bought one.
It might be best to keep Uncle Dave from getting behind the wheel and showing the youngster a few bad habits. -Butch |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
We have not been able to find time to put some miles on the car since we did all the work in the spring - so this morning bright and early Jacob took it and headed south on his own to do some fishing with his Grandpa. It was a beautiful morning here to take a drive with the T-Tops out.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-img_3209.jpg |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Love that car
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
The last thing we need to do to the car prior to MCACN is replace the bumper fillers (between the body and the bumper) that have deteriorated and fallen apart over the years. We have the replacements in hand and they just need to be painted and installed. Jacob is trying to negotiate with the body shop Owner who is our neighbor to swap out some lawn mowing time for the paint work.
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Looks good!!
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
That's great to see your son take an interest in these cars. The Turbo Buicks were king when I was in HS and I've always loved them.
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RPOLS3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We have not been able to find time to put some miles on the car since we did all the work in the spring - so this morning bright and early Jacob took it and headed south on his own to do some fishing with his Grandpa. It was a beautiful morning here to take a drive with the T-Tops out.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-img_3209.jpg </div></div> Great seeing the Regal! Oh, and by the way....we caught 75 Blue Gills that morning! |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
Forgot to post these pictures from earlier in the summer. Steam cleaned the carpet and seats on a nice breezy warm day. Working on our checklist of items for MCACN preparation this fall.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-img_2790.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-img_2788.jpg |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
One of the last large items on the MCACN to do list is to replace the original bumper filler panels on the car. 3 of the 4 are literally falling off the car and the 4th is not too far behind.
Was able to find some of the hard rubber reproductions from The Parts Place https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...967-image1.jpg Our next door neighbor owns a body shop and is helping us with the painting part. Jacob has been swapping out labor by mowing his lawn in return for the painting work. We are doing all of the disassembly and reassembly in our garage. Friday night we took everything apart and test fit the new pieces to make sure there was no major surgery required. New bumper fillers in place, test fit. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-img_3267.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-img_3268.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-img_3271.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-img_3272.jpg Our neighbor brought over his paint match camera yesterday and took a few shots. Plan is to bring home a test panel tonight to make sure it matches and then take the pieces with him to paint. Hoping to be doing resassembly this coming weekend if everything goes right. |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
----Jake,,,You have to have a story board that states the mileage. No one will believe the odometer after looking at the car. If you didn't know it already the Dykstras are a fastidious bunch!!!......Bill S
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: olredalert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">----Jake,,,You have to have a story board that states the mileage. No one will believe the odometer after looking at the car. If you didn't know it already the Dykstras are a fastidious bunch!!!......Bill S </div></div>
Thanks Bill! It has somewhere well north of 100k miles on it - remember it was a daily driver for many, many years - in Chicago winters to boot. Interior, underhood, trunk, and chassis are all original to the car virtually untouched. Paint is original other than the hood and doors. The engine has never been apart, including the turbo. I don't think the valve covers have ever been off the car. The transmission - now that's another story as they were the weak link in these cars. It still drives really well and everything works including the A/C. |
Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
That car never saw the inside of a garage for 21 years! When we handed it over to Jacob, in 2006, it had at least 130,000 miles. The trans in it now, is the 3rd rebuild of the original trans. I had a friend from our car club, who did only Buick Turbo cars. He rebuilt the original trans, and that lasted about a year. I took it back to him, and he said, "I'll build you a trans that you cannot hurt"! That's the trans that's in it now. Consider this...every Tuesday, Wednesday, and some Friday nights, during the summer months, that car and our son Dave's '68 Camaro were regulars at Union Grove Drag strip.......FOR THREE YEARS!!! We drove them up there, and raced them all night (8-10 passes) and drove 'em back home...a distance of 74 miles each way....never broke down, never overheated!
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Re: Passing the reins to our Grandson
The bumper fillers came back from the body shop on Sunday - so we decided to put everything together Sunday afternoon. All that is left prior to MCACN is to enjoy driving it a little and one final clean up.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-img_3399.jpg Alignment at the corner of the headlight bezel not the best but there is no real adjustment. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-img_3398.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-img_3403.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-img_3401.jpg |
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