Passing the reins to our Grandson

[bigjake]

Our Grandson is old enough to start driving our old Regal. In this picture, his father is installing new tires. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-7154-40570-regal.jpg

[Postsedan]

3rd generation Dykstra.....very cool :-)

Hope you are munching on those yummy home made Chocolate Chip Cookies <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[Xplantdad]

<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 <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan </div></div>

Those cookies were REALLY good! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[RPOLS3]

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.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40721-img_2655.jpg


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40719-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.


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40717-img_2656.jpg

New tires on newer wheels - happy so far.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40718-img_2658.jpg

[RPOLS3]

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.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40722-img_2662.jpg

Lots of opportunities for him to learn.

Here is the finished product.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40723-img_2665.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40724-img_2666.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-6195-40725-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.

[Craig_Maiorana]

I'm in love. I love those turbo Buick of all flavors.

[RPOLS3]

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.

[napa68]

<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!

[Craig_Maiorana]

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.

[dykstra]

This summer is going to be awesome!! More boost!

[mockingbird812]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif that's a nice story!!!

[markinnaples]

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???

[bigjake]

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 &quot;Kick ass&quot; 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!

[SmallHurst]

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!!!

[NoYenko]

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

[olredalert]

----I expect Jake #10 will keep up the tradition!!!.....Bill S

[bashton]

I would like to extend a personal invitation to &quot;Jake #10&quot; 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

[dykstra]

<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 &quot;Jake #10&quot; 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!!

[RPOLS3]

<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 &quot;Jake #10&quot; 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.

[bigjake]

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 (http://www.dykstramotorsports.weebly.com)

The automotive history of the Dykstra family.

[bashton]

<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 &quot;Jake #10&quot; 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. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif

Bashton

[bigjake]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/03/full-7154-41418-dscn2353.jpg

[NoYenko]

Nice picture, Jake, Jake,&amp; Jake

[olredalert]

----Left to right, 9, 10, 8!!!.......Bill S

[dykstra]

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

[RPOLS3]

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 &quot;Day 2&quot; 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....

[Xplantdad]

You go...Jake(s)! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Frank Mc]

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

[RPOLS3]

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.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47238-img_3209.jpg

[markinnaples]

Love that car

[RPOLS3]

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.

[Xplantdad]

Looks good!!

[scuncio]

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.

[bigjake]

<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.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47238-img_3209.jpg
</div></div>
Great seeing the Regal! Oh, and by the way....we caught 75 Blue Gills that morning!

[RPOLS3]

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.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47965-img_2790.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47966-img_2788.jpg

[RPOLS3]

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
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47967-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.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47968-img_3267.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47969-img_3268.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47970-img_3271.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/08/full-6195-47971-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.

[olredalert]

----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

[RPOLS3]

<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.

[bigjake]

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, &quot;I'll build you a trans that you cannot hurt&quot;! 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!

[RPOLS3]

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.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/09/full-6195-49498-img_3399.jpg

Alignment at the corner of the headlight bezel not the best but there is no real adjustment.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/09/full-6195-49499-img_3398.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/09/full-6195-49500-img_3403.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/09/full-6195-49501-img_3401.jpg

[markinnaples]

Looks great.

[olredalert]

----Cant wait to see it in person, Jake!.....Bill S

[Xplantdad]

Looks great...and the Dykstra's make awesome chocolate chip cookies!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[bigjake]

Here we are at the MCACN show!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-7154-52310-mcacn_regal.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Awesome!!

[napa68]

We could say he had an &quot;uplifting&quot; time!

[RPOLS3]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We could say he had an &quot;uplifting&quot; time! </div></div>

HA! Yes

Jacob won the Triton 4 post lift.

Funny story.......when we were leaving the building Saturday night we ran into Bob Ashton and as we were finishing up our conversation he looked at Jacob and said make sure you register for the lift give away in the lobby (Thanks Bob!). As he was signing up for that I ran into Dave (A12pilot) and had a nice conversation. On Sunday afternoon Dan Vasic told us to swing by the Awards ceremony - which we did but ended up leaving after about 10 minutes as we did not enter the car for any judging and he had some homework he needed to complete back at the car. The guy with the car next to ours came back and said they did the drawing for the lift and picked Jacob's name! Lucky kid!

[RPOLS3]

We had the car all cleaned up Friday morning and about 30 minutes before we were going to leave it started raining (I know......we should have left earlier but it didn't happen) We decided to wait it out and take our chances. We waited about 3 hours and decided to go and try and beat the traffic before dark knowing we'd probably get wet - made it to within 10 miles before the roads were wet - oh well

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-6195-52392-img_3536.jpg

Staging lanes - more rain

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-6195-52393-img_3537.jpg

Jacob won a Shining Star award

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-6195-52395-img_3551.jpg

[RPOLS3]

Car all cleaned up again - original Owner and current Owner. My brother had new Dykstra Motorsports shirts made for the event.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-6195-52404-dsc_0113_small.jpg

[olredalert]

----BIG congrats to Jacob and the whole Dykstra family. What a weekend you all had. Bet that lift will come in handy! And,,,a special thanks to Jake seniors wonderful wife, Birdie, for keeping me well fed during the show. Best chocolate chip cookies anywhere, and terrific sandwiches......Bill S

[dykstra]

Thanks Bill. It was great seeing you. By the way, Jan's car looked gorgeous as usual!!



Regards,
Dave

[SmallHurst]

Good looking tires!!! Great to see this beautiful car! Lucky young man!

[RPOLS3]

So - for those that did not know - Jacob won the Titan lift they were giving away to a youngster at the MCACN show this year (Thanks Bob Ashton for the heads up on our way out Saturday evening). Since we drove the car there we had no way to get the disassembled lift home with us. The ceilings in our garage are a bit too low to use the lift so on the ride home from the show Jacob decided that we should install it at Grandpa Jake's house. Grandpa Jake also happened to have a neighbor with a box truck large enough to fit the parts and pieces of the lift in - and by 11 AM Monday morning everything was back in Dad's garage waiting to be assembled. We arranged for the garage door tracks to be changed and a new operator installed to clear the lift and since we all had some time off for the holidays we met there last week and put it all together.

Dad had everything laid out when we got there - doing some strategizing on our game plan

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55428-dscn2651.jpg

A &quot;before&quot; picture

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55429-dscn2652.jpg

In about 45 minutes we were able to get the framework completed

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55430-dscn2653.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55431-dscn2659.jpg

Measuring to make sure the cables are all adjusted properly

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55432-dscn2663.jpg

The 409 will reside here most of the time - maybe we can park the Turbo Regal underneath next winter.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55433-dscn2677.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55434-img_1346.jpg

Done except the installation of the concrete anchors - we wanted to verify we had all the clearances we needed on all 4 sides before we anchored it down.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2017/01/full-6195-55435-dscn2679.jpg

It took about 4 hours for the 4 of use to assemble the lift - none of us had ever done one before.

Thank you Titan and MCACN!

[Xplantdad]

Way cool....congrats!

[olredalert]

----Motley looking crew!!!......Bill S

[napa68]

Big cars sure do make a garage look small in a hurry!

Great job guys!

[RPOLS3]

Over the winter we fixed a few items - first up was a small leak in the radiator at one of the seams. Local radiator shop was able to take care of the leak.

[RPOLS3]

Next up was the turn signal stalk - a member here had an NOS one for sale that we bought and installed to replace the old one that the lettering had worn off one and was having some issues activating the wipers.

[olredalert]

Next up was the turn signal stalk - a member here had an NOS one for sale that we bought and installed to replace the old one that the lettering had worn off one and was having some issues activating the wipers.

----All my long termers have the same problem. Learned to carefully cut a clear piece of tape to size and cover up the letters. It works!.......Bill S

[RPOLS3]

2 weeks ago the weather was nice and warm here so we took everything out of the garage and to do some spring clean up. Roads were clean and dry so everything got started up and taken for a ride - great time to test the radiator repair (no leaks). In addition to a dead battery on my Chevelle we found out the power antennae puked on the Regal - when we pulled it in the garage at the end of the day the power antenna motor would not stop running and the antennae would not go all the way down. Disconnected the battery and did a quick google search to realize the plastic cable probably failed.

Dennis Kirban offers a rebuild service for your original unit rather than installing a generic replacement - so that's what we did. Highly recommend buying the removal instructions, saved a ton of time. Here are the pictures from the removal. Sent out the old one this morning, hoping to have back in a week or so.

[RPOLS3]

While we had the fender on the passenger side loosened up to remove the antenna it was a good time to fix some cosmetic issues that have badgered us for a while. About 20 years ago Dad had new rust free doors installed (the rest of the car is remarkably rust free). When the shop painted them they got some overspray on the forward jamb pieces. A little light wire wheel and some mineral spirits made short work of the overspray. Since the passenger side now looked much better we decided to do the driver side as well. Now we are just waiting on the rebuilt antenna to return and hopefully we can enjoy this summer.

[mockingbird812]

Always nice getting a bunch of those nagging small issues behind you. Looking good!

[RPOLS3]

Came home to find the antennae delivered back on Saturday (less than one week turnaround time). Evidently the plastic case was cracked (must have broken in shipment) as they replaced that for no charge.

So our Easter project was to get it installed.

[RPOLS3]

Was able to get everything back installed in short order.

https://youtu.be/F_k6a54D7KM

[RPOLS3]

After we installed the antenna I buffed out the rear quarters and roof/trunk as they had some scratches in the original paint. Then power washed the engine and washed the whole car to get the compound off. After it was dry touched up all the paint chips and waxed it. Finished detailing the door jambs and washed the windows inside and out. Ready for the summer.

[dykstra]

Looks killer!! Great job!!

[RPOLS3]

The Turbo Regals used a Powermaster electric/hydraulic brake system that is prone to problems and unique issues. We had been having an issue with the brake light in the dash coming on briefly when the pedal was initially depressed. Not many shops are willing to work on these systems due to their uniqueness and lack of replacement parts.


After some diagnosis with the help of online forum information we determined it was likely the accumulator that was the issue. Dennis Kirban sells an accurate reproduction of the factory installed accumulator units. The one that was on the car was an over the counter replacement from back in the day.


Replacement is simple, just de-pressurize the system by depressing the brake pedal 10 times with the key off, and then simply unscrew the old one and screw on the new one. We also replaced the brake fluid as advised. *****EDIT 8/13 - test drove and brakes are way better, what a difference, son has been driving it 40 miles each way to work. *****


If you own one of these cars and have not heard of Dennis Kirban, you need to. This is the 3rd or 4th time we have purchased specialized parts from them. Very knowledgeable and reputable people with first class service.

[bigjake]

Birdie and I were on our way to Mt. Emblem Cemetery to visit the family graves. Going east on Grand Ave. there is a Buick dealer on the north side of Grand Ave. We were traveling in our maroon '86 Monte Carlo SS. Birdie hollered out, "Look at that Regal!" There, on an elevated metal stand was this white, '87 turbo Regal! There were balloons attached to the "T" bar billowing in the wind. I turned around and went back to the dealer to take a look at this car that caught Birdie's eye. Looking over the car, I was immediately interested. A salesman came out and we started negotiations to buy the car, only to discover that someone was trying to lease it! Another salesman told us he had someone wanting to buy our '86 Monte Carlo SS! We left the dealer somewhat disappointed. About an hour after we arrived at home, the dealer called and told us the lease deal fell through, and we could buy the car. He made sure to tell us to bring the '86 Monte Carlo, because he had a buyer for it! We went back, and bought the car! The '86 Monte Carlo was sold before we got there. The Regal has been in our family ever since, now Jacob #10 is enjoying it!

[RPOLS3]

Winter project time here as the snow has started to fall already.....The valve cover gaskets have needed replacement on the Regal for some time now. Tackled the passenger side last night as it was leaking the worst and I assume the most difficult side. I don't think Dad ever had the valve covers off this car in over 130k miles - silver cork gaskets still. Bit of a challenge to get everything disconnected and get the valve cover off with the A/C box so close but after about 90 minutes everything was complete. Amazingly clean inside given the age and miles - a testament to regular oil changes and Mobil 1. I'll tackle the other side soon and get a correct breather installed too.

[Crush]

Winter project time here as the snow has started to fall already.....The valve cover gaskets have needed replacement on the Regal for some time now. Tackled the passenger side last night as it was leaking the worst and I assume the most difficult side. I don't think Dad ever had the valve covers off this car in over 130k miles - silver cork gaskets still. Bit of a challenge to get everything disconnected and get the valve cover off with the A/C box so close but after about 90 minutes everything was complete. Amazingly clean inside given the age and miles - a testament to regular oil changes and Mobil 1. I'll tackle the other side soon and get a correct breather installed too.

Nice work. Have you ever sent oil sample to black stone ? I just did recently on one of mine and always appreciate the info..

[RPOLS3]

Nice work. Have you ever sent oil sample to black stone ? I just did recently on one of mine and always appreciate the info..

No - Probably not a bad idea given the miles.....

[GM Powertrain]

This is a great thread and a very enjoyable read. Car looks fantastic especially with the Eagle GT tires and has a great caretaker for it. TR's have always been my kryptonite for over 30 years. Currently have two black Turbo T's in the stable. Original paint 49,000 mile Astroroof car with cornering lamps and the other was a project car for the old GM High Tech Performance Magazine. Your updates/repairs are what we're all are dealing with for years with these cars. A couple suggestions if I may:

Keep an eye on the "Press and Pray' Powermaster braking system. There are other problem areas with them- cheap stock appearing replacement vacuum systems available.
The factory nylon gear timing gear is prone to having teeth break off due to age miles.
Factory valve springs are very weak-many cheap replacements available.
Factory fuel pump is completely inadequate. Many inexpensive replacements available as well as a hot wire kit to ensure enough voltage for the pump.

Love seeing that the car has stayed in the family since new. Continue to enjoy it.

[RPOLS3]

Spent a bit more time on the Regal yesterday. I should have looked through the box of stuff in the basement that came with the car years ago before I bought the new valve cover gaskets.........Dad had spares of about everything you would need. He'd be laughing at my decision to just go buy new vs. looking to see what we had. In addition he had a duplicate of the original breather setup (one from this car day two takeoff and one from a good friends car that was also a day two takeoff). I failed to notice the breather was originally plumbed to the turbo intake plenum. One of his day two mods was to cap the breather intake on the plenum and install an old school chrome breather in the valve cover. I put the original system back on.

I also found a stack of old GSX-tra magazines he saved - this was one of the go-to sources for go fast information on these cars back on the day.

[dykstra]

I remember those magazines!!

[RPOLS3]

One of the original horns failed several years ago........I found a generic used Buick Regal replacement on E-Bay and installed it but saved the original as nobody was rebuilding these "newer" horns at the time. Fast forward to MCACN 2023 and Gary from The Horn Works was in the swap space next to us and is local to me so I dropped the non functioning original off at the beginning of the month and picked it up today.

Kind of hard to see - but it's installed and works great - probably should take the other original one to Gary now as it has something rattling around inside. Thanks to Gary for a job well done.

[RPOLS3]

As a follow up to this - I had Gary do the other horn and installed it, works great. New AC Delco battery installed too and all ready for summer driving season.