The Limited

[TexasT]

I've been a Turbo Regal owner for over half of my life. I bought one new and have had a few that came before and after that one. I love the OG one I bought new but it sustained an "injury" to the rear quarter and that is where the story kind spiraled out of control.





On the side of the road after the lady inflicted the damage. I was crushed and knew some day it would get hurt as I love to drive it and would still be doing that today if this hadn't occurred. I didn't trust it to be towed so the wife came and got me and we got it up on the trailer and took it home.





A buddy told me about a Limited the needed some love. The owner had taken it apart and sold the drivetrain to do an LS swap. Then I'm not sure how the story went but I expressed interest but wasn't really ready to pull the trigger. We will re enter that sagga a little later in the post. Either way we went to take a look. I even brought the wife along and she knew how this little project spun me up. So a hand shake that I wanted it but seller wasn't in a hurry so we left it at that. Who wouldn't want a body sitting on a stack of pallets, the frame zip ties to the wall and a bunch of parts that were obviously incomplete?



I found a roller in Kansas that looked like a candidate that I could use the rolling chassis to get that Limited, a quarter to cut off and use on the OG and an 8.5 Rear end for the limited project and interior pieces. Yep, It turned into a poor decision but who doesn't LOVE a road trip with a buddy and your son to three states away to spend money questionably?



Yep, it has become a shelf in the garage. Oh well, I still dream big.










Then another buddy posted up his wife wanted this unit out of her back yard so we jumped in the truck, hooked up the trailer and got it squared away. It produced the frame to get that Limited on, a pair of quarters and doors, some floor pans and other places that rust out to pass on to others. Had to give that rear end back to the seller but was glad he let us use it to move that carcass.




















Back to the Limited activity. The building owner called me and said the car/shop guy had left town and he was cleaning out that building so he could rent it out again and had a new renter lined up so that car had to go. So I got that frame from the one we cut up rolling with some old rear control arms and an A body 8.5 I have for the GS so it could be rolling. Got her loaded up on the trailer and went a few cities over to see about this unit. I'm super glad I have several friends that were free and gave their time to go get that Limited. I also got an engine block(a 109 for those who know what that is in TR jargon), a bunch of other parts and such and the bare frame on my trailer. My buddy who helped get that 1986 roller brought his new trailer and that Limited rolled out into the sunlight for the first time in over twenty yrs(acording to the windshield sticker) .. .

Got it home and unloaded the frame, got it on stands and have been getting the front suspension figured out. I want to get the fuel and brake lines run so I can swap this original frame back under the body. I want to use that rolling frame to replace the bent frame on the OG car. Lots of work but I am weird about numbers stuff for some reason. Not sure why. Doesn't really matter I guess.

I'll update as more progress takes place.

[Uncle Buck]

Cool story, I wish you the the greatest success with your project.

[goodfellow]

Fan-friggin'-tastic. Great project, and thanks for the story and the pics.

Good luck!

[GENEG]

I'm impressed by your dedication also! I'll follow your progress with the story. 

I've owned turbocharged & supercharged Buicks for 2/3 of my life.  My first new car was a 1979 Regal Sport Coupe.  I ordered it on the day I got married.  It was an A body then, now G bodies.  Quadrajet 3.8 with turbo & spark management.  Actually pretty simple.  Sadly, body issues killed it.  It got hit 3 times, had a full Imron repaint, but ultimately body & frame rust got it. Ended up with +/- 170,000 miles. I'd buy another just like it today without hesitation.

Second new Turbo Buick- 1987 Grand National.  SFI intercooled 3.8 moonroof all options except digital dash & power seat. Still have it  113,000 miles.  Needs paint, but still fun to own & drive.

Third & forth- 2 1999 Riviera's out of the 1954 that were made.  Supercharged 3800.  I actually wanted a Silver Arrow, but was never able to connect with one of the 200 produced.