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1/24 Monogram '87 Buick Grand National

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  • Member since
    June 2019
  • From: New Jersey, USA
1/24 Monogram '87 Buick Grand National
Posted by mrg149 on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 2:20 PM

Ok...I saw this article about an '87 Buick GNX that was recently found in NJ and they called it "Darth Vader's Ride". As a Star Wars fan, this sent me down a rabbit hole and to the purchase of the kit.

I would like to take this concept of "Darth Vader" to theme my build. I am planning on the all-black colors with some accents in dark red and maybe some silver. Here's what I would like to ask you good folk:

1) What kind of modifications or upgrades would you consider adding? I was thinking some sportier tires and wheel rims (maybe with the Imperial logo). I want to add some things that would look sweet but not turn it into something super-cheesy.

I am interested in hearing what you suggest.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 3:16 PM

The car is pretty Darthy as is

Maybe red under car illumination - kinda light saberish

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    January 2010
Posted by CrashTestDummy on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 4:00 PM

A GNX is a bit different than a GN, so there are parts you'd have to fab up for that to make it accurate.  It would be a cool thing to pull off.  Obvious stuff would be the turbo heat shield with 'GNX' cut into it, GTA 'mesh' wheels, and the torque arm/modified differential cover are all part of the package.  

There are other, more-subtle things you could add, but those, at least, would have someone going "Oh, cool!!!  A GNX!!"

Interesting that GM used that same tag line to introduce the 94 Impala SS!!  Big Smile

G. Beaird,

Pearland, Texas

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Thursday, February 15, 2024 6:36 AM

Aha!

     Having owned a real version of the GNX, I would say you are on the right track! The car is definitely Vaderish!

  • Member since
    June 2019
  • From: New Jersey, USA
Posted by mrg149 on Thursday, February 15, 2024 7:35 AM

keavdog

 

Maybe red under car illumination - kinda light saberish

 

I like that idea. I'm not familiar with how to do electronics but that sounds pretty simple. 2 red LED's, battery pack and a holder. I wonder if you can take a LED tea'light from the dollar store and modify it to work?

  • Member since
    June 2019
  • From: New Jersey, USA
Posted by mrg149 on Thursday, February 15, 2024 7:37 AM

CrashTestDummy

A GNX is a bit different than a GN, so there are parts you'd have to fab up for that to make it accurate.  It would be a cool thing to pull off.  Obvious stuff would be the turbo heat shield with 'GNX' cut into it, GTA 'mesh' wheels, and the torque arm/modified differential cover are all part of the package.  

There are other, more-subtle things you could add, but those, at least, would have someone going "Oh, cool!!!  A GNX!!"

Interesting that GM used that same tag line to introduce the 94 Impala SS!!  Big Smile

 

 

I'm not sure what all those words meant but the kit is a 2-in-1 with options to build the GNX...which I plan to do.Big Smile

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Thursday, February 15, 2024 8:41 AM

You can find everything you need here - I've heard good things about this sight

https://evandesigns.com/

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Friday, February 16, 2024 9:50 AM

Aside from the visual differences in the cars like wheels and fenders, they have different engines as well. Grand Nationals use the Buick v6 and the GNX used the Olds V6. The GNX was much nastier and they only made 547 in 1987 (its only year). The Grand National was made for several years with over 20K made in 1987 alone. Both are iconic and building both is a must. The kit does a decent job between the two and I look forward to your build.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Monday, February 19, 2024 1:26 PM

Hi !

         I have seen this car with Yellow, Red and Dayglow Green trim. Ya know, fiddly bits and the rim edges. Mine I kept All Black! Why? Well, outside of my 57, 58 and 63 Chevies, I don't think G.M. made a absolutely More gorgeous auto. Everything was just right, in my opinion. I had a friend who had the first year OLDSMOBILE with that body style and he just loved it!

         I think, You build what you want! We'll enjoy seeing it anyway! Just think,get another then build both ways. You'll have the Tire shredder and it's sedate cousin! Neat looking pair to light up underneath with Red L.E.D.s!!

  • Member since
    June 2019
  • From: New Jersey, USA
Posted by mrg149 on Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:25 PM

Tanker-Builder

Hi !

         I have seen this car with Yellow, Red and Dayglow Green trim. Ya know, fiddly bits and the rim edges. Mine I kept All Black! Why? Well, outside of my 57, 58 and 63 Chevies, I don't think G.M. made a absolutely More gorgeous auto. Everything was just right, in my opinion. I had a friend who had the first year OLDSMOBILE with that body style and he just loved it!

         I think, You build what you want! We'll enjoy seeing it anyway! Just think,get another then build both ways. You'll have the Tire shredder and it's sedate cousin! Neat looking pair to light up underneath with Red L.E.D.s!!

 

sadly my order had to be canceled :-(

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