1986 Laser XT Resto - Winnipeg, MB

[OneOfMany]

So it begins. I'm a Mopar guy through and through, A-bodies in particular. However, I've loved this car since I bought it, and it is time to get it on the road. I was referred here by Tony Fields and 1966 DartWagon from the A-body site I frequent. After all, G-bodies don't get any respect there. After spending a couple of days here, and PMing a couple of members, I would like to share my restoration/refreshing with you all.

I purchased by XT in 1990 while residing in British Columbia, Canada. I had been searching for this particular model after seeing a two-page ad for it in a copy of Car & Driver.

The car as delivered was in the standard Flash Red, with the "pizza" rims, 2.2l Turbo I, 5 speed, T-tops, and Mark Cross leather interior. It had been repainted on the driver side due to a slight hit on the fender, but was straight and overall very clean.

I enjoyed driving the car for the next three years, and bumped the kilometreage from around 70,000km to just shy of 120,000. During that time, I replaced the timing belt, water pump, clutch cable, and differential gears.

I also had to weld the front rad cradle where it meets the front framerail as it cracked when my front mount disintegrated and stressed the joint. Sometime after this, the d/s rear fender bolt snapped, which I found out when I opened the door from the inside crumpling the fender :(.

I drove the car back to Winnipeg when I moved back in 1993, put it on the road for the summer of 95, and after a month of driving I sheared the d/s inner CV joint.

I decided there and then that it would not be put on the road until the fender was replaced, and the mismatched paint was redone. I started removing the body panels and trim, and started sanding the body down to get to original paint/metal.

Well, a lot happened. I got married, had a beautiful daughter, and bought an old school to reside in (can you say renos?). I parked her in a garage on my property, sprayed some zinc over any exposed steel, and put her away for a future day.

Fifteen years later, this year lol, I got the go ahead to get her back on the road as a summer driver. Hey, every middle-aged guy needs a red "convertible" (so I told my wife). I proceeded to pull the drivetrain, pulled and cleaned/checked/rewrapped the wiring harness, then threw on my wife's PT snow tires and loaded her up on the flatdeck for the paint. They are going to remove the K-member and blast/paint it, replace the lower control arm bushings and detail the rack. Hopefully, I will have the engine refreshed in a timely manner, and detail it, drop it in and get the engine bay back together. Then it will be back to the paint shop for exterior paint and re-assembly of the body.

Plan is to go back stock. I know, I know.. my brother is hopping his TSi right now, but I just want it back to showroom new. For now ;P

As soon as I figure out how, I'll post or link some pics.

Grant

[2POINT5TURBO]

So it begins. I'm a Mopar guy through and through, A-bodies in particular. However, I've loved this car since I bought it, and it is time to get it on the road. I was referred here by Tony Fields and 1966 DartWagon from the A-body site I frequent. After all, G-bodies don't get any respect there. After spending a couple of days here, and PMing a couple of members, I would like to share my restoration/refreshing with you all.

I purchased by XT in 1990 while residing in British Columbia, Canada. I had been searching for this particular model after seeing a two-page ad for it in a copy of Car & Driver.

The car as delivered was in the standard Flash Red, with the "pizza" rims, 2.2l Turbo I, 5 speed, T-tops, and Mark Cross leather interior. It had been repainted on the driver side due to a slight hit on the fender, but was straight and overall very clean.

I enjoyed driving the car for the next three years, and bumped the kilometreage from around 70,000km to just shy of 120,000. During that time, I replaced the timing belt, water pump, clutch cable, and differential gears.

I also had to weld the front rad cradle where it meets the front framerail as it cracked when my front mount disintegrated and stressed the joint. Sometime after this, the d/s rear fender bolt snapped, which I found out when I opened the door from the inside crumpling the fender :(.

I drove the car back to Winnipeg when I moved back in 1993, put it on the road for the summer of 95, and after a month of driving I sheared the d/s inner CV joint.

I decided there and then that it would not be put on the road until the fender was replaced, and the mismatched paint was redone. I started removing the body panels and trim, and started sanding the body down to get to original paint/metal.

Well, a lot happened. I got married, had a beautiful daughter, and bought an old school to reside in (can you say renos?). I parked her in a garage on my property, sprayed some zinc over any exposed steel, and put her away for a future day.

Fifteen years later, this year lol, I got the go ahead to get her back on the road as a summer driver. Hey, every middle-aged guy needs a red "convertible" (so I told my wife). I proceeded to pull the drivetrain, pulled and cleaned/checked/rewrapped the wiring harness, then threw on my wife's PT snow tires and loaded her up on the flatdeck for the paint. They are going to remove the K-member and blast/paint it, replace the lower control arm bushings and detail the rack. Hopefully, I will have the engine refreshed in a timely manner, and detail it, drop it in and get the engine bay back together. Then it will be back to the paint shop for exterior paint and re-assembly of the body.

Plan is to go back stock. I know, I know.. my brother is hopping his TSi right now, but I just want it back to showroom new. For now ;P

As soon as I figure out how, I'll post or link some pics.

Grant

This sounds great Grant I for sure look forward to seeing this baby. My first car was a 1984 Laser, Wish i had some pics to share.

I cant wait to see yours!

[CDNTurboZ]

Do you live just off of main Street? I know there was a red t-top xt sitting for many years over there... (kinda near Leila)

[2POINT5TURBO]

no not me, never seen that xt around I know of one by the gas station on mcphilips and selkirk

[butchsuppe]

Welcome to TM, I too have a Laser XT. Not much of it is original. It's been my DD for almost 15 yrs. Plans are being buried in it after I kick the bucket. :thumb:

[Turbulence]

Another Winnipeger! I was born and raised there, family is all still there so we visit often. I'm in Saskatoon now. I't nice having the drag strip only 15 minutes away.

What part of Wpg is you school/house?

Nice to see another old tm being restored.

Martin
89 horizon

[OneOfMany]

Thanks for the welcome. No, that car is not mine, however I just met a fellow this spring from the A-body forum that I frequent, and after I posted about redoing my XT, he phones me to tell me has had one since new! Same as mine. And yes, that is where he lives. Small world or what?

Grant

[BadAssPerformance]

So it begins. I'm a Mopar guy through and through, A-bodies in particular. However, I've loved this car since I bought it, and it is time to get it on the road. I was referred here by Tony Fields and 1966 DartWagon from the A-body site I frequent. After all, G-bodies don't get any respect there. After spending a couple of days here, and PMing a couple of members, I would like to share my restoration/refreshing with you all.

Welcome to T-M! :)

We got all the G-Body love here! :love:

[CDNTurboZ]

Thanks for the welcome. No, that car is not mine, however I just met a fellow this spring from the A-body forum that I frequent, and after I posted about redoing my XT, he phones me to tell me has had one since new! Same as mine. And yes, that is where he lives. Small world or what?

Grant

Haha indeed it is, I really have to get a gbody again I miss my Turbo Z... I remember about 4-5 years back looking at a nice red xt in bird's hill for sale should have picked it up, but I had too many cars back then.

I am heading out to my parents house tonight I'll see if I have any gbody stuff left that you can have for free. Too bad you weren't around a few years ago I used to have ALOT of first gen stuff I ended up throwing away.

[turbokid]

Wow sounds like a great story. I bought my laser 2 years ago (2.2 auto, xt, t-tops, leather, and red). I still havent gotten it running but eh it will be fun when I do. Good luck!

[86seeS]

i love xt"s my first car was a flash red 86 lazer xt! power everything, cloth int. t-tops but it was an automatic car.... good luck with the build post a lot of pics not many people doing lazers

[TheCanadian007]

Nice to see another local TM owner! Welcome to the boards! I shall look forward to seeing your vehicle in person :D

[OneOfMany]

OK. Searched around and figured out how to post attachments :). I'm in.

Here she is after 15 years of hibernation.

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Gotta love the paw prints

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Engine bay has already seen a little disassembly

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Engine and trans are finally separated from the body, and working their way out

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[OneOfMany]

First time she's seen the sun in a while. I think she thought I forgot about her.

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[OneOfMany]

Took some pics of the body. Still solid so I'm happy!!

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[OneOfMany]

We both waved goodbye to each other

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And with a smile on both our faces, we loaded her up, and sent her out.

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Grant

[raccoon]

i bet there are soooo many daytonas stashed away.

[2POINT5TURBO]

i bet there are soooo many daytonas stashed away.

Not that many.


by the way great pics I cant wait to see her done and driving.

[86seeS]

keep the pics comin!!!

[OneOfMany]

Thanks for the kind words guys! Spent a couple of hours on the phone with Rob (shadow) on Saturday and he's gonna go through my drivetrain and get her running sweet. I know deep down he's wanting to make a sub-12sec car for me, but I'm just interested in a sweet cruiser :). Gonna make the out of town trek to drop it off tomorrow, and just finished loading the motor and trans into the old truck - actually Caravan. Will have to take some pics of it for the "before" shots in the AM.

Grant

[Shadow]

Thanks for the kind words guys! Spent a couple of hours on the phone with Rob (shadow) on Saturday and he's gonna go through my drivetrain and get her running sweet. I know deep down he's wanting to make a sub-12sec car for me, but I'm just interested in a sweet cruiser :). Gonna make the out of town trek to drop it off tomorrow, and just finished loading the motor and trans into the old truck - actually Caravan. Will have to take some pics of it for the "before" shots in the AM.

Grant

Was great talking with you on the wknd. Looks like a Real solid body to start with! (which is half the battle right there) No worries on the "potential build" talk, just wanted to make sure you weren't going to go through this twice! (or more than twice for that matter!)

Look forward to meeting you tomorrow and to seeing another TD cruising around MB!

[2POINT5TURBO]

I am getting pumped up GUYS!

Might I suggest a full TURBO 2 and 88-89 electronics conversion it will save you much hassle down the road.

[Shadow]

I am getting pumped up GUYS!

Might I suggest a full TUROB 2 and 88-89 electronics conversion it will save you much hassle down the road.

LOL, here we go! :D

[2POINT5TURBO]

LOL, here we go! :D

Well it would help he wouldn't be held back with the 7 psi and the 9 psi over boost when the gas is hammered all the way down on the 84-86 electronic setup. He could run 14 psi with the right fuel and have a very decent 200+ hp daily driver.:D

Not sure if I remember right but my laser xt when hammered down would hit 7 psi then work its way up to 9 psi and then cut out to 7 psi and then I could hammer the gas again back to 9 psi.

I think the best bet would be to go full Turbo 2 setup the intercooler alone would make a world of difference.

ps Rob I am still looking for the Scanner Fix haha :confused2:

[Shadow]

Well it would help he wouldn't be held back with the 7 psi and the 9 psi over boost when the gas is hammered all the way down on the 84-86 electronic setup. He could run 14 psi with the right fuel and have a very decent 200+ hp daily driver.:D

Not sure if I remember right but my laser xt when hammered down would hit 7 psi then work its way up to 9 psi and then cut out to 7 psi and then I could hammer the gas again back to 9 psi.

I think the best bet would be to go full Turbo 2 setup the intercooler alone would make a world of difference.

ps Rob I am still looking for the Scanner Fix haha :confused2:

I was laughing because we (Grant and myself) already discussed all of his options including this one. He knows what he wants and what he doesn't want, but I think he'll get a kick out of your enthusiasm! :thumb:

[OneOfMany]

Dang you Nick.. you're making it really hard to stick with my original plan.. really really hard

Grant

[2POINT5TURBO]

I was laughing because we (Grant and myself) already discussed all of his options including this one. He knows what he wants and what he doesn't want, but I think he'll get a kick out of your enthusiasm! :thumb:

well a 50 trim would be good too :P


Dang you Nick.. you're making it really hard to stick with my original plan.. really really hard

Grant

I think going the stock turbo 2 package is the best bet if you want a sweet stock ride. But thats just my two cents Grant, what ever way you choose to build your ride is the best way. I just get over excited lol when it comes to these cars lol.:D:thumb:

[OneOfMany]

Well, motor has been dropped off with shadow, and I know it's in good hands.

Thanks to 2POINT5TURBO it looks like a little updating is in it's future. Nothing crazy, but like I told my wife.. the mods will get me better gas mileage :rolleyes:

Off the cherry picker and into her custom engine box lol..

21987

Yep, the old Caravan has done her share of truck duty..

21988

By the way Nick, got a chance to see your baby in the back. Looks real nice under the hood, and as far as the body work.. it's in great hands. Rob's shop is incredibly well organized and his knowledge on these types of cars is incredible. I could move in this evening :)

Grant

[2POINT5TURBO]

Well, motor has been dropped off with shadow, and I know it's in good hands.

Thanks to 2POINT5TURBO it looks like a little updating is in it's future. Nothing crazy, but like I told my wife.. the mods will get me better gas mileage :rolleyes:

Off the cherry picker and into her custom engine box lol..

21987

Yep, the old Caravan has done her share of truck duty..

21988

By the way Nick, got a chance to see your baby in the back. Looks real nice under the hood, and as far as the body work.. it's in great hands. Rob's shop is incredibly well organized and his knowledge on these types of cars is incredible. I could move in this evening :)

Grant


That sounds great Grant, hey I like your engine box!. That minivan is a champ! its going to need a 2.4L turbo drop in :P:nod:.

Thanks for the nice words about my car. I cant wait to drive it.

Your moving in? if so welcome to the dark sideeeeeeeeee!!!! of the forceeeeee!!!!

[OneOfMany]

Time to resurrect the old thread. It's only been 12 years! After a long hiatus on my part, Rob has the car and it is close to being a driving car once again. I got the word that it runs. Dreams can take a while.

Grant

[cordes]

Great to hear it I love when really long term projects come back to life. It gives me hope for all of mine
.

[OneOfMany]

Haha. Things eventually happen, just never on the time line I have in my mind.

[OneOfMany]

Well, the car was finished up late last summer but I did manage about 1,500km before putting it away for winter hibernation. Many trips hauling detailed parts, finding replacements for some missing ones, and watching in amazement as Rob and his brother took the miscellaneous piles of parts and fasteners and got it all back together. Car is stock, with all new fuel, brake lines and a custom exhaust fitted with an Abody tip. As I really wanted AC, I parted a 87 LeBaron for the vacuum airbox and the ATC temperature control. All new evaopator and condensor, and Rob acquired the required hoses to complete the setup.

Can't thank them enough for the quality work they did.

Grant