AlphaWhiskey's 1996 Roadmaster Wagon

I was able to get a hold of a wagon that engine, and interior-wise seems pretty good, though the body leaves a bit to be desired. This is where I will be chronicling the changes/work I do on the wagon. What I am planning on doing is making some youtube videos explaining things, and use this thread to track costs / advice. I will try to keep this front post as a "table of contents" if this thread goes on for a while.

Stats:
- 1996 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
- Collectors Edition
- Grand Touring Suspension (I have yet to fully check it)
- 104k Miles on her when I bought it
- Blue Leather Interior

What was broke when I got it:
- Antenna (though the radio does work)
- Rear Defrost
- A/C doesn't work

What I plan to do:
Longterm:
- Use the car as a daily/tow vehicle for a pop-up camper. The goal is to spend more time away from the city with the family, and this is a good car to do it in.
- If the car works out fix body and repaint

Short-term:
- Check all the suspension
- Check Brakes
- Order Tow Hitch
- Change Transmission fluid
- Secure some of the loose molding
- Fix Defrost


Medium Term:
- Look into new rims (not a huge fan of the originals, they are good for right now though)
- Update suspension
- Tint Windows

If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears. Let me know. I would like to re-secure some of the wood trim in the interior (it is starting to pull away), and any advice on testing the rear defogger. Below are pictures of how I got her today.

Nice ride,welcome to the forum.

Looks like a really solid start! Window tint would be a nice upgrade, and replacing the missing black side trim and either painting or polishing the wood outline trim will help the looks a lot. For wheels, I like Impala SS, Ridler, or chrome Buick Road Wheels on these cars.

The interior, with Limited seats, looks especially nice! Good luck with your new toy!

-Mike

Welcome, nice Roadie.

I have looked at the Impala SS, and Ridlers. I haven't figured out what I am going to do about the wood panel trim as it is all flaking. Does that buff out to a metal? I will have to look at some pictures. I am excited to start driving her full time after I get rid of the VW.

Well first problem. The serpentine belt started squealing very loudly. I sprayed it with a bit of water and it quieted down , but started squealing / squeaking again after it dries.

According to the internet that seems to indicate an alignment problem, but I can't eyeballing it see a pulley that is off compared to the others. I am going to investigate the best way to determine pulley alignment, and pull the belt to check all the bearings.

It looks like all of the pulleys are spinning, though I did not lay eyes on the bottom tensioner when I was looking at them.

Wish me luck!

Fixed the serpentine belt today. I ordered a continental belt (used to be gatorback) it came in yesterday to replace the Dayco belt that was in it, of unknown age. Along with cleaning all the pulley surfaces I checked and didn't feel any dragging in any of the pulleys.

Started her up and now no more squeaking / squealing! Now to sell the VW. I also ordered a KDS hitch that should be in sometime in the next couple weeks. Getting excited for the fun to come! I would post more pictures, but photobucket is being weird so right now I have to connect my phone to my PC then transfer pictures over. I did check my codes I have the all important codes of

V92: Towing Package
G80: Positrac
GW9: 2.93

Nice ride. Hopefully your positrac still works!

The "wood" trim is made from styrene, and can be glued with MEK or liquid model cement. The lower panels are also styrene and you can use the same solvents.

The surround trim is aluminum and polishes to a nice shine. The attachment ends are plastic.

Depending on what tow hitch you want, some are not available. Small ones are, but the big ones are only available used or at great expense new. The wagon tow hitch is the only one that fits.

If the antenna has a good straight mast, it can be repaired. The replacement cables that are available are a little too long, and tend to break in about 6 months if not properly shortened.