1973 Laguna PT build [Archive]

sr73bu

03-07-2010, 08:22 AM

Hey guys,

I figured I have enough photos to keep everyone interested and start a build thread... As I mentioned before I use to drag race this car in High School and used it as a daily driver. After over ten years of owning this thing (had it since i was 15), I decided it was time for a do-over. I painted it in High School Vo-tech so I plan on re-painting it in a year or two. For now I want to focus on the things I overlooked and to be honest never had the funds to do, until now. I'm still on a budget, but I can't wait any longer to get started.

Heres what I've got so far:

sbc 355, 30 over, sportsman 2 heads, comp 286xe cam, roller rockers, holley 750, not sure on power but it pulls to 6500.

Super t-10 4-speed... cast iron center section, aluminum tail section. hurst comp plus shifter. (6 speed in the future)

8.5 ten bolt rear 4.10 posi.

To start my build I tackled the interior ( I had some floor rot to fix so I just figured i'd finish the rest)

After I get my seats (pro-car 1000's) it on to the suspension and brakes... which i hope to have completed before late spring.

A few notes on the interior: I replaced the carpet,new steering wheel, made my own center console and pretty much cleaned everything else up. If you notice I customized my heated controls to match my Sport-Comp gauges.. one of the benefits of working as a designer with access to cool printing and cutting machines... hope you like everything so far...

Thanks,
Sean

sr73bu

03-07-2010, 08:25 AM

heater control pics and a shot of the car how it sits now (but not for long)

andrewb70

03-07-2010, 08:35 AM

Great start. This will be cool.

Andrew

chufham

03-07-2010, 09:12 AM

Great start. This will be cool.

Andrew

X2 I like it.

CruizinKev

03-07-2010, 11:21 AM

very nice project! looking good! :twothumbs

jon72vega

03-07-2010, 04:57 PM

I like it!

twosaturns

03-07-2010, 05:14 PM

besides the lagunas, the '73 is THE best looking malibu/chevelle from the unloved 3rd gen A bodies. all the lagunas look good IMO, but the regulars got real ugly real quick; 'cept for the '73. those round tails and large quarter windows look great. all they need is a good bumper tuck and large enough wheels to fill those HUGE wheelwells and you're good to go.

Bad Bird

03-07-2010, 10:01 PM

Love your eye for detail. The heater control panel is very well done.

sr73bu

04-29-2010, 08:29 PM

Hey Guys Its been awhile... I finally had a chance to take pics of my progress.

Last time I posted an update I was almost done with my interior. I did end up getting the procar rallye 1000's (thanks again Tom) and installed them. They look and feel great... the only complaint is that they sit a little too high, but they should be fine for now. If anything i'll make some modifications to the brackets.... The last piece to go in the interior will be the new dash cap... should be here next week. The picture doesn't do much justice, but it came out pretty nice.

Last weekend I removed the rear, all rear suspension components and replaced every fuel/brake line with new stainless pieces. I've heard mixed reviews about Inline Tube's lines (specifically fit) but I have to say they went right in and fit perfect. I'll be installing a new master cylinder/booster as well as replacing everything in the rear drums ( the front discs where replaced not too long ago)... I'll also be replacing the 4.10 gears, with a 3.42 ratio. (hopefully this coming weekend).

I opted to wait on a front/rear big brake setup for now... I came across way too many unplanned snags that broke my budget :bsjerk:... so rather than waste money on a cheap rear disc setup, just to say my car has rear discs, i'm going to rebuild what i have (drums) and wait until next year (probably going with something from kore3 on all corners)

I plan on bolting everything back in this weekend (Rear Suspension... then moving on to the front end... which will only be an upgraded sway bar and lowering springs for now... the front suspension (uca's/lca's) will have to wait until this fall.

For the rear suspension I went with Hotchkis upper (2 way adj) control arms and used there lower control arms as well. the springs are OPG 2" lowering springs and the shocks are kyb gas-a-just. I found a factory rear swaybar in a junkyard, so i figured i'd give it a shot. (as you can see I'm on a tight budget)

The wheels are 16x8.5 (deep offset) TT2's with 255/50 tires rear and 16x8 TT2's front with 245/50 tires.... I love the look of 16's on a lowered car.. but i didn't realize the tire selection is limited, which really sucks...So I'll probably upgrade to 18's soon, not sure which wheel. A 315 rear tire should fit with little to no mods.

Enjoy the pics and I'll post some updates by the end of the weekend.

-Sean

Motown 454

04-29-2010, 08:33 PM

Nice progress its looking good.

NOT A TA

04-29-2010, 09:34 PM

Nice project! The seats look good in there. Nice touch on the heater controls.

DaviRotten

04-30-2010, 04:02 PM

I love those cars..

shortrack

04-30-2010, 05:35 PM

cool build.....is the suspension in those cars the same as the 68-72's?.....if not what are the differences?

sr73bu

04-30-2010, 05:57 PM

cool build.....is the suspension in those cars the same as the 68-72's?.....if not what are the differences?

Thanks, the entire suspension is completely different... This chassis was the first designed from GM with total computer aid (so i've read) and has remained GM's passenger car rear wheel drive setup all the way until 1996 or 97 (ex: the 1996 impala SS). Also, i've found out that most 70-81 F-body suspension parts bolt right up to the front suspension...Some guys say its the best handling of all chevelles... but its still a heavy car. I will eventually autocross it, so i guess i'll find out.

Thanks for the comments Guys!

-Sean

srh3trinity

04-30-2010, 08:11 PM

Looking good, these cars have so much potential. Every one I find around here is a rust bucket. It seems like there is a ton of room in the engine bay. Big interior. Pretty good after market support with the suspension stuff and can take a ton of tire in the stock wheel well from what I have heard. I want a boosted 5.3L LS with 18's and 305's in the back. Completely blacked out.

LSx442

05-01-2010, 11:35 PM

Nice car. I have a '77 Olds 442. I plan on working on it at some point but it's in need of a lot of work. I'll be interested in seeing how your car turns out and what you think of the parts your using on the suspension once it's done.

randywyatt2000

05-07-2010, 07:54 AM

very nice

sr73bu

05-16-2010, 05:05 PM

Hey guys,

Finally finished installing the front/rear suspension.... including the most dramatic part: the 2" lowering springs... I couldn't be happier with the stance. It dropped the car a total of 3.5 inches from where it sat before ( big block/wagon springs). I'm waiting for my new inner/outer tie rods to come in so I can get it out of my garage and take it for a test run... and give it a good wash (its been 2 years).... look for more pics soon... enjoy!

-Sean

Notice how high it sat before (1st pics from pg 1)

sr73bu

05-16-2010, 05:22 PM

A shot of the front view.. don't mind the dust..

I kind of under estimated the width of the front wheel wells/flares. The rims are 16x8 front with a 245/50 tire. With the offset i ordered, i figured it would be farther outward... so now i'm thinking of adding billlet 1.25 spacers to get them out further... I'll post better pics later this week once i get it outside/clean....

BryanG

05-17-2010, 08:17 AM

315's on a 10" - 11" rim will fit just fine with the correct backspacing.

68firebird

05-17-2010, 09:26 AM

I always had a liking for the lagunas. I don't think I've seen one in that good of shape for years! great choice for a project.

srh3trinity

05-17-2010, 06:32 PM

315's on a 10" - 11" rim will fit just fine with the correct backspacing.

This is the car that really put Laguna's on my map. Somebody posted a video and pics of the car a year or so ago. Beautiful car.

Sean, the car looks awesome with the new stance.

sr73bu

05-17-2010, 07:54 PM

Thanks for the comments, I hope to get it washed and out for some better photos this weekend....

I wanted to post a few pics of the Before and After under the car... its not "show" quality, but it looks clean and presentable enough for my goals with this particular car... While I had the rear out I undercoated the floors and brushed semi-gloss on the frame... I didnt mind some overspray on the exhaust, since i'm working on a side exit system now....

subtlez28

05-17-2010, 08:09 PM

A shot of the front view.. don't mind the dust..

I kind of under estimated the width of the front wheel wells/flares. The rims are 16x8 front with a 245/50 tire. With the offset i ordered, i figured it would be farther outward...

FWIW I ran 17x9.5s all around my 73 Century a few years ago. I ran 275/40/17s front and rear w no rub issues. I wish I had a pic of those.

I was going to stuff 315/35/17s all around before I started my 84 Vette project (w 315/35/17s all around). Here is a pic of the 315s up front. Obviously the car is on stands (not a ride height), but you get kind of an idea. These 73-77 A-bodies swallow up a lot of tire.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/10/DSCN3386-1.jpg
P.S. Don't mind my dust either.:)

I dig your build! I actually ran blacked out Corvette rallies w police caps years back also (15x8s all around).

I love that it is a 4 speed!

sr73bu

05-17-2010, 08:24 PM

FWIW I ran 17x9.5s all around my 73 Century a few years ago. I ran 275/40/17s front and rear w no rub issues. I wish I had a pic of those.

I was going to stuff 315/35/17s all around before I started my 84 Vette project (w 315/35/17s all around). Here is a pic of the 315s up front. Obviously the car is on stands (not a ride height), but you get kind of an idea. These 73-77 A-bodies swallow up a lot of tire.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/10/DSCN3386-1.jpg
P.S. Don't mind my dust either.:)

I dig your build! I actually ran blacked out Corvette rallies w police caps years back also (15x8s all around).

I love that it is a 4 speed!

my problem is finding 16" tires... they just dont make any sizes. From a pretty extensive search 255/50/16 was the largest "performance" 16" tire available... i should have really searched BEFORE i ordered the rims...haha. I plan on stepping up to 18's next year... just have to convince my wife..:enguard:

probably easier convincing BFGoodrich to make a 315/50/16 tire.. haha

the 16's will do for now, I love the rear offset, but if you look under the car there is a ton of room just wasted.

subtlez28

05-17-2010, 08:31 PM

sr73bu

05-17-2010, 09:21 PM

I hear you on the 16 inch tire limitations. I would consider running wide 15s all around if they offered good (road race) tires in 15s.

Have you put your rear rims up front to see if they clear?

In all honesty (fashion aside) a 245 or 255 is plenty of rubber for a street car.

Any plans to hit the road course?

The Rear rims/tires do clear in the front... I wanted less lip up front however.... Because of the wide flare of the fenders the offset looks a little too inward... I'll run some wheel spacers to bring them out... only for the street , although Transdapt says they are for "race applications"...

I mentioned going up to 18's, but i think 15x10 rally wheels with 295/50/15 rubber might be cool... and much cheaper

One day i'd love to hit the road coarse, i'd like to try an autocross or two this summer first... The car needs way more brakes and a better front suspension, but everything is sound enough to give it a try... i'm not affraid to make a fool of myself..haha

Love your Buick, scrap the vette and finish it! j/k

BryanG

05-18-2010, 10:13 AM

In all honesty (fashion aside) a 245 or 255 is plenty of rubber for a street car.

Beg to differ. If your power numbers are half way decent, neither of those tires will do you any good. Now, if that's the biggest you can fit, then so be it. However, if you can go larger, then do it.

68firebird

05-18-2010, 11:05 AM

my problem is finding 16" tires... they just dont make any sizes. From a pretty extensive search 255/50/16 was the largest "performance" 16" tire available... i should have really searched BEFORE i ordered the rims...haha. I plan on stepping up to 18's next year... just have to convince my wife..:enguard:

probably easier convincing BFGoodrich to make a 315/50/16 tire.. haha

hahaha, thats the same boat I'm in. Just gotta wait until they're in the right mood, LOL.

subtlez28

05-18-2010, 05:13 PM

Beg to differ. If your power numbers are half way decent, neither of those tires will do you any good. Now, if that's the biggest you can fit, then so be it. However, if you can go larger, then do it.

I was thinking in terms of cornering grip. Truth is you should never really find the limits on the street. A good 245 with soft compound will provide more cornering force on the street than you can safely or responsibly use.

Now putting down power is another story, I agree.

And if you intend to go to the track where it is ok to find the limits, more is better.

sr73bu

05-20-2010, 09:30 PM

I installed the wheel spacers today... they brought the front wheels out just enough to look better... a big difference in person, but may be tough to notice in the photo... Hopefully i'll get it out for a cruise after work tomorrow, still need to install inner/outer tierods... and hope that i finally got the banjo fitting on my driver side caliper to stop leaking...

sr73bu

05-22-2010, 09:59 AM

a pic outside of my garage... just finshed building the Cedar barn style doors.. a few months back

As for the car, i'm installing new Moog inner/Outer tie rods and sleeves tonight... hope to have a video of the test drive next week.. can't wait

sr73bu

05-26-2010, 03:29 PM

Finally got it out for a spin around the block!! Everything felt great.. brakes, suspension,clutch and even the procar seats (though they sit a little high)... The suspension is night and day... feels like a slot car compared to before... heres a recap of what i did last winter:

Hotchkis rear upper adjustable/ lower control arms
Factory HD rear sway bar (1 1/8) ?
opgi 2" lowering springs
KYB gas-a-just shocks

Summit front sway bar (1+5/16)
opgi 2" lowering springs
kyb gas-a-just shocks
moog inner/outer tierods/sleeves

Stainless fuel lines (complete set)
new fuel tank

Stainless Brake lines/ braided hoses (complete set)
new master cylinder/booster
rebuilt rear drums
new front pads/rotors

replaced 4.10 rear gear with 3.42 gear set

16x8/ 16x8.5 TT2's BFG 255/50 tires

new carpet/ Procar seats/ autometer gauges/ grant wheel and a homemade mini console.

I'm just going to enjoy the ride for the rest of the summer (knock on wood).
Next winter, i'll tackle the front suspension (tubular) still havent decided on a brand yet... maybe a big brake kit too.. but that may have to wait until the following winter... either way i'll keep you posted...

car still needs a wash, but enjoy!! Let me know what you think..

Thanks,

Sean

srh3trinity

05-26-2010, 03:48 PM

Looks great! Sounds like a great list of mods to put a smile on your face when you hop in for a drive. I love the header panels/taillights on these cars.

sr73bu

05-26-2010, 05:03 PM

Looks great! Sounds like a great list of mods to put a smile on your face when you hop in for a drive. I love the header panels/taillights on these cars.

Thanks man!.. it sure does feel good to drive it.. other than starting it and driving it up the driveway, its been almost 2.5 years since the last time i really "drove" it... the house in the background is mine, for the most part thats taken up all my time.. that and my 1.5 year old son... cant wait until he can start wrenching with me...

68firebird

05-26-2010, 05:32 PM

I love that car. It looks awesome!!! Great job

1360

05-26-2010, 06:54 PM

Great car, one of my favorite "over looked" rides......

PhillipM

05-27-2010, 06:20 AM

I was thinking in terms of cornering grip. Truth is you should never really find the limits on the street. A good 245 with soft compound will provide more cornering force on the street than you can safely or responsibly use.

Now putting down power is another story, I agree.

And if you intend to go to the track where it is ok to find the limits, more is better.

Ummm... Wow. I think you should just lock up some larger tires instead of justifying the smaller ones. It would look Sooooo much more bitchin.

sr73bu

05-27-2010, 09:25 AM

Ummm... Wow. I think you should just lock up some larger tires instead of justifying the smaller ones. It would look Sooooo much more bitchin.

I'm not justifying anything... i'd love to get larger tires...
Like I said they dont make larger sizes in 16"... a 275, 295, 305 /16 just doesnt exist.... so 255 will have to do for now until i upgrade to 18" wheels.

Tell you what Phil.. send me a check for $3,500 and i'll put the biggest set of tires I can fit on 18" Forgelines

To be honset, I've got way more important things to worry about than this car... Like a house, wife , baby... the car falls somewhere around 50 on the priority list... I dont need to be another burden on society by falling into debt to make my car more "bitchin"...

Sorry its not bitchin enough guys... I tried. :crying:

Does this mean I have to leave now?

68firebird

05-27-2010, 10:10 AM

I'm not justifying anything... i'd love to get larger tires...
Like I said they dont make larger sizes in 16"... a 275, 295, 305 /16 just doesnt exist.... so 255 will have to do for now until i upgrade to 18" wheels.

Tell you what Phil.. send me a check for $3,500 and i'll put the biggest set of tires I can fit on 18" Forgelines

To be honset, I've got way more important things to worry about than this car... Like a house, wife , baby... the car falls somewhere around 50 on the priority list... I dont need to be another burden on society by falling into debt to make my car more "bitchin"...

Sorry its not bitchin enough guys... I tried. :crying:

Does this mean I have to leave now?

Hell no, dude I think this car is awesome!! hey, at least you got TT2's to put on it, I'm using 16 inch 92 camaro RS rims hahaha, but whatever, I just wanna get it on the road instead of waiting another year or two extra for bigger rims and tires!!

sr73bu

05-27-2010, 11:25 AM

Hell no, dude I think this car is awesome!! hey, at least you got TT2's to put on it, I'm using 16 inch 92 camaro RS rims hahaha, but whatever, I just wanna get it on the road instead of waiting another year or two extra for bigger rims and tires!!

Thanks Rene, And sorry about the sarcasm Phil, the first half of my day at work was more than a little stressful (industrial designers are everyone’s bitch around here)… and I needed to vent…without getting fired.

The rims weren’t my first size choice (although I love TT2’s and always will)
A friend was in a bind and I bought them for cheap 4 years ago… The front ones I purchased a year later and I finally got tires for them a few months back…. So I’m really just using what I had sitting around… I really wanted 17’s or 18’s but had these, couldn’t sell them and decided to use them.

Rene, I love the wheels you are using and admire anyone that’s building a car on a tight budget… keeps things creative. The balance between work, wife and baby is tough, but I’d hate to give up this hobby. Realistically, it will probably take me a few years to save up for anything substantial… but I refuse to take it off the road… My friends all fell into that curse. They have a $20,000 budget with $200,000 dreams. Rather than doing a few things at a time and driving it each summer, they are working towards some huge “unveiling”… 8 years later both of their cars have changed colors/styles and designs at least 20 times without moving off jack stands. If they had anything less then the perfect rims and the rest of the car was complete, they would wait 3 years to save for the rims, rather than sufficing with something temporarily “mediocre”. How they “enjoy” their cars beats me…

The point is I’ll live with what I can afford for now…. I’m only 27 and to be honest I don’t want this car to be my dream car yet… then I’d ask “what now?”

I’d rather have a “progression” than an “unveiling”… more pictures to ask “wtf was I thinking back then” too.. haha

Sorry about the rant,

-Sean

68firebird

05-27-2010, 03:26 PM

Thanks Rene, And sorry about the sarcasm Phil, the first half of my day at work was more than a little stressful (industrial designers are everyone’s bitch around here)… and I needed to vent…without getting fired.

The rims weren’t my first size choice (although I love TT2’s and always will)
A friend was in a bind and I bought them for cheap 4 years ago… The front ones I purchased a year later and I finally got tires for them a few months back…. So I’m really just using what I had sitting around… I really wanted 17’s or 18’s but had these, couldn’t sell them and decided to use them.

Rene, I love the wheels you are using and admire anyone that’s building a car on a tight budget… keeps things creative. The balance between work, wife and baby is tough, but I’d hate to give up this hobby. Realistically, it will probably take me a few years to save up for anything substantial… but I refuse to take it off the road… My friends all fell into that curse. They have a $20,000 budget with $200,000 dreams. Rather than doing a few things at a time and driving it each summer, they are working towards some huge “unveiling”… 8 years later both of their cars have changed colors/styles and designs at least 20 times without moving off jack stands. If they had anything less then the perfect rims and the rest of the car was complete, they would wait 3 years to save for the rims, rather than sufficing with something temporarily “mediocre”. How they “enjoy” their cars beats me…

The point is I’ll live with what I can afford for now…. I’m only 27 and to be honest I don’t want this car to be my dream car yet… then I’d ask “what now?”

I’d rather have a “progression” than an “unveiling”… more pictures to ask “wtf was I thinking back then” too.. haha

Sorry about the rant,

-Sean

I hear ya, I'm 35, I've got 2 kids and a house and a wife, hence why mines a budget build also. thats great that you can drive it. I want to get mine back on the road soooooo bad. I'm hoping by september i'll have it out of hibernation, but if its not done by then I'm just gonna leave it in the garage for the winter and bring it out next year.