1973 Laguna PT build

[68firebird]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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.

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..

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]

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?

[sr73bu]

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]

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]

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..

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[1360]

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

[PhillipM]

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]

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.

Does this mean I have to leave now?

[68firebird]

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.

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!!