TGP buyer's guide?

[white4d96]

I may be going to look at a TGP in a week or so. $650, guy says power steering is inop, it needs bodywork, and "has performance parts." I've never looked at a TGP or really any older 1st gen. What things should I look for as far as whether the car's worth buying or not?

[jeremy]

Rust and pmiii

[Penglii]

Rust (especially the trailing arm mounts), PMIII (does it work), Turbo (no shaft play), Crossover (if stock, will need upgrade/repair)

Those are the biggies.

[white4d96]

I figured the TA mounts would be an issue. Did all TGP's have PMIII? It's a '90...

Also, where is this "hidden rust" people keep mentioning and how do I check for it?

[Penglii]

Yes, all TGP's came with PMIII... GM did not start using vacuum ABS until 1992.

The "hidden rust" is behind the cladding... to check for it you gotta remove the cladding.

[white4d96]

Oh okay. Is it possible to bypass PMIII if it's fucked up?

[GP1138]

If it goes out, you have no brakes. It's all or nothing. You can convert to vacuum brakes but it's a bitch.

[white4d96]

Oh fun.

[White93z34]

I have way more time into making PMIII play nice then anything else. I lost my first TGP to PMIII (t boned) and my current TGP has played chicken with PMIII a few times. That said, when it works right it works awesome. Make sure that A) the BRAKE and ANTI-LOCK lamps are present in the cluster at key on, and that they are not on or flashing. listen to the motor in it, it should run every 2-4 pedal presses, not all the time or not every press. Not trying to scare you away but be prepared for a learning curve with PMIII.

The cars can be total and complete mechanical assholes. Most by this point have likely cycled through a long string of owners that have no idea of the special needs the car has, premium fuel, turbocharger, brakes, etc, etc.

Any pictures of further details of this one?

[white4d96]

Not yet. All I know is that it has 'performance parts' power steering is gone, needs body work, and that the interior is kinda bad. I am hoping to look at it within a week.

[Addicted2bass]

I have way more time into making PMIII play nice then anything else. I lost my first TGP to PMIII (t boned) and my current TGP has played chicken with PMIII a few times. That said, when it works right it works awesome. Make sure that A) the BRAKE and ANTI-LOCK lamps are present in the cluster at key on, and that they are not on or flashing. listen to the motor in it, it should run every 2-4 pedal presses, not all the time or not every press. Not trying to scare you away but be prepared for a learning curve with PMIII.

The cars can be total and complete mechanical assholes. Most by this point have likely cycled through a long string of owners that have no idea of the special needs the car has, premium fuel, turbocharger, brakes, etc, etc.

Any pictures of further details of this one?

Wish I knew to look for this when I bought my TGP!!!

Nunzi covered most of the bases. Be prepared for a big project for sure!

[Garrett Powered]

they are worth putting in the same care any other car would need. main thing is upgrade the charge wiring and grounds before you even drive it the first time. by best piece of advice.

[iroc2]

we ware gonan need pics.. i kinda forgot you were gonna look at it, jsut cuz i havent heard anythitng since.... keep us updated

[AL]

How much body work is my question

[BXX]

If it's rotted out under the cladding but the rockers are nice and solid like my TGP, big deal. Cut out rust, weld in some sheet metal (wont have to be uber pretty since it's getting covered, throw on some good primer, paint and clear, and re-clad

Convert to vacuum brakes, dont let them scare you, it's alot of work, mainly time consuming removing the dash and all that fun stuff to change out the firewall plate, and then run new brake lines to the rear.