GS to GSi Convert

[GranSport2019]

For all those who are interested I am currently in the process of converting my GS to a Gsi. I’m also in the process on adding the black package and maybe the from the exclusive package the high gloss-black rims. At this point I have swapped out the front grille (ACC) and added the high gloss black wings. The black package does offer high gloss-black front inserts, however, due to the cost of the inserts I had them painted high-gloss black. For the front mirror I opted for the carbon fiber style covers OEM accessory (LOVE THEM), and not blacking them out. I’m currently still using the stock OEM rims from the GS, however, I swapped out the Buick center caps for the OEM Oepl center caps. In the rear I swapped out the Buick push button for the Opel push button. No additional fitting was needed in my case when swapping out the button and the new Opel button works perfectly. I also swapped out the stock spoiler and installed the GSi spoiler and painted it high gloss-black (my car is red). From my research I know you couldn’t order the spoiler as a different color on the GSi, but I thought it was a nice touch and I like the look. (I’ve seen a few Holden ZB Commodores with this look) I also swapped out the Buick badges for the “insignia” and “GSi” badges.

As the for exterior the following work is still needed to be completed:
Painting the rear calipers red
Swapping out the door molding/trim to the black package molding/trim.
I have these parts, however, if anyone has any information of swapping out the “Appliques” PLEASE let me know.

Once the exterior is completed, I’m going to work on the interior. This includes swapping out the door sills, seat badges, floor mats, and gear shift knob. As for the steering wheel cover, from what my under standing is the covers aren’t a direct swap, however, I’ll be posting my idea for a work around (of an OEM look) in another post once it comes time to do the interior.

I’m also going to order an Opel key fob (I also have an idea for this to work if the dealer cannot program it) and GSi owner’s manual. I also know that the exclusive package does offer an umbrella. I probably won’t order the umbrella.

I’ve attached some pictures of my progress so far. Please let me know your thoughts and comments.
Please note I am trying to stay as OEM as possible.
I’ll be posting updated pictures once the exterior is completed.

Thanks!

 

[L J]

Looks nice as an Opel I guess, but I must be getting to old.
Back in the day we spent money on stuff for performance, not so much for looks.
I guess I would not fit in with the new generation....
I would have taken the money to change the idenity of car, and put Edelbrock E-Force supercharger on it.
Make it a badass Buick, but thats just me.

 

[BerettaRacer]

At this point I have swapped out the front grille (ACC) and added the high gloss black wings.


I've heard that term "wings" mentioned a few times before. What are you referring to? By Europe standards "wings" means fenders, and you haven't changed the fenders. So I'm not sure what you mean. Thx

 

[JORDANSILVERNAIL]

For all those who are interested I am currently in the process of converting my GS to a Gsi. I’m also in the process on adding the black package and maybe the from the exclusive package the high gloss-black rims. At this point I have swapped out the front grille (ACC) and added the high gloss black wings. The black package does offer high gloss-black front inserts, however, due to the cost of the inserts I had them painted high-gloss black. For the front mirror I opted for the carbon fiber style covers OEM accessory (LOVE THEM), and not blacking them out. I’m currently still using the stock OEM rims from the GS, however, I swapped out the Buick center caps for the OEM Oepl center caps. In the rear I swapped out the Buick push button for the Opel push button. No additional fitting was needed in my case when swapping out the button and the new Opel button works perfectly. I also swapped out the stock spoiler and installed the GSi spoiler and painted it high gloss-black (my car is red). From my research I know you couldn’t order the spoiler as a different color on the GSi, but I thought it was a nice touch and I like the look. (I’ve seen a few Holden ZB Commodores with this look) I also swapped out the Buick badges for the “insignia” and “GSi” badges.

As the for exterior the following work is still needed to be completed:
Painting the rear calipers red
Swapping out the door molding/trim to the black package molding/trim.
I have these parts, however, if anyone has any information of swapping out the “Appliques” PLEASE let me know.

Once the exterior is completed, I’m going to work on the interior. This includes swapping out the door sills, seat badges, floor mats, and gear shift knob. As for the steering wheel cover, from what my under standing is the covers aren’t a direct swap, however, I’ll be posting my idea for a work around (of an OEM look) in another post once it comes time to do the interior.

I’m also going to order an Opel key fob (I also have an idea for this to work if the dealer cannot program it) and GSi owner’s manual. I also know that the exclusive package does offer an umbrella. I probably won’t order the umbrella.

I’ve attached some pictures of my progress so far. Please let me know your thoughts and comments.
Please note I am trying to stay as OEM as possible.
I’ll be posting updated pictures once the exterior is completed.

Thanks!

did you order all these parts from blitzparts?

 

[Ctrcbob]

Looks nice as an Opel I guess, but I must be getting to old.
Back in the day we spent money on stuff for performance, not so much for looks.
I guess I would not fit in with the new generation....
I would have taken the money to change the idenity of car, and put Edelbrock E-Force supercharger on it.
Make it a badass Buick, but thats just me.

Back when I was younger, we had a saying. “If it doesn’t go, chrome it”.
In this case, blacken it.

No offense.

 

[Anaduff]

I've heard that term "wings" mentioned a few times before. What are you referring to?

At least on this forum...

 

[GranSport2019]

Back when I was younger, we had a saying. “If it doesn’t go, chrome it”.
In this case, blacken it.

No offense.

Not a fan of the chrome look on most modern cars. Although I really like the look on the older cars. It's just a personal preference lol

 

[GranSport2019]

did you order all these parts from blitzparts?

Yes, I order everything from blitzparts and have the items/part numbers breakdown if needed.

 

[GranSport2019]

Looks nice as an Opel I guess, but I must be getting to old.
Back in the day we spent money on stuff for performance, not so much for looks.
I guess I would not fit in with the new generation....
I would have taken the money to change the idenity of car, and put Edelbrock E-Force supercharger on it.
Make it a badass Buick, but thats just me.

I was actually going to keep it as a Buick just with the Opel black package. I order a "By Buick" reproduction emblem from the Buick Riviera GS and "modded" it to fit on the Buick rear hatch and front grille. However, the car isn't really a Buick, and I from what I have been reading on here I don't want to be modding the engine and void the warranty. So I instead went the "safe" route at least for now.

I attached the "BY BUICK" emblem look if anyone is interested.
I never got around to adjusting the front emblem to sit right.

 

[L J]

I was actually going to keep it as a Buick just with the Opel black package. I order a "By Buick" reproduction emblem from the Buick Riviera GS and "modded" it to fit on the Buick rear hatch and front grille. However, the car isn't really a Buick, and I from what I have been reading on here I don't want to be modding the engine and void the warranty. So I instead went the "safe" route at least for now.

I attached the "BY BUICK" emblem look if anyone is interested.
I never got around to adjusting the front emblem to sit right.

I understand your feelings about warranty issues. I tended to keep my vehicles prettty stock after making mistake of putting headers on my 70 TA. Did not realize stock Ram Air manifolds flowed like headers, and never leaked.

 

[PrincipalDan]

If I wanted to add a different badge it would be one that said "BUICK by Opel" like its the 1970s all over again.

 

[L J]

I think in 68 Buick referred to the Opel as the GM Rallye Kadett.

 

[dmr02]

That spoiler just makes the car....mind sharing the part number? been looking around for this for awhile!

 

[GranSport2019]

That spoiler just makes the car....mind sharing the part number? been looking around for this for awhile!

GSi spoiler 13488957. @blitzparts can hook you up. Highly recommend him. I’ll post all the items numbers for my “build” later

 

[dmr02]

GSi spoiler 13488957. @blitzparts can hook you up. Highly recommend him. I’ll post all the items numbers for my “build” later

Thanks @GranSport2019 if you could provide a break down of part number etc that would be awesome. Just noticed the Opel center caps are the same color as the grey part of the wheel. The Buick ones are silver and I can't stand them just thought about painting them but what are the odds I would match the color etc. Been looking for that spoiler on Blitzparts with no luck rite now. Maybe you got the last/ only one

 

[Lt0302]

here is what i have so far on my conversion:
center console with SS on/off: currently at the dealer for activation
folding mirrors with welcome light and camera; have them but not installed need the wiring
edelbrock SC have it but it is not installed due to intake pipe rerouting
front grille with camera
real tail lights with amber turn signal have them not installed

Need:
taillight wiring from GSi
front bumper with side sensors and front wiring for parallel parking
rear spoiler

 

[GranSport2019]

I attached my build and added the part numbers for some chrome parts as well.
I forgot to add the center caps to my build list.
Part Name --------------------------------------------- Part Number------- Weight
Opel Rim Center Caps (EOM) - Diameter: 59 mm --- 13373329 ---------- 1,00 kg

 

[GranSport2019]

Thanks @GranSport2019 if you could provide a break down of part number etc that would be awesome. Just noticed the Opel center caps are the same color as the grey part of the wheel. The Buick ones are silver and I can't stand them just thought about painting them but what are the odds I would match the color etc. Been looking for that spoiler on Blitzparts with no luck rite now. Maybe you got the last/ only one

Did you send him an email/message or just look on his ebay store in regards to the spoiler?

 

[GranSport2019]

here is what i have so far on my conversion:
center console with SS on/off: currently at the dealer for activation
folding mirrors with welcome light and camera; have them but not installed need the wiring
edelbrock SC have it but it is not installed due to intake pipe rerouting
front grille with camera
real tail lights with amber turn signal have them not installed

Need:
taillight wiring from GSi
front bumper with side sensors and front wiring for parallel parking
rear spoiler

I am very interested in the folding mirrors, but wasn't sure if they would work with the Regal. Once you install them can you please post the installation details? It would be much appreciated!

 

[Lt0302]

I am very interested in the folding mirrors, but wasn't sure if they would work with the Regal. Once you install them can you please post the installation details? It would be much appreciated!

talking to the german tech. I need the wiring and door panel switch....the camera can be activated via software once all cameras have been installed. He will provide me the software to give the US tech to install. As soon as get the wiring will install and from my understanding the folding mirrors will work automatically, it is only the cameras that need activations!

I will post the results once I got everything working