Fixing all the typical issues on our super cheap 2003 Grand Am GT build

Winter is here in Chicago so it is time to get my winter beater all finished up and ready for the road. The are some odds and ends we need to finish from the rebuild and then there is a list of all the typical Grand Am issues like, intake gaskets, curling dash, HVAC knobs, blown rear speakers and some rusty brakes from sitting. Somebody has been here before so we need to fix their mess but we did get a bonus with this purchase... besides the compass on the cluster. Following strict build completion protocol we must find out what the console holds for us as well.
My website if you want to purchase a car or parts: www.vehcor.com
Amazon store: www.amazon.com...
For Vehcor merch: teespring.com/...

[@HOBrian2003]

Scott takes more pride in his winter beater than most people do in their daily driver.

[@spongebelt]

That’s a fact

[@iyadhchaabani2444]

This is the cleanest Grand am I’ve ever seen and I like it

[@someone28]

My aunt one had one brand new and it still looked crap compared to this one.

[@clownjubilee1909]

Anybody know by any chance what the small white car is called in 0:25 in the back

[@OHSCrifle]

@@clownjubilee1909 Buick Reatta. For some reason there are a couple of them in his garage.

[@welcometothemonkeyapezone7797]

No smoke stains, no skid marks on the seat, no old fast food trash piled in the back, still has hubcaps. Truly a one of a kind Grand Am.

[@jp2246]

Same here, I would gladly drive it!

[@paulbateman3654]

Your winter beater is better than my everyday driver.

[@nickking1510]

Both Grand Prix and Grand am super easy to work on parts are cheap . I have 2004 Grand Prix 3.8 n/a 408000 runs like new shifts like new original just good maintenance good milage on highway if driven right . The only engine I would not want is the 3.4 4 overhead cam engine in the Grand am

[@wakkogn9351]

Saw a white 4 door Grand Am GT driving down the road down here in Florida the other day and found myself saying "Oooo, Scott would love that car!" No rust!

[@MK-hx5wd]

Fascinating how Scott never breaks a plastic clip. That's HIS super power

[@dueljet]

As a lifelong wrench turner and registered nurse, I can tell you sir that both your mechanical skills as well as your urinary tract are in perfect shape!

[@stevenayala2324]

Wat the hell man lol

[@Sncedayone]

You like thinking of another man's penis huh?

[@severianoiraheta5363]

Man!!! You sir are a workaholic. There are always people who appreciate the work you put on a vehicle they're buying.

[@vehcor]

I just like what I do and get bored sitting around! Thanks for the support!

[@neilolney1552]

Brilliant!!! Love the ‘one of us us wrong’ bit.

[@vehcor]

I’m not sayings I’m right but.... 😂

[@DumbassTim]

never once in my entire life have I ever wanted or thought about owning a grand am but these videos are just worth the watch every second of them

[@mikedillon6233]

Scott it's obvious you can tell that you're extremely skilled at this. The thing I like best, and one of the reasons I always watch, besides the great skill, is your sense of humor! Lol I thank you!

[@vehcor]

Thanks for the support!

[@Erix7810]

I’ve recently bought a 95 Grand Am with 46k miles. It needs nearly every moving part replaced on it, but I’m getting there. This video series was a huge inspiration. Thanks so much, and great job.

[@alfx5432]

I have a 97 Grand Am GT. 56 thousand miles it was garage kept, but had work on it , that should not have Had. Water pump, gage cluster board, air conditioning unit. It has a very small leak of coolant after I park. it I noticed I see a little coolant in morning. I like the car but heck. I think there should of been a recall on theses cars.

[@axxisblack]

This guy has a unique and pleasent style, just perfect

[@ianwinfield929]

“My cup runneth over with the tears of thine haters” Amen

[@MarkK01]

Scott you really makes this look easy. I have been fixing cars for the last 35 years and I could not make it look easy.

[@polaroy2]

I love buying Buicks and Pontiacs with blown head gaskets. People let them go for super cheap, I pick them up, replace all the gaskets and re-sell for a profit. They're really not that hard to do, but people are intimidated by them. Nice job!

[@davidp2888]

21:04 Okay, that...is one of the reasons why I love this channel. Happy New Year.

[@vehcor]

Because I get excited to do brake jobs! 😂Happy New Year to you as well!

[@svause]

@vehcor, you are slayin' me! Love your humor, your dry (and very well read!) wit, your editing - and especially your outlook on life. Thanks for being a bright star in the sky!

[@BrucePierson]

I just knew that the Trans AM was too good to use as your winter car. Someone else had the same idea and bought it. Well, they got a really good car, with all the extra effort that you put into getting everything right. Next time you buy a winter car, you'd better not fix it, or you'll end up losing it too. Happy New Year and lets hope that 2021 is way better than what 2020 was. All the best from Queensland Australia.

[@vehcor]

It doesn’t matter what I do to cars, everyone always seems to want whatever I decide to keep for myself. 😂Happy new year from the USA!

[@richmelillo9637]

Well, before plastic clips, body parts had holes, so that the Stainless could slip their expanding metal clips into the holes. Just a few years older than you-However, I am amazed at your expertise with the cars that you fix! Thanks for sharing that. Rich

[@45AMT]

That Grand Am is freaking mint!!!

[@vehcor]

It would have been a shame if I missed it and I got crushed! 😬

[@Erix7810]

Yeah, this is probably one of the most immaculate GA’s in the Midwest right now.

[@MieleTouchtronic]

It’s too bad GM dumped Pontiac, they should have dumped Buick instead. Always loved the Grand AM!

[@williamegler8771]

Buick is a top seller in China and contributes a lot to GM's profits. Pontiac didn't...

[@Sashazur]

@@williamegler8771 Yeah I was thinking “China” before I even read your comment. The Chinese were always into Buicks even before they could get one. Pontiacs not so much. Of course Chinese Buicks aren’t all the same as American ones, but probably GM figured if they had to kill a nameplate, Pontiac would have less of an impact on China than Buick.

[@BigWheel.]

@@Sashazur I can't imagine why gm couldn't just pull a bait and switch on the Chinese. Call them pontiacs here in the states, and then swap the facia and call it a buick for the Chinese, and have them both be run by the same division of GM. I only say this because the Chinese buicks are different looking then ours already so facia swapping shouldn't even be an issue. I seriously doubt the Chinese would notice or care.

[@VintageCars999]

Well they dumped the Grand Am before dumping Pontiac. Really a shame since they are great cars. Mines gotten rusty but still works, going to replace the rear struts in a week or so

[@camryuser]

@@Sashazur Buicks are a thing in China because the President of China (when it was still a democracy) drove a Buick. CNBC did a special on it. Buick-China sells a luxury minivan that they don't sell in the US.

[@marcosmaisterra4477]

Scott, once again I have nothing to say other than, "you ROCK "!!!

[@XboxBadBoy18]

Love the Grand Am videos. Still got my 99 Grand Am GT.

[@pongagt]

Me too

[@MrChris1316]

You are the best tool holder on here ,it a pleasure Everytime I watch you.

[@mph5896]

I don't see many Grand Ams on the road anymore in Detoilet metro. The ones still chugging along look like they went through a war zone.

[@derektitov6667]

I almost bought one of these when I was 20 years old. I still like the look of them. Great job. Based on how well you put it back together I'd say it was worth every bit of that 4k. The buyer has nothing to worry about for quite a while.

[@harryvanniekerk7269]

Now why would anybody hate such a nice guy like you? You are so honest.

[@shire1951]

Your sense of humour is pretty close to mine, I'm laughing. I love to see another craftsman work, keep it up you are entertaining an old guy.

[@alexblanco9687]

Lmao, what’s in my console is always comedy gold.😂

[@vehcor]

😂👍🏻

[@billymasoner3735]

Ugh, my damn dream car again. I’m such a sucker for this car.

[@jhonditch4269]

yes we all dream things we shouldn't

[@Monza62000]

@@jhonditch4269 my 99 runs like new an its has the q4 ,,

[@vehcor]

If you take care of them, they last forever. You can’t beat 30+ mpg on the highway out of a 18 year old car. Cheap to fix, easy to work on. I’m looking for another already.

[@nickking1510]

@@vehcor agreed also . Have have series 111 3.8 Grand Prix 3.8 n/a is fantastic in Ontario Canada I get 34 mpg on imperial gallon driving 150 km daily on the 402 . I also purchased a 2006 gxp 5.3 with blow transmission cheap . Rebuilt it and installed a rv transmission cooler in line with rad cooler and transmax Castrol synthetic fluid ( these transmission run way to hot stock in my opinion ) touched up black paint fixed a few minor problems polished waxed black paint . The gxp looks and runs like new and trans never gets above 184 f , the car has good power and handles great for a big 4 door sedan on the Oem 18 Alcoa rims and Oem bilstein suspension and gets 30 -32 mpg imperial

[@michaelhuey4187]

Nice job on the “beater with a heater”! I’m glad you found someone who appreciates your good work and will benefit from a good car. It’s nice to see a young guy take the time and make the effort to bring something back to life that a lot of folks would just scrap because it’s “old”. 👍

[@tomdufur6448]

This is one of the best car repair videos I've seen. Really appreciate your editing out all the tedious wrench turning that most KZbin videos all full of. Thanks!

[@williamelwell408]

Love the Grand Am GT’s.

[@s99614]

The right way to fix the peeling dash is to reglue the existing one back on with glue that doesn't liquify in the heat. Your replacement will peel back after sitting in the sun just the same. I used some solvent based construction adhesive on my Alero dash.

[@eldoradony]

The $4000 was no surprise at the end. As I was watching I kept saying to myself "he is setting that car up for sale", and I was right. Nice work as usual.

[@vehcor]

Actually I had every intention of driving it for the winter. 😂

[@htseat2000]

I love those cars. Never had one but still love them

[@rsprockets7846]

Pontiac made epic vehicles

[@vehcor]

Good little cars. Cheap, easy to work on and good on gas.

[@rsprockets7846]

@@vehcor been there as kid when GTO WAS INTRODUCED....from 1964. To 1970 pontiac was exciting until feds and insurances killed the muscle cars.

[@allenbourassa1579]

Loved it when the "Tears from Heaven "came pouring down!

[@curtiscross8906]

The torque on that drain bolt.😳🤣

[@vehcor]

Next time I’m welding it before I send it to the Jiffy boys! 😂

[@unclejoe6811]

@@johnkramer7161 damn your dense dude.

[@stevenayala2324]

You know wat the jiffy boys going do impact strip it then say it needs an oil pan lol

[@hardwaypete2572]

We had Jiffy Lube in Australia, they went belly up very quickly.

[@johnds6621]

Now I know why I had to have the bolt holding the lifter fixed a few years after the intake gasket was replaced. Mechanics Ha. You won't get any grief from me; I like what you do and wish you were close to where I live at least I would feel confident with the work that was done. Keep up the good work.

[@markharris7662]

I'm glad you sold it. It's far to good to be a winter beater. Looks very nice and clean.

[@greggmccleary1440]

Why did I picture him standing there pissing in the haters tears can 🤣😂👍

[@nobodyspecial6436]

You were not alone

[@matt426h]

My first thoughts exactly

[@MarkPdot]

Totally thought the same thing.

[@robertevans6481]

Yea and now I gotta go...lol

[@mickfreeburn9181]

Love how you take the piss out of the haters keep it up Scott great work Love new winter beater it’s summer here in Australia cheers from your Aussie friends

[@vehcor]

Haters need attention too! 😂Best wishes from the USA!

[@chainreaction6594]

Scott, you are one of the best, if not THE best YT channels. "The dash pad won't hurt anything" was hilarious. You left out " except it would make my OCD howl". Keep up the great work.

[@ericingram7864]

Your dry delivery and sense of humor absolutely crack me up.

[@josephdunkle1152]

Grand Am came out nice! I don't call this a "beater".

[@alacran1986]

I know what you mean but it was saved from the crusher, so “beater” applies.

[@nickking1510]

Oil undercoat every thing doors chassis rockers all unibody inner and outer boxed components trunk quarters bumper mounts lines coil towers drill 1/2 inch holes to gain access then plugs . Done right it will stay rust free don’t forget rad lower mount also. Proper maintenance and transmission and oil changes they last and super cheap to keep as a daily driver . So is the Grand Prix 3.8 and 5.3 super cheap parts in after market I have both cars

[@jezpigg4529]

Glad to see metric bolts in that AM. A true Brit must have been on the assembly line that day

[@kzbuster]

Haters? I love this channel. Have learned so much. It's easy to bitch sitting on the couch. Keep up the good work with spotty. Where's the afternoon crew?

[@roberto3420]

Haters gonna hate....good work.This is my favourite humor and rebuild channel.

[@deanh7190]

10:29 Camera selfie : )...now I know how I look to you. LMAO at the closing...at first I thought you were urinating in the Haters Tear's bucket which would have been fitting. Happy New Tears!

[@gottahurt]

happy new year ...

[@vehcor]

Thanks! Same to you!

[@hackfabrication139]

You are the Grand Am Guru!!! I''m waiting for the blindfold manifold gasket replacement video....

[@jaysonburns4423]

It used to be a winter beater now it looks like a new car...you did a great job on this car

[@Mint2842]

This video made me wonder why I thought these cars were so cool back then😂 anyways great video and Happy New Year to you!

[@vehcor]

I never really thought they were cool. Just cheap, easy to work on and good drivers.

[@amazeddude1780]

It's sort of like there's a message there. There's an old saying, "Those of you who think you know everything, really annoy those of us who do."

[@BigWheel.]

People who say things like this are just like the people who say they "aren't like everybody else".

[@sandwichbar8226]

"make it easier on the next guy" - this *HAS* to be a keeper; it's so sweet

[@sandwichbar8226]

Ahhhhh, 27:37 explains all. ☹️

[@Aaron_Lasher]

😂😂😂😂 the end I love it. Actually sat and watched the build. Satisfying. Don’t let people get ya down. Keep offending 🤘🏻

[@gtoger]

That whole process of pulling the dash is exactly why I haven't had heat in my car for 2 years. I'd rather drive with mittens than go after the heater core on a 1990 F-body.

[@FixItStupid]

Did My Heater Core a Time Ago on My From NEW 1994 F-Body TA/ GT T TOP & Its Never Been Back to The dealer Or Shop's Now LT 4 Set Up 429+hp & Cam &Hughes Trans.& torque converter..NOS...A Real.. E ticket Ride No One Ever Got Out Of this Car With Out A Smile On There Face .....Just FUN & U Just Fix IT U Know $$$ Bank The Tech....

[@coses4957]

@@FixItStupid Reading that gave me a headache, thanks.

[@rsprockets7846]

Real world cost to swap dash in this car must be over 500 bucks....

[@vanamsgarage]

Just hook the heater hoses to the AC evaporator.

[@joshweaver38]

3rd gen fbody heater cores are sooo easy. takes an hour tops. Pull the dash pad and passenger speaker to get to the top bolt, going through the dash with a long extension. the rest are accessible underneath. Then unbolt the bracket, pull off the hoses, then install new, and reassemble. If you really cant get at the top bolt just take the rest out and break that tab. or if you can get it out just dont reinstall it. simple

[@weatherwatchmore381]

“It’s just some spare change” (Pulls out 100 dollar bills)

[@tap0019]

You are a born mechanic. I would never remove the dash to replace an ugly dash pad. I guess it gave you good material for a KZbin Video. I enjoy your attention to detail!

[@alanhubbard1868]

You turned a beater into a Unicorn, NICE JOB !!!!!

[@vehcor]

It was already a unicorn. The just nursed it back to health!

[@rosthi]

I love "Hater's Tears".

[@vehcor]

I like making the haters cry so it just works out! 😂

[@jeffpowell8308]

Scott your wit is dryer than the desert!😆

[@joshuajohnson165]

Who would hate on this legend!

[@clutch5sp989]

Don't touch those..you could get a yeast infection.

[@Aggrressor92]

Still remember as a kid thinking these were the coolest cars ever lol

[@vehcor]

I have always liked them, never thought they were cool though. 😂

[@Ram14250]

I love Grand Am's... Pretty easy to fix too. Glad you took care of another one! Nice car Scott!

[@jumpinjojo]

Your work is always done properly and thorough. No shortcuts. A pleasure to see.

[@furgulley8077]

"600 ft lbs on the oil drain plug and send it to jiffy lube!"😄😄😄

[@bigbear5510]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[@vehcor]

Thanks, same to you!

[@allenwelsch2839]

Scott, your cup obviously runeth over! Keep up the good work.

[@richmelillo9637]

Good to see the "smarter ones" smackdown". It is enjoyable to watch you disassemble and reassemble the vehicles. Me, I come from the era of metal, screws and bolts for everything. It amazes me that all those parts "snap in". Thanks for sharing, Happiest of all things good this New Year! Rich

[@vehcor]

Thanks, I grew up with screws and bolts everywhere as well. I remember when body side moldings used plastic clips instead of two sided tape. Thanks for the support!

[@garycurry4600]

Scott: “YOUR TEARS ARE DELICIOUS!!”

[@williamegler8771]

Scotty Kilmer diddles himself in a high mileage Celica with ice cold air while looking at a picture of the chairman of Toyota. You still see these Grand Am's providing cheap reliable transportation everywhere .

[@houseofno]

Happy new year!

[@vehcor]

Thanks, same to you!

[@trickedout9003]

Your sense of humor just keeps getting better. Thanks for the entertainment and the video!

[@BigDaddyChumChum]

Thank you for taking the time to record the repairs you performed this video. Since I'm a grand am owner 2002 with the same issues, the time and frustrations will be limited as a result of your video Again, thanks John D griffin,Ga

[@RBallarddesigns]

We need a hater tears shirt

[@vehcor]

😢👍🏻

[@robertdavis6708]

@@vehcor We need a Tee shirt that sez....." In the Pile". lol.

[@matthewtaylor3308]

I’m glad you sold that car and hopefully got it out of Chicago...

[@vehcor]

Nope, still around here. Hopefully the rust proofing helps it last a little longer.

[@DXFXmc]

Anyone who hates your videos is a DOLT!! Always Great content.🤗🤗🤓☝

[@pugetsound1970]

The hater's tears at the end was brilliant...... On another point, when you replace the brake discs have you thought of spray painting the disc hub to reduce the corrosion? It also looks good for cars with sports type wheels where the brakes are more visible.

[@vehcor]

The paint doesn’t last up here in the salt so it isn’t worth the work to me.

[@paulog8813]

Just to help you fill up the Hater Tears: Where is the Mustang??? 🤬🤬🤬 🤣🤣🤣 Happy New Year for you and the afternoon crew.

[@RexenPrime]

At the end it looked like you were taking a leak in the haters tears cup

[@vehcor]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@michaelmilliner6568]

Need to do more what's in my center console!!! The shots fired at these people are hilarious!!!

[@valtimontejr8071]

Your sarcasm is legendary. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year!

[@AGwolf2097]

"get it snagged on all the wires" lol

[@vehcor]

It would never happen if I wanted them to get snagged!

[@MirceaD28]

Honestly? I was expecting the sound of you peeing and the sound of the zipper being pulled, in the "Hater's tears"

[@vehcor]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@noahandrade4501]

If I could work for you just to gain experience I would but I live in Toronto. You're a big inspiration to me, thanks!

[@beluxauto5968]

A happy New Year for you and your close one´s . I don´t know when you shot this video but that well deserved cash you made is a nice new beginning . For those " haters " only a few words , watch , listen and learn .

[@doughboy1966]

Don’t let the evening crew see those stacks of cash because they will want a loan. Ohh and Mr Spotty will want a raise too.

[@vehcor]

Loan? A loan implies I will get it back! 😂

[@detailisretail]

If Mr. Spotty doesn't get it he will not sign the photo release. So no more merch. Lol

[@justinunger38]

happy new year

[@vehcor]

Thanks, same to you!

[@webman1956]

Hahahahahaha! Love you humor dude! I have never seen someone as meticulous as you are with your attention to every detail and it shows in your work. Love your channel!

[@arturorobles1989]

First video I seen of this CAT, and love this guy!

[@JoeManLARockinEmpire]

That's alot of Haters Tears!

[@greenscreen1060]

man I'm late

[@vehcor]

Me too! 😂

[@dav8388]

I learned the hard way that the intake and exhaust pushrods are not the same length. I was doing head gasket on a Chevy Venture, and when I got it back together I went to start it the valve and piston had a fight. luckily it was only 2 cylinders that bent a pushrods and valves. I've done a dozen of these intake gaskets, and now pull them off and store them in order front to back

[@moneygeewtee]

2 of the most important things to have when doing this or any other job...the right tools and the right skill! A sense of humor is an added bonus! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!

[@deejohnson5163]

Another great build. Enjoyed watching. Thanks for taking me along for the ride.

[@KMaffittGAGT]

It's always rusty ones with good dashes and rust free ones with bad dashes! I bought a rust free one to swap my built motor and turbo into and it had a bad dash, so I swapped it with the old rusty ones! As far as pricing. There's so many factors, I've been messing with these thing for 10 years now and no 2 have ever been the same 😂 I just sold an 02 for $3500. But I've also bought my rust free running/driving one for $500. So it goes both ways!! Heck one that had $20k worth of mods done to it sold for less then what you got from yours! Congrats on the flip, buying a car knowing it was gone over like you did really helps! Someone got a good car!

[@1984jo5e]

You just don't see many grands am anymore much less this clean, I had one back in the day, you did a great job on this one

[@ShootnTexasStyle]

Never owned. Grand Am but did own a 05 G6 Gt. Awesome car

[@MrBigGStyle]

I owned a 99 grand am 21 years ago. It was fantastic. Easy to work on, fast enough for me to get multiple speeding tickets, but easy on gas.

[@markjou9799]

I owned a 99 Grand Am for 21 years!!!!!

[@kevinritchie9227]

I guess Pontiac wanted to be like Chrysler and use some of that "Rich Corinthian Pleather" on the dash. No wonder it ages so well. What an ending! I wasnt sure if that was haters tears filling up the can at first or if you were telling us how you feel about the haters...lol

[@jdrs4214]

I’ve seen older Chrysler’s, Dodges, and Jeeps of the same era of that Grand Am. (I think Dalimer was the daddy company back then.) They definitely didn’t put reliability and quality into their vehicles. They were worse than GM at that time. I don’t know about these newer Chryslers Jeeps and Dodges under the newer Fiat, daddy company today. I’ll have to look into it someday.

[@abdihassan2953]

4k no way except if I'm buying from you because of your amazing talent fixing every car like it's your own car

[@darrinwilson633]

You are like a one man Grand Am preservation team.