De-mousing is complete, except for the headliner. It will be late July before it arrives. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of things to do. I rebuilt the original AFB because it has linkage that works the switches for the switch pitch ST400 transmission. The engine had a tick in it, so I removed the valve covers, intake and valley cover to inspect. I found absolutely nothing wrong. So, while it's disassembled, I sandblasted all those pieces and am now waiting on favorable weather to paint them. Since I couldn't paint, I decided to inspect the brake system. Yikes! The MC had about 1/4" of rusty brake fluid in it. I sure am glad I didn't drive it home that way. After checking several other things, I decided that I am going to leave the brake system stock. So, I ordered wheel cylinders, hoses, master cylinder, front wheel bearings, etc. Everything but the steel tubing and the vacuum booster will be replaced. Fortunately, the drums and shoes are great. Unfortunately, I won't have parts until next Tuesday. The cooling system is going to require major flushing action, as well. I cannot believe how someone will own a nice car like this and do absolutely no maintenance on it for over 11 years. Some people just have no clue, I guess. I also ordered new tires to replace the new 13 year old ones that are on the car.
The previous owner was probably overwhelmed with the things to do list and kinda petered out on it. when gone through you will have a dependable car that you know its mechanical history. I had a piss ridden [ot] car, I gutted it, cleaned it many times, then por 15ed all of it.
Let us ponder the pen of Ned Nickles. Gorgeous car. My long-gone '70 Skylark Custom convertible was originally that color: Bamboo Cream, code 50.
Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Really takes me back to high school days, red stripes and all. Congrats! Well done, good luck. The Boss @Ryan needs to see this, if he hasn't already.
Such a shame, that the powers that be in Detroit and other places where new cars are designed, cant seem to take a look back at how cars were designed back in the 60's and make them have a personality again! That is a wonderful Riviera! It gets the wildcat seal of approval!
I never cease to be amazed with what people get away with on their cars. Brake maintenance has got to be one of the most important things in owning a car. This one was pathetic. The drums and shoes are great but I am replacing all of the hydraulic components. If I drove a car like this, is would be in a wreck in short order. How do they survive? Glad I didn't drive it home.
Lets just cut to the chase @rockable That cool older Riviera, which is so cool on the outside, and is rife with hidden issues on the inside. She knew she was going to be saved and bought by someone ( YOU ) that would do the deep dive into all of her components, and find the problems, and cure them all! Sure its going to be a safari, to find problems that need attention, but when all of the issues are found and corrected, that is going to be one very HAPPY Riviera! And you will have the great grin on your face, that is the symbol of a job well done!
With the car having sat as long as you say and the cooling system being rusty, it will need head gaskets.Don't buy just any brand. Ask the Centerville auto guys or read Matt's tech articles. Highly informative on the many quirks and differences of Nailhead engines. Nailheadbuick.com (530) 272- 1574
I thought about that but it has had the head gaskets replaced with composite gaskets. You can see the 2 metal laminates in a couple of places. I am a regular participant in the Nailhead group and have read all of the Martin's advice on their website nailheadbuick.com The cooling system deal turned out to be orange coolant, not rust. I will go through a couple of flushes and put green back in it.
I have done the following to the Riviera since I got it. Demoused the interior. I still have to put a headliner in it later this summer. Took the intake, valve covers and valley cover off and inspected lifers, pushrods and rockers. The only thing amiss was the splash shield for the PCV was on the wrong side. I think one of the rockers was ticking on it but not now. Rebuilt the AFB and converted it to electric choke. Recurved the distributor and set the timing. Didn't replace the points, as they appeared to be new. Painted and spruced up the valve covers, valley cover and intake. Installed all new gaskets and spark plugs. Charged the AC and replaced a relay that controls the blower. Fixed numerous vacuum leaks. Damn, this thing has a bunch of vacuum lines! Replaced all of the hydraulics except the hard lines and bled the system. Installed 2"drop springs and Viking double adjustable shocks in the front. Started flushing the cooling system. It had orange coolant instead of rust. It will be replaced with green coolant. I am waiting on sway bars and the rear shocks and springs but I couldn't resist going for a couple of drives. The AC works great and the car drives great. I will probably put a quick ratio steering box in it after I see how the other suspension mods behave. A name came to me as I was driving. It drives as smooth as ....Butter! I am going to really enjoy this car.
One of my bucket list cars. IMO one of my top-5 rides. Others I like the style of are the '64 Galaxie, '65 Impala, '65 Grand Prix and '61 or '62 Olds.
@rockable I love your Riviera. To find a car of that age in that condition and with only 37k miles is amazing. I'm not a fan of vinyl roofs but in this case it really suits the car. What engine is fitted and what is the difference between yours and the GS model. I see you have the ST400 and I think some came with the SP400, is that correct?
This is not a GS, which had the 425 dual quad engine. This has the 401 single quad. The tranny is a Buick version of a TH400 but with switch pitch torque converter. It is called the ST400. Thanks.
I had a ‘63 many years ago. That car drove really nice. It had the much maligned Twin-Turbine transmission. Its shifting was completely unnoticeable so it accelerated really smoothly. It got me fairly decent fuel mileage. I frequently averaged around 16 mpgs. The brakes will be really touchy if they’re working properly and steering is completely effortless. I really regret selling it to this day.
I have a 65 Grand Prix and let me say it is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. With out realizing it on the highway it gets to 70 quickly and wants to stay there without you realizing it.
Well, I got it de-moused. Just picked it up from the upholsterer yesterday with new headliner installed. I've lowered it, installed HD sway bars, double adjustable shocks and Borgeson quick ratio steering box. It drives great!! Got most of the engine/trans bugs worked out and am fine tuning on the engine. Got the AC working but still have some vacuum line issues. I have new red line tires and one slightly bent wheel that I am going to replace but will have to send out for chroming. Flushed the cooling system. Replaced every piece of the brake system except the steel lines. Replaced fuzzy channels for the door glass. That's most of it. Aside from the lowering it, it looks the same. Drives and runs great. Not sure what else I can tell you or show you at this time.
I’m trying to imagine how one of these cars feel with quick ratio steering with the stock steering wheel. Is the steering quicker and has more “feel” as opposed to the stock box which had none and took lots of turns going lock to lock?
The Jalopy Journal
