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Projects New Ride - 65 Riviera

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by rockable, Jun 12, 2023.

  1. Chavezk21
    Joined: Jan 3, 2013
    Posts: 773

    Chavezk21
    Member

    Beautiful car! love the 65's.
     
    rockable likes this.
  2. Very nice! Agree with your plan to just lower it a bit and then enjoy the drive.
     
  3. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
    Riviera master cylinder.jpg
     
    Thor1, jim snow, slim38 and 3 others like this.
  4. harpo1313
    Joined: Jan 4, 2008
    Posts: 2,587

    harpo1313
    Member
    from wareham,ma

    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.
     
    rockable likes this.
  5. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    :D
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  6. ChrisBlair
    Joined: Jun 10, 2023
    Posts: 65

    ChrisBlair

    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.
     
    427 sleeper and rockable like this.
  7. BrerHair
    Joined: Jan 30, 2007
    Posts: 5,065

    BrerHair
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
  8. 41 GMC K-18
    Joined: Jun 27, 2019
    Posts: 4,210

    41 GMC K-18
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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!

    40850013.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2023
  9. the oil soup
    Joined: May 19, 2013
    Posts: 295

    the oil soup
    Member
    from Tucson,AZ

    Had a slightly OT 1970 El Camino that color, code 50 Gobi Beige.
     
    rockable likes this.
  10. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.

    0628231126a_HDR.jpg 0628231126_HDR.jpg 0628231125_HDR.jpg 0622231223_HDR.jpg
     
  11. 41 GMC K-18
    Joined: Jun 27, 2019
    Posts: 4,210

    41 GMC K-18
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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!
     
  12. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    You are right. That's what I like to do.
     
  13. Illustrious Hector
    Joined: Jun 15, 2020
    Posts: 539

    Illustrious Hector
    Member

    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
     
    bobss396 likes this.
  14. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
    Thor1 and 41 GMC K-18 like this.
  15. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
  16. 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.
     
    41 GMC K-18 and rockable like this.
  17. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I like all of those, as well. You have great taste!
     
    bobss396, 41 GMC K-18 and JalopyJimbo like this.
  18. Go Rock Go...
     
    rockable likes this.
  19. Of those I never had a Gran Prix. I'd love another '62 Olds.
     
    rockable likes this.
  20. swifty
    Joined: Dec 25, 2005
    Posts: 2,370

    swifty
    Member

    @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?
     
    41 GMC K-18 likes this.
  21. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
    Thor1, swifty and 41 GMC K-18 like this.
  22. 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.
     
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  23. Those thin red line tires are so 60's!
     
    rockable likes this.
  24. SS327
    Joined: Sep 11, 2017
    Posts: 3,082

    SS327

    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.
     
    Bleach, rockable and 427 sleeper like this.
  25. Any recent updates on this jewel?
     
  26. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,695

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
    Thor1, loudbang, Roothawg and 4 others like this.
  27. WC145
    Joined: Jul 21, 2012
    Posts: 226

    WC145
    Member
    from Maine

    Need more pics, I want to see how it looks and how it sits now that you've lowered it.:)
     
  28. Same!
     
    guthriesmith likes this.
  29. 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?
     
    JalopyJimbo likes this.

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