Projects '63 Riviera project begins! Another reason not to finish the T'Bird...

The newest project is always the most fun! When I got the Riv last summer, I swore I wasn't going to work on it until the 'Bird was finished. My wife knew better...

 

Gold Chainers...... who else has pockets deep enough to have 5 projects all goin' at the same time??

 

Teach your kid to love Hot Rods and Customs, and they'll never have enough money for drugs...

 

For Inspiration (not that you really need it)

My buddy's riv, finished last year. 'Bout an 8 year build.

 

Looks like I have some catching up to do Brian. I haven't been on here much and I'm out of the loop. Nice project you have going on here. I thought I'd throw in a pic of my newest toy and also provide some reassurance that the stock Buick brakes work really well.

Cheers Pete

 

Flyn-t, it's good to know long term projects get done, my T'bird thanks you for the reassurance, since it's 10 years since I was just going to change the color. Now, 8 projects later and it's still not done, and the Riv is competing for garage time. Pete, good to hear from ya! Thanks for the tip on the stock brakes, I ordered new wheel cylinders and shoes along with all the suspension bits today. My brother's still in Melbourne and looks like he'll be staying for the long term, maybe we'll be able to get over, and get to go for a ride in your Riv!

 

I've gotten the frame forward of the firewall almost clean enough to paint, despite the blizzard and near zero temps outside. After I took this photo, a little more wire brushing (using twisted wire wheels in my grinder and small spiral brush in the drill), the frame and firewall are nearly ready for a wash with thinner, and a gloss black finish using my new favorite chassis paint, rattle can black from Tractor Supply. The heater/AC unit is coming out, and I'm going to make cover plates that'll simply bolt to the firewall. I like machine finished aluminum, so that may get the nod. In other news, I pulled the passenger door skin off to try to get the power window to work, and discovered the motor is shot. The plastic brush plate is broken, letting one of the brushes fall away from the armature. Any early '60's GM power windows out there? I have a couple extra doors, hopefully when the snow melts and I can find them again, those motors will be good...

 

The extra pair doors I'd forgotten I had are gonna come in handy for power window motors and regulators. It took a while to dig them out and drag into the shop (OMG ARE THEY HEAVY) but a real problem solver! The Riv's removable door skins make servicing the windows a breeze.

 

Wow, at first I thought, "What a pain in the hind quarters!" But since you say that they are removable, That would be super convenient.
Love to see the progress.

 

Despite the cold, I've gotten quite a bit done on the Riviera. Almost done putting new foot wells in the floors, A/C-heat unit in, vents adapted to Rivi's dash vents, frame and firewall are painted, the Air-Ride system should be here tomorrow, my buddy Crafty B is doing some welding on the sectioned original oil pan (the sump was too deep), and I got the window regulator repaired and new motor in the passenger door. It's almost time to start putting things back together.

 

Oh, I painted the firewall, got the A/C mounted, vents adapted to the original A/C vents in the dash and got the inner fenders and core support sandblasted. A little minor rust repair to the core support in front of the battery tray, not bad...

 

Damn, look at you go. Nice work

 

More boxes of fun for my wife's Riviera! This is the Air-Lift system, first one I've done. Next truck load is the new interior , so we've got to finalize the color. Would saddle look good with lime-gold?

 

Brian what AC system are you using? I dig watching all your projects!!

 

A/C is from Souther Rods. I picked them because it was easy to order.

 

Engine is in the Riv for the last time. I made panels to cover the heater openings in the firewall, using my buddy John's bead roller and some 20 ga., the opening to the left I haven't gotten on yet, as I found I was out of self tapping screws, and it's accessible with the engine in anyway. I considered making a duct to direct outside air into the new A/C unit (which uses cabin air only), but I decided it wasn't worth the effort to do that, and my fabrication skills weren't up to the task. My pal Jake Moomey is making cups for the air bags, as he's bagging another friends '63 Riv right now, he said he might as well make mine when he makes Destin's, which will make that job pretty easy for me. Thanks guys!

 

Floors in the Riviera are DONE, sound deadener and insulation DONE. Now, we need to finalize interior color choice, before upholstery and carpet get picked. I proposed silver, an original option, my wife is considering it. My thought is it may be too much blue with both paint and interior similar light blue colors. Today's goal, get the A/C compressor mounted, get the firewall insulation up and A/C-heat unit can be permanently mounted. I'm also working on the final body-work on the '59 T'bird, so both projects are moving along pretty well. I don't know how Jake is doing on the Riv project he's bagging, but I still have to get the new ball joints in my control arms, so there's no rush for the air bag cups.

 

Brian, what brand/type of sound deadening mat did you choose?

 

I sure hope you put seam sealer around the welded in floor pans. If not.... your carpet and feet will get wet when you drive it in the rain.

I have a question about one of the blue Rivs photos..... why is the blonde in the BACK seat?????

 

I didn't just fall off a turnip truck...

 

I used "Peel & Seal", self adhering flashing. It's like "fat mat" but cheaper, and "Reflctix" on top of that. The car should be as quiet as a tomb.

 

Sharp man, I've used similar flashing material. It's tons cheaper, and works a treat. Just wondering, and thanks!!

 

We'll, I put engine in the Riv last week with it's sectioned original oil pan in lieu of the GM engine swap one (intend to put these into early 60's "X " frame Chevy's). Then I discovered the steering center link didn't clear the sump, because I modified it to (barely) clear the swap pan sump which is not as long. So, I cut a wedge slice out of the swap pan 1" at the front tapered to 0 at the rear. Out to shop now to pull the engine and swap pans. AGAIN. We build 'em twice to make 'em nice here at Cool McCool's garage...

 

All for bags in. Tank and compressor in the trunk. Tomorrow I want to run the lines and air this ban boy up.

 

I was starting to wonder what happened to you, figured you must be camping! ;-)

 

Took a break for a couple weeks to go to Las Vegas and meet our new grandson! And, yes, getting ready for camping, the '76 GMC dually and Del-Ray camper have been taking up time. That's about done now, so I can squeeze in some time on the Riviera and T'bird. I need to retire so I have time to work on cars...

 

Brian,

I got laid off back in January. As a government contractor, its an ever present risk. Had a significant savings just for such an emergency, so I thought I'd use the time off to get caught up on some things. Let me tell you, it ain't working out that way! I swear I had more free time when I was working! Between my wife and her mother (whom we take care of), and we've also got one of those new grandbaby deals , these people keep me jumping!


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Lookie what's laying on the shop floor! In addition to wrapping the chassis up, I scored the Buick Rally's today at Discount Tire while getting new tires on the Dually. Some dude came in with a lumpy '69 Olds convert with these on it, he had 18's put on the Olds, I bought these on the spot for $200. Winning!

 

I like where this going.

 

Time for you to buy a lottery ticket! (unless you already used up all your luck scoring those Rallys - nice!)