Art & Inspiration Buick Prototype Custom

That would be an interesting concept but I think I might start with the Corvette windscreen to see how that works out. I am not a big fan of v-butt windshields. I like the factory ones with a division bar but when that is eliminated it looks like a 90s street rod and I wouldn't want to paint the thing monochrome with some pastel color.

 

Ha I saw the sketch and thought of the Stutz too...definently avoid that

 

I just suggest it, as it seems like exactly the sort of thing Bill Mitchell & co would have done around that time.
Its all about the context.

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That's a good point. I looked at concept cars last night til I fell asleep. Lots of things to ponder on

 

I like the concept of building a phantom "what if" car. Looking at your proportions, you may be able to get a lot of your panels from sectioning a riv instead of building it all from scratch, and the benefit would be being able to use the trim pieces that match up. To really sell the illusion, Buicks need lots of chrome. Count's customs did a boat tail Riv with an added bar like a split window corvette. I thought it looked great. I think the profile of a c2 vette windshield and roof would look better than the c3 on your car, as the later Vette is leaned back a bit too much, and I wouldn't do the T tops as the A pillar tends to be too heavy looking. Door tops that cut into the roof like C 2 vettes may look appropriate and help getting in/out easier too. I think the frame from the 70s vette would be the most reasonable cost donor with the suspension looks that can reasonably carry the continuity of a 60s concept car, and adding a few inches of side rail length to get your wheelbase stretch shouldn't be too hard. As far as driveline, my first choice definately to sell the con would have to be a nailhead as its the most recognizable iconic Buick engine, although being a concept, it would need to have a wild induction, like a multi weber set up or a buick version of a tri-power. If it was mine though, I would try to wedge in an H.O. 455. I really hope you get this off the idea page and into reality and if you start with the correct planning and stay true to the vision it will be a very cool ride. Good luck and I look forward to the build thread.

 

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I was planning on cutting a boattail Riv into a pile of pieces and basically use the roof and narrow and shorten it. The Riv is a hardtop and the C2 Vette has a frame around the door so those are a bit incomppatable with each other. Good thoughts on the induction. I am quite set on a nailhead because I have always wanted one and they are just the best looking engine around. I have thought about it more and this should be dated about 61-62. I will bring this to reality after I get my current build done.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/international-kb-7-chop.989019/

 

I've been following your other build too, I daily drive my 72 IH 1210 with a 392 here in Edmonton, so I like seeing what you are coming up with on your KB.
The door deal was because as a tall guy, I had a harder time getting my head into my 80 vette when the tops were in because how low it sat. When you chop the riv roof height as well as shortening the door length, and having a wide sill to keep it low with the vette frame, all of this adds to a problem getting in and out. The c2 vette style door would use a GM 60s styling cue, but it may look too much like a customized 63 Vette unless you could make it work some how with a chromed window frame. However I do like the hard top door better. Maybe you could use swivel seats? That def is a GM prototype deal. The biggest thing Buick always has had is class and refined comfort. So unlike a Ferrari or Vette where comfort and refinement came as afterthoughts to style and performance, you will need to incorporate the Buick feel in the initial design to be successful.


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Check out the 64 riv that win the Ridler last year. I have seen this car up close and while ot, for here, the combo of a 64 Riviera with a 71-3 roof and boat tail looks really good, and may show some alternate ideas for you. I like your original idea, but it def looks early 70s. Maybe starting with a 62-3 Riv or Wildcat would help sell the early 60s look you say you want. Just a thought.


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I got a few leads on some boattail Rivs today and will follow up on them in the near future. Now to locate a Vette to chop up. I am not one that likes to destroy something but chopping up a Vette is going to be fun especially when the Vette purists find out. LMAO

 

Saturday I am going to look at some Rivs that might work for this build. I will take some pics and post them. When I actually start this project I will start a separate build thread and link this thread to it. A friend has a 78' silver anniversary edition Corvette with a bunch of work done to it including new wiring harness and leather seats. He is too tall to fit the car and wants to sell it.

 

Look at the early '50s Buick prototype design cars... Check out the Wildcat and Wildcat II show cars, and the factory '54 Skylark wheel openings, or at least the inspiration of them, might work to make the front fenders come together. Also look at the '55 Olds 88 Delta show car for front wheel opening ideas.

Finally, look at the Supercharged Auburns for exhaust pipe inspiration: but do it "reversed." The Auburban has the right shape of the front fenders, but they hood is behind the fenders and the pipes come out of the hood. Take that same fender shape, but make it a cover, and have the pipes come out the same way, into a single pipe under the door.

-Brad

 

It looks like the time to start on this project is about 1-1/2 to 2 year's out. I have located some junk Corvettes (aren't they all) to build off of. Still looking for a not so good 71 Riviera that still has most of the body in fair condition as I don't want to spend months doing rust repair before I can customize it.

 

@55willys, I know this is an older thread. Did you ever find the opportunity to make any progress on your Riviera concept?

 

I have the steel structure out of a Corvette and inner door shells stripped of fiberglass. That's it so far. I haven't found a 71 Riviera for a donor car yet.

 

Thanks for the update! Fingers crossed you find the right Riv and can continue this project!