My Namesake is gone!

TexRiv_63 · July 6th, 2009

After more than a year of trying, I finally have sold my 63 Riviera. It was loaded on the trailer last night and is on its way to southern California as we speak. I had the car for 4 1/2 years and treated it to a new interior, brakes, exhaust, A/C system and audio system but kept the exterior original. It was mechanically very reliable with the only problem being a Dynaflow rebuild due to excessive leakage. This car was a great cruiser and always drew attention wherever I drove it. One more car long on my extensive list of automotive desires now enjoyed and gone.

Now I've moved solidly into the prewar camp with my Pierce and Cadillac and do not plan to replace the Riv as I never really had the space or cash to support three projects. My only problem is my screen name was based on the missing car! I'm not sure I want to change it, have any of you had this problem? Do you think I should change it?

keiser31 · July 6th, 2009

Is there a river near where you live? If so, I would keep the name so that we can recognize you.

TexRiv_63 · July 7th, 2009

Keiser, I never thought of that - works for me. I don't like change anyway. Here's a picture of the Riv on the trailer, even though I was ready for it to go it was still a little sad.

MCHinson · July 7th, 2009

Or you could change to something like "TX PreWar Fan (Former TexRiv_63)" for a year or two and then drop the "(Former TexRiv_63)" after everybody has gotten used to the new name.

Tying your identity to a car that you may not own forever does have this potential downfall.

Or you could just leave it what it is and not worry about it.

keiser31 · July 7th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexRiv_63

Keiser, I never thought of that - works for me. I don't like change anyway. Here's a picture of the Riv on the trailer, even though I was ready for it to go it was still a little sad.

I don't envy you letting the Riviera go away. It's usually sad to see a car go that you have had for a while. I had a 1928 Model A Ford pickup that I only had for a couple of months. I had to sell it (paid off the house with the money), but even though I only had it for a short time, it was really hard to sell it. It was my very first Model A and I got it running the very first time I cranked it up. It purred without blowby or rattles (aside from the normal Model A sounds) and went down the road. It was like trying to get my life savings out of my hands, but it had to be done. Sometimes we gotta let things go and hope and believe that better things will come from it. As far as changing my handle...I don't think I will ever need to because my 2-1931 Dodges are NOT going away as long as I am alive.

Dean_H. · July 7th, 2009

Keep the name, '63 Riviera's are cool and so is the namesake. Sorry you had to sell it. At least you'll have more room in the garage to work on you other cars. Wasn't '63 the first year?

Back in the 1970s, my Dad took a 425 nail head engine out of a '66 Riviera and stuffed it into a Pinto. That was quite the setup, but the car was so out of balance it was difficult to drive. After only a few miles of test drives, he pulled the engine to use on another project.

jeff_a · July 7th, 2009

If it were me I'd probably leave it, but I guess you could change your display name to TexPierce_28 and say your handle always reflects your oldest car.

TexRiv_63 · July 8th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean_H.

Keep the name, '63 Riviera's are cool and so is the namesake. Sorry you had to sell it. At least you'll have more room in the garage to work on you other cars. Wasn't '63 the first year?

Back in the 1970s, my Dad took a 425 nail head engine out of a '66 Riviera and stuffed it into a Pinto. That was quite the setup, but the car was so out of balance it was difficult to drive. After only a few miles of test drives, he pulled the engine to use on another project.

Dean, 63 was the first year, they used that style thru 65. As for the 425 in a Pinto, that is scary on so many levels - but I'll bet it was a hell of a ride.

I'm going to keep my handle for now, I still have a load of leftover Buick parts to sell before I'm totally out of Riviera land.

Dave Fields · July 8th, 2009

how about, "The member formally known as TexRiv_63?" I've heard you are a prince of a fellow ;-)