[What is the correct starting procedure for the 401 Nailhead?]

Hi Brian,

Yes, an electric push pump is the solution to this, I have one installed on my 53 Super which is even harder to start than the 65.

I haven't worried about for the 65 because I can fit a very strong battery and it has an alternator.

[Choosing Coil Springs]

Hi all.

I have a 65 Riv and have just been through this exercise. Shocks are at least as critical as springs.

In order to keep the standard ride height and not stress the tall 235x75 radials I have on the car, we specced up custom Bilstein shocks all round and had new springs made that are 84% stiffer than standard.

The car now points and corners well. I think the ride is just right and appropriate for the character of the car, its not soft but neither is it over stiff. If you go too stiff on separate chassis cars my experience is that they shake around a lot on poor roads, this is exacerbated by lowering - they sit low anyway. Another problem I have encountered is that when I went to the 235x75x15 radials there isn't much space in the front wheel houses on full lock.

The only problem I now have to deal with is the godawful over assisted steering. Any suggestions?

regards

John

[What is the correct starting procedure for the 401 Nailhead?]

Thats consistent with starting my 65 401, particularly if you leave the car for longish periods without use, as I do, 2 - 3 weeks or so. Its fine when used regularly or when warm.

The fuel evaporates and its a large carb and large engine.

Hope this helps.

[Correct spark plugs for 322 nailhead]

Hi everyone.

I have a 53 Super Riviera 56R with a stock (rebuilt) 322 with the correct 2 barrel carb.

The car developed a minor misfire and I decided to change the plugs. The manual refers to AC 44-5 plugs as OEM, however I understand these have been superceded by AC 45s (?).

On seraching all of the web based comparison charts, these indicated that NGK B6S were equivalent to the 44s. Bought a set took them to the car only to find it has NGK BP4s in it. The electrode on these sticks much further out into the combustion chamber than the B6S.

There aren't a lot of early nailheads here in Australia and so the knowledge base isn't great. Can someone confirm what the correct plugs are. ACs aren't commonly available here. NGK, Champion and Bosch are easier.

Thanks and regards

John

[1953 56R firewall number]

Thanks for the comments Guys.

Dave, thanks for your assistance. I thought it must have been something like that. As the crayon number is over the yellow paint on the firewall, I assume this means the car was painted then came to the main assembly line, received its ticket and they scribbled the number on the firewall. Would all the sub assemblies carry a ticket with 548 on them? ( please excuse the dumb questions as I have no knowledge of this stuff)

regards

John

[1953 56R firewall number]

Hi all.

I have a very original 53 56R Super Riviera Hardtop in Verde Green over Osage Cream.

I have decoded the data plate, however on the passengers side of the firewall it also has in red crayon a large number "548".

Can anyone tell me what this means?

Photo of the car attached.

Thanks for your help

John

[Lowered my 1950 super!]

Oh dear,

So it looks silly does it? In 2010 of course it does, anything with wheels that skinny tucked so far under the guards looks a bit goofy today. But seriously, does the grille look any less silly than the ride height?

I have a 53 which front or rear on looks postively undernourished in the track department. It is a Super with the Dynaflow so it's progress is at best leisurely.

Like our friends, 50 odd years on maybe we just need to respect these old gals and guys for what they are, 'cause they sure as heck aren't and can't be anything else.

[Frame fiinsh on my '53 roadmaster]

Marty,

The trans cooler was added before I got the car, so don't know if there was an issue with cooling, the Dynaflow has been rebuilt and seems fine - I gather the moan is fairly standard for these?

As to the underfloor, I'll have a good look next week and try to provide some more detailed photos. Generally from what I can see there isn't much paint on the floor.

I have just finished sorting out the heating system, wipers and washers. The underseat heater matrix is a work of art.

regards

John

[Frame fiinsh on my '53 roadmaster]

Martin,

Here are some photos of the underside of my Riv. As you can see there is no underseal. Hope these help. I can provide more detailed shots if you require.

Regards

John

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[Frame fiinsh on my '53 roadmaster]

Martin,

I have an original 53 Super Riviera 56R which has never been painted underneath. Mine has no underseal and the outer floor edges are body colour (Osage Cream). I'm wondering though if the underside finish depends on the plant where the car was built. Mine was built in California.

I know from my Mustang days that California cars didn't have underseal while east coast cars did. Anyone know?

I will try to post some photos over the next couple of days.

John

[what springs and shocks are u running?]

My 65 Riv is stock. The rear was sagged and shocks were shot. After carefully measuring all the suspension angles, ride height etc., I had a set of Bilstein gas shocks valved for the job and new springs made that are 84% stiffer than the originals. The critical factor is the shocks, most after market shocks simply cannot cope effectively with cars of this weight

The car now sits a little higher than it did, about 25ml, but looks right. The most important thing is that it now rides and handles (almost) like a modern car, no float, well controlled but comfortable. The only give away now is the over light steering. I am running 235x75 tires, this was closest to the original cross ply in the trunk.

Regards

John

[1953 Buick Super 8 Convertible]

Bill, congratulations, she looks lovely. Though I'm biaised of course!

You have done a wonderful job. Love the alloy dress up parts.

Cheers

John

[Compressor for 65 Riv]

Hi all,

I need an A6 or equivalent aircon compressor for my stock low mileage 65. I am in Australia and will need to have it shipped.

Can anyone recommend;

• a supplier/s
  
• an equivalent lighter, more efficient replacment that wont look silly in the engine bay.
  

Thanks and regards

John

[Screwy Request]

Are Chinese inches different to Imperial inches?

[65 Riv Road Wheels and body mounts]

I have a 65 Riv and would like to purchase a set of correct Road/Rally wheels in good condition with caps.

Can some one tell me if there is a code on the wheels which will identify whether they are correct?

My car is an excellent low mileage one, however some of the body mounts, rear ones particularly need replacement.

My questions are, are these available? and if so, as a job it looks like with the bumper bars off we need to raise the body about half an inch to fit new ones, assuming there aren't any tricky long bolts to deal with. Is this correct?

Thanks

John

[65 Riv VIN]

Thanks for your help guys, will let you know how we go.

[65 Riv VIN]

Hi all,

My Midnight Aqua 65 has just arrived in Australia and we are attempting to register it here.

The problem is that the authorities here require a permanently stamped VIN and will not accept the A pillar plate, despite the fact that it is consistent with the California title :mad:

We can't find a stamped VIN anywhere, is there one on these cars?

Thanks for your help

regards

John

[1932 Chrysler CI Restoration Photo Album]

Great work and a lovely car Donald.

[My two Rivieras]

Hi SBRMD, yes it is. As I said in the post, the roof of the 53 is Verde Green, the 65 is Midnight Aqua.

Incidently, the Verde Green on the roof is original - but thin. I haven't seen a metallic this old survive in good condition before. What is interesting - at least to me - is that, unlike modern metallics and pearls, the metal particles in the paint are very fine, in fact until you get close its not obvious its a metallic at all. The silver on the lower dash is the same, perhaps even finer again.

I'm guessing it might be difficult to replicate these very fine finishes?

John

[53 Super trunk trim]

Thanks very much for your help Pete. That is one of the samples I received from SMS. I assume the material is the same through all series?

It looks like there is a spare tyre well liner there also, is this as per original?

Does the material cover the lip at the leading edge of the trunk as well and do you have photos of the side panels so I can see the correct shape?

Again thanks

John

[53 Super trunk trim]

Hi all.

I need to find out what the correct boot, er trunk, trim looks like for a 53 Super 56R. If someone has a car with original trim, could you post a photo? There aren't many of them here in Australia.

I have been in touch with SMS who have sent two swatches of trim for the floor material, but I don't know which (if either)is correct. Also I don't know where to locate the fibreboard side panels. Does the spare have a cover?

Sorry about all the questions

Thanks and regards

John

[My two Rivieras]

Hi everyone, just found the forum and thought I might share some photos of my Rivs.

The first, Miss Daisy, is a Verde Green over Osage Cream 53 Super. She has 62,000 miles and most of the paint and interior are original. I purchased her in Seattle in 2007 and shipped her to Australia. She drives beautifully and is quite a head turner over here.

The second is my most recent purchase, a 1965 in Midnight Aqua with white trim. She has 38,000 miles from new with original paint and trim and is on her way here from California.

I hope you like them.

Cheers

John