Rocket 88

Too bad I don't live closer to this Auction... .https://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2016/11/15/one-mans-hoard-of-dozens-of-buick-rivieras-to-disperse-at-auction/?refer=news

I have done Disc brake conversions on my 57 Olds. and my 64 Riviera. Used Scarebird on both. No problem, brakes work great. Also changed to duel master cyl, and booster. See list of parts used for the 64 Rivera brake conversion below from Scarebird. Rocket 88 Read instructions thoroughly twice. Crack front wheel nuts loose, chock up rear wheels. Jack up front end of car, support crossmember with jackstands. Remove front wheels and drum/hub assembly. Disconnect brake flexible line at frame by spraying with penetrant oil, then unscrewing hardline nut with flare wrench, then removing clip. Undo lower drum backing plate nuts, and remove drum bolts. Remove drum backing plate and all drum hardware in one assembly. Clean off spindle assembly Slip adapter plate down over spindle with caliper opening to the rear and machined pocket engaging spindle boss. Bracket will fit between spindle and steering arm. Insert supplied top bolt and lock washer loosely, then reinsert lower bolts. Now torque upper bolt to 90 ft-lbs. and then torque lowers to 75 ft-lbs. (1961-64 only) Drive out 14mm x 1.5 studs out of rotors, and press in Moser 8368 (1.75”) or 8250 (1.938”) or equivalent studs. NAPA also has 641-3204 (1-5/8”) or 641-1112 (1-15/16” use with ¼” wheel spacer only unless you chase the threads further down the stud). I usually lube up the splines and threads with anti-seize, then press (do not hammer) studs into place. Check to make sure studs are straight and fit inside wheel. 1965 Riviera will not need to change studs. Clean and repack wheel bearings. Insert inner bearing into rotor, and install new seal. Assemble rotor onto spindle, along with bearing and washer, then tighten outer nut to spec, then secure with keeper, new cotter pin and new dustcap. Wipe down rotor with alcohol, lacquer thinner or other cleaner to remove grease and oils. Wash hands! Rotor must be squeaky clean Test fit hoses on calipers. Note how hose kicks in towards caliper to clear sway bar. You may need to take an angle grinder to “flatten” the caliper where circled for clearance. Make sure clearance is visible – if it hangs up the hose will leak. Do not grind into sealing surface – be cautious and patient. Carefully remove rubber sleeve on hoses with knife. Hose should run straight down from caliper Install loaded caliper with bleed screw facing up, and lube contact areas with silicone grease then screw in slide bolts, tighten to 35 foot-pounds. (1961-64 only) Note the third picture – the outer pads will contact the rotor slightly – a moment with a bench grinder will radius it enough to clear. (1965 Riviera should clear fine). We recommend using the softest pads you can find for street use, like NAPA’s TruStop organic. Pads are the same application as calipers. Check fitment and rotate rotor to check clearance. Hoses should run down from caliper as shown in first illustration, then up to hardline, forming a “J”. Install new hoses with copper crush washers then reconnect to hard line. Some hardlines may have a 7/16” nut – if so, you will need to use NAPA #7828 adapter, or cut off flare, insert 3/8” nut then reflare. Master cylinder and proportioning valve specs are quite varied. I would recommend 1971-76 Riviera or similar disc master cylinder for best performance match available in both power and manual flavors. Some have used the existing single chamber master cylinder with success. If rear brakes lock up excessively, plumb in an adj. prop. valve in the line going to the rear. Bench bleed disc master cylinder, mount on car. Gravity bleed first, then pressure/pump bleed entire system and test. You will need to reset the toe-in. Count number of threads per inch at the tie rod sleeve. Divide by 8. This is the number of turns your sleeve needs to be spun to shorten the distance to make up for the thickness of the bracket. Replace wheels, torque wheel nuts, lower car and carefully test. We use the 30-30-30 method to break in pads: 30 easy stops from 30mph with 30 seconds cooling between stops. Then let cool ½ hour. Part Application NAPA Wagner Raybestos Rotor (1961-64) 1995-99 GM ½ ton 2WD front 86258 BD125206 56258 Rotor (65 Riviera) 1971-76 Riviera front 85537 BD60258 5006 Caliper, LH 1971-76 Cadillac Deville front SE4631 CR83264 FRC4080 Caliper, RH 1971-76 Cadillac Deville front SE4630 CR83265 FRC4079 Hydraulic hose 1977 Riviera front 36797 F97664 BH36797 Inner Bearing 1971-76 Riviera BR5 BCA A5 SKF CBR5 Outer Bearing 1971-76 Riviera BR3 BCA A3 SKF CBR3 Wheel Seal 1977 Riviera front 19753 BCA Part # 8871 Dust Cap 1971-76 Riviera BK7302438 Dorman 13977 Banjo Bolt 1971-76 Riviera 82698 Dorman # 4842061 Scarebird Classic Brakes LLC 10 June, 2009 Rev B RIV B16 Brackets, Upper bolts(9/16-18 HHCS full), SAE banjo bolts, Cotter pins, Hose locks

Anyone looking for a 63 Riv. Not bad for the money. Needs some TLC http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/buick/riviera/1823003.html?refer=news

Glad you found the part, NAPA had to also order mine also from another state. Rocket 88

I had a problem with 2 Temp. control valves leaking, and switched to the following to cure the problem. ( NAPA) http://forums.aaca.org/topic/261942-64-riviera-temp-control-valve/?hl=%2Btemp+%2Bcontrol+%2Bvalve

I had the same problem. and found that the vacuum hose to the booster was leaking at the booster, so a small clamp was used. No more problem!!! Rocket 88

Check my Post --Aug. 31 2015 64 Riviera Temp. control valve. rocket88

I would also like to get a complete broken one, as I have acquired a cable to start working with to see if I can produce one that will solve this problem. rocket 88

I replaced the entire exhaust from Waldron, had the Exhaust headers powder coated first. (see pic) Everything fit as it should. no problem. I used the existing hangers , but bought 1/78 new clamps from NAPA. Since the exhaust is 13/4" Ask Waldron about a special shipping that will cost 1/2 as much as std shipping. Check if it available in your area. Note: I changed the tail pipes to come out straight under the bumper. (see pic) Sorry, no pictures after the install. Rocket88

Check out this 63 Custom Riviera Fast back. Opinions????? https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.768121519939532.1073741840.622670661151286&type=3 http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/08/a-custom-concept-car-the-riviera-x-11/ Rocket 88

When I bought my Riviera, the temp control valve had been brazed in the open position, due to a leaking condition. The seller informed me that he had purchased 2 original valves that also leaked. Wanting to do something about this valve, I did some research, and came up with this replacement. This is for the manual type valve. I did have to make a mounting plate, that was simple to do. Check the following photos. Note: The second picture shows the cable bracket removed and I used it as a pattern to make the mounting bracket as shown in the 3rd pic. Not original, but WORKS GREAT!!! NAPA #935032 Also check ebay. Rocket 88

The bezels are no doubt made in China, so we are at their mercy. No doubt a minimum is set to get them into production. What a world we live in!!!!! GREED, GREED, GREED!!!!! rocket88

I also had a pr. on back order from OPG for 9 months, got a call no longer available. I don't get it!!!!! Someone has the dies and won't produce the item??????????????? Checked on plating cost. Was told $275.00 to $300.00 EACH....... OPG price was around $190.00 Pr. Rocket88

Carlisle is where I had the best luck in finding parts. I think SPRING Carlisle is best, due to sellers having parts collected during the winter months. I would also go to FALL Carlisle. Rocket88

I also ordered a pair of taillight bezels for my 64 about 9 Mos ago from OPG. I just called to check on the order, and was told they won't be getting them. Like Winston said, Why tool up to make something and then quit making it......this makes no sense. rocket88

I had only done a front disc conversion, on my 57 olds and the 64 Riv. Didn't think I needed the rear converted. As stated by Ed, many vehicles used this system for years. rocket 88

I was at one of our many Cruise's and saw this Custom 64 Riv. Chopped 2"s. 54 Merc taillights. Tube grill. I sure would like to have them Horns !!! What do you guy's think? Rocket88

I had no problem with hose leaks. Scarebird does include new banjo bolts. Did you tighten them enough? Rocket88

https://www.opgi.com/riviera/1964/brake-systems/drum-brakes/BR03203/ This is the one that I used as pictured above .OPG.address. Works great. Only a couple slight mods needed. 1. Drill lout the clevis. 2. The inner and outer 2pc. firewall holes did not match. Use a drum sander to match them. 3. Use a dremel tool to cut away enough of the inner fender panel to get access to the distribution block. it will be covered by the rubber splash shield. note line wrench. 3/16" lines to front, and 1/4" line to rear junction block.3/16 to rear wheel cylinders from rear block. 4. Picture looking under dash. 5. Move seat back for needed room to work. Be sure to order 2 wheel disc. Rocket88

I had checked some other disc brake conversion kit mfg. and most do not give you part numbers for parts in those kits. That means that you would need to go to that kit mfg. to replace any parts needed for replacement. As listed above Scarebird sends that list. I just go to my local NAPA dealer. I would also suggest you replace all brake lines, and rear wheel cylinders, as I did. RivNut It was interesting to see that Scarebird had changed some parts used back in 05.

You should have used the Scarebird conversion system. Here are the instructions for that system that I have used on my 57 Olds, and my 64 Riviera. These ins. may help. Scarebird only sends the Backing plates and bolts. All parts needed can be purchased from NAPA--- Wagner--and Raybestos. All part numbers are listed with the instructions. Yoy should also change to a Dbl. master cyl. I can send instructions to do so . clholsters67@verizon.net Read instructions thoroughly twice. Crack front wheel nuts loose, chock up rear wheels. Jack up front end of car, support crossmember with jackstands. Remove front wheels and drum/hub assembly. Disconnect brake flexible line at frame by spraying with penetrant oil, then unscrewing hardline nut with flare wrench, then removing clip. Undo lower drum backing plate nuts, and remove drum bolts. Remove drum backing plate and all drum hardware in one assembly. Clean off spindle assembly Slip adapter plate down over spindle with caliper opening to the rear and machined pocket engaging spindle boss. Bracket will fit between spindle and steering arm. Insert supplied top bolt and lock washer loosely, then reinsert lower bolts. Now torque upper bolt to 90 ft-lbs. and then torque lowers to 75 ft-lbs. (1961-64 only) Drive out 14mm x 1.5 studs out of rotors, and press in Moser 8368 (1.75”) or 8250 (1.938”) or equivalent studs. NAPA also has 641-3204 (1-5/8”) or 641-1112 (1-15/16” use with ¼” wheel spacer only unless you chase the threads further down the stud). I usually lube up the splines and threads with anti-seize, then press (do not hammer) studs into place. Check to make sure studs are straight and fit inside wheel. 1965 Riviera will not need to change studs. Clean and repack wheel bearings. Insert inner bearing into rotor, and install new seal. Assemble rotor onto spindle, along with bearing and washer, then tighten outer nut to spec, then secure with keeper, new cotter pin and new dustcap. Wipe down rotor with alcohol, lacquer thinner or other cleaner to remove grease and oils. Wash hands! Rotor must be squeaky clean Test fit hoses on calipers. Note how hose kicks in towards caliper to clear sway bar. You may need to take an angle grinder to “flatten” the caliper where circled for clearance. Make sure clearance is visible – if it hangs up the hose will leak. Do not grind into sealing surface – be cautious and patient. Carefully remove rubber sleeve on hoses with knife. Hose should run straight down from caliper Install loaded caliper with bleed screw facing up, and lube contact areas with silicone grease then screw in slide bolts, tighten to 35 foot-pounds. (1961-64 only) Note the third picture – the outer pads will contact the rotor slightly – a moment with a bench grinder will radius it enough to clear. (1965 Riviera should clear fine). We recommend using the softest pads you can find for street use, like NAPA’s TruStop organic. Pads are the same application as calipers. Check fitment and rotate rotor to check clearance. Hoses should run down from caliper as shown in first illustration, then up to hardline, forming a “J”. Install new hoses with copper crush washers then reconnect to hard line. Some hardlines may have a 7/16” nut – if so, you will need to use NAPA #7828 adapter, or cut off flare, insert 3/8” nut then reflare. Master cylinder and proportioning valve specs are quite varied. I would recommend 1971-76 Riviera or similar disc master cylinder for best performance match available in both power and manual flavors. Some have used the existing single chamber master cylinder with success. If rear brakes lock up excessively, plumb in an adj. prop. valve in the line going to the rear. Bench bleed disc master cylinder, mount on car. Gravity bleed first, then pressure/pump bleed entire system and test. You will need to reset the toe-in. Count number of threads per inch at the tie rod sleeve. Divide by 8. This is the number of turns your sleeve needs to be spun to shorten the distance to make up for the thickness of the bracket. Replace wheels, torque wheel nuts, lower car and carefully test. We use the 30-30-30 method to break in pads: 30 easy stops from 30mph with 30 seconds cooling between stops. Then let cool ½ hour. Part Application NAPA Wagner Raybestos Rotor (1961-64) 1995-99 GM ½ ton 2WD front 86258 BD125206 56258 Rotor (65 Riviera) 1971-76 Riviera front 85537 BD60258 5006 Caliper, LH 1971-76 Cadillac Deville front SE4631 CR83264 FRC4080 Caliper, RH 1971-76 Cadillac Deville front SE4630 CR83265 FRC4079 Hydraulic hose 1977 Riviera front 36797 F97664 BH36797 Inner Bearing 1971-76 Riviera BR5 BCA A5 SKF CBR5 Outer Bearing 1971-76 Riviera BR3 BCA A3 SKF CBR3 Wheel Seal 1977 Riviera front 19753 BCA Part # 8871 Dust Cap 1971-76 Riviera BK7302438 Dorman 13977 Banjo Bolt 1971-76 Riviera 82698 Dorman # 4842061 Scarebird Classic Brakes LLC 10 June, 2009 Rev B RIV B16 Brackets, Upper bolts(9/16-18 HHCS full), SAE banjo bolts, Cotter pins, Hose locks

I just purchased this Blue 64 last year. Did a Brake up-grade .Have the Build sheet, original purchase order, and pro plate. I bought the Burgundy 64 in 1964, wish I would have kept it !!!

I have used the SEM product for years, and had no problems. Be sure to clean all parts first. rocket 88