epriv

So I have been watching a lot of Mecum auctions lately that I had saved to the DVR. It's amazing the number of clones that come across the block. The majority seen to be stock late 60's Mustangs that have been turned into GT-350's as well as assorted Chevys, Pontiacs ,Mopars etc. that have new engines dropped in and SS or GTO badging added. (very few Buicks being sold and even less Rivieras). These cars are not misrepresented as being the real thing, just being called clones or replicas. Nothing wrong with that, it's your car and you can do with it as you like, but I pose the following hypothetical question for opinions sake: Say for instance, I restore a stock 1968 Pontiac LeMans back to original factory correct and my friend takes a similar LeMans, does GTO upgrades by adding a 400CI and factory GTO badging and whatever else was available in a GTO package, and does not try and pass it off as the real thing. Who's car would you rather have? Whose car in your opinion is worth more? Mitch

Felix, I have one along with the rubber backing plate (mounted from the inside of the trunk), but no nuts. PM me. Mitch

This 1966 that Dantana posted a while back looks like there is a ROA sticker in the back window. http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/cto/5815538772.html

I'd like to know how this stuff is compiled. (?)

Here's a cool site. Stills of Rivieras on screen. Maybe your car is here somewhere. Mitch http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles.php?make=buick&model=riviera&page=1

Mitch Romanowski reproduces these as well as Riviera medallions. Check the back of the Riview.

Somewhat off-topic, but was a wood wheel only offered through 1966 ? Sometimes I see later cars with wood wheels, but I assumed they were aftermarket additions.

I came across this website that sells replacement side mirror glass for classic (and other) cars. I have not used them, just passing it along. Mitch https://www.internetglassnetwork.com/ssl/buick/riviera.htm

Thanks Jason, I contacted your guy and he quoted me $145-$165. I will send it in. Thanks for the tip!

Yeah, just looking for nice driver quality finish. Jason, what's the name of the shop near you? Maybe I'll give them a call, at least to see if it's worth the effort. Thanks everyone.

No repos for this. It's a right side tri-shield mirror that I took off of some poor guys 1970 last year that was at a body shop near me that was totaled. The car was pretty rough to begin with, and was headed to the crusher. The guy let me take the mirror for $50.00. I have no pictures, but there really doesn't seem to be any bad pitting, just a lot of speckles over the surface (kind of like pepper). I guess I have to get the glass off too. My fisher manual says to break it and replace with a new one. Guess I'll have to have a glass/mirror cutter make a new piece. I can't see how else to remove the glass.

Can anyone recommend a good shop that restores pot metal? As Ed said in another post, good aint cheap and cheap aint good, but it's nice to save a few bucks. Not looking for concours quality. Thanks,Mitch

I found this link for disassembling, cleaning and restoring the power bench seat in my 1970. It was very useful. This most likely applies to 2nd gen and maybe 1st gen too. Mitch http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t52070477/restoring-a-60s-vintage-gm-6-way-power-seat-unit/

Here's another one. Apparently they have a lot of closed roads in Cali. Mitch

So I have to replace the temperature sending unit mounted on the intake manifold on my 1970 455ci. Is there a trick to removing it safely (not too much muscle) and also is there a need to use any type of Teflon tape or sealant when putting the new one in? Thanks,Mitch

Outstanding. Needs to be in a museum. Thanks for preserving a piece of history. (love the red lines BTW) Mitch

Ditto on the 303 protectant. It leaves a nice shine without the greasy feel of those silicone products and it's a UV protectant.

So I recently had the sandalwood colored seats in my '70 reupholstered. They look nice and new and clean, but the rest of the vinyl had a dingy aura of 40+ years of crud in the texture of the vinyl. After scrubbing with most vinyl/leather cleaning products using shoe brushes to tooth brushes, I took the wife's Mr. Clean eraser and water and gave it a go. This thing cleaned that crud out with just water. The difference was remarkable. It was a tedious job and these things do tend to fall apart after a while (so get a few for smaller areas), but Wow! I would hate to do the seats with this thing, but if you are looking for a non-abrasive method to clean things with, give it a try. Mitch

Does anyone know how to remove the knob on the climate control slider on a 69-70? I don't want to pull it if it's attached with a set screw or something. Thanks,Mitch

Hijacked thread about carpet but anyway regarding 69-70 wood dash repros, OPGI was selling them a few years ago but have discontinued them. There is a guy on ebay selling 69-70 reproductions for the Lesabre. The climate control plate on his matches that of the 69-70 Riv. He told me that he would consider making sets for the 69-70 Riviera if he got hold of a good set to copy. Here is a link . http://www.ebay.com/itm/like-NOS-1969-1970-full-size-Buick-LeSabre-complete-dash-applique-decal-/191796591634?hash=item2ca7f7bc12:g:ih0AAOSwLzdWRmdP&vxp=mtr

McB, try autoobsession.com. I got front and rear for my 1970 and they look/fit great. Mitch

I seen a promo for the show Wicked City on ABC last night that featured a 66 or 67 Riviera. I DVR'd the show but didn't watch it yet. Anyone else see this? Mitch

Thanks Randy.

Hi, What are your recommendations for weather stripping suppliers for 2nd generation Rivs?. I like to patronize CARS, but if anyone has other suggestions, I'd like to know. Also, apart from the obvious use of adhesive for the trunk, is it necessary to use adhesive for any other areas like the doors or roof rails? Thanks, Mitch

I seen this on Hemming's website. Has anyone ever seen this color combo before? The seats look re-done, but that yellow dash and interior as well as the gold roof are unusual. http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/buick/riviera/1673776.html Mitch