Eric's.64.Superwildcat

Hi Bill. I replaced the vinyl and buns on my driver's side seat on my '64 a two years ago as my winter project. The original was brittle and cracked in all the usual places. I removed everything down to the frame. I spent a lot of time with a dremmel tool and removed all surface rust from all surfaces including all sides of the coil springs. I then applied a rust converter to anything remaining and then painted everything. This was a power seat, so while I had everything out I disassembled all power seat components to clean, lubricate, and paint. I used Clark's for all materials (i.e. vinyl, buns, side cutters, hog rings, and hog-ring pliers). It was a lot of work and I had many, many, hours in the project. I would re-use Clark's again for all of the components listed above. I learned to put some vulgarities together in new combinations, but I also learned a lot about the process. I'm happy with the outcome but I will admit that there are a few flaws that a discerning eye can catch. On balance, I would say that it was worth the savings for me to do it myself. Below is a photo of the final product. Good luck.

This is my winter project as well. I have my driver side power window out and found that one of the support arms just hanging from its channel by its roller. It appears to have broken off from the bottom edge of the window (see photo). I have a vague recollection from another thread that this isn't uncommon, but that the window should still function properly. My window worked just fine and I'm assuming this has been broken for a long time. If this happened to you did you try to repair it? I'd be interested to hear from others that have had this happen. Thanks. Thanks.

Keith, Is the car stored outside or in a garage? If its stored in a garage I'm assuming this only happens when you drive it in the rain or after you wash it.

It would be great if you could post photos as I'll be doing the same thing in about a month. Thanks.

Hi Chuck, Welcome. You may have some luck on eBay for these pieces in addition to what people may have here. With a quick search I found the driver's side power window and power seat controls. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1964-Buick-Riviera-Power-Vent-LH-Door-Window-Seat-Switches-Trim-Plate-/252391209280?hash=item3ac3b03940:g:ZTYAAOSwSgJXOQr-&vxp=mtr The same search also came up with the individual windows switches for the other seat positions. If the window motors have been in there for a long time but unused there is a very good chance they need to be cleaned, re-greased, and given other bench TLC. Best of luck to you.

I thought the '66 GS had the dual snorkel air cleaner - the same as the '64 and '65.

Hi Coach, I like your new hobby. Very nicely and neatly done.

Tom, That's very helpful. My goal is definitely NOT to work on my line flaring skills (which are currently at zero). I'll be purchasing the pre-made line. Thanks!

This is great information. Thank you to everyone who responded. I think I've settled on the following things: 1. I'm going to completely redo the brake system. Four new brake cylinders, new hard lines, new hoses, new brake pads. 2. I'm going to convert to a dual reservoir master. Tom, I'll be contacting you. Kaber, I'll use your notes as well. Thank you. 3. I'll have the brake booster rebuilt and re-plated. (I may as well, the rest of the brake system will be apart anyway. Plus it was on my to-do list) 4. I'll freshen up/tighten up the emergency brake assembly as well. There is a bit too much play in the cable. When I purchased this car it had a dent in the fender and a slightly bent bumper (both have now been repaired). The brakes had failed on the previous owner and he bumped the car in front of him. He had the brake hose replaced (I'm not sure if he replaced one, or all). That's how I bought the car and that's how I've been driving it. My point is that this has shaken my confidence in the braking system. The car will be off the road until the entire system is redone and working with a dual res master cylinder. My next steps are to work on sources for all parts and to come up with a detailed plan. I will also need to create a list of new parts that I'll need such as a new distribution tee, some new distribution lines, and some new tools that i don't have (such as line bending and flaring tools). Please let me know if I've overlooked any big items. Thanks again for all the help. Eric

I stepped on the brake pedal this morning just as I was putting the Riv in reverse when the pedal went to the floor. The car just barely started to move before I quickly placed it back in park. Needless to say it was unnerving. My house is surrounded by little kids. I followed the trail of brake fluid to my LH front wheel. I expected to find a blown out hose, however, that was not the case. Once I removed the drum the brake cylinder end was laying in the drum. One of the ends had obviously broken off (see photo), and hence the leak. My brake master cylinder is original, so there is only one reservoir. I've never done a brake cylinder before so I'm open to suggestions and experience. My current thoughts are as follows: 1. Given that I have to bleed the brakes anyway it seems that I should replace all 4 brake cylinders rather than just one 2. I want to ensure I get the best made-in-USA quality replacement. I don't want something cheaply made. 3. I think I've seen rebuild kits on the market. Should I consider them? 4. I'm open to suggestions regarding conversions to a dual reservoir master. In the past I've preferred original but having the brake pedal go the floor gives one a sinking feeling. I feel like I dodged a bullet that this did not happen the last time I drove it. Its a miracle that it happened between the time I last parked it and while it was sitting. Thanks in advance. Eric

When you replaced the original (i.e. non solid state) regulator did it include a new condenser?

Congratulations Jason. That car is one of a kind.

I'd don't have experience with an engine that has sat for so long, but it is my understanding that it is best to remove the plugs and turn the engine manually (after placing oil in the cylinders) to ensure it spins. It is better to find something stuck this way than by forcing it with the starter motor.

Congratulations. Post some picture of your new car when you're able.

A super sharp car and a very nicely done restoration. The seller omits the fairly high options on the car in the description (i.e. cruise, rear defrost, power antenna, deluxe interior etc). It has the super-wildcat valve covers and bracket for the AC, but not the super-wildcat air cleaner. So I'm assuming the valve covers and bracket are not original. The walnut veneer on the console is what I imagine Tom Mooney has talked about regarding how dark the original inserts were, and how some of the re-pops being sold tend to be too light. These look really sharp. Is the light blue 'GM' sticker on the door correct for '64? For some reason I thought that came in slightly later (i.e. in the Gen 2 time frame).

I have two car covers and I'm selling one. I used it in the garage for only one season, so it is like new. http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/191892765334?

Yes, that's all there is to it. 1/4 turn CCW.

Yes. It works off engine vacuum.

Congratulations. I look forward to seeing a video.

Hi Adrian, If you could post a photo of the piece requiring the gasket it would help. However, I doubt the gasket is still manufactured. Making your own gasket from sheet material is very easy and inexpensive.

There is a lot to check to ensure proper door operation. In addition to vacuum, the door springs can break. You might want to start by removing your blower motor and then remove the plastic/fiber air handling duct that it mounts to (you'll need to remove it from the firewall). Check door, spring, and then vacuum lines for cracks and proper placement. While its out you'll probably want to clean it thoroughly before re-installing.

Hi Ed, Attached is a photo of the Fisher body tag from my '64 with power windows and power vents.

Hi Tom. I've added it to my calendar and I plan to attend. I sent you a PM with the couple of items I'll be looking for. Eric

I just did this a few days ago for the passenger side ball vent using the method Ed described. The black felt came from my kid's crafting table (they'll never miss it) but I'm sure it originally came from Michael's or some other craft store. It was not double-sided so I simply painted a line of adhesive on the inner rim of the outlet. It worked perfectly.

Did you find vendors that sell the 1.5' and 2.75" hose?