just Matt

Yes, I've read that they are a real bear to get back together.

Thanks Bob. Appreciate the confirmation on the phasing. I'll put it back together with the new center support and bearing and see how it does. Yes, pinion angle could also be the culprit. I imagine that tool set is a pretty rare item. Yes, I found the service manual at oldcarmanualproject website. 👍

1961 Invicta, "stock" 401 w/ Dynaflow. Can someone confirm whether my driveshaft is correctly phased? I've read that some of these Buick shafts were intentionally engineered "out of phase" by like 37-1/2°? Is that true for a '61? Mine looks to be "in-phase"? I have a vibration at 60+ mph. The center support rubber is pretty old and dry rotted. I'll replace that with a new support and bearing. U-joints look pretty fresh. I'm wondering if some driveline shop "fixed" the out of phase condition at some point, not knowing that these Buicks are SUPPOSED to be out of phase? Thanks ✌

Ok. Sorry to hear about your friend Paul. Thanks for the reply anyway.

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead... Ed, do you happen to have the name of that machine shop in Detroit area? My friend needs some work done on a 401, and he is looking for recommendations. Thanks!

Ah, okay. That makes sense. Thanks!

Wow! Looks like you caught that tire just in time. Someone was looking out for ya. Curious...what is the issue with the shockwaves? I know very little about air ride systems, but I've been pondering it lately. What about the shockwaves makes the standard bag more desireable? Reliability? Ride quality? Cost? Thanks.

Wow! Classy! I'll have to keep an eye out for a copy.

I'll be around. During the week for sure. If I go Saturday, I will likely leave car at home. May skip out entirely and go to Relix Riot at Gilmore Museum. Plan to hit Woodward this weekend. Probably Saturday night.

So that's what that button is for! I just assumed it was the remnants of some aftermarket accessory added by the previous owner. It looks so out of place, and like no other GM/OEM part I've ever seen. Thanks for posting this question. Mystery solved!

Oh crap. I'm an idiot. You're right, it's the old GM Building, now called Cadillac Place. I knew it was the old GM headquarters, but obviously I need to study up on the names of the Detroit landmarks....

old GM Headquarters Building in Detroit

http://forums.aaca.org/f177/before-i-drill-rear-seat-belt-282482.html

I look forward to meeting you, and seeing your car out and about this year. I installed the belts myself. In fact, I just finished putting the seat back in this evening.

Welcome, from nearby Shelby Twp.! My front belts are not factory installed, but are the dealer installed accessory belts with the buick tri-shield logo. The long end (w/ buckle) is approx. 43" fully extended. The short end is approx. 23". If you're buying aftermarket, they generally recommend the longer 74" for the fronts, and the shorter 60" for the rears. I just finished installing 60" Beams brand belts in the rear seat of my 64.

Riviera by BRICK

Thanks very much for the info Don. I don't have the trunk release, but I'll have to take a look at that line going to the heater controls.

OK. So I'm pretty sure it's a vacuum reservoir. Can someone tell me what the proper vacuum hose routing is? Thanks

I'm sure this will sound like a dumb question (sorry, I'm a Riviera newbie), but what is the plastic barrel shaped part mounted to the passenger side inner fender? I'm guessing it's related to the heater somehow, but mine is not connected to anything at all. Part has the name "DOLE VALVE CO." on it. I'm stumped :confused: Vacuum reservoir perhaps?

Thanks for that excellent info, Tom! I kinda thought that the very early build # and seat belt date didn't seem to jive. I had a feeling it might be a possible dealer install situation. And thanks for explaining the other option codes. I was puzzled as to why the formats didn't match the others in this thread. Thanks so much! Very interesting stuff!

Upon closer inspection, my belts have the BROWN-LINE tags. One of them shows a mfg date of 11/11/1963.

My 64 has front seat belts with the same chrome buckles and stitched tag as shown above, but no retractor mechanism. I'll have to take a look at the body tag later this evening. I just purchased some Beams rear seat belts for the kiddos, but haven't installed them yet.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming.... Parked next to this 63 at work today.

It's not too bad. My exhaust could stand to be tucked up a bit higher. It has scraped a couple times on high spots, but it's not a factory style muffler configuration. It has dual mufflers under the rear seat areas.