DaveC6970

One thing I did notice this morning when out in the garage, I don't think the choke on this carb is working. When the engines cold that choke should be shut, right. Something is not right, I can't make it shut moving any of the linkages. Also, if the carb had a vacuum leak would that cause the rich condition and rough running? -Dave

Hey Jim, you bet I'll take you up on that offer. I'll order the rebuild kit and just let me know anything else I might need. Honestly I did want to try this myself but having an experienced person guide me, that's just awesome. Thanks so much! -Dave

Hi Jim, Thanks for the response. I believe the Rochester is the carb my Riv came with, some did in 63 didn't they? The number is 7023143, at least that's the number written in my service manual, the tag is no longer on the carb. My car has the original air filter so I assumed it was the original carb, maybe I am mistaken. I was just wondering if it was worth the cost of rebuilding the 4GC or should I skip the Rochester and go right to the Carter. The Carter is similar to the edelbrock isn't it? I have used them in the past with good results. Any tips on where to find the correct Carter carb for a 63? Maybe a want ad here? thanks again, -Dave

Jon, so based on what you're saying maybe I'll just rebuild the carb I have. Now the only carb I ever rebuilt was a single barrel VW carb so it was pretty simple compared to the 4GC. I have been watching YouTube videos of 4GC carb rebuilds and I'm wondering if this is something I should try myself. What's a rebuild kit cost for a Rochester if I'm allowed to ask? Any advice for a first time rebuilder? Maybe no too try it? Thanks for your help -Dave

Hello again, question for you all. My 63 has the original, as far as I can tell, Rochester carb on it. The previous owner told me when I bought the car he thought the carb needed rebuilt. When I test drove it I agreed something needed tuned but I wasn't sure it was the carb. The car runs rich and has bog when accelerating from an idle. Once I got the car home I wanted to check the ignition system first, just to be sure it wasn't a timing/spark problem. So I've checked plugs, looked fairly new so I cleaned and reinstalled. Wires and distributor cap look new as well. Previous owner said he had replaced them. Checked the dwell on a meter, right at 30deg, that's good. Checked the timing, right on the 12 deg mark which is what manual says it should be. So I guess he was right, sound like it might be the carb. I've been reading the service manual, not a lot of info about tuning the Rochester, unless I just haven't found it. My question is, would you rebuild the Rochester or just switch to the Carter? From the forum searches I've done it seems the Carter is the preferred carb. Would the cost of a rebuilt Carter be astronomical? I'm pretty sure I would just pay to have the Rochester rebuilt, I'm no carb expert. Any advice appreciated, Dave

Finally got the Riv home this week, what a relief. The previous owner was an ROA member and included all his old Riview copy's with the car, what a great bonus. He also had lots of documentation and receipts dating back to 80's along with some spare parts. The Riv is in my garage now and I keep going out there just to look at it. Man these cars are gorgeous! -Dave

Dick, thanks for the info, kind of a bummer AM only. I'm guessing the foot switch was the same kind of thinking like today's steering wheel radio controls, reduce driver distractions. Whatever the reason the foot switch is a way cool feature and would be slick if it worked. Jan, we're in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles, not too awful far from San Diego. I know what you mean about this forum, I've learned tons from it. I especially like how willing everyone is to share their knowledge, some forums not so much. I joined ROA back in September when I got serious about my search. I'm anticipating many more questions posted in my future and hopefully can answer a few for others too. -Dave

Ed, I'd be interested in that radio, just curious never actually seeing a 63' wonderbar, is it AM only? -Dave

Thanks guys for all the comments. I was fortunate to find this car and hope to preserve it as well as it's previous owners have. I did find out a few more things yesterday. - It had a wonderbar radio at one time, there is still a switch in the floor like a headlight dimmer for changing stations? That's what the owner told me it was for anyway. The radio was replaced in the mid seventies with an 8 track player. Kinda cool sorta, at least it appears the dash was not cut up for this. That is when the 2 small speakers were cut into the rear deck. I wouldn't have done this but understand at the time upgrading the sound system probably seemed like a good idea. - The car also has cornering lamps, appears to have tint on all the windows, AC (not working), power antenna, so along with the power windows and seat, deluxe wheel covers it's a nicely optioned car. I attached a pic of the trim plate below, maybe I missed something. - It had one repaint in the mid-seventies it's original color and the paint is starting to show its age a bit. There are a few chips and the lacquer paint has a few webs/cracks forming. But I kind of like it that way, it's not a show car but a well cared for original. Working on getting it shipped home now, been reading all the shipping threads and info I can get. The previous owner, an ROA member, was nice enough to keep the car in its current garage until I can arrange transport. Also I can't thank you guys enough for all your words of wisdom during my search. Being patient did pay off but now I can't wait to get her home. -Dave

Interior shots

Here are pics of the car silver on silver leather and gorgeous. Completed the deal today, this car was worth the 1200 mile trip.

Thanks guys, not sure if it really has a 425 or just the reproduction trim piece. Pretty sure he told me it was a 401, is there an easy way to tell? The car has lots of nice options, power everything including the vent wings and my favorite option the aluminum wheel covers. I'll get some better pics tomorrow. -Dave

Hello again, Well, after (2) "New to the Riviera" threads I've finally found the car I'm going to buy. Thanks again for all the advice you guys have given me, I do appreciate it. This is no project car but a nicely preserved 63' 3 owner car. The current owner is an ROA member but not active on the forum. I'll post some pics later but I wanted to show you (2) accessories this car has that I have never seen. The first is a dash mounted sweep style GM tach, has a GM logo anyway. The second is an under hood light with its own hood operated switch. This light is removable and has enough cord to take around the car. Supposedly these are dealer installed accessories, what do you guys think? Pretty cool even if they're not. Thanks, Dave

Great pic's Kaber! That's pretty cool and even if the car gets sold he'll always have those pictures. I wished they had done senior pictures like that when I was in school. My dad does have a picture of me on graduation day in my cap and gown with my 69 SS Camaro. At that time it was just a 13 year old Camaro, who knew they would be worth so much now. BTW, I grew up in Urbana, not too far from you guys down in Dayton. -Dave

Hello again, Well as my search for a first gen Riviera continues I have found another car. This one is a 63 and I believe an early car based on the smooth dash panel and spare tire location. The odd thing is the engine color on this car is the green color and it should be silver, right? The air cleaner has the red finish which I believe is correct. Also the green on the engine appears to have been there a long time. The current owner has owned the car for many years and it was that color when he bought it. I'm wondering if maybe the engine was replaced with a later model at some point? Is there a way to tell? I was thinking 63 was before the engine and vin number matched, but I may be wrong about that. Any ideas? Thanks, Dave

Dale (DrP), the car you found is phenomenal and gives us all hope that these cars really do exist. The real trick is finding them. I keep mentioning to everyone I can think of, co-workers, friends, barber, that I'm searching for an early Riviera. Just maybe, someone might know where that elusive car is sitting. I believe you are right about patience being the key. I also enjoy the search, that is part of the fun. -Dave

Just in case anyone might be interested, I posted an ad in the Buick Buy/Sell forum for this car. The owner is nice guy and I thought the forum was more his target buyer. The car is running and driving now, I went and drove it yesterday. Needs a muffler and some other stuff before I would call it a driver though. -Dave

Body tag

The car runs and drives but will need exhaust, added some interior pic's

FYI, this is not my car, just trying to help a friend sell his. 1964 Buick Riviera, 89,000 actual miles, SoCal black plate car, in the same family since 1964. The car has most of it's original Arctic White paint and a deluxe blue vinyl/cloth interior. Additional options include power windows, seat, antenna, A/C and tilt wheel. Body, floors, and trunk are all solid. Car is unmolested with all it's original pieces and a great family history, but will need restored. Price $7500, contact Ed by email: eddie.chevalier@gmail.com, or phone (805)-796-6938

I passed on this car basically because of issues just like this, I would much rather sort this car myself vs paying someone else to do it. We are only here in California for a temporary assignment for my employer so most of my tools are stored back home. I'm just not set up here for a big project, which is what this car would be, plus our place is a rental with not a lot of space. I did consider buying the car and shipping it back home to restore once we get back, but I have enough stuff in storage and didn't need to add a Riviera. I'm back to search mode but this time I need to find a running driving car. -Dave

This is not my car, just posting for the family, please contact them for more info. 1966 Buick Riviera, Nice unmolested survivor, original black plate California car in the same family since the late 60's. The car has 67,000 actual miles, decent original white paint and very clean blue deluxe interior with Strato-bench seat. Additional options include air conditioning, power windows, power seat, power antenna, cornering lamps, and even the original triple white wall spare tire. This car has been garage kept and lived its whole life in Southern California so there are no rust issues. Elderly owner no longer drives so car currently is not running, but car would be an easy restoration or nice presentable survivor. Asking $9000, if you would like to see the car please contact Vanessa, vdeanliz@aol.com

I just spoke with the owner and he was OK with me passing on the car. He does plan to get the car running before advertising again and I believe that is a good idea. Once this happens I offered to help him with the ad, what pictures to take, how to word it, because I do believe this car is worth saving. I'll be sure and post a link to his ad once this happens. Thanks to everyone for the comments and advice, it is appreciated. Now the search continues....

Well, this story just never seems to end. The owner was pretty confident this car would run. So since he had a local mechanic that he trusts and is familiar with the car, I suggested we send the car to him so he could get it running. Plus I wanted to be sure it would really run as he said and I would prefer to drive the car home instead of towing. So the car has been at the Mechanics all day and no luck, he says the car is not getting spark. Replaced a 9 year old battery, new points/condenser, nothing no fire. This mechanic is a real ray of sunshine too, proceeds to tell me about how this car is full of rat s**t and is a real money pit. If I wanted to take it somewhere else go right ahead. Honestly, I think maybe I should take his advice, offer to pay for costs incurred up to this point, and pass on this car. I know, their all money pits, but at some point I should cut my losses and find a better car. Dave

Well, the Riviera gods must be smiling on me. The owner just sent me an email saying if I was still interested I could have the car for 6k. After a short cell phone discussion regarding a few of my concerns I agreed to the 6k price. I'll pick her up next weekend. Thanks again to everyone for their advice, I'm sure there's about 1000 more questions coming your way.... Dave