RockitRiviera

OK, I'll bite. What's going on in Frankenmuth?

Just an FYI...the 65 Riv (401) had cruise control, twilight sentinel, and the four note horn. It also had a trailer hitch and airbags w/in the rear springs (factory installed?). Both front and rear bumpers were smashed up...and a lot of the stainless and pot metal was missing. It did have a headlight motor, but it was disconnected from the links to the clam shells.

I hope someone in the community got lucky today at the Auction. I enjoyed it...Although I think the two 65 Riv's (GS @$5100 to an online bidder and the 401 @$2800 to a bidder at the auction) went too high for their condition and missing bright work, the 71 Riv with only 14,000 miles was a bargain at $10,000. Not sure how high it would have gone...it was won by an online bidder. I think easily a $15,000 car...but no console and that's a deal breaker for me. The 67 Wildcat (dual quad, 4 speed manual) sold at $3000 to a bidder at the auction. I didn't stick around to see what the Electra 225 (someone said it'd make a great derby car...uff dah!). A Buick Skylark 350GS was crazy high considering I didn't think it had one body panel worth saving. What don't I understand about the Skylark 350GS market? I hope someone here got a deal.

FYI: OPGI has the Riviera Reproductions for $66.89 plus shipping. Again, mine are original. I think mine are fairly priced. Thanks! Paul

Mitch, I'm in the land of long winters and short summers (MN). I do have a 65 GS (Dual Quad Intake) in the garage waiting for restoration...and I plan to keep that 100% original. I'd like to develop an electric motor/transmission package/kit for others to do the conversion. But the problem (like all hot rods) is that they are all unique because the builder/owner wants different things for different reasons. Some want a car that could potentially win a drag race, others want a parade car... I enjoy a challenge...so this should be fun. Right now, I'm working on rust repair of my 65 (originally a 401, that someone replaced with a 350 Buick engine). I felt since this car was so messed up that the originality was no longer a concern. Paul

Pyntre, No, I had never heard of that...living in a world with out cable/satellite TV has it's downsides... I googled them and took a look at a few pics. They chose to go with a DC motor. Pretty cheap way to go, but I'm sure it serves their purpose of having a show car that moves under electric power. I'm going with PMAC (Permanent Magnet AC) motor. The OEM's all go with PMAC's because they are more efficient (smaller, more powerful, use less battery power)...plus they are quiet, have regen braking and no brushes to replace...ever. PMAC's do run hotter so they need a coolant system. I think Electric Hot Rodding is in it's infancy...The infrastructure (fast chargers) are being built up everywhere...I have one in my little town and one 40 miles away...so maybe I won't need as many batteries as I once thought. It's only a matter of time before restoration projects replace the gas engine with electric motors. (BTW, I'm in now way against internal combustion engines...I have my 1972 Buick Centurion Convertible with a 455 and I love cruising around in that). If I can make my Riviera about 300 pounds lighter than the stock version while having all the gizmos (AC/PB/PS/PW/PL, etc) I'll consider that a huge win. Paul

Don't judge a person for wanting a little sparkle in their life!

Good Morning, These are still for sale. $50 for the NOS "Buick Motor Division" (each, plus shipping) (original NOS on oldbuickparts.com are $59.50 plus shipping) $60 for the NOS "Riviera" in original box (each plus shipping) (reproduction parts are $38.50 plus shipping on oldbuickparts.com....I couldn't find originals to price match) I bought these from my local Buick dealership (Whitaker, St. Paul, MN) in the early 90's....as kids were stealing my center medallions. These are my extra's. Make a reasonable offer. Thanks

I'm simply converting the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) power train to electric. So I'll have a low voltage (12 volts) system for all of the accessories (lights/radio/power windows/locks/vacuum pump for the power brakes/etc and a high voltage (300-350Volt) battery pack (which I do not have yet) to run the electric motor (which I do not have yet). Technology is changing quickly, so by the time the body is completed and ready to go back on the chassis (in the Spring of 2016?), I hope to find a high tech and low cost motor/inverter/DC-DC converter/batteries/etc. Thanks for asking Steve. Regards, Paul

I can start working on the body now...There are a few odds and ends with the chassis...but they can wait until the body is nearing completion. Thank you to everyone that has helped me out. This is not easy and your kind words and advice have kept the project moving forward.

John, pm'ed you back

PM sent Tom.

Still for sale...haven't heard back from Tom yet.

I have four NOS BUICK MOTOR DIVISION medallions. These will fit later model Buick chrome wheels (2" hole). I also have two NOS (in original box) Riviera medallions. These will also fit the Buick Chrome Wheel with a 2" hole.

Love your Riv! I have no suggestions, just wanted to say that.