Pat Curran
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Posts posted by Pat Curran
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It was also prone to being kicked by people sitting in the back seat.
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3 hours ago, RivNut said:
I understand that the suspension on the 1997 is unique to all other 8th generation cars. Someone more familiar with this than me should chime in.
I know the front suspension had some differences but not sure about the rear.
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They were chrome and the webbing on 65-66 was gray and 67 forward was a satin black.
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My 71 Monte Carlo and 66 Corvette are readable from the outside if that helps.
Pat
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Based on an old post I found on this site, the width was reported to be 1.3" by Barry Smith in 2005.
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1 hour ago, 1965rivgs said:
Yes, the dealer`s book states there should be GS badging but Buick corrected that in an addendum. I`ll see if I can did that up and post a scan.
Tom
I believe you Tom!! It isn't the first brochure that wasn't accurate.
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1 hour ago, 1965rivgs said:
Hi Pat,
I dont think the `67 GS had GS badging under the glovebox.
Tom
I used the sales brochure for reference but of course things change sometimes before production starts as we all know.
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Heavy duty suspension with positraction was included in the package. The panel below the glove box is wrong. It should say “GS” after Riviera, not “By Buick.”
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1 hour ago, ImTawd said:
Also curious, What would a fair price be for a 64 Super wildcat, 82k, a few chips in rust free original paint, with brown leather interior that is in excellent shape as well? Suppose to be all original. Unsure yet if it has AC or trunk popper.
It is hard to estimate a price without some detailed pictures. As an FYI, leather was not an option from the factory in 1964. It may be vinyl but if it is leather, it has been swapped out. As Ed mentions above, make sure it is a true Super Wildcat. If the serial number matches but it doesn't have a KX code, then someone swapped in the intake and dual carbs.
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The spotlight is a dealer or aftermarket item. A Super Wildcat is a nice find. Check around the rear window for rust or evidence of water getting in the trunk. It is a very common problem area.
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1 hour ago, 1965rivgs said:
Hi Bernie,
I agree with your overall assessment. Everyone has their perspective on purchase price depending on location, etc...in my location prices tend to be higher than rural areas...and even most urban areas. In my opinion the asking price is leaving enough room for finish work assuming the price drops into the upper teens. It`s a shame whoever restored this car didnt invest in a quality refinish, the original qualities of the car makes it seem deserving, but that`s why the car is priced where it is. I`m sure if the finish was high quality the price would be $30K to $32.5K. I`M NOT IMPLYING THAT THIS CAR IS A "STEAL", just that at a decent discount from the asking price, after refinishing, one could have a pretty nice car at a reasonable price without too much restoration work. I`m also assuming there are no major mechanical issues like engine, trans, differential. The interior needs very little, the chrome looks acceptable for a very nice driver, and the mechanical items are very typical, springs, shocks, exhaust, etc. I`m sure the eventual price tag would be in the $30K to $35K range when close to finished but one would have a nice example.
There are many, many nice original characteristics here and especially the interior. The cloth/vinyl combinations didnt hold up well which leads me to believe the cloth inserts have been replaced with the correct material. Also looks like the lower cushion foams have been replaced with the "too puffy" look to them. But at least the work has been completed. The little details in the interior screams "a well kept car" to me and hopefully working on the car would reveal some pleasant surprises instead the opposite "lipstick on a pig" scenario. After viewing the interior, I was surprised the original trunk kit is not in place, that is disappointing.
I`m not a fan of this color combination, although I know alot of folks like the burgundy/fawn-saddle contrast. Personally, I`m fond of Arctic white exterior and champagne/Fawn combo on the first gen cars, so I`d see the terrible finish and in my opinion an undesirable color combo as an opportunity to strike a substantial discount and change the color more to my preference. I think this car could eventually be a nice example at a reasonable to "high-ish" investment, most probably $32 to $35K. In my experience, it`s pretty typical for many who snatch a "bargain" to get buried much deeper.
I`m not a painter but I`m leaning toward disagreement with your assessment of the finish. My amateur opinion is that most of the issues with lifting and appearance are more than skin deep. I`d expect to be required to strip the refinish and original finish off the car and start from scratch to achieve a high quality look.
Just my 2 cents,
Tom
Some of the little details that typically are issues with the first generation cars appear to be working or are in good shape like the door jamb switches and glove box door. The door panels look very good even though the wood veneer has faded. The veneer isn't lifting and it doesn't look water stained. The veneer may benefit from a good dose of Old English! The interior chrome looks to be in great shape as well.
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Make sure the heater works. Replacing the heater core in a first generation Riviera is a royal pain!
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1 hour ago, RivNut said:
This 63 looks like it's a nice, well equipped car but it has non-Riviera wheel covers on it (at least the one pictured.)
Early production example as well.
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On 1/6/2021 at 3:10 PM, Pat Curran said:
When I bought my 65, the upper front bumper was mounted incorrectly like this one. I have seen a few others like this over the years. It is an easy fix that just takes a little patience. Beautiful color combo!
On 1/8/2021 at 7:25 PM, EmTee said:Is it upside down?
It was not upside down. A friend with a 65 did most of the work 17 years ago. It took him an entire day. He used his car for reference.
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When I bought my 65, the upper front bumper was mounted incorrectly like this one. I have seen a few others like this over the years. It is an easy fix that just takes a little patience. Beautiful color combo!
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17 hours ago, PWB said:
Ken
’67 turbine medallions are identical to those in ‘69 plain wheel covers. Extremely rare in good shape. I can show you how to restore them.
I have three non cracked medallions you can have for your dads Riv.
Not mint but very nice.Happy new year
Paul
PS there are ‘69 plain covers on eBay now.Just as an FYI, the standard wheel cover on the 1969 was also used on the 1970 if you need to expand your search.
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Does it have posi?
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There was a fair amount of color sharing back in the day but each division had there own name. My 64 Impala was Daytona Blue and my 64 Riviera was Diplomat Blue. Both cars had the exact same color.
Some divisions had exclusive colors. An example would be Verdoro Green. Pontiac had an exclusive run of 3 years with this color and it seems like every Pontiac you saw in the late 60’s were painted this color, particularly the Grand Prix’s.
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Sharp car. I like the license plate!
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Great article and beautiful car. I’m surprised they didn’t touch on how the early builds had the small Gran Sport emblems.
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18 minutes ago, gungeey said:
Daryle, I believe that is the incorrect carpet: the stirrup for seat track should have carpet butted up against it. Also, the seam for the front carpet should run from the fisher tag on the sill plate to the seat adjuster. Also, I don't believe there were finish plates on the track ends on a manual seat, either. Below is for sure original
I think you are right Steve. The passenger seats were all manual on the first gen’s and none of mine ever had a trim piece. It seems logical that a manual driver’s seat wouldn’t have it either with all things being equal.
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Not 100% sure but the trim pieces for a power seat may be different for a manual seat. Can anyone verify?
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5 hours ago, Chasander said:
My wife’s mother worked at Ternstedt in the early sixties. It was on Coldwater road maybe two miles north of the Buick complex. I think at that time it was a stand alone GM Division.
I believe the Ternstadt plant was in Elyria, Ohio. As an additional note, the turbine wheel covers were made at this plant for the 63’s and 64’s.
Hello from me and my 72
in Buick Riviera
Posted
You are in good company!