Pat Curran

Jason, where did you get this picture? That is my old 65 that I wish I still had!!!

Other than the exhaust system, this car appears correct and not screwed with. Sure it has patina and with some old fashioned elbow grease this car can be made to be a nice driver or taken even further. What I like about this car is that you don't have to fix others attempts at a quickie restoration. This car has originality in spades and I prefer that. It doesn't appear to be a rust bucket and looks straight all the way around. A new arm rest and some new seat covers would do wonders for this car as well as a good detailing under the hood. How many of these do you see still wearing the original wheel covers? Granted the sellers expectation is a bit high but if someone gets this car for the current bid then they are getting a good deal. I would rather buy an unmolested original Riv for a reasonable price over one that has been fluffed up incorrectly for a quickie re-sale.

And they aren't even the right emblems for the year of the car........................

You're right Jason. The owner really got creative with that upper rad hose!

There are a lot of little things to correct on this car. It looks like the stainless piece is missing where the carpet meets the console on the drivers side. The outside mirror is wrong and I doubt the antenna is correct. It looks to be a solid car but you would have to spend some money if you wanted it to be 100% correct. The silver on silver is a desirable color combo but this car just has a quick flip for profit look to it.

Looks like a custom touch by a previous owner. The pleats are correct but the factory never offered a 2 tone combination in this color scheme.

If you are a member of the ROA, check out the vendors for the 4 note horns. The underside of the hood should be pre-drilled for this option so it is a straightforward installation. Cadillac offered additional horns but the ones I have seen are different in appearance. Not sure if the sound is similar or not.

The first generation Riviera power antenna did not retract all the way into the fender. If you have seen some that do, it has been customized in some fashion.

Right you are Pete! Getting in and out of my 66 Corvette coupe can be a challenge, but once I light up the side pipes and drop it in first, it makes it all worth while!!

It does seem high but other than the frames, fiberglass doesn't rust so it gives them a bit of an edge.

It looks like a clean engine swap but I would prefer to stay with nailhead power. The paint has some peel in it but probably would buff up to a nicer finish if someone took the time. Not a bad cruiser overall.

I have not had one kink on me so all I am suggesting is that you check the operation to make sure it is operating correctly before you do your final alignments and tighten everything down.

You can also use a small screwdriver in the mounting slot to keep the stud from spinning around until there is enough tension on the stud. If you have a remote mirror, make sure the cable is operating properly before you tighten everything down.

Nice looking car overall. The steering wheel is not correct for the year though but IMHO it looks better than the correct one. I always disliked the design of the steering wheel on my 69.

The lenses will clean up nice with plexiglass cleaner or a plastic lense cleaner from Maguires. Another good product is called "Flight Jacket." Pilots use this product to clean the windshields on their planes. It is made by Shell's Aviation Division and can be found on the internet. It worked great on my old Reatta convertible tail light. Also, when you remove the knob for the speed alert/cruise control setting, there originally was a felt washer behind the knob that prevented dust from getting behind the lense. Most have disintegrated by now but you can make your own replacement easily.

I don't know what the compatability is with other models but I can tell you that the fuel tank itself is a different design from other Buick's due to the location of the spare tire.

The overall height of the first generation as delivered by the factory was 53.2" As Ed states, the size of the tires will make a difference and in addition to that, the overall condition of the suspension can make a difference as well. Not sure what it would be from the ground to the wheel arches.

That isn't a 65 trunk mate. It is either a 66 or 67!

Mario, if you are referring to the back fender side trim are you talking about the faux scoops ahead of the rear wheel well? If so, they are a 63-64 item and were removed on the 65's. Just an FYI, If your steering wheel is original to the car and I believe it is, the horn bar indicates that it was made earlier in the production cycle. The two chrome spear inlays on the left and right side of the horn bar would indicate this. They were removed later in the production cycle. Side marker lights were mandated by the Feds beginning with the 1968 model year. Good luck with your project!

Does anyone know if this car is or has been owned by an ROA member? If so, maybe some of the questions can be answered. As I stated before, this is a very nice car but if top dollar is being asked, then all the questions/concerns should be answered before plucking down this kind of coin. As Ed stated, the "R" logos are missing from the door panels and the trunk items need attention. Some clamps are not period correct as well. What's with the color of the muffler? These items can all be easily addressed but it will cost a couple of bucks which the new owner shouldn't have to spend based on the asking price. Either way, I would like to have this car in my garage.

This is certainly a loaded example. It looks to have almost all the options. As Mike states, there are a couple very minor items that really don't detract from the value of this car and should be a very easy fix. I don't think it will sell on the cheap!. There is another black on black 65 GS in Florida on ebay as well but not a lot of bids yet.

Check with Steele Rubber Parts. I am not sure if they have them but they do manufacture a fair amount of rubber items. Good luck and keep us posted.

I suspect the mounting holes for the hood spear are the same for 68 and 69 as the hood itself is the same although I have never owned a 68. There are a number of differences between those 2 years that are not noticeable at first glance but all the body panels are the same. The rear quarters are the same however the side marker light is slightly larger on the 69. The grille is different and the back up lights on a 68 are in the bumper. The differences are more apparent in the interior though.

The hood trim on the 68 sits taller and has a peak to it. At a quick glance, the 69's look the same but they are not as they are flatter. I don't know if other second gen years are interchangable or not.

Jim, I have seen numerous restored 65's with the wheel webbing painted a satin black instead of the correct gray finish. Same for the recessed areas on the rocker panel moldings and the clamshells. I suspect the satin black is easier to locate than the correct shade of gray but it can be obtained. I think both look good on the car but..........