rodneybeauchamp

My 63 interior lights were intermittent, sometimes all would come on, other times just the console lights, still other times just sail panel lights. Different for each door too. I pulled the door jamb switch and took it apart, then used a Dremel with wire wheel to clean all the contacts. Amazing results, all lights work on both doors reliably, and it looks almost like a Christmas tree when lit. Cost a little time and some care but worth the effort. Have used the Dremel on lots of electrical terminals that were not 100% reliable (horn) and had 100% success. Good luck.

Many thanks for your thoughts, yes probably overthinking things, just put it all together and bleed system. Take on board the bleeding of the cylinder first. A Buick service bulletin advises using the power booster with pressure applied to bleed, where as have seen other notes not too. Confusing.

Hi Paul, As all brake bits are off, would like to assemble fluid side of brakes first in order to prevent any possibility of contaminating the linings. That was might thought pattern. Especially as I will be installing all new hoses and metal brake tubes. Much easier to check for leaks with every thing off, no drums in the way. Rodney

Putting all new brakes in, resleeved cylinders, new brake lines, etc. Can the brake bleeding be done without the shoes and springs installed. Cylinder pistons come up against a stop on the backing plate, so won't fall out. Has anyone done this with success?

Hi, you are so right, patience and persevere, bit by bit. Fit RH end then clip, then centre clip then LHS. What a milestone, as it seems like it is all going back together. And tackle it when you have plenty of time and no other interruptions. All done, the rest should be ok.

Hi to the Alini family, Really admire what you guys are doing yourselves, giving things a go, learning as you go on the project. Anyone can throw a fistful of dollars at a project but to really get your hands dirty is excellent. I was amazed at what you guys have tackled, especially paint and trim, the two hard ones, but it seems you have a blend of youth and experience led by a firm task master to keep you on track. Great work, keep that enthusiasm going! Kind regards Rodney

Hi, has anyone fitted the front steel brake pipe on 63 Riviera. Have had new pipe professionally made to my original but it seems very difficult to refit. Body still on and car on stands. Any clues on this one?

Some things that were overlooked in the first generation imo are 1. Large fill width pockets at the back of the front seats to put your 1963 IPad in, or maps or stuff like that, 2. perhaps a small bin in the ample doors to hold a drink bottle. 3. And definitely fitted should be a temperature and oil gauge. 4. And the centre console lid should flip to the side, not upwards in the air. 5. And provision for 4 speaker sound system, not just one in the rear. 6. And the engine and transmission dipsticks need to be more accessible and in a tube to stop dirt getting in! 7. Outside mirrors should be electric operation. 8.better designed jack rather than the unsafe bumper style included, wheel wrench is not much better. 9. Rear lights could be a fraction larger 20-25% 10. Glove box needs to be longer and deeper with a quality light fitting installed.

Here is what will go in my 63 from Speedhut, both 2 and 5/8, easy to see and will blend with the original dash unit. Back lighting is green. Also may install cigarette lighter socket and plunger centred between the lights and wiper switch, as this is where the rear blower defogger switch would go. This Can then be used to power IPads and phones. Besides I may take up smoking as it might be a cheaper hobby! Only kidding there.

Many thanks for those sound words. After 48 hours, no sign of any fluid. When looking back, it flowed too easily for a heavy diff oil, had no colour and did not feel oily or sticky. So have repainted the plate and will keep a look out daily until the brakes are installed. It is great to have many heads together when you find a problem, certainly did not think of some of the responses that all made sense.

Hi, have just received my two custom built gauges from Speedhut, oil and temp. Both 2 and 5/8 inches diameter as did not want them to look like speed shop after thoughts and I want to see them at a glance without squinting. . Speedhut web site allows you to custom design your gauges from font style, needle type, background colour etc etc and allows you to view them day/ night. I tried to match existing 63 and think I have it right. Was originally going to hide them in ash tray but after spending small kings ransom, decided to leave in view all times as all other gauges are. Will post pics when installed. Opted for digital stepper motor for ease of installation and accuracy. Very pleased with what they delivered, will report back when installed.

And this photo too

Hi, refurbishing the RHR backing plate on 63 Riviera and thought I may have an oil leak at the gasket where it joins the axle housing. Had washed the plate with water and some detergent to remove brake dust, then used wet and dry rub with water to remove some surface rust. When drying the plate with a clean rag, noticed a small fluid leak at bottom of axle plate, wiped with finger but unable to work out if oil or water, wiped again, still a small weep, gasket edge going dark and shiny ( moist). Fluid seemed clear and flowed easily ( like water does). Tightened 4 retaining bolts just a tad ( technical term) and wiped entire plate and edge with a solvent twice. Left for 24 hours and seems dry ( as per photos). Was the fluid just water from cleaning or is it diff oil is what I am unsure of. 63 Has the positive traction limited slip differential and don't know what colour the oil would be. Have included photos of backing plate before I did anything as well as the same, 24 hours after my discovery.

Hi, I had problems with intermittent operation of the RHF window and vent switches on 63. I dismantled the switches and cleaned all contacts with a Dremel with wire wheel, re-assembled and all working fine. Have used same process for horn and headlamp wiring connections that had oxidised through age. Worth a try, good luck!

Am having the brakes reclined with bonded linings on 63 Riviera and read somewhere they used a special lining material with the aluminium drums to give good brake performance. What do I advise my shop here in Australia to use?

Any chance you could post a picture of Cragar SS on your Riviera. I'm contemplating this conversion myself on an Arctic White 1963 with white wall tyres but have seen very few pictures of the conversion. As much as I like the 65 sport wheels, so has every second Riviera owner, so looking for something different. Want to stay period look so would be a 6 inch rim, rather than 7 but might be swayed by others. Any thoughts. Rodney

Hi, thank you for some sound advice. I have just got my 63 Riviera, purchased from GR Auto and " posted out" to me in Australia. While under the car, noticed that several rear frame body mounts are squished and perished. So I'm thinking it's only money, replace them. Can you advise which brand of mount will replace the OEM units with the best result, that is they give the same ride and look as the originals. I am not doing a frame off resto, but want to replace the bad ones and some of the easier ones to start with, then the rest later. Do I need to undo all body bolts to change just the rear bad ones or what? Many thanks Rodney Encounter Bay South Australia 1963 Riviera