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XframeFX

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  1. Thanks Jim. the inferior 1963 Unit has to be addressed with the master cylinder, the rebuilders insist on installing a rebuilt or new master cylinder. Probably because that flakey square profile O-Ring only seals for vacuum. The master cylinder for power brakes has 2 cups on the piston to prevent brake fluid entering the power booster. The only thing that has changed is that my original 1963 power booster is not a Bendix but an early Delco that was used only in 1963. I still want it gone, cut my losses and move on to a better unit. This will be my 3rd GO at this. I was aware of the 1 5/8" depth master cylinder piston the 1st attempt. Difficult? Yes, can't find a replacement! "Send us your CORE and we'll rebuild your power booster".
  2. To fast track, Like-for-Like replacement would be the way to go. Having done that I now know enough to want a 1964-65 Riviera Power Booster and trash that vacuum reservoir/check valve. There appears to be two for 1964-65 just like Carter AFB or Rochester 4GC carburetors for this period. Delco-Moriane or Bendix are VACUUM SUSPENDED Units meaning vacuum on both sides of the diaphragm with integral check valve. I am having trouble locating a Delco-Moraine core. I soon realized identifying power boosters is a must. However, with Tom T's testimonial I found Harmon's Classic Brake with the Link here. My original 1963 power booster is an AIR SUSPENDED Delco-Moraine Unit with the external check valve and vacuum reservoir, not a Bendix as on the rebuilder's Invoice. Stock images with all these Auto Parts Suppliers do not identify which Power Booster you are about to add-to-cart including rockauto.com I wish I started here first. A must, highly recommended: https://harmonclassicbrakes.com/boosters-and-parts/ A helpful Member has a 1965 Riviera Power Booster available but it has been ID'd as a Bendix Master-Vac Power Booster. I'm OK as it should bolt-in but too many versions of Bendix, confusing. So which two power boosters would be the most reliable leak-free unit? Not the 3rd Unit. Research continues as well as a suitable replacement.
  3. Chris, I'd trade for your climes in a heartbeat 😑 Hagerty has a killer deal covering our rides with the off season incredibly long! All Season Tires up here are referred to as 3-Season tires. I don't drive my Riviera in that 4th season.
  4. So, that eBay link is for a Delco #980463 AM WonderBar, not Delco #980659 AM/FM. Listing is for $500 and no foot switch. I had my functioning #980463 on eBay for $150 with the foot switch and I still have it.
  5. Bernie, I date back that far too. My recollection dipping south-of-the-border from Montreal for parts from sleepy junkyards, "Upstate New Yorkers sure Love their BUICKS!" Outside Malone, NY is where I sat inside an unlocked 1965 Riviera among other cars in a field. I was totally impressed with the interior! Never seen one in Montreal as the few that were sold there were rusted-out and gone by the mid-70s.
  6. "but you will have to admit that the 65 Wildcat Sport Coupe is a good looking car. Probably turned a few Riviera lookers heads a different direction" The '65 Wildcat had round instruments before changing to the longitudal speedo and drum type for the '66 Riviera. I wonder if the new dashboard for '66 was the one GM Interior Designer George Moon had intended for the '65s? Still my all time favourite is the 1966 Wildcat, all models except 4-Door Sedan. A Wildcat GS, awesome! Notice triple stripe WWs and no cornering lights
  7. Mike, it's wet "eastern snow". This winter wasn't bad but, waiting for it to end. Still waiting for my issue of the Riview.
  8. I recall Canadian snowbirds sending tires via USPS while in Florida to Canada. Loop-hole was to not wrap or package them. Obviously for the "Drivers" at home. Nowadays, I legitimately play the "Antique Auto" card and only the tax is due. Doesn't always work. If RockAuto.com can do it, why can't some seemingly lazy Vendors do it? T/A Performance did not follow my simple instructions. Was charged every conceivable fee and taxes. As for acquiring WSWs at tire shops and online in Western Canada, there was only one chain store last year: canadacustomautoworks.com. Of course there are some independents across the country and would probably be Suretrac Power Touring product from Asia. For 2024, there's now a 2nd source. Online "1010tires.com" now has Ironman RB12 and Milestar. I realize shipping, mounting/balancing will push it to a significant total cost. But, coupon "SETOFFOUR2024" will return a package price and reduced shipping. This could change yet again including available tire sizes but, these are the 3 choices.
  9. George, so says Gary Tayman but I did not take his advise and stuck with my Delco AM/FM #980659. Along with a modern 4-Ohm 3-Way 6X9 speaker in the rear seat, it must be the best part of my Riviera at the moment! The problem with 1960s American Electronics was significant distortion in final stage amplifiers. 12-Watt A-Class Amplifier is plenty good. Distortion almost non existent even at WOT, LOL. More powerful mono amplifiers up to 40W https://www.taymanelectrical.com/
  10. I had my functioning 1963 Wonderbar for $150 on eBay and still have it. As for the Delco AM/FM #980659, must be worth double being refurbished. Not sure on that reverb unit. I love my "upgraded" AM/FM #980659. It Kicks A$$ like those Mono bluetooth boom boxes through that single 3-Way 6X9 in the rear seat. Probably the best part of my Riviera!
  11. Me like too, I have a White '63 Riviera. I think I'm noticing a hint of beige on the new SureTracs with maybe 30 miles on them and parked inside. I'm OK as long as consistent all around, not spotty. The window has closed on Cooper Trendsetters.
  12. https://www.tech-retro.com/aurora-design/home.html
  13. Adam, did you navigate to any of those links? Again, much dialogue on this already and more links if you search. The 1st link is 4-pages long. On Page #3 and quoting Rivnut on WSW width: "The wider 1.5” white sidewall series 75 tires would be the closest you could get to the original. I think it’s a matter of what we’ve become accustomed to rather than what looks correct. Once you mount a 1,5” white sidewall and get used to it, you’ll agree that that is THE tire that belongs on the car for an authentic look. I’ve run 70 series tires on a few of my Rivieras and they rub at full lock. For me the 75 series tires are best in more ways than one." Nowadays, WSW width is whatever you can find available for purchase. Unless of course you are OK spending $$$ for Diamondback, Coker and Kontio
  14. In the Parking Lot of the old "RIVIERA Hotel" now a Ramada here in Edmonton. Not intentional as I was looking for an open space to take the picture on the way home from the tire shop. If I had realized it was the Riviera Hotel, would've had the Hotel Lobby side in the background, LOL
  15. No, there's been plenty of recent discussion on this, triggered by fewer options available today. They are deemed a "Trailer Tire Size" Search some more. I'd copy and paste my research on WSWs, but it is already out-of-date. I went with SureTrac "Power Touring" 225/70-15 that has a 1.4" WSW. For 225/75-15s, the WSW is 1.5" wide. This is a Driver quality All Season tire, do not expect perfection. Another Cheap All Season still offering WSW is Ironman RB12. Nexen N'Priz AHS is a better quality All Season. TigerPaw AWP discontinued, Radar Dimax and Hankooks Kinergy are forever out-of-stock. https://forums.aaca.org/topic/395036-ww-tire-options-for-first-gen/page/4/#comments https://forums.aaca.org/topic/358448-diamondback-triple-whitewall-tires/page/2/#comments
  16. So, it appears we are all in agreement that 225/75-15 size is closest but slightly larger to the optional 7.60-15 originals. 225/75-15 comes in at 28.4" diameter. I couldn't find that size in WSWs so went for a set 225/70-15s at 27.4" diameter. A 28.0" diameter tire would've been perfect and that would be a 235/70-15. Good luck finding that one in a WSW. Vitour comes to mind, common everywhere except North America. This size will probably rub slightly Lock-to-Lock. A visual comparison:
  17. Ditto. Although re-skinning with Clarks Leather was also a 3X for my Riviera. On the 3rd attempt, I attacked the power seat adjuster cleaning out old grease before installing the seat with front U-Brackets switched in reverse position to gain an extra inch rear-ward. The reason the leather skin had to be removed, I broke a spring contorting my frame under the steering column to re-install the Brake Power booster. I had to pay for the re-repair of course, no warranty. When 1st installed, my upholsterer tore a strip off me complaining what crap off-shore seat skins I provided him. Seat bottom too big at the front and too small over the horn at the rear. He kept picking up the old seat skin showing the quality the new ones did not have. Regardless, it all turned out good, LOL.
  18. Another path would be to install one of these. However, late model Jeep Wranglers (JK) are a rare sight in wrecking yards. The Pump would wear out quickly having to run constantly due to the leak.
  19. Still working on a plan which may include a dual circuit conversion. I didn't do it earlier because I had too many issues needing attention on the Riviera. Now, I still have numerous issues but the power booster is at the top-of-the-List. Plus, another project needs to be returned to "roller" status once WSWs arrive - busy!
  20. A heads-up on 1st generation power brakes. Not only did the 1963 Riviera miss out by 1-year on the good ST400 but also the Power Booster and master cylinder. Of course after my botched rebuild, I now know the path I should've taken. Typical Riviera luck, need to address the same issue 3 times and more wasted $$$! I dropped into a local Brake & Clutch shop who is a Dealer for https://mbmbrakes.com/gm-1964-1966-9-single-diaphragm-delco-style/ The counter person spent a great deal of time with me explaining most everything on the top end of the Brake system, much appreciated! Yes, they can rebuild Bendix, Delco-Moraine, Treadle-Vac or sell me a new MBM Unit. He too agrees the Bendix Multi-Vac can be rebuilt incorrectly and if it needs rebuilding, better to switch to the Delco-Moraine unless originality is important. He explained many details regarding the swap for pushrods and master cylinder compatibility. Also, I now regret re-sleeving my master cylinder with the inferior cap & wingnut in the center. The Bendix Unit has a floating control valve at vacuum source. The reason there's an external vacuum reservoir. The Delco-Moraine Unit keeps vacuum on both sides of the diaphragm until the brakes are applied. When they are applied, obviously air is rushed-in to one side but he went into great detail on feathering of the pedal and kind of lost me. I've noticed accordion diaphragms under the caps of many single and dual circuit master cylinder caps. Easy to understand it expands when the reservoir level drops while not permitting the fluid to be exposed to more moisture laded air. However, that diaphragm is not possible in the '63 cap with that wingnut down the center! There is a "mini-cap" under the wing nut in an attempt to shield the vent. Older master cylinders have a denser body (higher pressure casting) and have a better chance of success when machining. After-Market Power Boosters that look OE with even "Moraine" in the stamping, cannot be rebuilt. I encountered another helpful Parts Counter Person at Cummins this week. Extra effort to bring a specialty tool from Service to examine for duplication. Brick & Mortar businesses and Cash & Carry still far better than online resources! !964 Power Booster and Master Cylinder:
  21. The Master Cylinder is back on the power booster and the seal scrutinized, definitely no leak there. I isolated the Power Booster from the tank and check valve. Pumping frantically on my Mity-Vac, I can produce a few inches of vacuum. When I stop, it plunges down to Zero immediately, a massive Leak. More on the Bendix power booster. I found a 10-year old post where a member was informed by Booster Dewey to use the 1964 - 66 Power Boosters as many 1963 Units are rebuilt incorrectly. I wish I knew this before I had my '63 unit rebuilt! He charged me plenty and returned it painted black. Also, a 1964-66 power booster would include an integral check valve and no unsightly accumulator tank with the dent for 4-note horns I do not have. I am now looking to source this superior unit to replace that incompetent rebuild. Rockauto forever sold-out. MBM below?
  22. Oh Oh, so my rebuilder probably took it out. Can't rely on any shop to do it right! That's it, the ST400 swap has moved higher up on my list or sell the car, enough! So, I take it that if the Dynaslow transitioned to high pitch, you'd certainly Notice!
  23. Today, EVs and PHEVs have a whiny noise below say 30 KM/hour as to let pedestrians know you're in close proximity. Very annoying. Unplugging the speaker might throw an error code so I rollered-on a scrap piece of DynaMat. It helps but, I can still detect when it kicks-in.
  24. I like this totally. But not for X-Frame chassis😞
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