Turbinator

Initially, it was eBay. Then I found about 28lbs in a 30lb canister for $250.00 on Craig’s List. Turbinator

Test

If you know the name of the fabric pattern search the internet for suppliers of vintage upholstery. Ask for a sample if the suppliers says he has it. Cap the material down over the dome of the button and gently epoxy the covered button in the button cup holder. Let the button cure. Then carefully epoxy the loose button in place. Now I cannot tell you how to be careful. I made a mask with a hole large enough for the button and epoxy to be fitted. Then I taped the newly placed button to stay for curing. The red buttons on my 63 leather upholstery kept coming off. Well I used epoxy to reattach the button. The button is not coming off. None of the buttons come off, now. Later Gator 🐊

For those that are interested in resurrecting the 63 Riviera original AC you’ll find this color guide helpful. The newer vacuum hoses for the vacuum switches on the 63 can per purchased color coded. I took the time to carefully ink the hose line with correct color. The figure tells what color the hose for connection. This can be tedious, BUT the routing of the color hoses in the figure gave me cold air. If you are using the STV then routing is correct. The STV By Pass works for me. The #3 and #4 are replaced with a dual port single vacuum actuator. Jim Cannon figured out the work around for replacing actuators three and four. Later Gator 🐊 Once you see the drawing just magnify the size of the document for clarity.

Minty fresh? By the way I’ve discovered a way to have the label made with vinyl with self adhesive backing. To apply the label without wrinkles a manufacturer certification is required. The paper labels tend to be old with glue that has lost its adhesion. Later Gator 🐊

Ray, it was a pain. Not many will admit they do not know what they are doing on some of the repairs on these cars. I don’t mind True Confession I am not trained nor had any experience on mobile AC. One of my pals ( not knowing he was insulting) said, “ Bob, when you work on something it usually gets worse before it gets better.” I won’t argue the truth. I did learn quite a bit working on the AC in my 63. I’m not highly competent, but experienced enough to do functional tests as outlined in the service manual. Had I more information I just might have gone the AC aftermarket way. But, a known to work system was already in place. Here is on of my study and cheat charts I used to get the vacuum hoses to the right place. Made a copy then color inked the hoses for they go.

Gents, Tom Telesco suggested I install a one ton GM truck fan clutch severe duty in my 63 Riviera. The clutch fan is quiet and if any power was diminished using the truck fan clutch I don’t know about it. Tom T drove the car with me 2000 miles round trip. Tom T would have said something if there was something not right. So, I’m sure there are instances when power is diminished with HD fan clutch in other cars. Nothing surprises me.

If your ancient system works why change? R12 is available and there are mechanics that still have equipment to work on R12. I have a 63 Riv and stayed with R12. There were some work arounds because some of the original parts are no longer manufactured.I figured a system designed by Buick that does work would be easier to get up and running than me doing an installation with an aftermarket kit. Most of the fun is getting these old cars to run the way they are suppose to. R12 can be found at reasonable prices, but you have to look all over to find R12. Or get connected with an R12 supplier. Best of luck. Turbinator

Craig, thank you for the eagle eye. I copied the address from this issue of the Riview. I thought it unusual for person’s name to be Harmons, but I stayed with what I read. I do not want anyone steered in the wrong direction on my account. Later Gator

Harmons Classic Brakes www.harmonsclassicbrakes.com 678-880-9299 Canton, GA Two gents in the know referred me to this company. Turbinator

The ride height of my Riviera is fine. Were the car any lower I’d need another person pull me out. I should count my lucky stars it looks as nice as I like.

NTX5467, I put Bilstein shocks on 5/6 years ago on my 63. Had I known the Bilstein could have possibly raised the height of body I would not have installed the Bilstein shocks. Im not a fan of changing the suspension on a car not knowing what Im doing. ( admittedly is most of the time) So, the sway bars installed front and back along with the original rebuilt steering box made the car steer better. I am a fan of the lower profile appearance of the slightly lowered car, but without specific modifications to change the ride height. Ill keep an eye on basic upkeep rather than “fix” something until it is broken. Later Gator

Great job. I’m sure neater and secure than other solutions. Good job. Even a 5 star rating for doing this without the engine out. Surgical work at its best. Turbinator

Hanky, you do real good work. Turbinator

Erick, Three years ago is a long time for me to remember exactly where I wrapped the plumbers tape to secure. I remember the plumbers tape because it was a flat band with holes pre drilled. There was something stationary in the cavity I could thread the tape around and loop back in front of the heater core. I do remember using maybe a quarter 20 bolt with washer and nut to cinch the tape tight. I might be able to find a picture, might. I use seam sealer. There are many different brands. 3M and Eastwood come to mind. Amazon probably for both is inexpensive and they send it to you. Going through the firewall was not my first choice, but my only choice. Age, arthritis, kept me from going through the dash. The engine was out for rebuild so the firewall was available. There are times when we do the best we can. It works and the repair is hidden. I’ll see if I can find pictures.

I removed my heater core from my 63 from the firewall side. I had the heater core recore at a radiator shop in Baltimore. When I replaced the heater core I used plumbers metal copper tape. I made sure the plumbers tape wasn’t going to cause any damage by friction rubbing. It’s been in now 3 years or so and no leaks, no squeaks, and the heater works fine. Some made negative remarks about cutting the firewall. When I replaced the cut metal and plenum there are no signs I butchered the car, one fellow remarked. im first in favor of doing the best and neatest job possible. As an automotive enthusiast not trained in mechanics I do a good job. Turbinator

I removed my heater core from my 63 from the firewall side. I had the heater core recore at a radiator shop in Baltimore. When I replaced the heater core I used plumbers metal copper tape. I made sure the plumbers tape wasn’t going to cause any damage by friction rubbing. It’s been in now 3 years or so and no leaks, no squeaks, and the heater works fine. In the horrible event of a 60 mph head on collision I would not be surprised the heater core would loosen up a bit. Some made negative remarks about cutting the firewall. When I replaced the cut metal and plenum there are no signs I butchered the car, one fellow remarked. im first in favor of doing the best and neatest job possible. As an automotive enthusiast not trained in mechanics I do a good job. Turbinator

Sir, I believe a paint code from the factory ( PPG or Ditzler chart) would have what you are looking for. With the paint code a good paint supplier can make it up for you. The second way , and a long shot, is have the original paint from the wheel scanned at a paint shop with the tool to make up the color. I had some paint made up for vinyl sheeting and it turned out good.

EmTee, I was told by Gene Guarnere the 65 Buick Roadwheels were painted Shadow Gray on the webs. The Shadow gray I saw was a darker gray like charcoal gray. Maybe that is why many call the color charcoal gray. In the absence of a paint chart for the web color it can be any shade of gray you like?

That is what is important. I have the original gray sets, BUT yours looks great. Are any of kit walls lined with vinyl? Reason I ask is I did have vinyl put on the walls. I don’t have the gray in my car that is the factory gray. The vinyl lets me clean up after I’ve banged around back there.

Red Riviera 63. Replaced factory “ wood” inlay with walnut raised panel beveled edge. Dash pad reupholstered with factory correct grain vinyl ( hair cell grain, not sure what animal). Replacement leather upholstery from Clark’s Corvair.

This work is excellent. Pattern maker extraordinaire. Turbinator

Well then Bilstein is wrong labeling a set of rear shocks “ for lowered cars”. Turbinator

Tom what color were the webs for the Buick Roadwheels for 65 Riviera? Turbinator

John, thanks for the heads up on the self vulcanizing silicone tape. im fixing up a harness output from an alternator. This should do the trick. than you Turbinator