Turbinator

Gents, I have reinstalled the AC system with new thermal expansion valve, new evaporator, new condenser, all the AC hoses have been rebuilt with triple wall hose material. The compressor has been rinsed out with mineral oil twice. All new green silicon O rings have replaced and properly lubricated on fitment. After three failed attempts of STV rebuilds I had to use the STV eliminator kit. The vacuum valve actuators I replaced are new. The vacuum hoses are color coded and new. All the components that could be flushed and although new, were flushed out with CoolPro, just to make sure. It took a significant period of time to put the system back together because I’m slow and I wanted to make sure leaks upon testing would hopefully be minimal. The only leak was at the STV I retrofitted. Two different times and days I pulled 24” of vacuum that held 44 hours until I took it down. The second vacuum was at 24” for 19 hrs before I took it down. ill charge the AC WITH R12 when we have some days that are 65-70 F degrees. A number of highly experienced RIviera owners recommended I stay with the STV. Once the STV piston sticks once the piston sticks again. After 3 failed rebuilds of the STV I said, “No mas.” i would say weak/ poorly trained mobile AC technicians in my area necessitated I replace everything new myself. I’m betting a new, flushed, and leak free AC unit is the most promising situation I’ve had to get cold air in the cabin. ill keep you apprised of functional AC testing when the weather warms up. Turbinator

Ed, thank you. I believe the dash will look good for a long time. The car is garaged all the time. The paint was about $50.00 and the DashTop was $250.00 with delivery. The painting and fitment took more time than I figured. The extra time in shoring up the foam rubber was worth the effort.Taking Off the original skin AND gluing the DashTop down on the foam/silicon top worked out to appear the same thickness as the original. Overall I’m completely satisfied with the outcome. Thank you for your positive comment. Turbinator

Gents, I finished installing my DashTop and I’m satisfied with fit and finish. I removed the original cover and smoothed out the foam rubber on the dash with silicon. i had the paint matched and got the kind of paint you apply to plastic. I then put a coat of satin polyurethane over the paint. So no, the cover does not appear like I used a red magic marker to apply the paint.I used Preval they have an aerosol can with jar where you put your paint. Just spray it on. Here are some pics. Turbinator

Bill, in my early days I poured a lot of concrete. Finishing concrete will work the heck out of you if you don’t know what you are doing. Eight by four pad should be a piece of cake. bob

Bill, one plumber wanted $1800. I said, “ I live in a nice neighborhood, but I’m not stupid.” The next plumber said $1200.00. I said ok do it. Actually, all was needed was a switch replacement. I’ve done the job before. I was sick with stomach flu and I was in bad shape. Anyway, I’m well and the plumbing on the lower level is 100%.

Bill, I’m in hopes your water pipe project came out to your expectation. I just had to replace a sewage ejector pump on my lower level. After 41 years the pump needed to be replaced. Turbinator

Mike, let me know where you saw these babies. Here are 4 I just cleaned up for a customer.

I will look, I always like to know what these babies sell for. Turbinator

G Great! Nothing like having what you need when you need it. Turbinator

Are these good enough?

Ed, I’m glad you are not dislexic on those d’s And b’s. my abbreviated nick name would have come out all wrong. i always trust the midwesterners for certain. A bridge in trade for a set of “ hub caps” anytime. Turbinator

Some Texans have claimed on a clear night any where in Texas you can look up and the Moon is shaped like the State of Texas. I believe that to be a true fact. Turbinator

Well, I’d much prefer being Eb than having Ed. Turbinator

Ed, I got the interior kit from Mr G a year or so ago. Great kit. Helps out quite a bit. Thank you for your contribution. Turbinator

Yes, I have my positive cable next to the radiator. I have heavy duty black battery cables I seem to get good service. Probably my imagination. I think the cables are a gauge one. Keeping the cable ends and battery terminals clean and tight will like you as well. Basics like these I have to keep after. Turbinator

Rivnik, I bought a NAPA battery. I put a Delco battery topper on the battery. I turned the battery so the NAPA logo is hidden. Looks good and cranks the engine just fine. There is no prestige in needlessly over spending on items you can easily mask and still maintain good looks.( when I was working I bought really good shirts and ties and reasonably priced suits at Jos Bank.) Turbinator

Bernie, a leather cover and installed for under $400.00? Hopefully, your estimate serves you well. I was thinking around $650.00. I hope I’m wrong. My home custom painted Dash To looks good. I had to revisit some fitting surfaces on the DashTop with some sanding and reattachment of the edges of the cover. Seems I overlooked some important areas that needed to be snugged. I use Loctite Ultra Control gel glue.The stuff holds better than any mastic I’ve used in the past. A little pricey at $4. For 4 grams(.14 fluid Oz). The price at $28.00 an ounce is a bargain for the utility you receive. I send a pic along after awhile I’m doing some electrical work under the dash for an accessory light and noise suppressor for the radio. im also trudging on with the AC. Turbinator

PWB, thank you for your observation and input. I’m no metal finishing or auto paint expert in the least. Finishing the webs on the 63 and 64 take time..a lot of time. I’m powder coating the webs in an effort to restore for a better product. The powder coat has a harder surface and hopefully hold up better than paint. Cast aluminum powder coating is tricky. Not rocket science. If you don’t treat the metal correctly during the powder coating the finish can have tiny bubbles. Ask me how I know. Thanks again for the help. Turbinator

Ed, your recipe format is correct. Walnut shells and the 2000, 3000 grit sandpaper will not cut the mustard. At least on the gems I’m bringing in!🤓 Turbinator

Well done. Both speedo cable and noisy universal joint(s) on my 63 required repair. Good job! Turbinator

It’s im[ortant to keep the little b and little d straight. When I’m at a real dinner with linen tablecloth and more knives forks and spoons placed at my plate I wonder where my bread and water are placed. Well, hold out your left hand and make the ok sign anthe formation resembles the letter b for bread. Now, do the right hand the same way and the form is d for drink. Now you don’t have to worry about drinking someone else’s water or eating another’s bread. I’m loaded with a lot of useless information. Turbinator Mr. Rivnik, this note is for Mr Rivnut. Thank you for the help. I’m happy that baby was not glued on.!

Gents, are the webs in between the vanes on the 63 Turbine wheel cover anodized? Seems like the very best 63 turbine covers I’ve seen the metal in between webs does not have the same finish appearance as the circumference, top of the vanes and center cap crown. I speculated the webs had been treated with a different sanding treatment OR just anodized. I’m giving this topic a rest. Thanks to everyone’s helpful comments. Turbinator

Gents, after pulling and tugging this way and that on A pillar chrome trim piece before I asked for help the thing feel in my lap with just a jiggle by hand. I cannot explain the goofy occurrence. i can go forward. Thanks to all Turbinator

Pat, I saw those 64 Turbines. I thought they were in very fine condition. At $999.00 he is right on the $. I did not see where the center cap, two bar spinner, and emblem were listed? Turbinator

Rivnik, thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me what is obvious to most people. Many things mechanical mystify me. Mechanical work is a challenge I enjoy see coming to a successful conclusion. I’ll post a before and after pic of the project. Thanks again Turbinator