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Everything posted by BulldogDriver
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'Air filter for a '63 w/ a 401 - update
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
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'Air filter for a '63 w/ a 401 - update
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
None that I have been able to find. They are so wide that nothing seems to be close. Only ran in Gen 1 Rivieras, 59/60 Cadillacs, and I think it was 59 Oldsmobile. Ray -
Rivieras and Riviera parts for sale on local Craigslist, eBay, etc.
BulldogDriver replied to RivNut's topic in Buick Riviera
Looks like a 3.23 posi listed on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1832909420261181/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=3567574623461310 Ray -
'Air filter for a '63 w/ a 401 - update
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
Probably be hard to get to those numbers even with the Cadillacs and Olds that used that filter. Ray -
'Air filter for a '63 w/ a 401 - update
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
Actually the flange isn’t the big problem with this air filter. If you could find a filter that was the some diameter and height it would be usable. Only difference would be the air coming into the air cleaner would be around the perimeter and the snorkel which should be less restrictive. The carb/intake are still sealed from contamination. I have been looking for a filter that met the specs of the original without the “lip” with no luck. If one does exist then that could be a solution to the problem. These air cleaners are unusual with their low wide profile. Having said this I recently ordered 2 filters from Cars to get the back order number high enough so Wix would get to making some of these. Well they are saying that the order has shipped. I don’t know who the manufacturer is of the filters but if they are truly shipped, it will be the first in over a year. Ray -
Custom fan shroud for non-a/c '63 Riviera
BulldogDriver replied to mrsuggestion's topic in Buick Riviera
I’ve dealt with Tony in the past using his disc brake conversion and both sway bars. He’s a great guy and as long as you can wait for the parts to be made and shipped, if I remember it took 6 months to get mine, they are top quality. Shipping was realistic when I bought mine. Ray -
Custom fan shroud for non-a/c '63 Riviera
BulldogDriver replied to mrsuggestion's topic in Buick Riviera
Thats why I suggested sourcing the original pieces to add a shroud that would have been used if it had AC. I doubt that Flowkooler will have Riviera specific brackets. Mounting location on the car should be the same on either non or AC. The reason I suggest this is I recently installed an aluminum radiator that was touted as “drop in”. Had to come up with my own rubber mounts top and bottom, bend the top mount plate to match the radiator. This did correct my problem of engine running hotter than it should and was less than half the cost of a recore on my original radiator. Things are fairly tight around the radiator and fitting whatever they suggest might not be worth it. It’s also why I said their water pump is not a magic pill for running hot and the original does just fine. Just saying. Ray -
Custom fan shroud for non-a/c '63 Riviera
BulldogDriver replied to mrsuggestion's topic in Buick Riviera
By the time you come up with a way to attach this shroud it might be better to just source original lower brackets and top mount and then get a repro shroud from Cars or BestOfferCounts. Ray -
'Air filter for a '63 w/ a 401 - update
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
Ed, Kudos to you! I tried want you have accomplished. James and myself were looking at options if Wix weren’t going to make them any longer. If the issue is not enough orders for the filter then maybe the members should place orders now so Wix will get moving on production. I’ll get this info out to the Cadillac and Oldsmobile club so they can help with this. Ray -
3M 33 or 88 electric tape has been my go to for many years. I’ve never had a problem with either. Could just be my luck. Ray
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I’ve not had much luck with silicone tape. Personally I rewrapped my harness with plastic harness wrap and then over that 3M Super 33+ electrical tape. Harness can flex as originally meant to and the tape gives it a better abrasion resistance than the thinner plastic wrap made today. Ray
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'Air filter for a '63 w/ a 401 - update
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
In this case there are many listings for the filter but as far as I have seen, none exist. As far as I can see WIX may no longer be a source for them but as I have stated before that has not been confirmed, they won’t respond to requests for confirmation. As far as I can see WIX was the only supplier of these in recent years. The market for them is very limited; our cars, two years of Cadillac, and one year of Oldsmobile. I have a contact within a major Retailer that is trying to reestablish a distributorship with WIX. If or when that occurs the plan is to see if they will make a special run of these filters and this will probably be the last time to get them. I have also reached out to a source that does reproductions to see if there is another option to be able to keep using our unique air cleaners. Will update went I know something. Ray -
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Same pump can be used on AC/non AC. OEM AC pump used 5 vane/blades. If you are just trying to get the best flow go with the 5 blade OEM. It’s done the job for more than 60 years. Trying to fix a temp issue with an enhanced water pump usually would do the trick. My next nailhead build will not be using a Flowkooler, don’t need it. Ray
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I have it on mine. The 5 blade OEM does the job just as well and a lot cheaper. Ray
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1965 Buick Riviera Drive Shaft for sale
BulldogDriver replied to gmdbhornet's topic in Buick Riviera
Compared to a Dynaflow, yes it will get the rear to break loose a lot easier. I’m running a 3.23 Posi differential and I think it’s fine. The rule of thumb is to get a transmission to differential ratio of 9.5 to 1. My 3.23 puts it at 9.9 to 1 and a 3.08 would be at 9.4 to 1. I think either one would be fine in the car. When the transmission was rebuilt a Corvette servo was installed and that proved to be a bit too much for the relatively skinny tires we normally use on these cars. It would chirp the tires on 1 to 2 shift very easily so I went back to a regular servo and it now shifts smoothly throughout all gears. When I did this conversion the pandemic had just started and I was thinking of putting an overdrive transmission in to get the gas mileage increased for highway driving so I was bored and went for it. I will say that it was a handful to do but it is obtainable if you are mechanically inclined. The torque converter has to matched to what the controller is looking for, 3 different ways to lockup the clutch in the converter. A 700R4 would definitely be cheaper and less complicated to install. I know that Russ and Matt Martin are working on a conversion bell housing but unlike a 4L60E the transmission case has to be cut to mate the conversion to it. That should be done by someone who is experienced at doing that. I know the kickdown cable adjustment has to be done properly or major damage can happen. Would I do this today? Probably not the 4L60E but would go with the 700R4. That conversion housing wasn’t available when I did this. Hiding the controller is a challenge, mine will be velcro’d to the enclosed side of the passenger valance panel. I had a problem with the engine running hot so I eliminated the transmission cooler to the radiator and went with a external cooler. Probably didn’t need to be that extreme but it is done now. Cooler lines at the transmission are a very tight bend to clear the tunnel and getting a wrench on them is a hassle. Transmission tube is not a direct bolt on. A bracket has to be made if you are using a rigid tube. Ray -
Wix 42092 is the number that has been B/O forever. That seems to be the same item# on the O’Reilys link. I would not want to hold my breath waiting for delivery of that part. Ray
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1965 Buick Riviera Drive Shaft for sale
BulldogDriver replied to gmdbhornet's topic in Buick Riviera
When I converted to a 4L60E three things had to be changed to make everthing fit. Front shaft had to be shortened, yoke had to be changed to match the transmission, and to get the drivetrain geometry correct the center carrier bearing had to be shorten to match a 64/65 mount. The shortening of the shaft can be done by any repair shop dealing with commercial trucks if you can’t find an automotive shop. They can also swap the yoke over. In my case a conversion u-joint had to be used. The tricky part as shortening the center bearing mount as it contains vulcanized rubber so welding the base back on had to be done delicately. I have heard that some have modified the frame to use a 64/65 carrier bearing mount. I don’t have any experience with that. Ray -
1963 Riv w/401 - coolant capacity and mix?
BulldogDriver replied to JanZverina's topic in Buick Riviera
Buy 2 gallons of full strength “green” antifreeze and 2 gallons of distilled water. Pour 1 gallon of antifreeze and water into radiator. Then pour 1/2 gallon antifreeze into empty jug and add 1/2 gallon water. Pour the other 1/2 gallon water into the other antifreeze jug. Shake vigorously and top off radiator. Job done. Napa charges about the same for 50/50 as for full strength in my area. Ray -
Why use a sensor in the hose when there is a hole in the cylinder head ready for installing one? Ray
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What goes through someones mind to do this?
BulldogDriver replied to RivVrgn's topic in Buick Riviera
Probably didn’t run the engine much as the paint isn't burnt off the doors. Engine seems to be at a greater angle than stock. Ray -
Gas tank straps painted chassis black?
BulldogDriver replied to Bronze Mist 64 Riviera's topic in Buick Riviera
Jim, My 63 is undercoated and appears to be factory. Being a south Cal car I thought undercoating would not be something usually done there. Could the dealerships have possibly done this as an “up charge” to cut road noise down some? When I dropped my tank to add an internal electric fuel pump the top of the tank was bare and bottom was undercoated along with the straps. I resprayed the entire tank with undercoat and added rubber to the straps. A separate ground was run to the frame as was needed for the pump. Ray -
The gaskets made today aren’t as thick as the originals. Doubled up on them when I replaced them. Ray
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https://ssl.corvair.com//user-cgi/pages.cgi?function=&category=buick&dbkey=24&level=1 best to call them with your needs.
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Yes I did soldered to the socket. Not easy and I wouldn’t suggest doing it unless you’ve got a good soldering iron. What Ed said is correct as I was having a ground issue on one side but did both. Ray