ol' yeller
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Posts posted by ol' yeller
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Judging by the grille and taillights it appears to be a '69, not a '68. I think the console is unique to '69 as well. If in good shape the potmetal trim at the front of the hood is worth some bucks.
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Last night on my way home I noticed something unusual with my headlights. Every time I stepped on the brake, the headlights would dim. They still were pretty bright but the difference was noticable. It was like the extra power used by the brake lights dimmed the headlights. I can make it happen every time so it isn't intermittent. I also checked when the car wasn't moving and it would do it then as well. Is this a common problem? The battery is new and the dash shows it is charging. I'm thinking it may be a the alternator or maybe a ground somewhere. Any help? Thanks.
Greg
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I have never seen an original Burgandy top. Is it canvas or vinyl? Do you have any pics of the top?
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Manual 5 speed (or 6), Series II SC engine, RWD, traction control, multi disc stereo with Ipod connectivity and bluetooth. As long as I'm dreaming, I'd like heated seats as well.
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I'd be interested (depending upon cost) the '90 Radio and an antenna if working. Does it have the CD player? The wood dash surround and console may be of interest to others. Things like relays, engine coils, and MAFs may be worthwhile depending upon how much they wanted for them. The dash module (if working) may be of interest to someone. Spare BCM, ABS parts, ECM, are all worthwhile stockpiling if you can pick them up for a reasonable price.
Local U Pick It Yard has a Red interior 1990 Riviera and a blue/blue 1992 Riviera. 1992 Riviera had a nice dark blue center armrest pad. I pulled some parts, need to go back. Anybody need anything?By the way, what should I consider getting off these cars?
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Has anyone checked to see if the mounting holes for the brackets are present on the 88 engine and chassis so it would be a bolt in upgrade to an 88, or some drilling and tapping would be necessary? QUOTE]
At the Portland Chapter's show we had several Reattas of different years so we checked out some of the differences we heard about. On SeanR's 88 there was no provision at all for the dampner. On the later cars, the frame mount was welded, not bolted, and his had no mount at all. It would be possible to add this to an "88 but given that the mount would need to be cut off a later model and then welded onto the '88, I see little advantage for the amount of effort required.
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Not me but I found these on Ebay the other day and ordered one. They say they have more than 10 available. I got mine for just in case. These are the seals that weatherstrip the top to the tonneau cover.
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Not Mine. On Seattle's Craigslist.
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I did find a good shop that was highly recommended by my Buick buddies. The shop is Convertibles Only in downtown Seattle. I am taking it there on Wednesday to have them install my new White vinyl EZ On top. If you're interested, I'd be happy to let you know what I think of their work after they are done. I live in Redmond, WA which is on the Eastside past Bellevue.
In keeping with this thread, I am very happy that the PO of my car decided to dump his convertible. I think I got a great deal given the current market. I have owned my convertible since the beginning of August. It was only rained on once on our way back from the Portland Chapter's All Buick Show.
Last week I had the most enjoyable ride home from my local chapter meeting. It took about 45 minutes, the evening was warm and the darkness was just settling in. I had the radio tuned to the oldies station and of course, the top was down. I can't say why I enjoyed that ride so much but I think it was the lack of traffic coupled with the complete awareness of everything around me and the wind blowing through what is left of my gray hair. The comfort of a luxury car's ride was just icing on the cake. It took me back to my teen years, driving my '65 Skylark convertible. Convertible owners know of what I speak.
Padgett, I retired at age 50, 9 years ago. I tried on several hats that I always wanted to do. My real job was a National Account Manager for a large telecom. After retirement, I worked at an automotive restoration shop, at a franchised Handyman company, and finally I landed my most enjoyable job I ever had, driving a school bus. That unfortunately ended 2 years ago when I experienced a very bad heart attack which has now left me unable to work. My advice would be to find what you enjoy doing and embrace it. I was very lucky that money wasn't the most important factor in my post retirement job choices. Life is too short and too uncertain to have regrets. I am grateful to have had the chance to do what I enjoy.
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End of summer? Mine is not going anywhere except to the top shop.
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My guess would be the compressor clutch.
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Marck, did you get my PM?
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Sean, You are welcome to look at my 90 if you want to see the difference. I will most likely be at the Puget Sound Chapter meeting on Tuesday.
Greg
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Marck, I need one sooner rather than later. Color isn't that important but I'd also like to try and match the interior if possible. I appreciate your offer and I'll take you up on it if nothing else comes up.
Mods, I thought I posted this in the Reatta Buy and Sell but in my aged feeble mind I must have messed up. Sorry, and please feel free to move this to the appropriate forum.
Greg
I will have a grey one later this month. if you want it, you can have it for the price of shipping. Not burgundy, but a good natural color. -
OK, I'm going to make my own childseat strap. I need the long half of a maroon seatbelt. I have no need for the short half. I also will need an extra metal male piece of a second belt (the part that goes into the clasp. The long piece only needs about 1-1 1/2 foot of clean material and the metal end. If it is cut or dirty, it shouldn't be a problem as I plan to have the ends sewn to a bracket that attaches behind the normal seat belt attachment point. I do not need the retracting mechanism so if it doesn't work, it won't be a problem. Please price accordingly. This is great chance to get rid of something you just couldn't bring yourself to throw away.
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The shop had not done a Reatta before but has done plenty of Corvettes. He said that the Corvette aftermarket weatherstrips were "rock hard" and "don't seal well", especially after a period of time. He didn't take any measurements, he just commented that it looks like a Vette top. I was hoping that we could join with the Vette folks to get the aftermarket to make some quality weatherstrips for all of us as I understand that they can't make them for the 2,300 (or however many left) of us alone. My seals are still in great shape, well formed, soft and pliable. He said that removing them sometimes can destroy them but he didn't think there would be trouble with mine. That has me somewhat rethinking my choice of shops but they are a well respected shop in this area and he had several high dollar cars in the shop.
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I took my car into a a top shop today. He said my top was the same as a Corvette which makes some sense. Is that true? He still claimed that the weatherstripping was available in the aftermarket but the strips are of very poor quality. I am somewhat heartened if this is true as it adds to how many of us need stuff from the aftermarket. Hopefully we all can help drive them to provide some quality stuff.
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Chicago rust is a lot different than rust I am used to seeing. Once it gains more than a toe hold, it becomes very expensive to repair. My first Reatta was from Chicago and even though it was purchased over 10 years ago, it had definite signs of the dreaded rust creep along the wheel houses and underneath. As the Reatta is a unibody car, rust repairs are expensive and difficult. I have ressurected a couple of rusty cars (again NW rusty) and I found it near impossible to eliminate rust once it starts. Even cutting out rusty metal and replacing it, rust would appear somewhere else.
My advice would be to fix the immediate problem and then sell the car disclosing what you know to the next buyer. Price the car according to its condition. If you want another Reatta, there are still plenty out there for not a lot of money.
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There is a better picture and description in the owner's Manual (1990) of what I need. The FSM talks about it but doesn't show pictures. I have the belt extension, what I need is the hardware kit to go with it.
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HELP! On a previous post, I asked about installing a child seat in the 1990 Reatta as I need to take my granddaughter (3 1/2) to preschool this year. Short trip, low speeds, backroads. I still want to do this safely so as to not put my favorite (only) granchild at risk. I have found some information but I need help finding another NLA part. A Buick dealer found the seatbelt strap I needed but the hardware kit is NLA it consists of the male portion of a seatbelt (that fastens into the inboard seatbelt receiver) and a strap that appears to install under the seat attachment. If you're interested, it is shown in the manual. I am assuming it would include the top strap fastener but I think I can figure out something to make that work. What I would like to get is the hardware kit if anyone has an idea on where to find one or at least the strap that fastens to the seat mount as pictured in the manual. The dealer did have the strap that holds the child seat to the passenger seat. If it is truly NLA then I guess I'll have to figure out a way to securely and safely mount the seat another way.
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Mine does the same. It is time for both of us to clean our IAC (Idle Air Control) Units. Easy job as long as you place a cloth under it so the screw doesn't roll where you can't get to it. I think Ronnie has the tutorial on his website.
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Ray, You might do better posting this in the Buick general section. Things here are pretty much Reatta related. Welcome to both of you to the forum!
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That was Mike's catch. Glad to hear you got it fixed!
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Sorry Sean but that is the same weekend as LeMay and I am in Anacortes on a family vacation over that weekend. It looks like fun though. Have a great time!
Greg
89 reatta - 50k miles - $5k
in Buick Reatta
Posted
Chris, This is the second Reatta for sale I've seen you post about. Are you looking?
Greg