Dales90

Hi, I did own an 89 Riv with the factory unit. I had it swapped into my car from a friend's 89, we did a deal. Took both cars to the same place, I had her radio cassette repaired, the shop did the swap with both cars side by side. Quite a deal. Email me directly, and I can point you away from some hazzards. Dale gibsonnut@aol.com

Joe, As a Reatta owner for only about the last 8 months or so, I can share my experience. The first one was an available builder for very little, and while I was considering it, we were with friends, my wife was discussing her Regal, and how much she liked it, but knew it couldn't last forever. She was asked what she wanted to get to replace the Regal, and she said "A Reatta!" I overheard that, and moved on the car the next day. Then.........I joined this board, and read about an auction site where a convert. was available, and managed to snare it. They are both builders, but we have been driving the convert. in town this summer, and will do the details when the weather gets colder. So, my corruption happened within months. It happens. Dale

Nic, We're covered. Dale

Hey Nic, I just called my local cable provider, and when I get home I will verify, but should have the channel, so will let you know for sure, but should be able to help. Dale

Hi Mr. Earl, I have had only two experiences with haulers, and both were excellent. I had a full size 61 bubble top brought from New York state to Iowa several years ago. The guy quoted me a price, it was high, but it would be accomplished within 5 days. He called back a day or so later, had gotten another job to bring one back from Minnesota to New York, so dropped his price!!!! The other was last year, a local guy who would bring a Reatta back from the Detroit area to Iowa. He asked me if I was in a hurry, that he frequently got contracts to bring vehicles to Detroit. The patience I gave him cut my price in half! It became 10 days instead of 4 or 5. So my limited experience was positive, and seems to have been with guys who were not afraid to tell the truth about timeframes and actual costs. Maybe that's the rare part. Dale

Nic, I purchased one of these earlier in the year. It is dime-sized, great detail, and authentic for the Great American Race. If this one stays around the price now showing, it's a steal. Don't remember what I paid, but it was a lot higher.... Dale

Several years ago, Carol and I took our 64 Riv. to be used in the filming of The Bridges of Madison County, we met Clint, the car was used during the shoot that first day, and they kept it for two additional days, each day putting about 5 or 6 miles on it. Never made it to the final cut, probably on the cutting room floor. (someone enjoyed driving it.....) Congrats to the Blackhawk!! Dale

I second your motion! Years ago, found a circuit over-fused, and wondered what possessed the former owner, or service dept. to risk the future of the car in that way. I like to say, I do all the work I can myself, but sometimes you just "gotta leave your billfold on the front seat". Dale

Great idea, Roberta! For those of us who did not plan on arriving until later the day of the meeting, has anyone planned to video tape the event? I have begun trying to psyche Carol and myself into leaving earlier, and driving well into the previous night to land in time for the meeting. Dale

Hi, Just a thought. A local auto glass shop came to my rescue some years ago on a Somerset Regal with the perforated nylon tape used on that series for window operation. Maybe they now have access to after market guide material. Try your yellow pages and give one a call. Dale

Robert, Yes, they are very unique, and the hottest drivers around. I have been on the road this weekend, and no signs of reoccurence of our problems, so I think you're on the right track. I searched for mine about 8 months, trying to find one with all the options,and it was worth it. A mechanic friend told me to hold my breath, that he was aware of many problems the 95s will have, which were eliminated in later years. Also, a Consumer Reports magazine, give the car poor ratings for electrical problems. I have had my share, I quess, but the car is worth the trouble. What color is yours? Mine is dark burgundy with same color interior, and the full rosewood dash trim. Any luck on chasing the grounds? Keep me posted. Dale

Robert, Good news on my 95!! 1. The computer purge of existing codes, and download of fresh status was accomplished first thing this morning. 2. The car fuel guage showed a firm 1/2 tank, dead on. 3. They test drove the car and another code appeared, they were able to connect to the computer (because all the various grounds were now intact) and it showed it to be an evaporator vacuum circuit. This is the air bypass for fuel tank to avoid vapor lock. They found a vacuum hose not connected near the firewall, plugged it in, and the fix was on!!!! They said they may have removed it to access some of the grounds, so don't think it was the case when I brought in the car. Anyway, drives like a champ, no SES nor traction-off lights, and a gas guage that is right all the time. May yours be as simple!! Dale

You're reading my mail. My 95 is in the shop as I write this. 106K miles, traction control light, and SES light, but never any effect on performance, 3.8 supercharged. The shop has found MANY grounds (14) not perfectly connected, and after cleaning, and using star washers for reconnection, the diagnosis scanner can finally communicate with the computer. Tomorrow the purge of codes, and download of reflash of the computer will tell the current tale. I will let you know. Another symptom was the fuel gauge locked in "full" position, then swift drop to 1/4 tank when it felt like it. The shop thinks one of the grounds they fixed was tied to the sending unit circuit. Again, I hope to see a 1/2 tank reading tomorrow, along with a dark idiot light group. Wish us both luck! Dale

Nice explanation of your process. Our only changeover was for my wife's 88 Regal. That car had rubber o-rings from the factory, and the new system needed neoprene. Leaks occured on high pressure side until proper o-rings were installed. (something about the new system lube deteriorating the rubber original rings.) Dale

Just swapped email yesterday with a guy in Illinois selling an 89 coupe he described as "platinum", don't know the interior color. It is high miles, over 200,000 but he is a former Buick dealer, and says it is top knotch with all regular service done for the miles. He's asking $3000 until July 1st. Send me an email to gibsonnut@aol.com and I will forward his correspondence if you like. Dale

Flash, Last week got a special favor from the local bolts distributer, aircraft quality locking nuts, etc, did not meet the $25 minimum, so he gave them to me. Asked him his favorite beer, and brought back a cold 6-pack of Bud Tall Boys. (must be the going rate for Reatta favors, huh?) Dale

Bob, The shirt arrived Friday, and is a stunner! Thanks for all your help (least you could do for beating me out of the original on ebay.....=)). Your previous connection with "Molly" was the key, and I am again reminded of the age old saying, "It ain't WHAT you know,.........." THANKS, BOB!!! Dale

A sign of the times, for sure. A couple of years ago, here in the Des Moines, Iowa area, I took my wife's Regal, '88 4-seater, to the only Buick dealership in town. The service engine code was one which had 5 possible problems. The service manager told me none of his machanics had experience/knowledge on any cars older than TWO model years!!! He admitted they would be ojt-ing any diagnosis on her car. They found the solution on the 5th possibility, changing out parts from least costly to most. The 4th and 5th parts were each $200+. That's the nature of the current dealer capability, replace-the-part codes, or no knowledge at all. Dale

where are you located? Dale

Good Work Sir!!!!

Jim, Great summary and I'd call the performance of the car exemplary for the conditions. 115 mph, huh? And thanks for the attachment. We are combining an 87 GN with an El Camino and love the Buick-Truck combos we have seen, but that is a new one!! Thanks! Dale

A few thoughts....Over 20 years ago, I attended a Buick show locally, and learned about the BCA. I can remember my revelation that I was not going to have to save every Buick, that others were contributing to the cause. That's the basic attitude I have held with each new group I have participated within, BDE, ROA, and Reatta. What must be learned by those who do not see the wisdom of belonging to BCA as well, is that Reatta was not created in a vacuum, and cannot be maintained in one. There may even be some who do not know Riviera debuted the CRT dash in 1985/6, not the 88 Reatta. Great people belong to each group, helpful and experienced, and you never know who may have the answer to your specific question. Join 'em all, participate in 'em all, save 'em all Dale

Nice going, Barney, The time will fly, and we'll all be better off with you involved. Dale

Nic, Thanks for catching the questions, haven't been able to get back to the board until now. Al created the convert in my black with tan, and the coupe in my red with tan, and red mouldings. He made each the 90 wheel style, but could have done the 91, and entered my name as owner, my son-in-law's as mechanic, and even plunked a small chevy bowtie there for him. I gave the garage a name, and left it up to him to design a lettering/signage style, and he did a great job. Barney was able to email me a blank of the artwork on which I entered colors, years, requests, etc. ALL of whcich Al accomplished. Dale

A very special thanks to Barney and his link to Al Richardson. If any of you have contemplated getting one of his Reatta Garage masterpieces, DO IT!!! I received my special design today, and cannot look away from my two Reattas pictured in front of my own old garage, with my son-in-law's name as the Mechanic. Great fun, and you can see the care Al puts forth to meet your special requests for color, names, etc. (even dropped a small Chevy bowtie near the mechanic's slot, as I haven't quite converted the young man over the the Buick stable). Again, thanks, Barney! Dale