68RIVGS

. . . 10-4 Tom, thanks !

. . . if it's bare steel they'll never see it, besides, it will last long enough ! NICE RESTO job Mr. Paul - Bruce would be very proud ! Amazing what a little time and a rattle can will accomplish.

I think it was here Ed, in the info on pot metal re-chrome process post, I remembered it too - thanks Randall ! Some NOS trim pieces I collected for my Riviera restoration were sub standard, and when it came time to re-chrome the parts I was unable to obtain I had to make a decision. Mix NOS pieces with re-chromed parts, or just re-chrome all the original trim pieces ? I was lucky and got a really good deal on re-chroming all the originals, so I kept a few scarce NOS pieces, and sold off the rest to offset the cost of re-chroming the originals. . . . almost like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

The '69 cowl tag shown verifies that Tom, but all the 68 cowl tags I have collected (Rivs 'n Cats, long gone parts cars), are stamped with a letter for the paint code, and a numeral for the color of the vinyl top option if so equipped. So they must have made that change somewhere during the '68-'69 production runs ? ?????????????????????????

The '68 and '69 Color and Trim Book only shows letters, so it might be a good idea to list both to avoid any confusion ?

Thanks Mr. Tom - it all makes sense now - still think it's a repaint though, like Jason stated ! All in all, a very nice '69 Riviera with a different color combination, and the '69 custom Buckskin interior looks absolutely great.

Mr. Paul is correct - '70 Riviera , and really not that difficult to find the rear embossed panel ! The rear window stamped grain vent is common to all 2nd gen cars with the vinyl option, except '70 which doesn't have any vent louvres. Might be a good project after you get your buckets and shift linkage under control? LOL

. . . but one more "Holy Grail" of NOS Riviera parts !!

. . . sounds like your having fun Mr. Paul - that's what it's all about - enjoy !!

You are correct Ed ! It was an alpha/numeric code with the letter being the body paint color, and the numeral being the vinyl top color.

I think it's a repaint, as Jason stated, and very well done with the exception of the door jamb latch screws, it's just too shiny for it's age! Too bad they didn't replace the plastic, kick panel insert on the drivers side, while they were at it. It has suffered some deterioration damage with age. The trim code on the cowl tag is correct for the car, and I doubt it has been replaced. My best guess is - The vinyl top may have been added at the same time as the repaint , and the proper rear window insert and trim was also installed? That would explain why the correct color code, and vinyl top code are not appearing on the cowl tag ?

. . . thanks for the update Mr. Tom, your research on the visor mirrors will educate us all !

. . . CoooooooooooooooooooooooL !

That frosted finish look was simply painted on, with a matt finish paint Pat - aged, older bezels where the paint has worn off is smooth chrome like the rest of the bezel. Because I had one NOS, and one pristine original that was faded, and missing some paint between the flutes, I refinished both bezels, and colour matched them to the car for a mild custom look. I could not match the colour on the NOS bezel, which was a matt, warm grey, so I used a matching cool, flat, medium gay which was closer to the car color. They took about 2 hours each to prep and mask, and roughly 10 minutes with a rattle can to refinish ! Not exactly original, but hey, it's my car ! LOL

When searching to have my original tail light bezels done, the platter advised me to try and get a better example or NOS, as repros were not available, and it was going to be expensive to have the original, pitted versions reworked and re-chromed. I was fortunate to track down one, left side, NOS at $50 US, and I settled for a pristine, 'USED version for the right side. No matter whichever platter you may choose, it will be expensive because of all the prep work involved prior to chrome platting to restore your originals ! The design of the original '68/'69 bezels with all those raised flutes on the lower surface, also makes for a restoration nightmare !

. . . a very moving tribute to your partner in life and life here after - thanks for sharing it with us John.

. . . good one Steve !! LOL

If your worried about your MPG - maybe you shouldn't own, or drive a RIVIERA ! LOL BTW: High octane, or Avgas is the only way to go !

Ed you need to get a job, change your habits, or try a new venue ! LOL . . . congrats on your 10,000 posts - may there be many more to come !!

. . . thanks for posting the link Chimera !

The FWD Toronado was not exactly a winner, and the conventional RWD Riviera was much more reliable and desirable. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and 2nd generation Riviera are very distinctive, with a design that still looks pleasing today compared to some current styling trends. Long and low with plenty of torque - they just don't get any better imho !

Sad news indeed Ray, but not so surprising. Over the 33 years we have lost many of our dedicated members and friends in the ROA fgamily. I believe it is just part of 'sharing the pride' as we grow older ! RIP DeWayne, and condolences to his family.

I absolutely concur Pat ! In addition to ROA #1, it's the active participation of the membership at large ' sharing the pride' in whatever way they can, that makes a big difference ! Thank you Ray, and all the past, present and future participants in keeping the ROA moving ahead on the right track. The ROA Riv iew certainly keeps the membership up to date, and is a quality publication !

. . . thanks for the input TOM, the same thoughts probably hold true for just about all of the accessory items for the different model years. Tissue Dispensers, Compasses, Litter Baskets, and Trailer Hitches come to mind, as well as a few others. FYI TOM - No soft surround on the '68-'69 stud type visor vanity mirror, they are metal. ( . . . simply a rolled edge on the metal backing material).

. . . waiting for you to try and sort em out Tom, there seems to be quite a selection shown here !