1965rivgs

Hi Mike, Keep in mind you do not need to hold off the adjuster arm if you are adjusting the shoes closer to the drums. You only need to hold off the arm if you are backing off the shoes. I use a short straight blade screwdriver to do the rears. Search your tool box, you`ll find something. Dont be afraid to take an inexpensive tool to the grinder to make a "custom" tool. Good luck, Tom Mooney

Looks like a very clean and original car in an unusual color. Also has a rarely seen option-body color painted steel wheels. Would like to see this one in person sometime, Tom Mooney

Fuse hot leads at the junction block located on the driver's side fenderwell Tom Mooney

This trunk lock cover is a `63 full size part. It will fit on the `65 but is not "correct" if that is a concern for a buyer. Tom Mooney

Hi Pete, Hope I am not too late but I believe this trunk lining is the same material used on the first gen Rivs. If so, the closest match is available at Jenkins Upholstery. Dont have a reference for more contact info available to me at the moment but Jenkins advertises regularly in the Riview. Good luck, Tom Mooney ROA Tech Advisor

Steele Dont know where these samples were obtained but if you havnt already checked I would recommend obtaining samples from ACC carpets. Clarks does not use them as a supplier. The last time I did a carpet set I was not happy with the samples from Clarks (I wanted as close a match to original as I could find) but I did find ACC had a color that was dead on; the interior color was saddle. Just a note to say Clarks sewed the carpet of my choice when they did the seat covers so they were very accommodating to me as a customer. If you are concerned about originality I would suggest removing a sill plate to obtain a sample which hasnt been exposed to UV light. Matching this sample should get you very close. Good luck, Tom Mooney

PM sent, also phone call regarding manifold and carbs Tom Mooney

Backspacing on the `64 to `70 wheels is very different as compared to `71 and up, not including the later 7" wheels. That is why the `71 and up center projects farther outboard (equals rim inboard) as compared to the `64-`70 wheel. The backspacing difference is what may or may not cause fitment problems (subject to the contour of the fins on the drum and whether there are weights on the inside edge of the rim) when installing `71 and up wheels onto earlier cars. This is a SAFETY issue because it is possible, if using the wrong offset wheel, that the inside edge of the rim will seat against the fins on the brake drum before the lug area of the rim seats on the axle. If this occurs it gives the impression the rim is tight in the lug nut area when, in fact, it is tight against the fins of the brake drum. The wheel may loosen up while in service. If you want more detail as to the differences in each generation of Road Wheel (best to call, too much info to type for a thorough Q and A) my contact info is in the Riview under Technical Sources/Technical Advisors. Good luck, Tom Mooney

I dont have anything bookmarked but I have seen the same site posted here previously...I enjoy doing my own wiring but the conversion kits are out there. Do a google search, if you come up M-T I`m sure I can find a link. Tom

I`ve done this conversion several times. Cosmetics is really the only concern. If one wants to maintain the presence of the external reg the new alt can be excited via the original wiring scheme. There are kits available to do this if one is not willing to do the wiring. Or, the original external reg can be eliminated. This is a very simple, effective bolt on upgrade to the original charging system, nice... Tom Mooney

" If it aint broke, dont fix it" As long as the tank is free from heavy corrosion inside and does not appear as though corrosion from the outside to create a leak is a possibility there is no need to do anything but address the cosmetics. Save your money and put it into another area, preferably one that will increase the value of the car. Tom Mooney

As has been stated the price sounds VERY inexpensive by Chicago area standards. I would imagine there are quite a few interior shops in your area, and possibly an abundance of cheap labor, but I would certainly want to see an example of his work before committing at the quoted price. I agree purchasing the covers from Clarks should assure the "correct" material and pattern but what happens if the seats look terrible and the installer blames Clarks for the covers?? Hard to hold the installer accountable if someone else has made the covers and vice versa unless one has practical experience with upholstery work and can pass judgement as a result. I`m going thru that right now with a set of covers Clarks made, then modified (not Clarks fault as I picked up the project after the previous owner had the wrong carpeting installed), which an inexpensive upholsterer installed (at my cost), and now the seats are not right. I honestly dont know if it is the covers or the installer and I cant bust someones chops unless I`m sure so the seats will end up at a high end shop to get them right $$$. Lesson learned.....good luck! Tom Mooney

Hi Jay, First, are you sure you have a `65 AM-FM? If you are not sure there should be a small sticker with a model number on it. Reason I am asking is because the `63, `64 and `65 have their plugs in different locations on the radio case. If your three male terminals are located at the left rear upper corner of the case they are arranged as follows: First terminal closest to the heat sink and farthest to the left looking at the top of the case is the ground wire for the speaker (black) Second or middle terminal is the power to the speaker (green) Farthest terminal from the heat sink and closest to the middle of the case is for 12 volts. As Jason has suggested best to use an 8 or 10 ohm speaker so you can turn up the volume but just to check operation at a low volume momentarily any speaker will do (dont turn up the volume if you are using a 4 ohm speaker or you risk blowing what`s left of the amp) You will also need an antenna to get decent reception. My experience with the early AM-FM radios is even if they play they need work. Most common problems are the signal fading in and out as you drive (sounds like an antenna problem but I have been down this road more than once and was told by several radio repair persons that problem is old transistors) and losing the volume after appreciable playing time. Good luck! Tom Mooney

Great news!!! Better fake cars... Tom Mooney

Yes, radio is grounded via its mounting. Power is the yellow wire, speaker wires should be green and black. You will most likely need to rig up an antenna also. Play the radio for awhile at a decent volume level to be sure the volume does not fade away. Tom Mooney

You`re thinking too hard...standard automotive wire is fine. Should be available at any decent auto parts store. Tom Mooney

You`re in luck! Info for NEW one! PM sent Tom Mooney

If originality is the goal it should be noted redline tires are NOT correct on the `65 model. 1966 was the first year for this tire choice on the Riviera GS Tom Mooney

Ran across this car last year pushed up against the wall in a corner of the Scottsdale International Car Museum. It had just been removed from years of storage and really needed a thorough cleaning. I couldnt get past the color so made a relatively low but respectable offer which didnt cut it. Another dealer here in Scottsdale picked it up and has cleaned it up and done some minor repairs. Originally a bucket seat headrest car that the original owner had the selling dealer remove!!! If it was mine I`d repaint it Plum, restore the headrests and put a set of chrome wheels or super deluxe wheel covers w/ redlines on it. Nice start to what could be a dandy car Tom

LMAO

There is an excellent start to what could be a dandy `66 GS (if the color is OK with you) running on Ebay right now. See my post for the item number, Tom Mooney

Ebay item #290878266827 Eyeballed this car yesterday. If anyone has a serious interest send a PM and I should be able to answer most questions. Car is, for the most part, untouched and legit. Tom Mooney

Is there a tech adviser who covers the `65 models? Like, someone who REALLY knows the `65 models and we could use as a "source"?? Maybe we could conjure one up on the internet...:confused::confused:... :rolleyes: ... ;):eek::eek:....:mad: Thanks Jim Tom Mooney BTW Dont think the factory installed `65 Wonderbar came with a foot switch...but I`ll have to check my sources

Hydraulic hammering in the fuel line. Pull up an image of a `66 A/C fuel pump and it will be apparent how Buick changed the pump to deal with the problem. Hope this helps, Tom

I have both AM and AM-FM models available. I may also have a Wonderbar model but would need to check the stash. Please send me a PM, thanks, Tom Mooney