1965rivgs

Dont rule out a combo of problems...at low RPM there could be a problem with overfueling (high float level, gass filled float) and at high load, hi RPM a problem with volume delivery as mentioned. You are fouling plugs, that is for sure. Check the ignition on a scope, as mentioned. Be sure the coil polarity is correct and the wires have not be reversed at the coil. This will produce weak spark. If nothing move on to the fuel system. Concentrate on too much fuel as we are sure from the spark plugs (they are your ally in the cylinder) you are overfueling (if ignition checks OK). Correct one problem at a time (starting with the most obvious/definitive) and if you are dealing with a combination of problems they will unravel. Good luck! Tom

Doug, That is a common problem. I have fixed these by riveting a replacement strip to the original ends. Be sure to check the operation of the gauge before buttoning up the job, there can be other problems with the sending unit, Tom Mooney

Paul, As stated in post #11 above the `65 originally came from the factory with TWO seperate and distinct keys Tom Mooney

First things first..any mechanic who can competently service late model autos should have absolutely no problem servicing `60`s cars. If anything, working on pre-`70 cars is a breath of fresh air from the high tech engineering (accompanied by deep thinking) present on newer vehicles. I dont know your shop but the fuel restrictor scenario is a little strange.... If you have fouled two sets of plugs I would definitely scrutinize the carb. In spite of the fact you had it rebuilt the rebuilder may have not checked something very basic like jet sizes. Double check float levels, for gas filled float and proper jet sizes. If you have access to another carb you can swap out the carb to expedite matters. Try to minimize running time with a carb which is overfueling the motor. It is possible to ruin a fresh rebuild rather quickly this way. Maybe that is what took out the engine in the first place. Good luck Tom Mooney

It would be a dark shade of Sandlewood. Tom Mooney

Buick marketed an overflow kit as an accessory for older models at some point which I often see retrofitted to earlier cars. Not sure of the year but I would guess it became available when the cars came standard from the factory with overflow systems. I have an NOS Buick kit and the bracket which mounts the reservoir is very similar, if not identical, to yours. The aftermarket kits also feature a similar mounting bracket and are still available. We have one on the shelf at work because we used them for years on our older trucks which were not equipped with them. Tom Mooney

I have an NOS one with instruction and spec sheets which includes an illustration of antenna mounting. If you have any questions send me a PM, Tom Mooney

The Buick literature notes the one key system as a feature on the `64 Riviera. Buick went to a two key system in `65, Tom Mooney

Dont have time to analyze this stuff and didn`t actually see these cars in person but if the cars are typical nice original or restored cars the sale prices on the `67 and `73 are ridiculous, especially the `73. Looks to me like the only car that "really" sold is the `65, the seller probably bought the others back, Tom Mooney

The alternator I referred to above was definitely the 12SI. Went to the Mad Electrical site and found a good comparison of the 1 wire alts to the 3 wire 10 and 12SI in the tab described as "conversion kits for 10 and 12 SI". Mad promotes the use of the 3 wire versus the 1 wire in this section...but their home page seems to be pushing the 1 wire as the next best trend????? Maybe for hotrods with a ton of relays versus a stock GM system? They dont sell alternators???? And their website prices are not up to date???? Potentially confusing for the average weekend mechanic but still alot of good info for those in the trade, Tom Mooney

The accessory switch has three positions. Low seed, high speed and off. You could use a two position switch like a courtesy light switch but you would only have one speed. Hard to find the accessory switch by itself as it is needed to sell a complete rear defroster setup. Most sellers who are parting a car will market the switch and blower and neglect to include the resistor assembly which provides for the low speed. Hard to find the switch by itself, good luck, Tom Mooney

The vinyl roof option was made available in the spring of `65, Tom Mooney

Buick lowered the ride height on the GS models in `65... good looks survive the test of time! Use spring shims to even the ride height, the factory did. Tom Mooney

Ed you are correct re the difference between the `64 and `65 models. The `64 panel is hard to find because it must come from a parts car which has all three options-probably why Buick switched to the `65 arrangement-so they only needed one panel to build all the cars. If you decide to go the `65 route you will be hard pressed to find the accessory switch. The panel turns up once in a while on Ebay, good luck, Tom Mooney

Hi Ted, I did an alternator upgrade a few years back on a `65 that worked out very well. The owner had an air ride system and high consumption sound system which was leaving him with a dead battery. He had installed a one wire alternator and subsequently burned up the wiring. GM made a 95 amp alt which will fit in the stock location. It has an internal regulator and there is a small amount of "custom" wiring to be done but I was impressed with the simplicity. This conversion eliminates the external regulator (you can leave it in place and still do the upgrade if you are concerned about appearances) and increases the charging system amp output. I dont recall the model number for this GM alternator off the top of my head. If you call my friend Joe Serritella at Vintage Voltage at 630-567-1775 he is very familiar with the conversion and can answer any charging system questions you have. He is truly the most knowledgeable person I have ever met when it comes to anything automotive electrical. Joe is the former owner of a large electrical rebuilder who supplied our fleet with custom built charging system components. Back in the day he specialized in high output charging systems for ambulances, fire trucks, etc...he is in semi-retirement now but still dabbles in old car stuff. I still go to Joe even for my late model needs, highly recommended, dude`s a frickin` genius. Tell him I sent you. I would not encourage converting to a one wire alternator. A one wire system does not tap into or sense the voltage needs of the system at the appropriate place in the harness for the battery to receive the proper charge. If you run into a dead end PM me and I can dig up the specifics. Hope this helps, Tom Mooney P.S. Wanna jam backstage at your next midwest gig?

Yes. Supposedly, in Flint, Buick started intermingling the Electra and Riviera serial numbers in `67 but I have not proven that out by observing serial numbers/date coding and doing the math. Tom Mooney

Sharp eye! Those are not the correct rivets for a car in this serial number range, Tom Mooney

OK, thanks. The original die cast dealer frames are hard to find in acceptable condition...and they dont replate well. Good luck with your parts car, Tom Mooney

Sean, The answer to your question is in Flint (the only assembly plant which built the Riviera) the Riviera and Wildcat VIN numbers were intermingled after the first 54 Wildcats were built. Tom Mooney

Hi Chris, Thanks for the reply. I am interested in the rear one. Please keep me in mind, Tom P.S. Thought cars did not get that rusty in your neck of the woods???

Dan-one step ahead of `ya...Buick sold Nailheads to Gray Marine which marketed the 401 as their 280 HP version marine engine; also the 215 V6. See the `66 Buick Owners Manual. This was actually one of the "lesser" options for Century in `66. Automotive based marine V8 `s had already been marketed for years in mahogany runabouts including the Chrysler Hemi. In this particular year the most desireable factory installed powerplant was a chrysler 440 CI equipped with dual quads. This particular Coronado will be re-powered with a Buick Super Wildcat-should be fun. I`m planning a few other changes to both the boat and trailer which will tip my hand as to what is snuggled under the engine box! Hoping to enjoy this termite trap in the summer weeks spent in your neighborhood....well, maybe a little farther north! If you need any parts, let me know. I have contact info for a shop which bought out the Gray Marine inventory, they are local to me, Tom

Hi Rick, Would you like a pic of the parts or the cars?? lol..unfortunately I`m not much for taking pics. I wish I had taken more of my family when younger! I stopped taking pics of the cars about 20 years ago. The part I purchased from you will be installed on a car I dont plan on doing any significant restoration work on so I am not actively "restoring" any cars right now. There is always upkeep and upgrading but these days I do more storing than restoring! I do this stuff all day so it`s hard to spend every waking hour of my day on my feet. Hopefully, when I retire soon,... In fact, I`m freeing up some time in Oct to strip down a `66 Century Coronado which goes to the shop for the winter to have the hull completely rebuilt. I have a pic of that (!) thanks to the former owner. Perhaps we`ll get to meet and talk Wildcats at the GS Nats? Apologies in advance to the rest of the forum for posting this material here, Tom

Dom, Cool find, pays to be in the right place at the right time. I like your planned color choice. Color is obviously a very subjective issue. You will receive some flak about the vinyl top. Personally I think the Verde green against black contrast will prove stunning, especially in what will obviously be a very "crisp" looking car. Good luck! Tom Mooney

Chris, If you part the car, or even if you pull a few non-essential items, I am interested in the rear license plate frame. If it has a front one I am interested in that also. Thanks, Tom Mooney

It`s a scam...the description has been copied from the original ad which was legitimate, Tom Mooney