petelempert

My 63 has been starting reliably for over a year. All of a sudden nothing. I've got a strong battery, headlights, interior lights, checked that it's in park. When I turn the key all I get is idiot lights in dash...no clicking or cranking of any kind. I'm thinking it could be starter solenoid, maybe starter, neutral switch, ignition switch and the list goes on. I'll try almost anything...but I hate electrical stuff...really. Any hints on the best place to start? Thx PRL

Ed-Thanks for your reply. I'll try the lighter oil, and a new sensor couldn't hurt. This old car is slowly getting back to decent running condition. Back when I first got it to run...I was pleased to just drive it. Now, I'm getting picky about flickering oil lights and tapping lifters. I guess I'm moving in the right direction. Thanks again. PRL

Anybody out there ever removed the oil pan off a 63 with a 401? Specifically, can it be removed while the motor is still in the car? I get an intermitent oil pressure lamp at idle. Above idle, the light always goes off. One of my buddies swears if you can remove the pan and clean any sludge out of the pan and the oil intake, it will cure the problem. My pressure indicator might be part of a bigger set of problems, but I thought I'd try cleaning the pan...just to see. Any advice? Thx PRL

I just went throught this proceedure after 12 years of being parked. The gas is the thing. I started with a replacement tank because mine was so corroded it looked like it was filled with coffee grinds. Paid throught he nose with GM Obsolete, but they were the only ones who had one. But there's more. I disconnected the solid fuel line at the pump end as well as the tank end. I used an air compressor to blow out the line. You wouldn' believe the junk that shot out. Once you see the funky things that happen to gas over time...sometimes a short time...it's no wonder these cars ever run again. Good luck. PRL

Thanks for the insight. It was exactly as you said. Two small screws on the passenger side, somewhat hidden behind the trim released the lock. Once I cleaned and lubed the lock and replaced it...things worked much better. Thx PRL

Well...I think I'm gonna do lifters and rods. I drove it today and the clicking is driving me crazy. I'll take my chances on the cam. I'm taking my time on this car so I figure I'll get the parts, get my head around the proceedure and just do it. Might make a good winter project. Anybody out there have a recomendation on parts sources...for lifters, rods, and related gaskets? CARS...Kanter? Thx PRL

My 63 with a 401 had been sitting for about 12 years when I got it. About a year has passed and I got it to run pretty good now but still has one maybe two noisy lifters. Tried all sorts of oils and potions...got better... but I've still got enough noise that it bugs me. It's the ticking...sounds vaguely diesel. Everything else...compression etc. on the engine is good with fairly low mileage (82K). I've never replaced lifters with the non-adjustable Buick style valve rails. Someday, I'll rebuild the whole engine but I'm wondering if I should try to replace all the lifters now. I don't know what I'll find when I open the thing up. The service manual makes it sound easy. I'd say my skills are good, but I'm not a professional mechanic. Anybody out there replaced lifters lately? Any tips, hints, cautions before I start? Thx PRL

Thanks Jim...I'll get my mind and body ready for some serious physical contortion and see if I can back the lock off the way you described. Of course, once I get it out I'll have to figure out how to fix it. Thanks for your advice. PRL

I've had my 63 for one year now and still can only get the glove box open by gently coaxing the lock and prying carefully with a screwdriver. Not cool. It seems that the lock has lost it's spring action. I got behind the dash and can see the back of the lock, but can't figure out how to get the lock off. There seems to be a (maybe two) small plastic tab holding it in. Do I need to take the middle section dash trim off to get at it? Also any tips on how to straighten the minor ripples in the lower corner of the brushed trim?...I'd like to save this piece if possible. Thanks.

Thanks Ed. I'll try the bar first. I know I don't have a posi rear. The sensation is actually more as you described it...kind of a slight wobble. I had a feeling I'd need a lift to get at this thing. Right now it looks pretty frozen on. I originally noticed it because I'm going to replace all 4 shocks. Probably what I'll do is take it to shop I know and have them do the shocks and the bar at the same time. I don't like the idea of me trying to break that thing loose while the car is perched on jack stands...spooky. Anyway...thanks as always for your insight. PRL

On my 63 Riviera there's a bar stretching across the rear axle. The shop manual calls it a tracker bar...looks like a stabilizer or Panhard bar to me. Anyway, mine has a mild bend in it. At first I thought maybe that's the way it supposed to be...but it can't be. Also that might explain a sporadic, funny "crabbing" sensation when I take a tight turn. My first question...am I right that it should be straight? Second...anybody had any experience taking one off and having it straightened? Any tricks I need to know before I start wrenching on this thing? Third...any tips on how to source the rubber bushings? Fourth...is this one of those things that is better left to a pro with a lift? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thx PRL

Great car! What's the asking price? PRL

Your car looks great. I've got a buddy looking for a 63-65. He's the real deal and seriously looking. The Big question? What are you asking? Let me know. Thx PRL

Want to sell one? PRL

Thanks so much. PRL

I'm rebuilding the console on my 63. On the panel beneath the ashtray, from the inside, you can see a round outlined hole. It looks like a potential spot for a guage. I've never seen a 63-5 with any type of guage in there. I've always wished my car had a tach. I thought about finding a Wildcat console tach and perhaps fitting it in there. Does anybody know why that round outline is there? Has anybody ever tried to rig a tach from a early 60's GM in there? It might be an interesting retro custom. Anybody ever come across a tach from a Wildcat or similar vintage GM?

What is the secret to getting the headlight switch disconnected from the console on a 63? I disconnected the switch at the wire juncture, pulled the console but can't figure out how to get the actual switch off the console. I'm restoing the console...but I must be mising something simple. The wiper switch has a set screw beneath the knob...but I can't figure out the headlight switch. What am I missing? I'd be grateful for any insight. Thx PRL