Sweepspear

Good question to post over at this board also. It is more specifically dedicated to the '96-'99 Rivieras. Riviera Performance

I've really grown to hate them for all the same reasons everyone has mentioned. I've been on eBay since 1999, and in the beginning it was great! In that time, I have only about 150 transactions as a seller and a buyer. I have used it as a resource to find parts and to earn a little project money now and then. But slowly like the frog in a pot of water on the stove, they have "improved" it to the point it is interminably frustrating. I found recently with some items I bought and sold, that users are not as diligent in leaving feedback as they once were. I am so done with eBay!

Not all came with a vinyl top, but vinyl tops were very popular back then. Personally I like the vinyl top as it accentuates the body line. There were 3 trim levels for the '70 Riviera that included full length or short fender skirts, side sweepspear trim, or none, and vinyl roof. All could be ordered in different combinations. The sweepspear trim came from the factory with the center inset painted body color. Over the years people have either left them painted body color, painted them to match the vinyl top, or removed the paint altogether leaving them all chrome. I stripped the paint off of mine when prepping the car for paint, and have left them bare chrome for now. I may paint the inset body color again if I decide I don't care for how it looks. It may make the trim look too heavy on the side of the car. We'll see.

That's pretty cool. Missed it over at the V8 site. They have been playing that one here for a year or 2 now. I agree, Red does not suit that generation of Riviera.

That would be a tough choice. I like both. My Father owned an Avanti II at one time, and it was a fun car to drive! I think I would take an Avanti or Avanti II just because it is such a unique car.

While I have no direct hands on experience with the Cadillacs of the time, I did drive my Father's '40 Continental quite frequently. He and I both drove it on several long road trips. With the Columbia 2 speed rear axle the car would cruise along at 60 -70 mph all day without complaint. I thought it was great road car. It was my Father's opinion that the Lincoln V-12 got a bum rap because of lack of maintenance. One of the main contributors to this was It didn't have a dipstick where you could visually see the condition of the oil when you checked the level, but had a float type indicator that visually showed the oil level. Looks full, everything is fine right? They were more likely to just have oil added to them, than to have regular oil changes, which shortened their service life.

This was almost 30 years ago, but remember being out with my Dad in his '40 Continental. We were at a gas station filling up, and a guy with little in the way of social tact asked my Dad, "You must be rich to have a car like this!" My Dad replied, "This car is what made me poor!"

That is simply amazing!

The only club I currently belong to is The Rivera Owner's Assoc. I visit the BCA section here along with most all the others. I log in and hit the new posts icon and check all posts that interest me. I occasionally post comments in sections other than the ROA area as I am doing now since the topic seems to be an invitation to do so.

Yes, it's original. In '69 & '70 the Riviera used an electric pump in the tank. I've been curious as to how well that rubber elbow that connects the pump to the hard line will hold up with today's Ethanol blend fuels. Mine developed a crack in it years ago, and finding no replacement, I used a barbed nylon elbow with short sections of hose connecting it all together.

Sure sounds like that spring may be missing. For what it's worth, the company Quadrajet Parts.com that you linked is a good outfit to do business with. I've ordered kits and other parts from them in the past. Edit: I just now noticed you are also from Minnesota.

This pdf is from the State of Minnesota. Hope it helps. We have several different classifications of collector plates. Pioneer. May be displayed on any motor vehicle (except recreational) manufactured prior to 1936. Collector. May be displayed on any motor vehicle (except recreational) that is at least 20 model years old and manufactured after 1935. At the time of application, owners must certify that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular Minnesota license plates. Street Rod. May be displayed on any modernized motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949 or any motor vehicle designed and manufactured to resemble a motor vehicle manufactured prior to 1949. At the time of application, owners must certify that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular Minnesota license plates Classic Car. May be displayed on any motor vehicle manufactured between and including the years 1925-1948, designated as a classic car under Minnesota Statutes, section 168.10 subdivision 1b, excluding any type of commercial or recreational vehicle. mn.gov_statutes_id_168.pdf

Just my 2 cents, but that looks like a rather heavy screwdriver to use for that test. Besides, with the engine shut off you should be able to put a screwdriver or what have you down that hole and tell if the power piston has a spring under it or not.

Back when I was a teenager in the late 70's, you could pick up an old running car to work on for a few hundred dollars. Parts were cheap and plentiful at the numerous junk yards nearby. Many of which now have strip malls and housing developments sitting in their place.

Toronados use the same windshield and door glass also. Possibly the Eldorado too, but don't quote me on that. They were all E-Body cars. Be thankful it isn't the rear glass you need. That's a one year only piece.

How true. Model cars were a huge part of my youth! I recall by age 12 taking a count and I had well over 125 on the shelving Dad put up in my room for them! I have fond memories of building the Visible V8 kit and feeling a sense of accomplishment watching it run with the spark plugs firing in order! Bought a non running Go-kart from garage sale and got running. I loved that kind of stuff! My first car was a '64 Tempest at age 14. Tinkered with that for the 2 years before being able to drive it. My Step Son who is now 22, has absolutely no interest at all in cars nor any mechanical inclination despite my best efforts. He was 8 when I met his Mother. If I didn't keep up maintenance on his car, (which shopping for seemed a huge inconvenience for him.) it wouldn't be done at all. He buys any parts needed, and I fix it. (Happily I'll add. Don't get me wrong) I see a future of Honda appliances for him.

I owned a '96 as my daily driver for 3 years. Traded it in last summer. Would have kept it if I had the room. I really enjoyed owning it! It had nearly 220,000 miles on it, but you would never know it if you didn't see the odometer.

Top post. Post up pictures when you can.

That paint color is just.....Wow! I am sure the photos don't do it justice.

You should post this over on the Riviera Owner's Association section of the board. Buick Riviera - Riviera Owners Association - AACA Forums

I like the '25 or '26 Packard 8 for $95.00 Terms. Which I assume means financing available.

When I opened the issue and saw another article by Jason chronicling his restoration, I read it before reading anything else! Thanks Jason!

The '69 & '70 Rivieras use an electric fuel pump in the tank that is switched off of the oil pressure sending unit. That is why it has the extra prongs. I would think a sending unit from any other year of 430 or 455 would work though.

My '72 Electra used these wheel covers. I believe they were used '71 thru '73.

It's amazing how much that can changed the whole flavor (if that's the word) of the car. Either way, it looks sweet!