mp65riv

MRJBUICK - thanks much! I love your 60 225 6 Window Riv as well - looks like our cars are the same color and are great examples of the elegance of the early 60s Electra 225 4 door hardtops - they look really cool with the windows down given there is no center pillar! Also, the 60 and 61 were the only two model years with the Mirrormatic speedometer cluster! The Manta is a 4 speed stick, and has a factory sunroof...great little car! MachineGun - nice Mantas are really hard to find! I've owned this one since '79 so obviously it is part of the family at this point Hahaha! I've added the Rallye instrument package to the standard Luxus interior so it has the best of both worlds! Had to replace the Luxus cloth on the seats since that stuff didn't wear very well, but kept it with a nice velour cloth.

Didn't go far, but took the 61 225 and its little German cousin out of the garage, and went for a short run in the little guy!

Road trip! Picked up the 65 Sportwagon in Kentucky and drove it back to Maryland. A total of 550 miles - the Wildcat 355 performed well. It was a good day!

Circa 1959, dad and mom gave up their 52 Roadmaster for a "new" 57 Roadmaster 75, purchased in Selma, AL. They took grief from some who thought the 57 was too fancy for a "negro" couple, but they loved it and cruised with pride!

Fair enough...getting more involved from a volunteer standpoint and attending meets are things i look forward to. I hope to be able to do these things once my work schedule changes - as it stands, work commitments (often involving travel) have conflicted me out of most of the annual and local meets, but God willing, that won't always be my situation.

I've been a BCA member since the late 90s when I started restoration on my 61 225. My comments are from the perspective of a BCA member who has benefited immensely from the organization but has not been able to participate more fully. I have not been involved in BCA leadership, but I have tried to vote in most elections. I've found the BCA, the Bugle and this forum to be extremely helpful in each of my projects, and in my mind, the Bugle is one of the key strengths of the BCA. I echo the kudos already extend to Pete, Cindy and the Board for the time, effort and energy they invest. At some point, maybe my life obligations will change and I'll be able to get more involved in BCA matters. In the meantime, I encourage us to work with and respect each other, and keep it light and fun, as Mr. Earl has suggested!...just my $.02 for you to take or leave as you see fit...

Taking a break on a cross country trip...

Here are a couple of pics.

Loren and Pete, Thanks much for your insights. This information is extremely helpful. I was thinking of upgrading the front brakes to discs, and suspected that heavier front springs and radiator would be needed. I'll see what I can find out about the frame. I expect I'll be back to you with other questions if I decide to take on this project. I think the Sportwagon would be a really cool tow vehicle if I could make it robust enough. Not to mention they were among the nicest wagons Buick built.

Any thoughts about whats involved in swapping a 401 Nailhead and TH400 into a 65 Sportwagon? Given that the 65 Skylark GS had the 401, I expect it will fit in the engine bay with no problem. I assume the GS heavy duty radiator or something similar will be needed. Am curious about changes to driveshaft, rear end, transmission tunnel, suspension, etc... I'm looking to make it a stronger tow vehicle...not trying to race it...but the gravy is that it should be reasonably quick with a transplant like this...

Thanks much...that is good to know. I was concerned whether the engine would be working too hard when cruising at 65-70 mph.

The wagon I'm looking at has a 3.55 posi that was recently rebuilt. Not yet sure how the difference between 3.08 and 3.55 will impact highway cruising, but it should give a lift to acceleration. I believe he has a shift kit on the two speed tranny.

My 61 deuce and a quarter...

Also interested in finding out potential modifications/enhancements that would make it a stronger tow vehicle... Thanks!

Can anyone provide insight on the correct rear axle gear ratio for a 65 Sportwagon with the Wildcat 355 set up (4 barrel carb), as well as the potential tow capacity for these vehicles? I'm looking at the possibility of using one for a tow vehicle - pulling an open car transport trailer (aluminum). Thanks!

Very nice!!!

Nothing quite a cruise in the deuce and a quarter...

You may also want to post pictures here under the Buick- Buy and Sell section. Where are you located?

I'll look at giving that a try...

Does anyone have a source for the rear emblem clips (panel below trunk lid) on a 65 Riviera? The rear emblem has flat (rather than round) studs, so the clips are different from the front fender emblems. I haven't been able to find anything from the "usual" sources. Any ideas?

Took the 61 225 out for a ride this evening...

Got my 61 Electra 225 back on the road after transmission overhaul by Dorsey's Transmissions of Severn, MD. It seemed to perform quite well...I'm looking forward to adding a few miles over the summer and fall months...

Although it is a tight fit, you should be able to remove/replace the alternator without removing any of the AC components.

I have one from california covers, and it seems well made.

Yes thats it - 61 Electra 225 4 door Riviera Hardtop!