Guest Dan Cook Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I just acquired a '63 Riviera that so far seems to be an excellent car. The body is straight with new paint, mechanically sound and with extra parts. The dashpad, doorpanels and headliner are in good condition but the seats and carpet will need to be reupholsteredI believe this car belonged to an ROA member about 20 years ago. I found an old copy of the Riview (Mar/Apr. 1992) in the car addressed to Walter E. Ernst ROA #3165. I don't know where this Riv has been since then but I think the guy I got it from would have turned it into a lowrider if he hadn't run out of money.It's found a home now and hopefully will have it at the Portland, OR Buick show this coming Aug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Nice Dan, Very Nice. Congrats and you deserve it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 DAN, I was going to ask about the snow in California but a quick search tells me that Siskiyou County is way up in the mountains, in National Forest country.Please tell me more about the Buick show in Portland next August. It's kind of in my neighbourhood (well, within a long two-day drive anyway) and I haven't been to Portland in years. It is just plain my favourite city, anywhere. Is this a BCA meet? I let my membership lapse years ago but I think it's time to re-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 It's more or less a regional show. The one to talk to is Mark Shaw here on the forum or at durcodude@comcast.net. You can also get info from Jan Wacker at jwacker2001@yahoo.com. I belong to the Portland Chapter, at least I think I do, I can't remember if I paid my dues last year. Like you, I'm too far away to participate in a many of the activities there. I get their newsletter by email so at least I'm somewhat up to date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Sweet car Dan! Hope it gives you many pleasurable hours of use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Very nice car, neighbor! That has always been my FAVORITE Buick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 That is quite literally my second favorite car in the entire world...behind a '41 Continental. Even the color combo is perfect. Get rid of those wheels and I may be the most jealous man in the world...good score! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 The stock wheels and Riviera wheel covers came with the car but I'm going to wait until spring before buying new tires and mounting them. The biggist problem I'm facing right now is the cold. There was a lot of condensation in the trunk from being in the Bay Area and with all new rubber seals on the car that moisture stayed in the trunk. There were a lot of clothes in the trunk and with paper and other crap all froze together the first night home. I have been pulling it out a little every day and it's pretty clean now.I think once I reupholster the seats and put in new carpet I will have doubled my investment in pretty short order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Very nice car, neighbor! That has always been my FAVORITE Buick.Do you know Della Frost in Yreka? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I think once I reupholster the seats and put in new carpet I will have doubled my investment in pretty short order.Are you planning on reselling it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Absolutely not! I've looked for a long time to find a good Riv at a reasonable price. I only meant that this car is appreciating in value in a hurry considering I gave $7500 for it. If I had intended to resell I most likely could have turned a small profit last week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Agreed! Never hurts to ask though...I wish I would have picked one up when a quite nice driver was going for 4 grand or so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 827GFZ73 Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Dan,Congratulations on this wonderful buy! It is always gratifying to know that someone has saved a Milestone Car from being destroyed. I can't wait to see pictures of it when you complete the restoration. Having the correct original wheels and wheel covers will immediately convey a whole new image.The silver on silver color combination is a beautiful one and most appropriate for the '63 Riviera. In fact, Buick used this color combo for the car that appeared in both of their brochures and all magazine advertisements during that premier year. Bill Mitchell even used it for the concept car, the Silver Arrow I. I am attaching photos of it taken while visiting the Buick Research and Gallery. The interior of the Silver Arrow I is also very interesting.Good luck on the restoration and hope to see the finished results not too far in the distant future!JoeNew BCA Member1973 Buick Regal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Wow, I'd forgotten that my old pal Kevin once had a gorgeous '63 or '64 Riviera, silver with silver leather. Stunning car, stunning combination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 827GFZ73 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Attached are pictures of a '63 Riviera in silver on silver from the '63 GM stockholders brochure. There was a beautiful sales brochure for the Riviera that feature an equally stunning silver car with a black inteior.JoeNew BCA Member1973 Buick Regal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I'm not sure I can still get the silver leather anymore. Locally it isn't available and if the material can be had will most likely cost more than I would want to spend. I have been shopping around for other options that should look good too.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 827GFZ73 Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 (edited) Dan,You may wish to consider substituting all vinyl for the leather for the upholstery, since it was standard equipment anyway. It would be difficult to find leather made today that is comparable to the 1963 Riviera's original. Today's leather is dull and just don't have that rich metallic sheen like the original.I have scanned the '63 Riviera interior section of the '63 Buick color/upholstery folder and attached it below. Hope it will be of help.JoeNew BCA Member1973 Buick Regal Edited January 25, 2011 by 827GFZ73 Sorry the attachment is a little dark. It might be clearer if you click on it to enlarge. (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I have considered vinyl but what I have seen in silver really doesn't look that good. It might look better when made into a seat but I would hate to get it done then decide it doesn't look good. I may go with black.Thank you for the upholstery attachment, it will help. When I get the car back home again I'll have more time to work with the seats. I'm hoping I can save the passenger seat and the rears. The drivers seat is shot for sure, to the point that the foam rubber is coming apart. The carpet will have to go also.I'll get more pictures up later this week to show what it looks like now. Really the car is in good shape and no rust that I have found. I looked when it was on the rack the other day and not rust under it either. So far I'm happy.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Simmons Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Dan, You done good very good. Saved that beautiful Buick from a fate worse than death that being a "low-rider" and got yourself one great car in the process. Good luck with bring her back to what she should be. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Thanks Mark and everyone. I got the mufflers on today but the shocks had to be ordered. Whoever put the air shocks on used air shocks that were too short and put them on upside down. Because the springs are weak I'll stay with air shocks but the right ones for the car. I'm having new tires mounted on the stock wheels so all this should get it looking right again. I should be able to sell those 14" chrome wheels for some loose change.As soon as I'm done making it look and drive right I can really get going on the interior. Other than that there are a few electrical problems but nothing serious. It should be done for the local cruise across the border in Oregon this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 I have considered vinyl but what I have seen in silver really doesn't look that good. It might look better when made into a seat but I would hate to get it done then decide it doesn't look good. I may go with black.Thank you for the upholstery attachment, it will help. When I get the car back home again I'll have more time to work with the seats. I'm hoping I can save the passenger seat and the rears. The drivers seat is shot for sure, to the point that the foam rubber is coming apart. The carpet will have to go also.DanDan,Have you checked with Clark's Corvair? Not sure they have silver but if anyone can do it they can. They also have the seat foam. If you don't have it get their catalog, they will send free samples of all materials before you order. I used them for my 63 and both quality and service are top end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Dan,Have you checked with Clark's Corvair? Not sure they have silver but if anyone can do it they can. They also have the seat foam. If you don't have it get their catalog, they will send free samples of all materials before you order. I used them for my 63 and both quality and service are top end.Their catalog just arrived yesterday Don but I didn't get a chance to look at it last night after dealing with the phishing BS on the fake PayPal site.I'm off to get new tires shortly and hopefully I can sell those chrome wheels that are on it now. The wire wheels look nice but the 14" wheels make it sit too low. I need to change the shocks too as the ones that were put on it are too short.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Dan, it's a spectacular car, and I love the color combination of this one. I would certainly like to find one like this!Please keep us updated as you gradually improve the car, and I'll look forward to seeing it at a future Buick event in the Portland area!Do you still have the beautiful '72 Electra 225 coupe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Yes Brian, I still have the the Electra and use it as my regular driver when the weather is good. I hope the Riviera turns out to be as dependable.I do plan to come to Portland this summer with the Riviera but I will have to get someone to stay with my wife if I stay overnight. I would have been there last year but circumstances usually have their ways of preventing plans from taking place.I'll be looking forward to seeing you this summer.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I bought 5 new tires and had them mounted on the stock rims and put on new air shocks which made the car ride, drive look better. New mufflers and a little engine work helped too. Upholstery will be next and hopefully it will be mostly ready to have fun with this summer. I'm not sure what Buick the wheel covers are from but I'm on the look out for Riviera wheel covers now.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 DAN, you're torturing me. I promised myself that I would never again lust for another man's old car. Time for another cold car wash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 DAN, here I go, getting all possessive now. For your own future peace of mind, please, please consider redoing your Riv's interior in the original silver leather. Some things are just meant to be.(Pornographic photos, attached, are courtesy of Dirty Dan on the Riviera Forum) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Rob, I already have samples of silver leather. Now I just need better samples of money.I have been trying to get another Riv near here for a parts car but the guy thinks he's sitting on a gold mine. Originally I wanted to buy it to get in the spape this car is in. Still wants 3K for it.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Rob, I already have samples of silver leather. Now I just need better samples of money.:D:D ROFLMAO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCReatta Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Golly.. My list of cars to own in the near future is growing too fast! Beautiful car, Dan. On the sliver leather problem, You might do the seats in grey leather, then look into finding a SEM sliver metallic color to spray them with. Just a thought. I've seen quite a few pictures of "Dirty Dan"'s car. THAT is one beautiful Riviera. I'd buy it in a heart beat if I had some of those good samples of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 (edited) DAN, I can send you a couple of these big fat Canadian Loonies (worth US$1.01 now, y'know, not to rub it in. Again.), so you can put that beyoootiful silver leather back in our, I mean your, Riv. Edited February 13, 2011 by Rob McDonald forgot to enclose the cash (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 I don't know about you Rob, but I brought too many things across the border when the loonie was worth 65 - 70 cents to be rubbing anything in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 That's always been my investment motto, "Buy high, sell low." I've never been disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 (edited) DAN, I can send you a couple of these big fat Canadian Loonies (worth US$1.01 now, y'know, not to rub it in. Again.), so you can put that beyoootiful silver leather back in our, I mean your, Riv.You smooth talkin' devil Rob. That's really an attractive offer and tempting to say the least but I'm just afraid you wouldn't respect me in the morning.I might go where I can get more bang for the buck or Loonie for "our" Riv.If I decide to go after that other Riv I'll let you know if you might be interested. I don't think it would take much to get it running again. I can PM photos. I would only want a few things from it that are better than mine and you could have what's left for a few Loonies.Dan Edited February 14, 2011 by Dan Cook (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted February 14, 2011 Share Posted February 14, 2011 "Morning?! Heck, darlin' I don't even respect you right now!" - line from a movie, have no memory of which one. Thanks for thinking of my needs but my car-buying days are done, even with a two peso discount. Like darlin's, my enjoyment of great cars is limited to online pictures now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dan Cook Posted February 14, 2011 Share Posted February 14, 2011 "Morning?! Heck, darlin' I don't even respect you right now!" - As soon as I hit send I knew you were going to say that. I'm sure your car porn addiction will keep you busy here.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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