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Questions about Interior differences in 65 models and GS values


Rufcar

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I am in the market for a 65 GS and as I have been looking at all 65s for sale across the US I find there are 2 different wood patterns one is a complete horizontal door panel the other is a smaller more square panel. 1st Q is why are they different? I'm guessing there were 2 different trim packages? The other thing I noticed is different woods. I have been in the wood working business 40 yrs and what I see in cars for sale are "Rift sawn white" Cherry and faded walnut. The #1 and most common appears to be The white oak. That said when searching replacement panels they all seem to be dark walnut? Can someone shed some light on this please? Thanks.

I'm also finding few if any GS models for sale. Some have rust most need a lot of attention. I have been searching and Hagerty says most non rusters are worth about 14-16K a lot less when rusty? what's the opinion out there? Jim

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Look in the body of your text for the answers to a couple of your questions.

I am in the market for a 65 GS and as I have been looking at all 65s for sale across the US I find there are 2 different wood patterns one is a complete horizontal door panel the other is a smaller more square panel. 1st Q is why are they different? I'm guessing there were 2 different trim packages? You are correct. The full length panels are for the custom interior, the smaller panels are on the standard interior

The other thing I noticed is different woods. I have been in the wood working business 40 yrs and what I see in cars for sale are "Rift sawn white" Cherry and faded walnut. The #1 and most common appears to be The white oak. That said when searching replacement panels they all seem to be dark walnut? Can someone shed some light on this please? Thanks.

I'm also finding few if any GS models for sale. Some have rust most need a lot of attention. I have been searching and Hagerty says most non rusters are worth about 14-16KIf you find one for 15 - 15K with no rust - pass on it. Then send me the seller's name a lot less when rusty? what's the opinion out there? Jim

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Rivnut, Any ideas about the wood differences? What came in 65 or where there wood type options. BTW I have done a lot of researching before I asked these q's I cant seem to find the answers in print. Tkx

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Rivnut, Any ideas about the wood differences? What came in 65 or where there wood type options. BTW I have done a lot of researching before I asked these q's I cant seem to find the answers in print. Tkx

Ruf,

The wood panels are walnut. There were no wood choices.

Tom Mooney

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Welcome to the forum Jim,

Great question on the wood type. I've wondered about that myself. Always heard they were walnut though I at times I thought walnut seems dark and different grain than what was originally used even on the consoles of 66-68 models.

Its not hard to find 65 GS for sale but to get one in the condition and price range that suits you'll need to expand your search nationwide possibly for several months depending how particular you are. Between the ROA classifieds, ebay, and craigslist alone they come and go with some regularity. There weren't enough made to expect to find them easily and you must educate yourself against clones. In your search it is important to be well versed on numbers and options so you can make a decision fairly quick if you stumble on a potential good deal because others will be lining up with cash in hand.

As far as pricing for the 65 GS I personally don't put much stock in the book values because so much can depend on many variables the "book" can't possibly factor in such as the location of a car in proximity to perspective buyers, overall condition (for ex. original paint, interior in good shape), has it been restored and if so by a professional or a butcher with a dull clever, factory optional equipment, level of rust, int and ext color combo, mileage, and is it matching numbers. We have seen that rust free or largely rust free cars with matching numbers will bring good money even if they have sat for 30 years, not road worthy and need $1000s to get them safe and reliable to drive.

There are always exceptions for those that happen to be at the right place at the right time. For example a very nice original matching number mostly rust free 65 GS was brought to the ROA meet in Kentucky last year and the seller WASN'T taking it back home. It was selling to the highest offer over a 4 day period. Keep in mind few if any people come to an ROA meet to buy a car. Talk about a buyers market! Not sure who ended up with it or for how much but I am certain they got a steal of a deal.

Lastly I will also caution that parts can be tough to locate and expensive compared to the mainstream classics. One might think $30k for a nice original or professionaly restored car with a some minor imperfections is alot compared to a project car for only $8000 but $30k and 500-1000 hours later(years) on the project car that $30k turn key car will be looking pretty good. All in what you want thought. The key is to be an agressive self study and educate yourself on these car ahead of time. If you haven't already, join ROA so you have direct access to the Technical Advisors that can answer questions with a phone call when you are find a potential car. A few have made the mistake of joining after they buy a car only to find out they bought a pig-in-poke.

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Jason thanks for that. I have had many cars over 80 in my 64 yrs and I restored many. I am past Natl pres of the Rolls Royce Foundation and currently national pres of our Modern car (Post 64 and newer) society. That said I have a really good idea of costs. I don't mind doing a small project ( a few hundred hours) But I don't want to do a body off anymore/. I just restored a 69 SS Camaro and now the 65 Riv gs im looking for will be my next. Im actually considering using my 76 concours winning Rolls Shadow for a trade if I find a good GS if not ill add the GS to the collection for now.

Im certain all the wood I have seen on line is rift saw whit oak. When walnut get old its turn amber like orange shellac. So as far as Im concerned the jury is till out on the correct answer. Ill need to physically look at a few originals to determine exactly what wood it is. Thanks

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Rufcar,

I have a 1965 Riviera GS and I'm located in York, PA. My car is in very nice "survivor" condition and you are welcome to come look it over if you want to familiarize yourself with some of the correct details of these cars prior to making a purchase. I could also send you pictures if you prefer.

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Jim,

Calvin Clark has done extensive research on the 1st generation Rivieras and as one of his products, he offers replacement pieces for the door panels and console pieces. He makes all of his from Walnut. Tom Mooney has more experience with restoring these cars than the rest of us put together. If he says walnut, it's walnut. The thing that I've found that makes a difference is what was used for the final finish - lacquer, shellac, etc. The finish goes fast and probably causes a lot of owners to put in new wood; probably whatever they liked best - not necessarily what came from the factory.

Ed

http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/catalog.cgi?show_page=R-21

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Mike l;ove to see it im approx. 40 mi from Yorkand have done Historic restorations there when I had my company. Get your address and Id love to come see your car after this snow storm! Tkx

Ed thanks for that info it will def be helpful when I find the car I want. To me the only important option will be A/c. I found a great car that the owner did a body off 12 yrs and never finished but it has no a/c and I know about classic air as I have used it but I want a GS with factory a/c. Tkx guys

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