Paul from PA Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 Just recently picked up a 1981 Riviera from the original owners son, original owner passed away. It is a very clean car with 62,000 miles on it. The color is Light Jade and I was wondering how many were produced in that color for 1981. The pictures look blue but in fact it is a light greenish blue and I have not seen many this color. It has green interior. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 Darwin Falk's articles in the Riview broke down the percent of each color for each year. "Light Jadestone" was the 5th most popular color out of 17 available colors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul from PA Posted March 21, 2016 Author Share Posted March 21, 2016 Thank-you, I just haven't seen many that color. I did buy the new three piece front bumper filler for it and will let you guys know how they fit when they are painted and installed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CFrance729 Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 Curious to know how the front bumper filler went , if you did it yet. I have an 85 that needs both front and rear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 There is an article in the Tech Tips section of the ROA's website that details what it takes to install these "reproductions." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CFrance729 Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 Sadly I am not a member as I will be selling the car this June/July. I probably won't even get to replace the fillers but I was just curious to see how his went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 (edited) The molds from which the repos are cast are old so the repos are poor at best. If you're selling the car, take the cost of the replacements into consideration and let the next guy deal with them. I've done two sets. I removed the bumpers to get a good fit - trimming, etc. - then I also removed the rear 1/4 extensions in order to get good fit between them and the filler. Remove them, refit the bumper, then refit the fillers. Some repos are fiberglass, others are ABS, nothing like the originals. Each takes new paint differently. Lots of time and effort, but they look better than an open area between the bumper and the body. Ed PS - If you're a Facebook guy, look for the E-body Riviera group. Someone there may have done a set recently. Perhaps the repos are better than they were 8 - 10 years ago. Edited April 22, 2016 by RivNut added the PS (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul from PA Posted April 23, 2016 Author Share Posted April 23, 2016 Mine are still in the shop getting painted. My cousin is doing the work so I can't rush him. I will keep you guys posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CFrance729 Posted April 23, 2016 Share Posted April 23, 2016 (edited) This is my baby...who I will abandon for a 67 Eldorado later this year. And yes I know my license plate is in the picture. Edited April 23, 2016 by CFrance729 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted April 23, 2016 Share Posted April 23, 2016 hook a chain around the bumper where the shock is compressed. Hook the other end to something solid. Back up until the shock is extended again. Do the same to the rear where it's compressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CFrance729 Posted April 24, 2016 Share Posted April 24, 2016 .....its really that simple? I figured maybe the frame was bent, but more likely the bumper was bent since it still drives mostly straight. Never dealt with a bumper or anything before so I was gonna get it looked at. Definitely gonna buy a chain tomorrow and do that. You sir, are a life saver. (Hopefully) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted April 24, 2016 Share Posted April 24, 2016 Look the the "shock absorbers" on each side of the bumper. They should be the same length. If not, they've just been collapsed. Let us know what happens. If you have a strong piece of rope, don't bother spending money on a chain. It shouldn't take too much to pull them back out. Maybe even a strategically placed bumper jack would work. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul from PA Posted May 13, 2016 Author Share Posted May 13, 2016 Bumper fillers are on. My cousin said they were very easy to install and had no issues. Small fingers were needed to attach the springs from the grill. These are the three piece units and lined up pretty well. don't know how exact the fit was from the factory. Excuse the pictures as it was raining. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CFrance729 Posted May 14, 2016 Share Posted May 14, 2016 Looks good. Good to know if I ever do it, that it shouldn't be too hard. Then again the car will probably be sold before then so, eh. Also, trying to pull out the bumper didn't work. I'm thinking I need to replace the shocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now