Jim65Riv Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 A friend is looking for the plastic vacuum manifold that mounts on the firewall of a 68 Riv. It has ten ports, three of which are used. One is the main line from the engine, one goes to the vacuum tank and one goes to the heater controls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim65Riv Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 This is the manifold I'm looking for. It does not have any part number on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZRIV Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Extremely difficult item to find even 25 years ago because the heat and exposure killed the plastic. GM didn't expect these cars to last more than 6 or 7 years anyway. Check with Darwin Falk if you haven't already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68RIVGS Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 (edited) That original vacuum manifold for a '68 Riviera was made from a poor quality, cellulose acetate type of plastic that did not age well, and cracked very easily, causing leaks in the vacuum system. You can spot the cracks in your photos of your friend's original vacuum manifold ! I have only seen one NOS manifold available on 'evilBay' many, many years ago, and it was priced way too high to justify buying it ! I replaced my original 10 port version with a much sturdier, black abs plastic, 4 port version - the GM part no. was #1239606, and it has two mounting lugs. You only need three vacuum ports for most cars. I used one of the original mounting holes in the firewall, and drilled a new hole to suit the smaller vacuum manifold. It has worked flawlessly for 40+ years now. Edited August 27, 2017 by 68RIVGS (see edit history) 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 (edited) 12 hours ago, 68RIVGS said: the GM part no. was #1239606 The Ebay listing I pointed out previously is for GM part number 1239606, as mentioned above. If you search eBay for number 1239606 you will find 3 different listings for this GM vacuum manifold. Edited August 27, 2017 by NCRiviera (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 There were 3 available on Ebay but I just purchased one! ? Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim65Riv Posted August 27, 2017 Author Share Posted August 27, 2017 Thanks to Mike, Randy and Jason. I bought one of those on eBay. This forum and its members are absolutely the best. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 (edited) Another GM part number for the replacement firewall vacuum T manifold is 1246004. See Ebay listing 182731898267 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-75-76-77-Centurion-Riviera-Regal-NOSvac-tee1246004-/182731898267?hash=item2a8bab7d9b:g:1WoAAOSwBWdZn3mZ&vxp=mtr and GM Parts Wiki site: http://www.gmpartswiki.com/ (search for 1246004) Edited August 28, 2017 by NCRiviera (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 (edited) Another of these T vacuum manifolds just showed up on Ebay for >$7.00 + 3.00 postage as a BUY IT NOW: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-GM-VACUUM-FIREWALL-BLOCK-1239606/192290158815?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D41376%26meid%3D2dedcf69a3f14262893896192d1a4cae%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D182731894930&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 If I had not already purchased one, I would get it. I am sure there is someone out there who could use an extra. Edited August 28, 2017 by NCRiviera (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68RIVGS Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 . . . getting really bad when a $7 "evilBay'" part costs $14 for shipping ! LOL Happy you got a replacement Jim - it will work fine on your friend's '68. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted March 17, 2018 Share Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) GM part number 1239606 vacuum manifold installed on the Aqua Zephyr today. The top left port is smaller than the other four ports. I plugged it with a small strip of double sided emblem adhesive then slipped the rubber port cap over it to hold it in place. I tested the lights several times and they go up and down in synch as they are supposed to. I used short sheet metal screws to secure the manifold to the firewall. I have a couple of extra manifolds available if anyone wants to purchase one. DM me if interested. Edited March 18, 2018 by NC68Riviera (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68RIVGS Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 Good shot Mike - that vacuum distribution manifold is a lot sturdier than the original, and you can utilize one of the existing screw holes to mount it. It has ample vacuum ports for most Riviera requirements - GM # 1239606 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 (edited) 32 minutes ago, 68RIVGS said: Good shot Mike - that vacuum distribution manifold is a lot sturdier than the original, and you can utilize one of the existing screw holes to mount it. It has ample vacuum ports for most Riviera requirements - GM # 1239606 I could have mounted this manifold in the original location but it would have meant installing another set of longer vacuum hoses. I don't want to do that. All of the newer manifolds that I have seen have the smaller 5th port but none have had a rubber cap for that port. They have only had one or two of the larger port rubber caps. Thus you have to be a little ingenious to plug the smaller port. Edited March 18, 2018 by NC68Riviera (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68RIVGS Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 They all come with the large caps supplied Mike, but smaller aftermarket caps are available. If you had the vacuum door lock option that would use the smaller port on the manifold. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 On 8/26/2017 at 8:51 PM, Jim65Riv said: C'est la variété que je cherche. Il n'y a pas de numéro de pièce dessus. Hello, I am also looking for this plastic piece for my electra 69.the plastic is fragile and it's broken.maybe we can do it again with a 3D printer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 5 minutes ago, sebastienbuick said: Hello, I am also looking for this plastic piece for my electra 69.the plastic is fragile and it's broken.maybe we can do it again with a 3D printer? See post #12. This is the replacement vacuum port for the fragile original ports. This is the one I installed on my 68 Riviera. I have a few of these vacuum ports for sale with the rubber port caps, if interested. Send me a Direct Message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 On 3/18/2018 at 12:23 PM, 68RIVGS said: They all come with the large caps supplied Mike, but smaller aftermarket caps are available. If you had the vacuum door lock option that would use the smaller port on the manifold. I bought a bag of 5/32" small rubber port caps. I have a few of the GM # 1239606 ports with caps available if any one needs one. DM me for pricing with shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 hello, ok thank you, I will try to repair mine and if not I will send you a message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 (edited) 22 hours ago, sebastienbuick said: hello, ok thank you, I will try to repair mine and if not I will send you a message. You would be better off to buy a new vacuum port than try to repair yours, in my opinion. (I am not pushing a sale, just stating an opinion). These original ports are so fragile any repairs may not hold up. Good luck. Edited April 27, 2018 by NC68Riviera (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68RIVGS Posted April 28, 2018 Share Posted April 28, 2018 On 4/26/2018 at 12:36 PM, sebastienbuick said: hello, ok thank you, I will try to repair mine and if not I will send you a message. Sebastian, do yourself a favour and just replace the inferior original unit with a better example of vacuum manifold ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 On 8/26/2017 at 11:28 AM, Jim65Riv said: A friend is looking for the plastic vacuum manifold that mounts on the firewall of a 68 Riv. It has ten ports, three of which are used. One is the main line from the engine, one goes to the vacuum tank and one goes to the heater controls. Did you ever get a replacement vacuum port? I have a couple extra with rubber caps if you need one. DM me if interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 (edited) On the "Me and my Buick" forum, there is a thread titled "Restore my buick electra 1969." If you jump to post # 406, you can see the beginnings of the manufacture of the reproduction of this part. The repo is being made from steel rather than plastic. The entire thread itself is worth following. Lots of examples of what one guy with a few tools and lots of talent can accomplish in a country where Buicks are rare and he has to use an online translator to be able to post. Edited October 11, 2018 by RivNut (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 47 minutes ago, RivNut said: On the "Me and my Buick" forum, there is a thread titled "Restore my buick electra 1969." If you jump to post # 406, you can see the beginnings of the manufacture of the reproduction of this part. The repo is being made from steel rather than plastic. The entire thread itself is worth following. Lots of examples of what one guy with a few tools and lots of talent can accomplish in a country where Buicks are rare and he has to use an online translator to be able to post. Ed, I can't find this thread. Can you provide a URL link? Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivman Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 Here is a link Mike ... Restore my buick electra 1969 :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 1 hour ago, NC68Riviera said: Ed, I can't find this thread. Can you provide a URL link? Thanks, My tablet doesn't copy and paste. My cast doesn't allow me to get to my computer. Perhaps someone else will find it and share the link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 Looks like Randall posted as I was replying. Thanks Randall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 7 minutes ago, Rivman said: Here is a link Mike ... Restore my buick electra 1969 :) Thanks Randall! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 FYI, I now have several of these plastic vacuum manifold's, GM # 1239606, along with rubber caps for the larger ports, available for purchase. Message me if you are interested in purchasing one. Free shipping to ROA forum members! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 This is a picture of the vacuum manifold the 21 year old Frenchman made for his 1969 Electra. You can follow is skills on his thread My 1969 Electra on the Me and my Buick forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 21 minutes ago, RivNut said: This is a picture of the vacuum manifold the 21 year old Frenchman made for his 1969 Electra. You can follow is skills on his thread My 1969 Electra on the Me and my Buick forum. That kid has some mad skills. I hope it works for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wurstfreund Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 Hello from Germany! Old Topic with maybe new content... As my engine was not running very smooth i was checking for vaccuum leaks, and guess what i found. Vaccuum Manifold missing one port, broken off. I took the broken part and showed it to one of our engineers in the company i work for. He made a 3D scan and spend some time in the CAD, result can be seen in the attachment. This is the first prototype, printed with a DiY 3D Printer in PLA material. I want to get it done in ABS with a professional printing service, which should turn out much smoother of course. The color will match as well, not being Ziggy Stardust look 🙂 Why not use a T or Y Piece to connect the 3 hoses? Simple as that! I want my Riviera look "period true". The other ports in the remake of the manifold are also functional, simply cut them open and they will suck big time. Some trivia: -The Plugs for the unused Ports are separate parts and plugged in -The base part (beside the plugs) are 2 parts welded together with ultrasonic welding. Assumption is, that is was not possible back in the days to manufacture it one piece. -The original Part was designed to be mounted on a straight Firewall which isnt in the Riviera = permanent stress I will keep posting, after having received the first professional made one. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 5 minutes ago, Wurstfreund said: Hello from Germany! Old Topic with maybe new content... As my engine was not running very smooth i was checking for vaccuum leaks, and guess what i found. Vaccuum Manifold missing one port, broken off. I took the broken part and showed it to one of our engineers in the company i work for. He made a 3D scan and spend some time in the CAD, result can be seen in the attachment. This is the first prototype, printed with a DiY 3D Printer in PLA material. I want to get it done in ABS with a professional printing service, which should turn out much smoother of course. The color will match as well, not being Ziggy Stardust look 🙂 Why not use a T or Y Piece to connect the 3 hoses? Simple as that! I want my Riviera look "period true". The other ports in the remake of the manifold are also functional, simply cut them open and they will suck big time. Some trivia: -The Plugs for the unused Ports are separate parts and plugged in -The base part (beside the plugs) are 2 parts welded together with ultrasonic welding. Assumption is, that is was not possible back in the days to manufacture it one piece. -The original Part was designed to be mounted on a straight Firewall which isnt in the Riviera = permanent stress I will keep posting, after having received the first professional made one. Great results! If you ever need an original vacuum port like this one or a second model port, I have both for sale. Send me a private message if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Curran Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 There should be a market for these. Originals that have been in use are very brittle from heat and age. Thanks for taking the initiative! 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