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RIVIERA OWNERS ASSOCIATIONROA AustralianRegion NewsletterVolume 3, Issue 1July 2011Riviera - 75th Anniversary PackageA feature of the Fifth Generation Riviera (1977 - 1978) was the 75th Anniversary Package.Buick downsized the Riviera for 1977 (unlike Cadillac and Oldsmobile, which downsized acouple of years later,) sharing the new smaller GM B platform. While the other E-bodieswere front wheel drive since 1966, the Buick E platform used a B-body undercarriage (alongwith the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the 1966-70 generation.). All B-bodies(including C and D platform GM RWDs) were downsized for the 1977 model year whichprompted the short lived 1977/78 generation.It was, in most respects, a Buick Le Sabre coupe with unique styling. Unlike its Le Sabrecounterpart, the front fascia is vertical as opposed to slanted. The overall length was reducedto 218.2 in, down 4.8 in and weight dropped some 660 pounds. The 455 was gone, replacedby a 350 cu in Buick V8 engine with 155 hp or Oldsmobile-built 403 cu in with 185 hp.California models had a 170 hp Oldsmobile 350.
-2Sales were up modestly to 26,138 for 1977 and then fell to 20,535 for 1978, although this wasstrictly a stopgap model until the all new E-body cars would be ready for 1979.For 1978, a special “LXXV” edition was released to commemorate Buick‟s 75th anniversaryon the market. Production total was 2,889 and included special silver and black paint withgray leather seats with black trim, brushed chrome trim, deep pile carpeting and specialLXXV name plates.To date, 1977 and 1978 Rivieras are considered a rare find since it was only produced for twomodel years on the downsized GM B platform before the 1979 redesign on the FWD Eplatform.(Extract from Wikipedia.)Taking the ’65 to the 2011 ROA International MeetThe 2011 ROA International Meet was this year held in the Ozark Mountains area in the townof Branson, Missouri. We were lucky enough to be able to attend the Meet and see all thewonderful Rivieras on show.Our trip started in Detroit, where we had landed some weeks earlier in company with Johnand Laurene Forster, ROA members from Queensland. After some interesting drives right upto Port Huron and visits to car related places on the way (Ford Museum, Auburn CordDuesenberg Museum, etc.) we made our way to our friends home in Charleston, Illinois.Earlier in the year, we had purchased a 1965 Riv and our friends, John and Joyce, had verykindly picked the car up for us and had been storing and preparing the car for our drive toboth the Buick Driving Enthusiasts Meet in Dayton, Ohio and also the ROA Meet in Branson,Missouri.John and Joyce did a wonderful job of looking after our car, fitting new tyres, hoses, etc. andstocking the boot with spares. So the day came to head off to Dayton and we travelled inconvoy - John and Joyce in their beautiful 1948, us in the 1965 Riv and John and Laurene inour hire car, a black Chevy Suburban (the luggage truck). We took US 40 for most of theway preferring the more interesting drive through the small towns rather than Interstate 70. Itmust have been “yard sale Friday” as all the way along US 40 for miles and miles there wereyard sales everywhere.
-3The BDE Meet was as usual, a great opportunity for a very happy and friendly bunch ofBuick owners who enjoy taking their cars on interesting runs, to get together and renewfriendships. Our trips from Dayton included visits to the Packard Museum, the National AirForce Museum (just brilliant), and on the way to Marysville, the covered bridges, a terrificrestoration shop and a private collection of rare cars of all types. The BDE‟ers are a veryfriendly bunch and we all had a great time at the Meet.The Riv went perfectly through this Meet and as we left Marysville we encountered a veryheavy rain storm which lasted right through the morning until we got south of Cincinnati. Atleast we knew the Riv didn‟t leak!!We continued touring with the Riv and the Chevy, taking it in turns to drive either car,through Kentucky (had to visit the Corvettes) and Tennessee. By now this part of the US wasexperiencing some unusually hot weather for this time of year. Memphis was 105 degrees F(38 C). We had not gone far into Arkansas when we had a slight problem with the Riv. Wefound a split in the top radiator hose with water spraying out. Fortunately we had spares withus and after waiting a while for it to cool off a bit, the boys changed the hose and off we wentagain.We knew there was a large car show and swap meet on at Petit Jean Mountain where Mr.Rockefeller and others had created the Museum of Automobiles. So we checked in to a hotelin the town of Conway for a couple of days to be within easy drive of the mountain.Unfortunately, Conway was in a “dry” county. It‟s just as well there was a convenient bottleshop in the small town of Morrilton on the way to Petit Jean - the adjacent county was notdry.From Conway, we took the scenic US 65 north to Branson for the ROA Meet. By the timeeveryone arrived, the carpark of the Lodge of the Ozarks Hotel was full of Rivieras from 1963to 1999. Weatherwise it was still very hot so many of the ROA‟ers pulled up their fold upchairs and coolers and sat in the shade enjoying a chat and a drink. Much time was spentsocialising this way.We were pleased to have this opportunity to meet Ray Knott and other Regional Coordinators. We were also pleased to see two of our friends from the BDE Meet also along onthe ROA Meet. Unlike the BDE Meet, the ROA Meet is not a driving event so there wasusually a good assortment of Rivieras to look at around the hotel. Branson is anentertainment town with more than 30 theatres and 100 live shows on a daily basis. Mostpeople took in some of the entertainment on offer and made their way back at the end of theday to the Hospitality room where there was plenty of fellowship, food and games eachevening.Thursday was judging day and with so many lovely Rivs on show it was difficult to pick out achoice in each category. The Presentation Dinner was held at the Hotel that evening andprizes presented to the worthy winners. Best of show went to a beautiful Rose coloured 1965from Michigan - the car was immaculate and fully loaded. This was certainly a stand out car.It was our plan to drive the Riv (and the luggage truck) back to Los Angeles to leave the car atthe shippers ready to ship back to Australia. However, given the extreme temperatures beingexperienced across western Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and eastern California
-4we decided it would be too stressful on the ‟65 and its occupants to drive the car all this wayin that heat. So we decided to truck the car from Branson to Los Angeles.It was quite a spectacle that drew many ROA‟ers to bring their fold up chairs and sit andwatch the Riv being loaded onto the car hauler for the trip to LA. Many photos were takenand even the young driver was photographed with groups of ROA‟ers sending off the Riv. (Ibet he‟s never been asked to pose for photos while loading a car before!)All went well and we caught up with the Riv at the shippers in Long Beach. The Riv is due toleave Long Beach this week and we await her arrival in Brisbane.Brian and Linda
-6The Rebirth of Murphy(As in Murphy’s Law)1965 Riviera Gran SportWe had been driving the Riv for few years and in that time we decided that the carneeded a repaint. The repaint turned into virtually a full restoration. The car was agenuine low mileage car with only 49298 miles on the clock.We totally dismantled the car. We did not separate the body from the chassis, inretrospect, we should have.We had two complete cars to play with, so we selected the best bits from each and proceeded with the rebuild. All bodypanels were stripped to bare metal and repaired where necessary and then file finished. All parts were primed, undercoatedand blocked. We then reassembled the body i.e. guards, doors, bonnet, boot etc. We adjusted all the gaps and clearances,and then numerous coats of Classeratt Two Pack Black and again blocked, then another coat of black and four coats ofclear and again blocked and then buffed. From the first coat of primer to the last coat of clear took six months.The car was bought home and on arrival, I critically examined the paint job and many blemishes were found, so back ontothe Tilt Tray and back to the paint shop and the whole job was redone, another three months. The second time the job wasperfect.Then to the mechanics. The spare engine was totally rebuilt. The only parts that were not replaced were the block, headsand crankshaft. Every other part was replaced, pistons, valves, rods, oil pump, cam (slightly warmer than the standard GS),and water pump, even the weights in the distributor. The transmission was rebuilt using all NOS parts. The diff 3.42positraction was dismantled and reassembled. We used the same crown wheel pinion but all other parts were replaced.New rear wheel bearings and seals were fitted and the rear wheel cylinders were sleeved to a size 1/16” smaller thanstandard, Hopefully to help with rear wheel lock up.The front suspension was renewed i.e. tie rod ends control arm bushes, etc. Aheavier front sway bar was fitted and Koni shocks all round, along with four newsprings (ex US). Once the suspension was completed, it was time to reinstall theengine and transmission.The two rebuilt AFB carburetors were fitted, a rough manual timing of thedistributor, and then the moment of truth.We removed the plugs, oiled the cylinders and with the plugs removed spun theengine. We could not get oil pressure.I contacted the engine builder who promptly came over, and after inspection he determined that we were not spinning theengine fast enough. So we replaced the plugs. We eventually got the engine to fire up using 24 volts. We let it idle forabout a minute, still no oil pressure.After a couple of weeks we found the problem. The inner welsh plug in the oil gallery that fed the valve lifters had notbeen fitted. With a great deal of difficulty and without dropping the welsh plug into the bowels of the engine the plug wasfitted, problem gone, we had oil pressure. We let the engine run on a fast idle for about half an hour, and then we gave it arev. The engine vibrated like you would not believe and after the spanners stopped ricocheting around the garage, back tothe engine builder.
The engine was removed from the car and back to the workshop for a completepull down. One month later, the engine was refitted and it ran like a Swiss watch.We then took the car off the stands, and with the transmission in park, the carrolled out of the garage, more ricocheting spanners.Back on the jacks, the pan removed from the transmission and with help of afriend the problem was found and fixed. Back on the ground, we started the car,selected D and the engine stalled. Here we go again!! This time it was anassembly problem.Back on the stands, gearbox out, back to the so-called expert and the problemrectified. Transmission back in, problem solved.The car was then taken to Liverpool Exhaust where a 2 ¼” mandrel bent stainlesssystem was fitted. From there the car went to Sydney Molded Carpets and a newcarpet was fitted, they also fully lined the boot (trunk) using the same carpet.We refitted the seats and due to the fact that we had two cars we were able to fitthe passengers seat with an electric adjustment.The wood veneer in the doors and consul was showing the effect of the sun sothey needed to be replaced, so using the old ones as patterns a mate drew them upon his CAD system and them put the drawing onto a computer disc. I then got ourlocal veneer guy to veneer the correct American Oak onto a backing veneer givinga thickness of 2mm. The veneer guy would only do an 8‟x 4‟ sheet, so we got 3sheets. We then took the sheets and the computer disc to a laser cutter and wefinished up with nine complete sets. I then bought a pin striping tool, pin stripedthem, then stained them to the correct shade, and then a friend sprayed them witha coat of 2 pack clear polyurethane and when we fitted them they looked magic.The only visible changes to the car, is due to our earlier problems with the engine,I have temporarily fitted some engine monitoring gauges (oil pressure,temperature and battery condition), and once I am satisfied that everything is OK Iwill remove the gauges and revert to the idiot lights.The car has been on the road now for about twelve months and apart from a fewsmall teething problems, it has been trouble free. Beautiful to drive, heaps ofpower and looks, we think, great. To get the best out of it requires at least 100octane fuel, which means pump fuel plus an octane booster, or we add 5 gallons ofAvgas to a tank full (it really loves this cocktail). On the down side, the rear tiresare starting to show signs of wear.Enid and John NealePSThe previous story was written in November 1999 and a lot has happened since. The photo below is the lasttime the car was on the road, and that was The Buick Nationals at Raymond Terrace in 2006 where it won aTrophy for the Best 1960.to 1969.
Thanks John and Enid for a great story and the car looks great in the 2006 pic. Hope to seethis car on the road again. Ed.Buick Club East Coast MeetWith only 8 weeks to go before the Buick Club‟s East Coast Meet entries are flowing in with46 received to date. If you are intending to come to Nundle, make sure you have youraccommodation booked and get your entry in.We look forward to seeing some ROA members join in for a fun weekend of fellowship andinteresting drives.Have a LaughAn older lady was leaving her unit in a high rise hotel. She boarded the elevator on the 17thfloor.The elevator stopped at the 15th floor and a well dressed young lady entered. As she enteredthe elevator a beautiful smell of perfume filled the air.The older lady said, “Oh, what is that smell?”The young woman replied, “Chanel No. 5 - 150 an ounce.”The elevator continued on and stopped at the 10th floor. Another young woman entered andagain a smell of perfume wafted through the air.The older lady said, “Oh, what is that smell?”The second young woman replied, “Givenchy - 100 an ounce.”The elevator continued on and just before it reached the ground floor, the older lady passedwind.The two young women exclaimed. “What is that smell?”The older lady replied. “Broccoli - 25c a pound.”
-9-Nailhead Extended Dipstick to clearTA Performance HeadersBy Tim Harper.It has always been a challenge (pain!) getting the dipstickback into the block of the 401 Nailhead in my 65 Riviera.The TA Performance Header s have a relief in the flangeplate but it‟s a tight fit to the top tube and very hard to seethe hole without a torch (even in full daylight).Usual sources like Lokar don‟t list a tube extension anddipstick so I started looking to adapt a stock one fromanother make.Rare Spares had a Redline chromed replacement dipstickand tube to suit the Australian Holden 253 and 308 P/NSC332 (also showing 28-86?) for 30.25 (shot 1) indesperation I bought it.I am sure there are plenty of US unitswhich could be similarly modified to suit.When I got home the tube was slightlysmaller in diameter than the rubber sealon the original Nailhead stick but itscollar was much higher up the dipstickshaft (shot 2).
When I lined up its „Full‟ marking with the top of the „Operating Range‟ markings on theoriginal (shot 3) the new seal (collar) was a full 100mm (4”) higher (shot 2) which would takeit above the header pipe.While the bottom marking is 6mm lower than the original (shot 3) logic says if it is below thefull mark I need to add oil anyway.Once I was sure of my measurements I used a cutter to cut the new tube (shot 4) 100mmabove its collar discarding the top of the tube with mounting bracket. I cleaned the inside witha tapered burr.I then had a tube whichabove the header pipethe original.set the new dipstick justwhen it‟s collar matchedThe last job was to fit theblock. This was doneshould handle the heat andthe tube firmly into thehearing of any betterundersize tube to theusing Teflon tape whichoil, seal the hole and holdblock. I‟d be interested inmethods from the ROA
pro‟s and might braze a sleeve over the new tube.BeforeAfterNow instead of searching for my torch every time I take the Riv for a run its easy tocheckSuppliers and Repairers members have been happy withIf you have had a job well done from a repairer, then why not let others know about it. Sendin details of your good experiences so they can be printed here.Dan‟s Classic Auto Parts of Portland OR - www.dansclassic.comRob Croxford has had dealings with this firm and advises their prices are reasonable, theircommunication is terrific and they are very good to deal with.Annvid Auto Upholsterers,24 Smith Street,Capalaba. Qld. 4157Tel: 07 3390 3444Mt. Cotton Auto Electrics,57A Island Street,Cleveland. Qld. 4163Mob: 0429 193 815Spectrum Rubber and Panels Pty.Ltd.P.O. Box 328,St. Marys. N.S.W. 1790Tel: 02 9623 5333Fax: 02 9833 1041Email: sales@spectrumrubber.com.auWebsite: www.spectrumrubber.com.auTim Harper advises they list specific gear for the '63 - '65 Riv as well as '72. Thanks, Tim.Tim also advises that he has been able to purchase a new K & N E-1360 Aircleaner and HP2003 Oil Filter from his local Repco dealer who had them in the SA Warehouse. TheAircleaner has quite a range of Buick and Riviera cations.aspx?Prod E-1360 and the HP-2003 oil filterhas hundreds of applications including the ions.aspx?Prod HP-2003Note: This is not in any way an endorsement of these businesses. It is just giving membersleads to businesses that other members have had a good experience with.
-12-Market PlaceFor Sale1963 Riviera - LHD, integrated air, elec. Windows, power steering, new steering box, newwater pump, both mirrors, very original car, good interior and upholstery, near perfect paint,very reliable car. 28,000 Contact Brycen Swader 0418 884 680For Sale1972 Riviera - LHD, 455 ci Turbo 400 - Solid rust free, strong motor - 29,990 ono.NSW Historic Rego 34622H showing 8,780 miles on the clock but I would add 100,000 milesto that. Column auto imported in 2007 from Phoenix Arizona. The previous owner had theinterior beautifully custom trimmed. Absolutely rust free with good paint and chrome.Drives beautifully with plenty of power, no smoke or fluid leaks. New tyres, new brakesincluding rear wheel cylinders, rebuilt distributor and custom exhaust. This is a very reliablecar you can drive anywhere or just enjoy around the city.Contact Tony Canella, Frenchs Forest. NSW 0409 524 248 susancannella@hotmail.comFor SaleParts for 1964 RivieraGood door sill plates alum., horn, door window crank (vents), seat belt sleeves (black), doorpanel chrome that holds switches for window left and right, two L brackets that fit aroundheadlight, inside door handle, centre cap with tri shield, windshield hoses and metal nozzlesthat fix under hood for spraying on windshield, cigarette lighter for console, trunk lock withkey and inside latch, hood ornament, dimmer switch, choice vacuum pull off, head lightswitch, distributor cap, front and back stainless wheel well trim, right hand chrome door trimbottom 375-298RT.John Williams, Charleston, IL. jjwilliams@consolidated.net
-13Parting Out1968 Riviera, complete car, was weekend driver before rear end smash.Car is in USA but can be dismantled and parts posted to Australia or packed in my nextcontainer coming over for nominal shipping fee.Ring Doug Hawkins. 0418 631 233 or 07 5543 6927For Sale: 1 x 1968-69 n/s fender with small marker light, excellent cond., no rust or damage.1 x 1966-67 headlight motor, good working order, includes one flexible coupling.3 x 1968 rear side marker lights (tri shield design).1 x 400-430-455 waterpump used or will trade on any 1965 parts.Steve Moore 02 6884 9904 Email: riviera.1965@hotmail.comFor Sale: Riviera parts1966-67 door shells R,L, straight, no rust 300 each1966-69 door window glass R,L 90 eachElectric window motor 1201966-67 air grille panel (base of windscreen) 301969 RH front mudguard straight, no rust 3001969 rear window guides 251969 sun visors (black) 80 pr1975 tail light assemblies 90 eachNEW - Riviera script, the one with large R, early 60‟s ? 801963-65 lower chin parking light assemblies VGC 250 pr1975 bonnet emblem (new) 70Riviera Sales brochures 1963 - 8” x 10” colour 6 pages 401966 - 10” x 10” colour 6 pages 401968 - 10” x 10” colour 8 pages 401995 - 5” x 10” colour 4 pages foldout 20Ron Noonan 02 9631 4763 Email: buickron1@bigpond.comLetters to the EditorSend in your letters with any Riviera news in your area. We‟d love to hear from you.Ed.Thank you for your support - much appreciated. It is encouraging to see ROA Australianmembership increasing since the Australian Region has been started. Brian and Linda.Articles WantedOur thanks to those members who have very kindly sent in stories or information for ourNewsletter. Articles about you or your Riviera are always of interest to other members.Please help us put the next Newsletter together by sending us news of your Riv.
-14How did you acquire your Riv? Got a story about your Riv? We'd love to hear from you andother members would love to read your story. We welcome Australian R.O.A. membersstories and photographs. Please e-mail to us at :brianhall.hall@gmail.com or post to : Brian & Linda Hall, P.O. Box 383 Cleveland Qld.4163MembershipPlease encourage any Riviera owners you meet to join the R.O.A.It's simple, just log on to the R.O.A. web site :- www.rivowners.orgAustralia Regional CoordinatorBrian Hall ,P.O. Box 383,Cleveland, Qld. 4163Ph. 07 3829 2222,e-mail : brianhall.hall@gmail.com
with the cruciform frame of pre-1965 GMs for the 1966-70 generation.). All B-bodies . Thursday was judging day and with so many lovely Rivs on show it was difficult to pick out a choice in each category. The Presentation Dinner was held at the Hotel that evening and . Hopefully to help with rear whe
