I just purchased a 68 Riviera that had been sitting for about 4 years, the top is a rusty mess. (rusted through in a couple of places.) I plan to restore it. the previous owner said that it ran when he parked it. :error: anyone have any suggestions where I should get started. I'm truely in need of suggestions.ou:
Take a look at Yardley's 69 Riv site.... http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jholthenrichs/ And a shameless plug if you don't mind for myself: www.buickpartsdirectory.com Welcome aboard!!:beer
Smartin, someone told me I should remove the plugs and squirt some trans fluid into the cylinders before trying to fire up the car. Is this a good Idea, or is there something better to use. it has been sitting for 4+ years.
Join ROA today ROA They have a whole grunch of resto products links. Also check Hemmings Motor News for more. My '69 was a mess when I got it. :eek2: Brakes and tranny shot, exhaust full of holes, tires looked like balogna, wiper blades were like spaghetti sparingly draped over the windshield. Radio worked, but not very well. Depending on where you are I'd start with the basic street worthiness stuff: wiper blades, bulbs, safety stuff... Brakes Tires Engine compression test, tune-up and all fluid changes tranny fluid and filter full chassis inspection exhaust as needed As for rust, I'm not an expert here in SoCal, but maybe the body part of the forum? o No:
Thanks Erik, sounds like my car is a reincarnation of your... it's in really bad shape, but well worth the effort.
oops....missed this post a couple days ago.... In response to your question about the trans fluid in your cylinders: Pretty much anything with a lubricating and penetrating characteristic will work for that. Marvel Mystery Oil (which is basically tans fluid), PB Blaster, motor oil, etc are all good things to use in your cylinders before startup. Try to turn the motor over by hand with the crank bolt after it sits for a few dayswith the oil in the cylinders. Prime the oil pump. Rebuild the carburetor if you feel frisky. Do a major tune up on the motor - plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points & condensor, replace all cracked and worn out vacuum lines, check all electrical system wiring and stability.
I did all of the above this weekend, and still no fire.... i've replaced the cap, rotor, plugs, wires, condenser, and coil... the motor turns, but i't not getting any spark... you ahve any suggestions? also while the motor is turning I hear a knocking noise, like a flywheel bolt or rod hitting something. I have a chevy 454 & th400 in my garage. I really don't want to but I think I'm going to have to transplant it in the rivi. have you ever heard of anyone doing this. if so can you please advise of the problems I can expect. thanks, Spencer
I believe I did, but I have a friend that's a real mechanic, who's coming by today and is going to take a look at it...
Motor trade Hi again, I got the car started and running...the brakes are not working to good I'm loosing vac. at idle, I loose all braking power. if I rev up the engine it will stop but if I hold the peddle down after a few sec. it looses all brake power... ps. I got the 455 in the 454/455 trade. it came out of a 73 rivi. I think its the low hp 455, can someone please tell me how I can tell the difference....
