73 Boattail Front end MOD

Okay I have seen pictures of 73 Boattails with the center section of the front bumper removed. I have seen what looks like a 71 Boattail front bumper put on a 73 with the center section removed. Has anyone done the second one? If you have what did it involve and do you have pictures. I am interested in possibly doing this to my car. I have had the front bumper off during the body resto and man I love that front grill. I want to show that monster off. What did you do to the cut section to finish it off?

 

Barret Jackson is selling this 1971. Parkplace in Bellevue had it for sale for a years and it never sold. It was 40 grand so that's probably why. It is a 1971 with the front section removed and a custom grille and a painted rear bumper. This car is not for all so for the Buick purists don't look at it.

http://www.parkplaceltd.com/searchdatabase.asp?step=2&invid=12

 

That really is kind of a neat car but just goes to show that you better really plan to keep something like that after you do that radical of a custom job!

You can do it to a Mercury and sell it but I guess not a Riv!

Ken

 

There has to be a way to get away with it without hacking the car up. Its a little easier on a 71 because it doesnt have the huge bumper like the 73.

 

Bad Boattail who is a member here did it to his 73'. But he seems to have dissapeared? o No: Maybe PM him

 

I've wondered the same thing. However, it's not what I want. Here's a pic of a '72.

 

That's one of the better quality bumper conversions I've seen. Most just cut the bumper and cap the cut with a flat piece of metal. This one is properly finished. I like it. :TU:

 

Here's a 73....it doesn't look all that bad to me.

 

Any pics of the same thing done to a 70 Lark?

 

i want those wheels :Brow: :Brow: :Brow: :Brow: :laugh:

 

This is the 73 from Bad Boattail (didn't spoke to him for a while)....

 

To do it right you need two bumpers one to cut the center section out of and the other for for the return back to the body I saw this done rght at the Roa meet in 2001 at Lake Geneva Wi. Go to the ROA web site www.rivowners.org there is pic of a silver 73 custom look under past meets. As far as useing the 71-72 bumpers Buick did it in 72 with their car Silver arrow II it had 72 bumpers with 73 turn signal lamps. Ok thats enough typing I am out of here. :3gears:

 

The black one with the custom original bumpers is the best one I have seen like that. Most I have seen is with the thinner 71 and 72 bumper. Closer to the body and center section removed. I may be able to do that and keep a stock mount to return to original if I want. I love the stance with the big and little look...Thanks guys......

 

I would love to know what size rear tire the black car has on it. Kinda want to go that way on mine. Be cool if the owner was a member here....

 

The owner is a member of the Riviera Owner's Association, but I don't believe that car was ever featured in any of their issues. It's supercharged too. o No:

I'd like to know more about that car too. Not to many Rivs with blowers sticking through the hood.

 

The blown car is a dark emrald green met and it realy pops in the sun light.

 

I think the 74 Riviera grille and grill chrome would look good with the split bumper set up -- it's vertical instead of horizontal. Looks like the bumper itself may be a little thinner than in 73 too.

 

I think anything that shows that massive front grill is a must.

 

Thanks for the pics of the Black Boat. That is a very nice and unique car. Love to own it.

 

Hmmm...

I've always loved the look of the cut grill, but I don't think I would do it to mine. Just as I keep any type of industrial power cutters away from my "private" areas, I tend to keep them away from my boattail... Just a thought.