Can anyone tell me all the things I would have to do to "clone" a GS out of my regular Riviera. (emblems, color etc.) Thanks, Jake :TU:
Besides the emblems on the fenders, there is the emblem under the glovebox, looks like simulated wood... Posi rear end. And, I believe, but could be wrong about, a stiffer suspension... Can anyone else verify any of this, or list what I am leaving out, thanks.
The GS option included stiffer suspension, but unless you're doing a concourse you'll prolly have 4 aftermarket shocks and at least possibly replacement rear springs anyhow. The front sway bar was the same diameter both ways, and there was never a rear sway bar offered. (although you can now get an aftermarket one) The rest of the GS option as Brian said included GS ornamentation on both front fenders, however NOT on the trunk lid. Also, on the '66 only, there is one on the glove box door. You will also need a 3.42 posi rear, quick ratio steering box, alluminum valve covers, and chrome air cleaner.....all of which were part of the GS option. The engine was the same both ways, unless it was ordered with the dual 4 barrel option. In early '66 that was a dealer installed option, but in late '66 by popular demand it could be ordered that way from the factory. There were only 179 of them ordered that way in '66. The interior could be any combination of center console, standard or deluxe interior. There is no way to tell it's a GS by the vin number, so if you do this accurately you will have a GS.....yours just didn't come from the factory that way. :bglasses:
Can you tell me exactly where the GS emblems were put on the fenders, and the glove box? Where could I get some aluminum valve covers, and chrome air cleaner? Thanks, Jake
I dunno how much this helps, but heres a pic of mine, where the GS emblem is on the fender. If you can give me a day or two, ill go out and take an up close pic of the fender emblems so you can get a pretty close idea. And where the plate is under the glove box. Do you need a pic of the aluminum valve covers? I am still on the hunt for the original air cleaner, so I cannot help you in that dept, but im sure I can pull up a pic of one if you need it. I would keep checking on ebay, as well as post an ad in the parts wanted section of this website. Somebody is bound to have them...
Just to confirm that, here's the car I just sold. :ball: Maybe you can zero in on fender position with your own adobe software, etc.
some more Q's I keep checking EBAY, but have found nothing. One time on EBAY there was the chrome air cleaner with the aluminum vavle covers sold as one. They sold for around 300 dollars. Is that to much? I would like a pic of the valve covers if you would mind helping me out. Do all fender GS emblems have the same dimensions? Where could I get one for the glove box? Could I get a close up of the fenders and glve box emblems? Thanks, Jake :TU:
The correct '66 Riv gs fender emblems are unique, to the best of my knowlege. The holes are really tough to get right in order to get them in straight on the fender. As for the valve covers, they have the letters "BUICK" cast into the sides. If you want it to be correct, the '66 driver's side cover had a dimple in it for the california emissions air pump bolt to clear......and the right side cover will have the PCV valve going in at an angle. The previous years are straight. Those covers and the chrome air cleaner are hard to find, and be prepared to lay out some $$$ for them if you can find them. Be careful, b/c people make the bolts too tight and crack them, so check that before buying a pair. I've seen the glovebox emblems NOS on evilbay, the person selling them must have a few to sell.....one is due to come up again soon. I think the last one went for around $125. If I see one again I'll send you a PM. :bglasses:
Sigh....none better! I love the '66 - '67 Rivs! What a masterpiece of design integrity. Everybody involved in the the GM E-body design team, whether it was the Toronado, Eldorado, or Riviera, deserves a tip of the hat!
Ill go out and take a pic of the emblems up close and try to have them up within the next day or so. Here are 2 pics of the valve covers that I have on hand. They need to be cleaned up, but you get the idea...
Just wanted to give an update so you dont think I forgot, but ive been really busy with work the last few days, and have tomorrow off so ill snap some pics tomorrow and have them up within a day...
Sorry it took so long to get these pics up, but here they are: Passenger side fender Drivers side fender: Plate under glove box. (this was kinda hard to take because it kept coming out with a glare, which explains the weird angles I used to get a decent pic)
