Well... I'm probably asking the wrong crowd here but here it goes. I was randomly searching on collectorcartrader.com for 63-65 Rivs and ran across a nice looking example in FL for a measly price. I already have my 67 Skylark but it does have some rust in places that I can't find patchs for and I have always loved the 65 Riv, hense why I bought one earlier. I know I could make enough money off of selling the 67 to buy this Riv but I'm on a very tight budget and I can't exactly float one till the other is gone. Basically what do ya'll think, stick with what I got or jump at the chance? Oh and if anyone wants to buy my 70 Riv I'd be happy to give you an obsenely good deal on it for what it has. Thanks,
I think 64-67 BOP A-bodies are under appreciated and unusual Muscle cars. But a 65 Riv is a really unique car too. Do you like to go fast or just cruise? Rivs really need good paint and chrome to be cool, while an A-body can just be fast and be cool.
I have always admired the 65 Rivs. GM really nailed the styling and proportions on that one. I've been fighting the rust deamon all my life and I'd dive at the chance to start with a rust free car. Catching and fixing rust early is so easy, and repairing neglected rust is never ending. One last thought. Salt air can be almost as bad for cars as salt on the roads. Some Florida cars that have lived on the coast can be as bad as a New Englander. Also the storms and flooding can lead to some unusual problems. Don't assume a Florida car is rust free. If the body is in good shape (run don't walk) to get that Riv.
Guess I'll add this on the idea. Right now I'm kind of building a road terror skylark sporting twin turbo's on the Buick V6, SP400 tranny and a Corvette Dana 44 IRS, the basic concept of the car is to be able to hang with the imports in the twisties and then blow past them in the straights. The Riv idea, which I've nicknamed the Riv-Cruiser is exactly that, a cruising oriented Riv that uses predominately bolt on parts with a single turbo engine, TH200-4R tranny, and some added interior mods. Basically a classic Riv with a modernized drive train and some posh creature comforts on the inside. What do you think now, Road terror 'lark or Riv-Cruiser? Thanks,
I think my opinion is a little prejudiced ou:.... but I think you should build that 67! :TU: :TU: :beer PS.. did you ever find my plates?
Yes I did find them, sorry for not getting them out to you but I just started school again so I've never been getting home when the post office is open, I'll try to get them out on Friday or Sat this week. Part of whats driving me towards this is a cheap Riv and a problems locating patchs for the quarters on the skylark..... Oh well
Hey William I'm for the '67 road terror-twin turbo buick w/IRS=cool. Riv seems heavy to respond to higher rpm torque band for the v6 single turbo-sluggysh off the line unless you find a 3.9:1 rear end. Good luck with it. Maybe have to fab up your own patch panels-
New Poll added to keep track of who thinks I should do what, please vote if you have already responded.
65 Rivs get way more looks here in TN than plain 67 Skylarks, but not when on the drag strip. I love both, but lean in the Riv's direction. Good luck making a decision!
I think your poll results might be a little lopsided.... since you put it in the "boatload of fun" forum. p
yeah, I know, but its where I got the discussion going so I thought I'd just put it here to start with. I'll be getting your plates back to you today but I've also decided to sell the skylark, I simply can't work on it right now with school and money got tight all of a sudden with my 70 Riv not selling so unless eBay serves up $4500 for the 70 later this week, I'll be putting the skylark back into the market. Hate to add another car that I will miss to the list.
Well, its settled. 65 Riv-Cruiser it is. Now I have to figure out the fuel, cooling, and wiring systems...... Atleast they make brake kits for the 1st Gen Riv now. I'm thinking about a custom rearend.... mostly becuase of the unavailablity of disc brakes and posi's for the 65 Riv rear.
I know this is probably a question you have already pondered, but if you are looking for a different rear end for your '65 cruiser, what about the corvette Dana IRS rear you planned to put in the '67?
Yeah I thought about it, it would fit dimention wise though I'm not sure about the spacing of the underchariage and stuff but mostly the reason I'm shying away from that is the time and fabrication required to do it. I'd like to simply bolt something in rather than fabricate the crossmember, coilover brakets, and the dogbone attachments. It will remain an option since the Dana 44 is sitting in my garage but only time will tell. Thanks,
Have a GOOD shop transfer all the mounting bracketry from your Riv rear to a Ford 9". You can get a Ford with axles any length you want.
