Hi all! I need some help/advice. The Body number plate on my 68 Riviera is missing. Is there any way to find out the nessesary information such as, paint code, vinyl/no vinyl etc? The VIN # is 494878H932674. Regards, Per :beer :
If you are very lucky, you would have to find the build sheet. Where does your car came from? Was it imported from the US? If it was sold new in Canada, GM has kept microfilm information on canadian cars. The problem is that very few Rivs were sold new in Canada.
Thank's Phil! I would not have a clue from where it was imported, further, I had the seats done some months ago, and nothing there either. All the paperwork are for sure gone, even at the road authority. Found out that the colour was wrong when it was stripped down for new "original" white paint with black vinyl. Vinyl off, it's blue metalic under :ball:. It seems to have been Aqua mist, just wonder if there is anyway to find out if the vinyl was original. Any spesial things to look for, such as special window mouldings etc, etc. Did the non vinyl cars come with the round R monogram on the rear roof pillar? Help appresiated. Per. :beer
The "R" monogram on the roof pillar was found only on 67-68-69 models with vinyl top. The cars with vinyl tops had a different ventilation grille behind the rear window. There is a stainless molding on it and it was textured to imitate the vinyl grain on the roof (just like the background of the "R" emblem). There was also a stainless molding at the base of the vinyl top on each rear pillar. About the build sheets, they were not always placed behind the seats. On 67's for instance, they were often found under the dash, at the left of the steering column. It could be elsewhere and it could be missing. It is also common to find the wrong one from another car. You have to look at the serial number on it to see if it matches the car's number. If you want to try GM Canada, there is probably a chance out of 20 that the car came from there... Their phone number is (905) 644-4060 or (905) 644-3387 and the fax number is (905) 644-5436. they are open weekdays from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. If they do not have information for your car, they will not charge you for the research. Good luck!
Thanks again Phil. Much appresiated. I'll have another look. At least I know the colour, and that it should have a vinyl top. Per. :beer
Per, Check out the plastic cover at the blowermotor, if it says GM Biel, your car is from either the Biel or Bienne GM factory in Switzerland. the VIN reads like this: 4 94 87 8 H 932674 4 = Buick 94 = Riviera 87 = 2 drs HT coup 8 = Modelyear 1968 H = Flint, Michigan 932674 = Production number The H for Flint doesn't say a thing, I found out that all Swiss assembled Buicks have the H in their VIN.
Thank's for input Erik! Anyway, I'll check out the possibility of a Swiss made Riv. during the week-end. Honestly, I'll hope its a yank. Can you imagine telling your friends that your car is made in the shop between the Koo-Koo clock workshop and the Swiss cheese factory. :af: Good cruising to all, Per. :beer
OMG thats how I want my rivi to look like, hey can you send me bigger picture? What size and brand are those tires, I have the stock looking ones, yours look more muscle car type! Nice car!
Im pretty sure that the R monogram on the roof was a 1969 thing. My 68 does not have it I never found a build sheet on either of my Rivs. I dont think anyone else has found one on a 68 or 69 Riv for that matter. Aquamist is a 1970 only color. From your avatar, it looks like your Riv is code 53 Crystal Blue
This is a very, very old post Jason, (Aug. 2003 !) that was revived by 68Rivi_In_Cali for ? ? ? whatever reason. ou: I think he must have searched every '68 Riv post on v8 ? o No: Phil is correct on the 'R' sail panel emblems - '67,'68,'69 vinyl only, but I have seen them on non-vinyl cars too ! (Probably restos with the original vinyl removed, and the holes filled - like my keeper.) Strange your '68 doesn't have em - was it factory, or a dealer installed aftermarket top ? Maybe next time your poking around inside the rear 1/4 lamp sail panels check for two holes ! Your correct on those build sheets - all M.I.A., I've never found one. :TU:
I revived it by how you said searching and plus I needed to post 10 times before I could post links to pictures or videos on youtube. : )
Hey I remember you from TEAMBUICK. You know pretty much everything about rivi's. I saw your car, very nice, love the color. Can I ask you a question?
aaaah...I just noticed the date! You guys are right, my mistakeou: . They are in fact on my 68 as well. I had to review some pictures I had on my computer. Dammit! I really have to get that car out of storage. Im starting to forget what the damn thing looks like!:spank:
Hi all & happy and peaceful new year to you all. Long time. Anyway, Aqua mist, code K was a Riviera color in 68, (I just got it a little light). "R" sail panel emblems are also factory original. Good to see that we are getting new Rivieara entusiasts onboard. 68Rivi_In_Cali, as for your request, the car have the original optional "crome-plated wheels", code V2, and "custom bright exterior moldings - lower body side and front fender", code W5. Sorry to say, but the car is for sale. It is just toooo difficult to get something done right here if you do not speak Arabic:spank: . Had a very good time with it, time to go. Per
Hi Per - long time no hear ! (-till 68Rivi_In_Cali revived your very old post.) Happy 'n peaceful new year to you too - sorry to hear your gonna sell that magnificent Riviera, especially after all the work and time you have invested. I know you have probably thought very seriously on the matter before reaching your decision - someone will get a very nice car ! Take care Per ! :beer :beer :TU:
I remember you too, but I think you had a different name? It's impossible to know everything about Riviera - I'm still learning ! Ask all the questions you want, if I can't answer it, chances are someone else on V8BUICK will have an answer for you ! Just start a new post in the right section, and the replies will get posted. That way everybody can learn and benefit from the replies. :TU:
Sounds good Thanks! , I started one here's the link http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=145224&highlight=q-jet+trouble
