christfr
Well-known member
boy did I get a wild hair and bought this then of course I find out it need more work than I ever expected but its mine and time to grin and bare it and get her fixed up.. so who has or has had one of these? its and 84 riv
not sure if i have finally lost it or not
- Thread starter christfr
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christfr
Well-known member
its super solid great shape cleans up like a new penny purrs like a kitten just sat for a long time and the last owner who is 80 didn't maintain it so I know the cv shafts are shot and the entire brake system is bad, but besides the reg tune up and fluid stuff I think for now that's it.. ugg
christfr
Well-known member
so for now I'm lookin for tips and advice on the Riviera that will help me to learn and learn and learn
norgeway
Well-known member
Although Im NOT
A GM person, these were one of my favorite cars in the 80s, I knew several people who had them and I thought they were very classy looking.
A GM person, these were one of my favorite cars in the 80s, I knew several people who had them and I thought they were very classy looking.
Good luck and enjoy it in good health!
Nice ride!
Congratulations! A cousin of my father had one in dark blue. Quite an eye catcher!
christfr
Well-known member
the car has 25500 miles on it and was from the state of az so no rust just age and never maintained. I can do many things but others are out of my hands. will take it into work with me on tue and let them have at it. at this point I know the cv shafts are shot no boots and the joints are dry and since the brake fluid was never changed its thick and black as tar and that destroys all the hydraulics in the system. at this point you can feel it hard petal to the floor and cant pump it back up. the cleaning and fluids and tune up stuff are easy. till its safe to drive I don't want to play
vacerator
Well-known member
Chris,
it's in excellent condition. Aside from possible dried up seals, and a brake overhaul, it looks like new. Beautiful car! A classic already.
It has the Olds 307 V8 yes? Do the CV joints click when driving? If not, they are ok, and you only need to replace the boots, and re grease, but if you go to the trouble, you may want to go all the way.
The transmission is the THM 425 with overdrive yes? Not terribly complex. It's pre electronic. It's basically a THM 200 R4 turned sideways and connected with a wide multi row and link chain to the torque convertor, and then a final drive differential bolted to it. With such low mileage, I'm sure the chain hasn't stretched yet.
If there are any minor leaks, I'd try some seal conditioning fluids before investing in a complete tear down.
it's in excellent condition. Aside from possible dried up seals, and a brake overhaul, it looks like new. Beautiful car! A classic already.
It has the Olds 307 V8 yes? Do the CV joints click when driving? If not, they are ok, and you only need to replace the boots, and re grease, but if you go to the trouble, you may want to go all the way.
The transmission is the THM 425 with overdrive yes? Not terribly complex. It's pre electronic. It's basically a THM 200 R4 turned sideways and connected with a wide multi row and link chain to the torque convertor, and then a final drive differential bolted to it. With such low mileage, I'm sure the chain hasn't stretched yet.
If there are any minor leaks, I'd try some seal conditioning fluids before investing in a complete tear down.
michaelman2
Well-known member
Chris,
That body style is so cool. I used to love these cars. I would like to have a vintage car like this however, I could never attempt the mechanical work needed to bring one back to safe driving condition. (hell, I could not bring it back to any condition). I have no mechanical ability.
Anyway, it really is a nice find...please post photos as you work on the vehicle.
Mike
That body style is so cool. I used to love these cars. I would like to have a vintage car like this however, I could never attempt the mechanical work needed to bring one back to safe driving condition. (hell, I could not bring it back to any condition). I have no mechanical ability.
Anyway, it really is a nice find...please post photos as you work on the vehicle.
Mike
gyrafoam
Well-known member
Whenever I buy a vintage car I always flush out the gas tank, radiator and cooling system, brake lines and power steering pump and lines. Replace hoses and belts. Flush tranny and replace screen. Also run some Marvel Mystery Oil through the system and change it out for fresh after the first hundred miles. From there on out keep a jug of MMO in the trunk and add it to your fuel as well as the oil. This will help you out with seals, clean things internally and save a lot of maintenance issues later.
One of your best sources of information is going to be the Hemming's Motor News. You will find all kinds of goods,services, and vendors for old Buicks there.
One of your best sources of information is going to be the Hemming's Motor News. You will find all kinds of goods,services, and vendors for old Buicks there.
twintubdexter
Well-known member
If it gives you happy feet when you look at it then it was worth every penny. Vintage Buicks often do that. Enjoy!
You'll need a new car coat and hat.
christfr
Well-known member
well the shafts are dry and noisy so they are history so I'm ready for that and the brake system oh well. just has to be done. have all the parts for the reg stuff and fluids ect. its an old car so it needs what it needs. once the techs at work get there hands on it they can give it the once over its hard to see everything with out putting it up on the rack. and well go from there. once its all done I think it will be a fun car.
philcoford
Well-known member
Nice E Body there
I had an 81 Toronado and loved the ride, could not really feel the fwd which I liked. Flush out all fluids as soon as you can, and it should be good. They are super easy to steal I found out, they pop the door, hit the top of the steering column with something to break the plastic and then they use a flat blade screwdriver to start and go. Mine was stolen that way, so get a good anti theft system if you have to park it out of sight. I got mine back and had to fix all the damage they did but sold it for a Supra a year later. Wish I had the ability to have kept it, great trip car if you could afford the gas. Still remember the "car is leveling" light whenever anyone got in.
I still have the factory manuals so if you have any mechanical questions let me know.
Scott
I had an 81 Toronado and loved the ride, could not really feel the fwd which I liked. Flush out all fluids as soon as you can, and it should be good. They are super easy to steal I found out, they pop the door, hit the top of the steering column with something to break the plastic and then they use a flat blade screwdriver to start and go. Mine was stolen that way, so get a good anti theft system if you have to park it out of sight. I got mine back and had to fix all the damage they did but sold it for a Supra a year later. Wish I had the ability to have kept it, great trip car if you could afford the gas. Still remember the "car is leveling" light whenever anyone got in.
I still have the factory manuals so if you have any mechanical questions let me know.
Scott
Dayum pimp daddy, you got nice wheels!
christfr
Well-known member
well will see how much work it really needs tomorrow oh boy I cant wait. have tinkered as much as I can for now.. I need the car to be safe to drive before I can have any fun
What a pretty Riv!
That was my favorite car back then, I had a friend who bought one new (85) white with black cherry interior and I thought I'd die if I didn't have one too. Lol. Being 18-19, college and working only part-time, it was never meant to be. ( I could afford a Dodge Omni tho) Still makes my heart flutter even now. Congrats, Chris, this is a really beautiful automobile. Keep us posted on the progress.
That was my favorite car back then, I had a friend who bought one new (85) white with black cherry interior and I thought I'd die if I didn't have one too. Lol. Being 18-19, college and working only part-time, it was never meant to be. ( I could afford a Dodge Omni tho) Still makes my heart flutter even now. Congrats, Chris, this is a really beautiful automobile. Keep us posted on the progress.
Thats a pretty good looking car 
I've always loved the look of these cars.
I like big old cars. I miss my 87 Chrysler New Yorker that I had.
I have an 84 Caddy Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance that I bought from my cousin for my dad to drive after he was laid off. That car was always the car we cruised around in. Now that dad has it, I steal it every once in a while, like this weekend, and go cruise around to waste about a half a tank of gas. It's been a while since my cousin drove it so he was pretty ecstatic when I let him drive.
I've always loved the look of these cars.
I like big old cars. I miss my 87 Chrysler New Yorker that I had.
I have an 84 Caddy Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance that I bought from my cousin for my dad to drive after he was laid off. That car was always the car we cruised around in. Now that dad has it, I steal it every once in a while, like this weekend, and go cruise around to waste about a half a tank of gas. It's been a while since my cousin drove it so he was pretty ecstatic when I let him drive.
If'n when I have to give up the bike I want to see a 71-73 boat tail Riviera sitting in the driveway. I love that cars style.
vacerator
Well-known member
Heck Yaeh Pete!
Buick 455 and about 4,000 pounds, and the brakes are even good. Handling not bad for a land yaght either.
I knew a humble southern gentleman who used to sew the seats for those up at Fisher body in Flint. He lost his job there back in about 1982, and went to work for a church as a custodian. A few years later, the minister gave his job to his own nephew, at which point I hired him. He was very greatful to land a job with decent pay and benefits. Salt of the earth. Many others were not as lucky.
We all hung in there through 2007, by which time, again, a casualty of the decline in the local auto industry trickle down. He had to return to Flint to live with relatives.
To me, little folks matter in very big ways. All of us are cogs on a larger gear set. Belittle the little person, and you belittle your own integrity.
Buick 455 and about 4,000 pounds, and the brakes are even good. Handling not bad for a land yaght either.
I knew a humble southern gentleman who used to sew the seats for those up at Fisher body in Flint. He lost his job there back in about 1982, and went to work for a church as a custodian. A few years later, the minister gave his job to his own nephew, at which point I hired him. He was very greatful to land a job with decent pay and benefits. Salt of the earth. Many others were not as lucky.
We all hung in there through 2007, by which time, again, a casualty of the decline in the local auto industry trickle down. He had to return to Flint to live with relatives.
To me, little folks matter in very big ways. All of us are cogs on a larger gear set. Belittle the little person, and you belittle your own integrity.
christfr
Well-known member
well the work has begun as of today I just opened my check book and said here ya go.. I trust the guys at work so it will done right. the car is older than the guy workin on it ha ha but its all good. it seems the cap rotor wires and plugs and belts are the orig to the car wow was time for a tune up huh. hopefully they can start on the big stuff tomorrow. one thing I will say I was only able to drive it to the gas station about a min from the house and have had it parked since but I drove it to work this morning and was thinking its a good thing I'm on the road at 315 am that way ill be the only one on the road, anyway that car actually floats down the road .. kinda cool
vacerator
Well-known member
Buicks were
cloud mobiles. I can't say the new LaCrosse floats though. The last Park Avenue and LeSabre did though.
cloud mobiles. I can't say the new LaCrosse floats though. The last Park Avenue and LeSabre did though.
firedome
Well-known member
this one definitely floats...
daily summer driver, once we get her sorted, 403 Olds V8 and only 40k miles but sat for several years, we didn't have time last fall to rebuild the carb: '79 Electra:
daily summer driver, once we get her sorted, 403 Olds V8 and only 40k miles but sat for several years, we didn't have time last fall to rebuild the carb: '79 Electra:
christfr
Well-known member
love the 79 I had a 79 wagon about 8-9 years ago was fun for days
vacerator
Well-known member
My folks were
Buick lovers also. 1955 century, 1961 wagon, 1965 Sport wagon w/ glass roof, 1967 Electra, 1975 Century custom wagon, 1978 Electra Linmited. The '55, '65, and '75 were bought new. All were kept long term. I learned on the '75, and my brother bought the '78 and drove it until it rusted away.
After my dad retired, he owned a Dodge van, one Ford, and one Pontiac. He said they were all fairly the same by then.
A friend of mine who's dad owned a '65, '69, and a '73 Cadillac stepped down to a Buick in 1980. He said he couldn't see spending over $7,500 for a car.
Buick lovers also. 1955 century, 1961 wagon, 1965 Sport wagon w/ glass roof, 1967 Electra, 1975 Century custom wagon, 1978 Electra Linmited. The '55, '65, and '75 were bought new. All were kept long term. I learned on the '75, and my brother bought the '78 and drove it until it rusted away.
After my dad retired, he owned a Dodge van, one Ford, and one Pontiac. He said they were all fairly the same by then.
A friend of mine who's dad owned a '65, '69, and a '73 Cadillac stepped down to a Buick in 1980. He said he couldn't see spending over $7,500 for a car.
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