2nd hand barn find 63 Riviera

[87 Drop top]

My dad just picked up a 63 Riviera, from a guy that pulled it out of a barn 2 years ago where it sat since 1974. He pulled motor and trans, and ran out of ambition or money, or both. 60 K miles and is pretty straight, with a very good interior. Has a 401 nailhead that is out and in pieces, all parts labeled and accounted for. Motor going to machine shop in a few weeks, dyna flow trans going to another shop to get refreshed, body will be stripped n prepped for paint over the winter, should be a cool project! 3 generation build, my son is very fired about getting his hands dirty. Goal is to to be at Buick weekend in Norwalk in April next year.
Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[John Larkin]

Cool. That Dynaflow is a bastard transmission. I heard they had a switch-pitch converter. Just for ease of parts and cost, he might consider a newer Powerglide. Same two-speed setup and so easy to build and get parts. Might have to use a different driveshaft though.

I know all about defunct transmissions: I had a Grand Prix with a 4-speed Slim Jim automatic, stock reverse shift pattern (reverse was all the way back) and no torque converter, it had a "pressure-plate" called a dampner.

 

[Mike T]

I really like the layout of the interior.

 

[87 Drop top]

Thanks for the advice John, I guess in the last two years I'm really spending a lot of time reading and researching new things. First was the 3.8 turbo and 200r4, now a nailhead and dyna flow. Tons of great info out there, but I've found I understand and get more out of talking to people and reading about what they through. This forum has been awesome for that! Will definitely look into the power glide. Also one cool thing about the riviera is all summer long, I haven't seen one at a car show. Should be a pretty cool build.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[charlief1]

If you want an ST300 I've got one I'm not using and it has the BOP housing on it. It would be easier than doing the Dynoflow.

 

[87 Drop top]

Just got done reading about the st300 trans, didn't know what it was Lol.. looks like that is the dynaflows replacement from 64 to 67. From what I can tell it would almost be a direct fit, and it looks like it shares some of internals of a power glide. Charlie, I will definitely get back with you when dad and I get a chance to go over the options of what we are going do with the riviera, awesome info! From what I've read so far and what John said earlier, it would be wise to stay away from the original trans. I appreciate all the info and advice guys!

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[charlief1]

The ST300 is the BOP version of the powerglide and if you look around you can also find powerglides that had the BOP bell from the factory. We had one here with a BOPC bell on it but the idiot that owned it stuck it in a dirt car and sold it.

 

[John Larkin]

I do like the car!

 

[87 Drop top]

Quick update, didn't make it as far on the Riviera as we had hoped, but dad got a call from engine builder last week that the nailhead was done. New pistons .030 over, new bearings, stock cam, new electronics, assembled and ready to go. Loaded up car and took it there yesterday, and took it to builder to install and get running, both of us been pretty busy lately and they gave him a good price to install it. Dad wouldn't go with a different tranny, we'll see how that works out, he did get some of the surface rust cleaned off the fenders, hood, roof and in primer. Will post progress as its made. Dad is pretty excited to get it moving, 1974 plates still on car, lol

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[87 Drop top]

A couple pics from yesterday.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[blackazz]

That's a nice riviera. My uncle is selling 3 of them.as a kid we use to play on them.

 

[87 Drop top]

There are going to be a few parts we are looking for, I'll have to take an inventory of what we need yet, would he have any parts for sale or just selling the cars out right? Thanks, Joe.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[GNRick]

This might give you some inspiration.....

 

[BuickMike]

Cool project. I love the old Rivis. I wish I could have one. Nailheads are cool too. I have a '59 LeSabre with a 364 Nailhead that I need to rebuild. I'm still on the fence about my Dynaflow. In order to replace it, I will need a new third member and will have to build a cross member for the truck arms since my car has a torque tube. Dynaflows are interesting though. In my opinion they were an early attempt at a CVT concept. They stay in high gear unless you floor it or downshift have have a switch pitch converter to keep your RPM's in check.

 

[87 Drop top]

Been a while since an update, has been a super busy summer, not much time for playing with the toys. Sure you all know that goes! Dad got the call the motor was in and purring 2 weeks ago, and the shop that was doing the work also installed all new brakes and lines, new gas line, shocks, new rubber, true dual factory style exhaust, (sounds amazing!) and got it pretty much dialed in. The dyna flow tranny is surprisingly smooth and for sitting 40 years the electrical is all still functioning, other than brake lights that come and go a little. Dad is one happy guy, and although I haven't got to do much on it glad I was able to help when I could. Enough time left in the summer for break in and figure out any gremlins still there. Hoping this winter the body work and paint gets done and the engine bay cleaned and detailed, and the interior finished, however it still looks really good. Will keep pics coming as progress is made, sorry for long post! Lol

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[87 Drop top]

Pics from last week.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[MDavis]

This one was for sale 23k. I have number if anyone Is interested.
And it's a grand sport.