Gents, I found a 1965 Riviera project car within a hours drive from where I live in Mississippi. According to the owner, the vehicle runs and drives, and has just a couple of minor electrical issues. The floor pans need to be replaced. Drum to disc conversion has been done. I will be taking a look at it sometime this week. My main question is this: Does anyone know of any particular areas associated with this year and model that one needs to pay close attention during inspection? I already know to look at the rear low quarters, below the windows and trim, rocker panels, and all the weatherstripping area.

Thanks in advance for any input given,

Marc

 

A lot is going to depend on where the car spent it's days/years and how well it was maintained. They don't build them like that anymore.

 

I was able to inspect it. Solid with little rust. It is a total project, though. Minus the engine and transmission, it'd take me 2-3 years to get it where I want it to be. After some bargaining, we settled on $6000.

 

Nice , really great shape !

 

 

As of right now I'm sticking with the original. Although, a LS1/2 has crossed my mind.

 

Speaking of two carbs,
Did you know that Buick in 1941 had the straight 8 engine with 2 carbs as original equip ?

 

 

They were some vehicle, the antenna was in the center front of the roof, and and you could rotate it and set it down, The Special and Super had 3 vent holes in the front fenders while the Roadmaster had 4 holes.
I believe Buick came out with the Dynaflow Trans in 1950 or 51.
In 1953 the GM Hydramatic plant burned down and Cadillacs were built with Dynaflow transmissions. Gas was a lot cheaper those days . $0.19.0 cents per gal.
As far as the straight 8s , they were very reliable and held up pretty well, just took up a lot of room under the hood and that was probably why the noses of the vehicles were so long.