73 riviera questions
 

This is my first time posting on here.
I have a 73 riviera that is still completely stock with the exception of the radiator that the previous owner had replaced with an upgraded aluminum radiator.,

I am having a few issues with the car. The first one is that it has a tendency to overheat every once in a while. I think the fan clutch is starting to go bad. Would I be better to just replace the clutch and use the original fan, or would i be better off upgrading to an electric fan?

My other issue is that the carb doesn't want to choke, so it can be a pain to actually get the motor started when cold. I am considering upgrading the carb to an electric choke. What would be a good option for the carb and what issues could I come across with that upgrade?

If you can get the parts , It would be faster to stay as is. Might pay to replace the thermostat while in there

Please describe the carb that is on your engine. 2 barrel or 4 barrel. Should be a Rochester brand carb.
If the coike is not electrically heated , it has a choke coil under the black cover (held in place by 3 small screws) Most times you can remove the black plastic cover that has a coil of flat wire inside it. That coil has a hook on the loose end that is supposed to engage the lever that closes the choke.Sometimes they break off.
To install the cover correctly make sure the hook catches the arm inside the choke assy. Rotate it , in the direction that causes the choke to close. You may need to operate the throttle pedal linkage once or twice to allow the choke to close.. When setting the tension on the choke coil rotate it so the choke blade snaps shut . There are index marks on the cover that will line up with the mark on the choke assy casting.. Most times one or two marks are all that is needed. We don't know if the choke cover was backed off to mask a different problem.
There is a vacuum diaphram called a choke pull off also mounted on the carburetor. It's purpose is to pull the choke blade open just enough when started cold that the engine runs smoothly.. I should be able to guide you through the adjustments. This is where fine tuning comes in.
What do you think?

I replaced the thermostat last year after I had it overheat really bad. Also found out the guts of the thermostat had actually been removed at the time.

It is a 4 barrel carb. I would have to look a bit closer when I get home tomorrow, regarding what you were describing on the carb. I can get it to start after pulling the air cleaner cover and fiddling with the linkages in there. Is it normal to have to hold the gas pedal down for a few minutes after starting to keep the motor going? At this point if I don't the motor will go for a 30-45 second before sputtering out. When I do keep the throttle engaged for a few minutes, it will then sustain itself

When the carburetor is working correctly and adjusted correctly, to start a cold engine you should depress the throttle pedal once to allow the choke to set.
Proceed to start the engine without touching the throttle pedal and it should go up to fast idle speed approx1000 RPM and run smoothly. As the choke warms it opens automatically.Then if you tap the gas pedal once it should drop down off the fast idle cam to the correct idle speed in park/neutral.

When everything is adjusted and working correctly it is a pleasure to drive.
If necessary I should have all the specs for setting it up correctly.

Replacement glass available
 

I had a '73 Riviera and removed all of the glass except the windshield. I have the following glass if anyone is interested in making offers: Rear window shaped glass, rear 1/4 glass for both sides, driver and passenger door glass. All glass is clear and undamaged, just may need a little dusting off after being in storage for the past 20 yrs.