This Riviera was garaged in 1975 and didn’t see the light of day until 2018 when I purchased it from the second owners widow.I was hoping to be able to revive it without a major overhaul but it had sat for too long.So, for the past 18 months I have been bringing all the cars systems back on line:
*Engine: It is numbers matching and completely rebuilt to factory specs.It is a 401 nailhead .030 over.New pistons, bearings, rings, valves, oil pump, timing chain, etc.
*Driveline: Was in good shape, but I put in a transgo mild shift kit and of course changed the filter and fluid.It shifts perfect.I also replaced all the u-joints and center support bearing, plus changed the diff lube.
*HVAC: Recored radiator with 35% more cooling lines, water pump, drier, compressor (R134), condenser, lines, heater control diaphragms, all vacuum hoses replaced in and out of the car.
*Chassis: New fuel and brake lines/hoses.New wheel cylinders, shocks, tires, lighting converted to LED, alternator, 27F Battery, new stainless factory exhaust with resonators.
The list is endless, it is basically a new car with 300 miles on it and it runs great.
Factory Options:
*Power steering (new lines and rebuilt pump) and brakes (upgraded to dual M/C with rebuilt booster)
*Custom Interior with wood tilt wheel
*Cruise Control
*Power Seat
*Power windows, including the vent windows
*Power Antenna
*Power trunk Release
*Front / Rear Speaker fader
*Rear Defrost
*Air Conditioning
*Full Tinted Glass
*Remote Trunk Light (retractable)
*Vinyl top.Interesting, the ’65 Riviera only came with black vinyl tops.This one is brown to go with the Sahara Mist paint.It looks to be a period dealer installed vinyl top, and it’s in great shape.
This is a real honest car, it could use paint.I can tell it was painted long ago the original color.Some of the paint is peeling on the pass rear quarter (see pics), but what’s behind it is steel.Also, when it was in storage a service provider backed his truck into the rear panel and pushed it in.I replaced it with real desert steel and a new rear bumper.I also replaced the carpet, the floor was good except one 6”x12” spot behind the drivers seat.I replaced that by welding in a fitted piece of steel.It was over one of the body braces which was nice for support – no issues.No rust, just garage dings here and there. All the chrome is good.Front bumper has hairline swirls that may be polished out.Interior chrome is great as are the seats.Headliner has a little hole in the back (pic).
I have several cars, I like to work on them and I never do anything half way.I recently retired and am thinking of becoming a snowbird, so I’m looking to pare down the collection.This car is ready for the road as is or complete it with new paint and you have a real stunner.
There are more pics validating all the work I’ve done at
https://postimg.cc/gallery/1cp5gesn8/
Have the car listed locally was well, reserve the right to end auction un less the reserve is met.