Survivor or Restored?
 

To All:

As previously mentioned, I have a stock 1965 Buick Riviera in pretty decent shape. For a unmodified 43 year old car, it's really in nice shape.

It needs a chrome piece and a small amount of body work that my Grandfather inadvertently messed up putting it in the garage.

Other than that it has 43 years of door dings. Interior is perfect and car runs like a bat out of Hades.

With a small amount of body work and some touch up paint, I think it would be a pretty nice survivor car.

That being said, is a good Survivor, better/more valuable/etc. than a restored, "frame on", or, "frame off", car?

What can be done to a car before it ceases to be a survivor and becomes a restored car?

The car is Black on Black.

I have ALL Documentation on the car. (I think, if I don't I'd be shocked as he always kept that sort of thing.)

Thoughts, Opinions, Data?

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

BTW: While going through all the Riviera Stuff, at my Mother's house, I found I do have a 2X4 intake, carbs, and air cleaner housing to go with it. My Grandfather evidently picked one up at some time. I'm sure he hadn't messed with it in at least 30 years, as I would have remembered it at the age of 15. I don't think it came on the car from the factory, (I don't remember it being listed on the original invoice. I will check again though) but was bought with or sometime near the purchase time of the car. I know when he got the car he told me he had the dealer put in a upgraded cam. From what I can tell it was bought between 1965 and probably 1970?

It does look like it has been on the car at some time. (used) Maybe he took it off during the, "Energy Crises", of the early 70's?

As I mentioned in an earlier post I do know he liked, "Lively", cars, and when asked about why he didn't get the GS model when they bought the car, he said he and my Grand Mother weren't crazy about the, "Gran Sport", I.D. markers, said they cheapened the look of the car.

Anyway, go figure I was a Tot at the time when they bought it (Three years old), so that is the best I can remember. A while back I was looking for a 2X4 set up, I'm glad I didn't fork out all the money for one now. The duel snorkel looks pretty cool.

Wow, that sounds like a very cool car, Ty.

I'd post your question over at V8Buick.com to see what they have to say. I'd keep it a survivor, seeing that it's totally complete and has a cool history. Not that it's worth anything more, just because it's cool.

Can we see some pics to see what kind of shape it's in?

Wow. I am in the exact same situation....except my Riviera is a '64. :cool: Mine used to belong to my Great Aunt and my Dad bought it several years after she couldn't drive anymore. When he died, my Mom gave me the car.

It is in my garage with 31k miles on it ( I believe original ?). There is some rust, some dings, and indications of some previous touchup that doesn't match real well.

I'm torn between the factory original resto, or like a '65 spotted at the Hard Rock show after SEMA.....LS1 / 4l60e combo. :unibrow:


Hmmmmmm.......I'll be listening to this thread. ;)

Pictures of my 1964 Riviera

Randy

I love the 65 Rivy's...... sounds like you just need to get your stuff cleaned out and let me come pick it up :)

I would not restore it. you can always do it later but once it restored it is always a restored car.

My Dad had a 63 Riviera, Black, SILVER leather interior, every option (including butt scratcher) and Dual Quads. Believe it or not, I came across the very car 20 years later in a junk yard.

And , yes, its the same Riviera from the crash story.

That was a way cool car.

Oh and keep it original.:thumbsup:

Keep it origional....

you can always restore something BUT, its only original once. that includes paint too.

======================
Sure

I'll go to where it is stored and snap a few. I'll try to get as good of lighting as possible.

I have a large trailer in the way of the door and I have to have help to move it. This said however, I contacted a friend of mine to give me a hand this weekend. I'll see how it goes.

BTW: Thanks to everyone for participating, this is a really great site thanks to you.

Ty