Survivor or Restored? - Lateral-g Forums

tyoneal · #1 01-29-2008, 01:36 AM

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.

**V8TV** · #2 01-29-2008, 08:47 AM

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.

MaxHarvard · #3 01-29-2008, 09:09 AM

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

HAULNSS · #4 01-30-2008, 07:41 AM

Wow. I am in the exact same situation....except my Riviera is a '64.

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.

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

Pictures of my 1964 Riviera

Randy

Tony@AirRideTech · #5 01-30-2008, 10:44 AM

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

JamesJ · #6 01-30-2008, 02:37 PM

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

tyoneal · #7 01-31-2008, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxHarvard

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

======================
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

tyoneal · #8 05-10-2008, 08:28 PM

UPDATE:

I got the car out of storage, cleaned out the gas tank, put a new Battery in it and rebuilt the carb, and it runs REALLY well.

Sorry I have not posted any pictures yet, but I do know that there are quite a few chips, however almost no body work to speak of.

I have heard that someone who specializes in laquer paint can touch them up and sand them in, however there are quite a few and I'm not sure repainting it isn't the easiest way to go, unless it would hurt the value considerably.

There is though NO rust that I have been able to find anywhere.

I did find and buy a 3.23 posi for it as soon as I nailed it from a stop light. After about 5 car lengths of smoke off the right tire, I figured this would be a prudent move to make.

FYI: Original posi units with gears for 65 Riviera's are scarce and expensive when you can find one.

Anyway, I look forward to your comments and if I can arrange to get some pictures, I'll post them asap.

I'm still looking for the title, so I can't legally drive it yet.

Thanks,

Ty

**Spiffav8** · #9 05-10-2008, 10:06 PM

Takidd455 said it best..............its only original once. I say clean it up best you can and sit on it.

monza · #10 05-10-2008, 10:50 PM

Ya for sure sit on it. You could always pick up a beater Riv to PT if you have the itch, and that would be really cool project.
I'm sure rolling in that car right now as is super pimp!! Sounds nice.

From what I've heard touch ups on old lacquer is really hard to get right, I think a repaint in lacquer done right would be better for the value. Original paint all chipped up I believe has less value then a 'refreshed' done right paint job.(tons of variables thou) I'm sure the paint gurus will step up here and let you know. Value only matters right now if you plan on selling it, sounds like you want to keep it? So just leave it enjoy the ride.