Wanting to decode my Riviera, hoping that it was a GS since the option was so cheap. Will my VIN reveal that, and if so - how do I find out where to decode it? Thanks, guys! VIN: 494878H927907
No, the GS option doesn't show in the VIN. 4 94 87 8 H 927907 4 = Buick 94 = Riviera 87 = 2 door hardtop coupe 8 = Model year 1968 H = Built in Flint, Michigan 927907 = Flint production number for model year 1968 Does your car have the GS emblems on the front wings and on the dashboard, heavy duty suspension, dual inlet air cleaner and posi-traction rear axle ?
Thank you for the info - I bought the Riv with all the markings off of the body, nothing on the interior, owner had replaced orig air cleaner with a chromie (I have since changed back). I am unsure of what makes up the HD suspension, can you clue me into that?
A Riviera GS had the A9 option, which included heavy duty suspension, or it could be added with any new car order. It was mainly beefier/stiffer springs 'n shocks for any '68 model. Jason check out the Riviera Owners Association (ROA) web site at www.rivowners.org - all Riviera info is available there, including GS info. Riviera or GS specific info has also been discussed previously here on v8buick - try the search feature ! :TU:
Well done, as usual Erik ! Only the '66 Riviera GS's had a GS emblem on the dash (glove box door trim), as well as the dual snorkel aircleaner. Dashboard emblems may have been intended for other years but it never happened - the dual snorkel air cleaner was a '66 only item, with dual Carter 4bbl carbs only on 198 cars, the rest had the new Rochester Q-jet 4 bbl carb. These items would not be applicable to Jason's '68 model. :TU:
There are no GS emblems for the interior on the 68. No way to tell HD vs standard suspension or if there is no one has figured it out yet. Check your rear axle to see if its a limited slip. If so then check the ratio. You may be able to see the code stamped on the driver side tube bottom 3-4 inches out from the diff housing. Should be PY which is for the 3.42. If you can't see the code, the most accurate way is to pull the diff cover and see what the teeth count is which will be stamped on the ring and the pinion gear both. Divide the smaller number (pinion count) into the larger number (ring count) and thats your ratio. For example 43 divided by 14 is a 3.07 ratio. If you have a 3.42 posi that does not 100% certify a GS. That option was available by itself on non GS cars but it wasn't very common. Look down inside the front fenders to see if you can see where the holes for the GS emblems used to be. They would be about an inch past the Riviera letters. As in Riviera GS. Not GS Riviera. Find evidence of that plus the correct axle and thats enough in my book to say it is a GS. Even if you don't have a GS don't be upset. In 68 the GS option didn't amount to much unfortunately.
The only way to verify your car as a true GS is by original documentation only. Records of GS specific VIN numbers were never compiled by Buick Motor Division. This would be the dealer 'new car' original order form, or the original dealer window sticker from Buick Motors, or the "elusive" build sheet which would specify the 'A9' GS option - or a facsimile of any of these items. :TU:
