Here are a few more pics of my Riviera. It has been in my life forever. My Dad bought it new and he had it until he passed in 2008. I will have more pics soon. I did have a question. I have not seen another Riviera with 2 sets of side molding like mine. Was that an option or is everyone just taking theirs off and leaving the top molding? Thanks. Don't let the plate fool ya. Cali plates went on about 3 weeks ago
I was about to say that about the bottom piece. The top trim is a dealer option. I've seen it on quite a few 72's ( I think it was factory in 72) and a handful of 71's. First time I've seen a half top on a 71 though.
The 71s had no side body molding from the factory but it could have been ordered dealer installed.....but only the single piece following the sweeping body crease. Dealer installed molding was attached with drilled holes and screws. In 72 all Rivs came standard with side molding following the sweeping crease and this was installed via flat top studs that were welded to the body. Yours will have been attached with drilled holes and screws. All vinyl tops in 71 were full roof covering. Part way through 72 model year they did start offering a short vinyl top but it ran from the front and stopped at the quarter window to door window joint. Yours is kind of the opposite so someone was adding their personal touch to it both on the top and extra side molding. Of course the rear quarter mounted antenna was added as another personal touch. 71s came with the antenna embedded in the windshield. Good Luck with your car. Those boatails are super road cruisers. I had a 71 and it was amazing how well it handled for as big as it was.
Pops had a cb radio installed, I believe that added antenna was for that. I like the single molding that I see on some but I do like it without as well. When I decide to get her repainted I will have to decide. With or without moldingo No: and to get rid of the antenna.
Nice '71 Riviera Ray, with a lifetime family history ! You might consider checking out the Riviera Owners Association (ROA) at www.rivowners.org for more info on your boat tail. Definetly a 'keeper' !! :beer :TU:
71's came from the factory with no side molding - vinyl stick on was available for any Buick check the accessory booklet in the boattail registry library. Most of the time it was put on like the top one of yours - have seen a couple of others with just the between the wheel wells like the bottom one - but going forward of first Ive seen with both - but it was just added accessory until 72 when screwed/clipped on like your top one became standard - this was not shown in some advertising seems at first it was going an option then became standard equipment for 72 there was a no cost delete side molding - option B81 Y1 which was cancelled after 24 72's received it or should I say didn't. check the master options list http://boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/library/owner%20info_manuals/option%20windows%20stickers/index.html along the same lines was the option v31 n5 front bumper guards - originally a $30 option that many paid for, became standard no charge after maybe three Rivs were ordered without in 72. You need original window sticker /build sheets to track these oddities.
The info on the Vinyl top as JZEIV stated - that landau style wasn't available until 73 when you get them both ways, but no full after first part 72. detais and dates in The master options lists http://boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/library/owner%20info_manuals/option%20windows%20stickers/index.html
CB was Dealer option - one of the manuals - cant remember if its in the body (i'd look there first) or chassis one - shows that antenna installation for the CB -
One of mine has it, the other does not. Factory holes and matching studs on molding. Need to find something after it gets outta paint for the occasional parking lot outing though.
Thanks for that info guys. I found some old 8mm film of me when I was a baby and my mom was chasing me around the Riv. It originally had a black top, but the car was the same color brown. Also my Dad put some new interior and headliner in so its not OG. Im going to post to see where I can find a dash. These cracks are ugly. I am attaching more pics. Can you guys help me decipher this body plate? What am I looking at? I also registered on the Boattail Riv site.
I can at least get you part of the way there, not near my manual: ST71= 1971 model year 49487= Riviera model # FL1= Flint Plant built car, 1971 TR686= vinyl saddle interior with notchback seat 68 F PNT= 68 is Deep Chestnut Bottom, F is vinyl top (not sure what color F is) 01D= Build Date, 01 is January, D is 4th week Well, that at least gets you part of the way there. Nice looking car! Have fun with it.
Ray, Before you decide to paint it try hitting that baby with wet sanding using 2000 grit sandpaper. Be very careful around the edges while doing this, you do not want to sand through the paint. You are just trying to remove a very small amount of impurities and paint. Then follow with buffer using a wool pad and a mild compound. Follow with a foam pad and swirl remover, then a good wax. If you have never used a buffer before, be very carefull!!!! It is easy to burn the paint or worse burn through the paint. Again be very carefull around the edges and around all your trim. You can easily tear something off it you catch the edge of the buffer. If you are uncomfortable doing this maybe ask around if someone in your area can do it. Bottom line, you will be amazed how that paint turns out. I swear that your neighbors will ask you if the car was repainted. :eek2: Good luck and nice Riv.
Ken has given you the decode, the vinyl top code F is for dark brown. you can see samples in 1971 Buick Dealership Binder - Exterior Color & Top Selector Insert in the library Dealership Pubs section http://boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/library/dealership%20pubs/dealership%20pubs.php Documentation Decoding and Vehicle Matching Guide in the Owners Info section will give you a further breakdown and decode your VIN and Protect o plate and match it all up to your Riv, you also find the Boattail Option Lists - Windows Stickers + Various Buick Order forms w/prices guide. 71 color & trim charts are at http://boattail-riviera-by-buick.co...oqYzAwZTU0M2Q3YWYzN2Q4YTZjNjhhM2ZhZTMwMjdlOGE Your Registry request has been processed you just need to verify your email by replying to the email I sent - another email with instructions for building your members page etc will come once you do. (check your spam folder if you dont see it) - as part of the members page process you'll get to build your own option list. - there' a place for your trim tag - and pictures too. rob _ AKA robs71redriv
Thanks guys. I do see those codes now. so is the trim code the meaning of the 2 moldings that I have running along side the car? And the top was a dark brown and not black. Its kind of hard to tell in these old videos. Thanks again!!:beer
Trim 686 is not the vinyl moldings - those where only put on 71 as dealer accessories not at the factory. see the accessorie booklet and options lists. as JZRiv said and I said before 71's came from the factory with no side molding - vinyl stick on was available for any Buick check the accessory booklet in the boattail registry library. Most of the time it was put on like the top one of yours - have seen a couple of others with just the between the wheel wells like the bottom one - but going forward of first Ive seen with both - but it was just added accessory until 72 when screwed/clipped on like your top one became standard - this was not shown in some advertising seems at first it was going an option then became standard equipment for 72 there was a no cost delete side molding - option B81 Y1 which was cancelled after 24 72's received it or should I say didn't. as Ken said trim TR 686 means the interior trim - is custom trim level vinyl with notch back seats in saddle color. theses are on the forms and charts in color and trim section also on the order forms ,the charts color coordinated interior items on the back of the order forms which will show you the colors of interior parts some parts are saddle other are dark saddle. in the vinyl top sample you can see how dark the dark brown vinyl top is - it was very very close to black. Have to hold it to bright light to tell its even brown.
