This '70 GS Riv on Ebay has a radiator cover/top plate the likes of which I have never seen before. It has ribs stamped into it. Is this because it is a non A/C car? Ebay Link
A/C cars had a separate fan shroud to help with air flow and to also keep fingers away from the fan. With out a/c, buick needed to extend the radiator cover over the 455 powered nail clipper for safety:idea2:
:laugh: I guess I never have seen under the hood of a non A/C Riviera before. I always find it odd that anyone in the market for what was then considered an upscale car would not opt for air. :idea2: There is an interesting thread on the AACA board about oddly equipped luxury cars by a guy named Schaffer. (sp) I think he is on this board occasionally too. I can't find the thread at the moment to link but, it is good reading.
Speaking for '68s Dale, about 85%+ had the AC option, which makes non AC cars somewhat rarer. My imported car was sold in Montreal, and did not have AC. I did a lot of searching to find a good non AC glovebox, and a non AC heater control faceplate, which are also different than the AC version. Just some of the little things you discover when your into a particular model year ! :TU:
One of the longest threads on the AACA board. Really like it due to the fact that lots of facts are backed up with photos and it's mainly about early 7-ties GM full sizers http://forums.aaca.org/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/37556#Post37556
I seem to recall that A/C was over $400 back then-so a big percentage of the purchase price. I have a '66 225 that has many options but no A/C or power windows. It' a Swanberg-Scheife Mpls car that lived up on de range-
In '68, I5 - Auto AC was $499.94, I6 - Manual AC was $421.28, R1 -Power Windows added another $105.25 to the $4589 MSRP. :TU:
It probably comes down to many of these cars being bought by people that were depression era kids like my parents were. Nothing goes to waste, and you don't buy frivolous things. :dollar: "Who needs A/C or power windows when my arm works just fine for rolling the windows down on a hot day!" :laugh:
Randy! Where did you get that info?!?!? can you tell me what other options cost? Can you tell me the base price and option cost on a 69 Riv? Power driver's seat power antenna am radio remote trunk release upgraded interior GS package posi rear (sold separately) handling package (sold separately) What was standard? Power - steering and brakes. Right? How about tilt wheel? Dang! In 1969 my Riv listed for over 6 grand!? WOW!!! That was a LOT of scratch for a car back then!
My 68 Riviera GS was a non AC car, as is my 70 Wildcat. As they say, rare does not always equal desirable! Riviera: Wildcat: Both have unusual radiator covers.
In 67-69 and maybe 70, tilt wheel is standard and power steering and brakes (drums all around) are too...
Yards - I got that info from a '68 Dealer Features Manual, that I picked up on evilBay. I don't have any info on '69 models, but it would be available in a '69 Dealer Features Manual ! If someone here has a copy, maybe they could give you the exact info. ST400 tranny,PS,PB, dual exhaust, tilt wheel, trunk light, courtesy lights, electric clock, deluxe wheel covers, and custom padded cushions were standard features on a '68 Riviera. I would think the same accessories, or features were also available on '69s. :TU: For '68 the options you asked for: Riviera MSRP - $4589 Power Seat - Q4 (6 way, bench only) $94.73, Q5 4 way - $69.47 Electric Antenna - D2, $113.98 (includes AM Sonomatic Radio) Remote trunk release - T1, $13.69 Upgraded Interior - Custom Trim, $168.40 GS pkg - A9 option, $131.57 Posi - G1, $47.37 (included in A9 option) Ride and Handling pkg - H2, $3.79 (included in A9 option)
