First off, who here has a 73 Riviera? I know they are a one-year only front and rear bumpers as well as a few other oddities (similar to the 71-72 but less dramatic in my opinion). How potent is the 455 found in this year's Riv? How does the car compare to a 350 skylark (68-72) as far as performance, ride and drive? How much does a 73 Riv weigh? Are there interior pieces available for the 73, specifically carpet, seat covers, and arm rests? Is there an alternative to the huge front bumper? Can a 71 or 72 front bumper be fitted and has anyone ever done this? I know the front nose does not slope as much as the other years (or am I mistaken) so this is probably a problem? That should be enough questions for now I have had mostly skylarks in the past, and I am still undecided as to whether to go Riv or not. I like the look, but still undecided due to these unknowns. If anyone can enlighten me, please do so. Thanks, -Chris
Hello Chris, The 1973 Riv is a car with great torque and a slightly better oiling system, can't compare it with a 350 engine. Parts like carpets and seat covers are available, or you can have them custom made. The grille is under a different angle, that's right, and a 71/72 bumper will look out of place. My Riv first had the full bumper, with the shock absorbers removed, so it was sitting close to the front end without all that Tupperware in between. <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Avatars/Scannen0016.jpg"> After a few years I decided I wanted a split bumper look, so I cut up an old bumper, welded the ends shut and had them re-chromed. It has a GRRRRRR!! factor now, that makes Euroboxes and Riceburner getting the *@## out off my way when I come down the motorway :laugh: <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Avatars/Monchengladbach2003.jpg"> Factory weight was 4486 lbs. Mine is much heavier now, since I added a 120 litre LPG tank. But our litre price is higher as the price for a US gallon (3.785 litre) So it pays off the drive a car on LPG. I don't really like the 71 and 72 rear end styling, the license plate is in the wrong spot, that big bulge in the middle isn't really my favorite and hey, 8 tail lights sure look better :TU: But that's just personal, and that's why I bought a 73. Here's a German 73, the owner used a bumper from an old Opel and added a bottom spoiler/airdam. <img src="http://www.chevythierry.com/images/2003/4TH_BUICK_MEETING_IN_DUITSLAND/images/4thBuickNationalsGermany79.jpg">
Wise choice! Hi Chris, The '73 Riviera would make you a super vehicle if you give it a chance! The weight is just over 5,000 lb. Provided both the '68-'72 Skylark 350 {315 hp excluded} and the '73 Riviera are in good tune and have the normal air/ps/pb, I would say they would run about even in the quarter mile with a low to mid 16 second ET. Regarding the bumper, it is a matter of personal preference. When the impact bumper made its debut in 1973, the Riviera, Century, and Apollo come off well, but I have always thought it ruined the Centurion/LeSabre/Electra appearance. If it bothers you that much, I would simply look for a '71 or '72 car. Don't pay more than 5k for a number 3 car because you can easily get one for that. One of my cars was a '74 Riviera which was basically a '73 without the tail. It was a nice running, smooth riding car with a degree of quality built in no Skylark can match. The saying of, "You get what you pay for" was true with Buick Motor Division. The ROA is a must if you become a Riv lover: http://www.rivowners.org/features/evolution/evpt73.html I hope this helps! PS: They get awful gas mileage and that is one place the 350" Skylark is going to rule! Did you know '73 Rivs can fly?
Erik and Brian, Thanks for the replies! Where do you get seat covers for these cars? Or, what does it cost to have custom seat covers done? Eric, I like the 73 a lot better with the rubber removed from the front bumper, how do you do that exactly? I am just about sold on this car, it doesn't hurt that I found a pretty good deal... nearly rust free, runs and drives with working A/C for under a grand:Brow: but the interior does need some work :eek2: Anyway, I have not seen the car in person, but I do trust the guy selling it enough to buy it sight unseen. Thanks again, Chris
Chris, This is how you can do it: <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BumperConversion1973Riviera.jpg"> Remove the energy absorber unit (RED) Flex off the part of the BLUE plate that's still white in the image. Create a plate that has the same size as the GREEN field of the bracket asm. and drill slotted holes in that plate (to be able to adjust the bumper) Take a piece of square tubing and cut it to the size you think looks best for the distance between the bumper and the body. Weld the plate you made to one end of the square tubing Weld the BLUE plate to the other end of this tubing. Oh, and get yourself a GM jack that was used for cars produced after the 1979 modelyear. I don't advise jacking up a Boattail by the bumpers as you do with the original jack. The holes for the newer type jack are already in the chassis of the car. I'm not sure where to get seat covers, but my friend Thomas ordered a set from the States last summer, I'll ask him for the address. I don't know about prices for a custom made interior in the USA, but maybe there's an upholstery shop in your hometown? Just go there and ask for prices. I hope this was of any help Chris :TU:
Eric, that is very helpful, thanks :TU: Any idea how much weight that takes off the front? Brian, What is that shot of the 73 Riv "flying" from? Thanks, Chris
I thought the 73 would look great if there was a way to remove the lower half of the front bumper, so that it was thin like the 71-72 Rivs. Then move the thin bumper in closer to the body. I think Legendary Auto Interiors is reproducing the 73-74 interiors. There's a 73 Riv on ebay now with a Stage 1 emblem in the grille: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6142&item=2454742294
Smartin, I thought it was in red rock west. "if i didn't have my brakes just done, id be pickin yer brains out of my radeeateer."
I was thinking Red Rock West too But on the other hand: Been to busy looking at Daisy Duke in Thunderbolt & Lightfoot to remember that Riv :laugh: The T&L Riviera was a lighter coloured car, it's RRW for sure :TU:
Pretty sure its RRW. fun movie. I had an odd dream after watching that film. Me and Dennis Hopper were driving, (very very fast) in a huge 73 riv . I was in captain Kirks chair, yelling for Dennis to past the bottle of whiskey. He was a nutt case screaming "whoo yeah!!!! lets go man" dancing around and splashing whiskey everywhere.
i need scientific data, test and retest. do not trust your senses they lie. it could be images of nick cage photoshoped in. maybee the websight is lying to us... or, i could have be typing while you posted the link.
Okay Ken, I'll pick you up tonight in that same Riviera, make sure you're wearing your Starfleet uniform. Scotty provided us with good ol' whisky, hope this will be enough proof to you :laugh:
Cool. when was younger, 8 or 9 years old, (ok, i was really18). My moms parents visited from england, my grandma made me a startrek shirt, i was an admiral. My grandfather, a navy guy, built me a submarine (non functional)out of wood and plastic, it had a periscope too.
