Just joined the forum and just purchased a 1968 Riviera project for my 13 year old son. I have been considering doing this for some time and the reasons are 3: 1. I want him to have to put in the time and effort on a project, so that he might appreciate what it takes to keep a car on the road. My hope is, that will keep him from treating his first car like a jackass. 2. I want to have 2+ years of quality father/son time that will provide a lifetime of good memories. 3. I'm hoping he will be more careful on the road, when he is driving "his baby". When I met my wife in 1995, I had a newer truck and I have never really worked on any of my vehicles. They are way too complicated and you need a $10,000 computer to tell you what's wrong with them (basic maintenance aside). When I brought this up to my wife, she was dead set against me doing this, despite what I considered to be sound reasoning (listed 1-3 above). She tried to talk my son out of being a part of this, by telling him I didn't know anything about working on cars! What she did not know, was the 10 years I was driving before we met, I had a 76' Cutlass, a 66' Bronco and a couple of cars in the late 70s vintage. I had been forced to do the work on those vehicles if I wanted to keep driving, so I learned how. Anyway, she and I have been going round and round about this for the past 6 months. Well......last week I brought home this 1968 Riviera project, without her permission. I figured, why bother telling her? I had not been able to get her permission for 6 months now. She was pissed and I had to hear about it for a good 30 minutes before I finally told her to STFU and deal with it, it already happened! I even went further and told her that if she really wanted to connect with her son a little better, she should roll up her sleeves and help! Needless to say, I don't think that's going to happen. So I have a complete car that is really in good shape. Nothing on the body is rusted through. The motor is the original 430 V-8 and has been rebuilt 6 years ago and all of the fluids in it are full and clean. It's been sitting for 6 years, so I will have plenty of work to do but It should be fun. I joined this forum because I have found these types of websites to be good sources of information in some of my other interests. The old lady is still a little sour but who cares? I would sure appreciate any and all help/tips that you fine folks care to provide. When I get pics, I'll share them. Thanks.
With a story like that I am sure you will fit in great around here. My mom hated it when I got my Buick. She quickly got over it though.:grin: How happy is the boy?
Welcome I'm sure she will come around and ask for a ride when it it done. You have allot of work ahead of you. Lots of late nights a few beers knuckle busters and parts searching for parts. Things that will keep you and your son busy. In the end it will all be worth every penny minute scrape bruise and blood sweat and tears. Good luck. Hector
Some women get it .. some ignore it .. some hate it. Luckily, I hade 5 Buicks plus a daily driver when I started dating my wife so she knew what she was getting from day1. For the most part, she's of the "ignore it" variety What were her reasons to be so against it ? ... some women see it as "time away from them" o No: Hope you bought a comfortable couch before buying the Buick ou:
Everyone is being nice to you because they known a couple months later you will have to sell it because you're getting a divorce and they want to buy it from you. Kidding. Most everyone is great on here and some of the guys seem to have endless knowledge of Buicks. Is Buick your car of choice or was it something inexpensive and cool you found for the son? Just a forum tip when posting make sure you read the rules before posting. Newbies can easily get chewed out. Follow the rules and you're good to go. Good luck with the car. Good to hear its complete. Parts for any of these cars are tough to find.
good luck with your father and son project. I never had that privilege. I was not able to afford a project until my son graduated with his phd in 1999, then he was gone off to work. however, my did get work with my dad and brother on my gs the winter of 2001-2002 whe we undertook the winter restoration. it was a lot of fun. my wife actually encouraged me to by my GS. she only got pissed off when I started to buy parts. now 13 years later and lots of $$$ spent, she has mellowed.
My dad taught me early on that often times its easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission! Luckily my better half is extremely supportive so I don't catch much flack (plus our first date I picked her up in my Buick so she has an emotional attachment to it as well). Anyway, welcome and enjoy your project with your son. Post up some pics when ya get a chance!
Have I missed some Newbie chewing out??.... since I am pretty sure I would not allow it.. We are a friendly bunch here. To the thread starter.. congrats on the purchase, and I agree with your reasoning. If the wife can't see it, just tell her to give it some space, see what happens. JW
Jim's right. You don't directly get chewed out. Jim bends over backwards like Gumby. You won't find a more level headed person. The moderators are great too. Most members are willing to help. The only newbie complaints really are that they don't read the rules and post in the wrong areas. Members may give you friendly flack and moderators are more than willing to point you in the right direction. If you ever have a problem go to a moderator before making it public. They're there to help and they know the rules and "how to" best.
welcome! Love them Rivs! I have a 69 Riviera GS, there are some hard to find parts for these cars but you have come to the right place, the folks here are good people, I have been here since day one.
My wife is fine with whatever toys I bring home as long as I don't balk when she wants a big ticket item. Happy wife....Happy life !!!
Welcome to the board. Looks like you now have 2 women in your life. The newest one may end up giving you more grief in the long run, however that is easier dealt with than what your wife can dish out. If Mine really knew how much I've really spent on my car she would have a lot more shoes. As mentioned above I too dated my wife in a 68 Riv.
The boy is VERY happy. He's a great kid and very responsible for his age. That's part of this. It's part reward for him being such a great kid. I know knuckleheads. I used to be a knucklehead. He's a good kid. ---------- Post added at 08:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 AM ---------- I recall the busted knuckles from the days when I used to repair my own cars. Thanks
I applaud your effort to bond with your son & also teach him some basic car knowledge. That's what my dad did,let me buy a car with the stern warning that me,myself & I were going to be the ones working on it....with his guidance,not financialy either. And so my Buick obsession began.And btw,i beat on my car even though I was the one fixing & paying for it,it just happens.:laugh: What is the wifes beef about a father son car project? Would she object to you coaching his baseball team? I don't get it.ou: And welcome to the board!!!:beer
Got 2 couches to choose from. ---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 AM ---------- I picked it up for $1000.00, so she can't even bitch about that. A complete car, with nothing rusted through, mild surface rust on the frame and underbody. The dash has 1 small crack in it on the far right side by the window glass. The motor was rebuilt 6 years ago before it was parked and all of the fluids are nice and clean. Still has antifreeze in it. The number match. The upholstery is shot but I already planned to hire that out. So far, I don't see the down side. I already own all of the tools to work on it. I had them before we were married and when my grandfather passed away, I got all of his. Those poor things have been sitting in my tool chest, completely neglected for over a decade. Thanks for the well wishes. ---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:10 AM ---------- I picked it up for $1000.00, so she can't even bitch about that. A complete car, with nothing rusted through, mild surface rust on the frame and underbody. The dash has 1 small crack in it on the far right side by the window glass. The motor was rebuilt 6 years ago before it was parked and all of the fluids are nice and clean. Still has antifreeze in it. The number match. The upholstery is shot but I already planned to hire that out. So far, I don't see the down side. I already own all of the tools to work on it. I had them before we were married and when my grandfather passed away, I got all of his. Those poor things have been sitting in my tool chest, completely neglected for over a decade. Thanks for the well wishes. ---------- Post added at 09:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:10 AM ---------- Can you name a few of the harder parts to find? Thanks. ---------- Post added at 09:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 AM ---------- I don't get it either. She probably thinks it's going to cost too much money. When it comes to a teenager, what doesn't cost too much money? And your dad and my dad sound a lot alike.
Welcome to v8buick, and the wonderful world of Buick Riviera !! I've had a lifelong relationship with Buicks, and my second wife realized from the very beginning that the Buick was my first luv !! I currently have a '68 Riviera too, and now she would divorce me if I ever let it go. Good luck on your father-son project, hopefully your spouse will eventually appreciate what your attempting to accomplish. I hope your son appreciates your effort also - just remember, sometimes it doesn't always turn out the way you thought it would. There are a lot of knowledgeable members here on this forum to answer any questions, or problems you may encounter. . . . enjoy !! :TU:
Since this is going to be a long relationship between "us" and you .. I suggest you list where you are from in your profile details and at least a first name ... I saw this while surfing this morning http://buffalo.craigslist.org/pts/4224189012.html hard parts for the 68/69 rivi ? I'm not an owner but know several and the short list would be - the 9 3/8" rear end under it is rather unique and parts are hard to come by - the vacuum operated headlites - the 5 cv joints that make up the torque tube (drive shaft) - in-tank fuel pump with oil pressure switch - front disc brakes You're in really good hands here though as several very active members own 68/69 Rivi's
Welcome welcome welcome My dad got me my first buick when I was 13. Way worse then what you have to work with. Crushed qrts, no dog house, wasted sun burnt interior. When it was done, caught my wifes attention in 94 while in school and still have both. All my brothers...bout 13 got their GSs too. With the exception of Riv was about the same time. My oldest now wants to help bring back the beast. But we need to look for his own in 2 years.
Yea, You think she is mad now, wait till parts start showing up in the mail. You might want them delivered to your work or a friends house. I guess women get mad because they think about the money thats going to go in an old car ?
