Used 1971 Buick Riviera Used 455L Automatic Base Coupe

Seller Description

We purchased the car from pictures and telephone conversation in New Mexico as an original with one repaint and 38,000 miles. Drove it home to Florida (first picture) without issue after buying and installing new tires. Tires on car were 18 years old. Once we got it home I came to the conclusion that the car had an amateur restoration in the 90's and then must have been left outside for some of that time in the New Mexico heat. Following is what I found, what I have fixed, what remains to be fixed, and what parts I have and what's needed.
Body had poor restoration of drivers side rear footwell, ahead and behind drivers and passenger side rear wheel wells. Most of the damage is to the fender lip but did extend beyond. See pictures. I found someone that was selling a complete set (6) of new OPGI patch panels ($500 in their catalog). You won't need them all and they will go with the car. Purchased and butt welded the OPGI footwell and made a patch section for under the drivers side rear seat. This damage had been created by what appeared to be a mouse nest. After digging out a large amount of New Mexico dirt that had plug all the drain holes and caused the rust, I began cutting out the rust. Welded patch panel in the front of the rear wheel opening. Began working on the area behind rear wheel opening (worst area on the car). Fixed small area of trunk drop off and have fashioned an inner fender well lip but have not welded it in yet. See pictures. Passenger side rear fender area is in much better shape and will not require much to fix it. Drivers front fender should not require any rust repair. Passenger front fender will require a very small patch. All rockers panels, doors, trunk, hood, trunk floor, and front seat floors are near perfect. Roof is great. Trunk lip is great. All upper sheetmetal is straight and undamaged. Hood still has original black paint. Still had the original exhaust system when I purchased (gone now)and still has some of the GM vacuum hoses with the raised ridges. All power windows work but slowly. Removed the gas tank and inspected, it is perfect inside and has a new sending unit and hoses. R&R'd front and rear brakes and hoses.

R&R'd water pump, transmission, and power steering box/rag joint/hoses (leaked very bad from drying out). New bump stops and sway bar links. Motor starts easy and runs well. Appears to have a small rear main seal leak (don't they all). I have the following new parts; 4 shocks, decals, $5000 in re-chromed front and rear bumpers from Advanced Plating, misc. bezels, Riviera front and rear insignia's, 4 wheel center caps, carb rebuild kit, new upper and lower radiator hoses. A/C doesn't cool. Following is used but excellent condition; dash pad, steering wheel, fan shroud, radiator overflow, tilt lever, 4 extra interior panels, extra rear window pad. I know there is more but you get the idea.It will need a new windshield, most of the weather stripping, interior, paint, exhaust system, stainless bumped and polished, etc.I figure on another $9K to finish as a nice driver if you can do the work. All of the crud underneath in the pictures is New Mexico dust/dirt and factory undercoating.
I currently have this, plus a 1951 Dodge Wayfarer project, and a finished 1936 Chevy street rod is my daily driver.I'm listing these 2 with the plan to sell one. Age is catching up, new hip, and no way do I have enough time to finish the 2 projects plus keep the other 1 happy. Message me with any questions or we can arrange a phone conversation.
I'm starting the bidding for what I have in the chrome, plus parts, etc.If your really interested, I can arrange a showing at my shop.
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