NoShow

iTrader: (1)

I've spent the last few hours reading about build projects on Impalas thinking they were the same as my (new) 63 Riviera. Then I found photos of the steering rack and noticed they all have front-of-K member setups. Mine is behind the K and my stock 401 nailhead boat anchor has a specially designed oil pan to clear the drag link. This is all in addition to having the 2-pc driveshaft and panhard type rear.

I don't know guys.. Maybe I shoulda just bought an A-body

Any ideas or links to '63-65 Riviera build threads? Thanks!

NoShow

iTrader: (1)

Holy cow. I just found this:
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicl...buick_riviera/

Ummm, I don't think this car is getting an LS engine. Now to find a nice G-body..

gsjimmy

I have a g-body that is decent. 1982 Regal Sport Coupe (Turbo car) with a brand new interior. Black paint (needs buffing & a bit of spot work) updated to 1987 GN trim, spoilers (has compete blackout trim package). Good body with minimual rust (as in barely any at all). Doors are awesome & clean on the underside. Trunk has a full GN carpet kit & has no rust, spare & jack are present & also in good shape.

I currently have a 455 & TH400 in it. Pulling them this weekend.

Rearend is a 7.5" with 4.10 gears, open carrier.

Wheels - Buick 14x6 Roadwheels w/bodyshop quality tires.

Brakes - Disc/drum, rebuilt, new calipers & pads, aluminum drums in rear

Brand new aluminum radiator & twin electric fans

B&M Shifter

Comes with an extra TH700R4, was rebuilt at some point (rebuilder tag)

I was planning a 5.3 or 5.7 LS swap & will never get to it. $3200 or offers

Jim 608-963-4996

doctahouse

A quick and easy way is swap out the spindles with an 80's cadillac. They come in two size rotors diameters. Re-drill the upper a arm so a caddy ball joint will fit. Next you'll need insert and weld a pipe into the factory lower ball joint location so you can press a new ball joint in.

Run a rack and pinion and you're done.

We do this mod all the time on 61-64 impala a arms. Parts easy to find/replace, and cheap disc brake conversion. I can find some links if interested.

NoShow

iTrader: (1)

You're talking about changing my setup to a front steer? I spent a good half hour on your build thread. Just so you know, I'm not as skilled or crazy as you are

Yeah if you have a link I'd like to look at it

NoShow

iTrader: (1)

PM'd you

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

F- that, keep the Riviera!

Jim_PA

iTrader: (9)

omg, run!!!

NoShow

iTrader: (1)

Oh I'm KEEPING IT! Got it for a song. Paint and drive

doctahouse

Here is a link that I was talking about:

http://www.layitlow.com/forums/22-ma...drum-disc.html

After looking into your frame, you've got your work cut out for you. Honestly, I think the easiest way to do this is to swap front clips. Cheap and easy way is to cut a 61-64 front frame section and weld it into place (easy to say!)
*Check the track width first though*

Cons of your system:
-The crossmember looks really tight. It has quite a valley and there is not a lot of room where the coils sit to be cutting/notching.

-Steering box is in the way of running simple exhaust. (from what I can see)

-Existing lower control arms will not work with caddy spindle swap. Too much bracing in the way for the tie rods to travel up and down.

-With the steering at the rear, your motor will have to sit high for clearence if you run a standard pan. You could try and see how a shallow corvette dry sump pan works?




An aftermarket frame link:
http://www.progressiveautomotive.com

krwyellowZ28

iTrader: (10)

Would a GTO front sump pan help?

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

That frame looks like a cross between a 65 Impala frame and a 61 - 64 frame. When it comes to swapping engines rear steer is a PITA.

Depending on where things line up, 04 - 06 GTO's are rear steer and one of those pans could possibly work.

NoShow

iTrader: (1)

The nailhead is starting to grow on me. And I've got plenty of work to do on that car already. Besides, it gives me a good excuse to have 2 toy cars- one LSx powered hot rod, and one cruiser.
The G-body seems to be the easiest Ls swap. I've owned a couple early 80's Delta 88 coupes too, and that would be a fun and cheap project. I really don't know why I love those beasty things.