Model:
Riviera, LeSabre, Electra, Skylark
Platform:
GM B-body (LeSabre, Electra), GM E-body (Riviera), GM A-body (Skylark)
Positioning:
Buick in 1964 occupied a position as a premium, full-size, and personal luxury automobile, offering sophisticated styling and comfort. The Riviera, in particular, was a halo car with a distinct, European-inspired design.
Competitors:
Competed with other American luxury and personal luxury cars such as Cadillac Eldorado, Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler New Yorker, and Oldsmobile Toronado (though the Toronado debuted later).
Vehicle Highlights:
Distinctive styling (especially the Riviera's sharp lines and hidden headlights), powerful V8 engines, luxurious interiors, and advanced features for the era like power accessories and climate control.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-authorized information for the maintenance, repair, and restoration of these classic Buick models, crucial for owners and mechanics.
Covered Models:
All 1964 Buick models including Riviera, LeSabre, Electra, and Skylark. Specific sub-models and trim levels within these lines are also covered.
Estimated Pages:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Shop Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, engine performance diagnosis, carburetor (Rochester, Carter) specifications and adjustments.
Transmission Systems:
Hydra-Matic (Turbine Drive, Dual Path) and manual transmission overhaul, fluid specifications, shift linkage adjustments, service procedures, diagnosis.
Chassis Systems:
Front and rear suspension (including Riviera's unique independent front suspension), steering (power steering), brakes (drum, front disc on some models), wheel bearings, lubrication.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams for all models, battery, charging system (alternator, generator), starting system, lighting, gauges, instruments, ignition switch, power windows, power seats, radio, climate control systems.
Body And Interior:
Body repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, upholstery, trim, weatherstripping, bumpers, grilles, hood, trunk lid, body panel alignment, sound deadening.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication points, tire rotation, brake adjustments, fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, mechanical failures, with symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if digitally created or scanned with OCR.
Quality:
Variable, dependent on original scan quality. Generally designed for clarity and readability of diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Engine Options:
V8 engines across all models, varying in displacement and configuration. Commonly found were 325 cu in (5.3 L) Nailhead V8, 401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8, and the 425 cu in (7.0 L) 'Wildcat' 425 V8.
Horsepower Torque:
Horsepower ranged from approximately 250 hp to over 360 hp depending on the engine and carburetor setup (e.g., 425 Wildcat with dual quads).
Carburetors:
Primarily Rochester Quadrajet, Rochester 4-Jet, and Carter WCFB carburetors. Some higher performance engines featured dual four-barrel carburetors.
Engine Codes:
Specific engine codes are detailed within the manual for VIN matching and identification.
Coolant Type:
Conventional ethylene glycol coolant (50/50 mix with water recommended).
Transmission Types:
Buick's 'Turbine Drive' (a cast-iron, torque-converter automatic transmission) was standard on most models. A manual transmission was rare and typically only available on lower trim levels or specific performance packages.
Optional Transmissions:
Dual-Path Turbine Drive (an evolution of the Turbine Drive with a more efficient torque converter) and potentially a heavy-duty manual transmission for specific applications.
Transmission Features:
Smooth power delivery, lack of a traditional clutch pedal, and variable torque multiplication through the torque converter.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent historically known as Type A Suffix A) automatic transmission fluid is generally specified for these transmissions. Consult manual for exact type.
Wheelbase:
Varied by model: Riviera (117 inches), LeSabre/Electra (123 inches), Skylark (115 inches).
Overall Length:
Full-size vehicles, typically ranging from 200 to 220 inches.
Curb Weight:
Generally in the range of 3,800 to 4,500+ lbs, depending on model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Detailed in the manual for payload and towing considerations.
Crash Safety Standards:
Safety standards from 1964 were significantly different from modern standards. The manual covers safety-related components and adjustments as understood at the time.
Braking System:
Front and rear drum brakes were standard. Front disc brakes were an optional, but increasingly popular, upgrade for improved stopping power on higher performance models and Riviera.
Steering System:
Power steering was widely available and often standard on luxury models, providing easier maneuverability.
Seatbelts:
Seat belts were often optional or available only in the front for 1964. The manual may detail installation or adjustment.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction with substantial steel body panels. The Riviera featured a unique 'Cowl-to-Bumper' unibody structure for its time.
Radio Options:
AM radios were standard, with AM/FM radios and deluxe speaker systems available as options. Push-button controls and analog tuning were typical.
Cruise Control:
Buick's 'Auto-Pilot' cruise control was an advanced feature for its time, available as an option on many models.
Climate Control:
Factory-installed air conditioning was a premium option, often a 'Comfortron' automatic climate control system.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power seats, power door locks, and power trunk release were common luxury options available across the range.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-4,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing, and carburetor adjustment were typically recommended every 12,000-24,000 miles, with points and condenser (if applicable) more frequently.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 was commonly recommended for most conditions. Consult manual for exact viscosity based on temperature.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 5-7 quarts for V8 engines, varying by model. Manual will specify.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid is typically specified for vehicles of this era.
Common Wear Items:
Brake drums, suspension bushings, exhaust systems, fuel pumps, and electrical components (like voltage regulators, generators) are common wear items.
Engine Specific Issues:
Nailhead V8s can experience oil leaks at the valve covers and rear main seal. Carburetors may require periodic rebuilding. Cooling system efficiency can be a concern if not properly maintained.
Transmission Specific Issues:
Leaking seals in the Turbine Drive transmission, and potential issues with vacuum modulator or kick-down linkage if not adjusted correctly.
Chassis Lubrication:
Grease fittings on suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm pivots) require regular greasing.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, founded in 1899, was one of America's oldest automobile brands. In the 1960s, it was positioned as a premium make within General Motors, known for its solid engineering, powerful V8 engines ('Nailhead'), and upscale comfort.
Riviera Introduction:
The 1963 Riviera was a groundbreaking model, designed by Bill Mitchell. It broke from traditional Buick styling with a sharp, European-inspired, 'boat-tail' aesthetic. The 1964 model was a refinement of this successful design.
Lesabre Electra Skylark Lineage:
The LeSabre and Electra were Buick's full-size offerings, representing comfort and luxury. The Skylark was Buick's compact offering, transitioning from a model within the Special line to its own series, showcasing a more youthful and sporty image.
Manufacturing Locations:
Buick vehicles were manufactured in the United States by General Motors.
Production Years:
1964 model year vehicles were produced primarily in late 1963 and throughout 1964.
Automotive Press Awards:
The 1963/1964 Riviera was widely praised by automotive journalists for its styling and luxury, often cited as a benchmark in personal luxury car design. Specific awards from this era are less formalized than today, but critical acclaim was significant.
Collector Status:
Highly sought after by collectors for their styling, engineering, and historical significance. The Riviera, in particular, is considered a design icon.
Vehicle Reviews:
Contemporary road tests highlighted the smooth ride, powerful acceleration, and luxurious appointments. The manual provides the technical foundation for maintaining these attributes.
