Positioning:
The Buick Wildcat was positioned as a premium personal luxury car within Buick's lineup for 1964, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and distinctive styling.
Competitors:
Competed with other large personal luxury coupes and sedans from American manufacturers such as Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler 300, and Chevrolet Impala.
Styling:
Sleek, swept-back styling with a long hood, distinctive grille, and sharp body lines characteristic of mid-60s American design.
Interior:
Luxurious interior appointments, often featuring bucket seats, a center console, and high-quality upholstery and trim.
Performance:
Emphasis on powerful V8 engines and comfortable cruising.
Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types for 1964 Buick Wildcat 4600
Page Count:
Estimated 700-1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and assembly of all engine components.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, charging system, starting system, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank service.
Transmission:
Overhaul and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., Dynaflow or Turbo-Hydramatic).
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, rear axle assembly, universal joints, differential service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component service, alignment specifications, shock absorber replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system service, steering linkage, steering column repair.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system service, brake shoe replacement, wheel cylinder and master cylinder overhaul, brake drum specifications.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Frame inspection, body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, trim replacement.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
Component service for climate control systems (if equipped).
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication points, filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.
Repair And Overhaul:
Complete step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
Explains how to identify problems and perform tests to pinpoint the cause.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Provides all necessary torque values, clearances, and measurements for accurate repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and overhaul.
Engine:
401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8
Bore X Stroke:
4.1875 in x 3.6875 in
Compression Ratio:
10.25:1
Horsepower:
325 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Rochester 4-barrel carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (required for the era)
Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 20-22 quarts (18.9-20.8 L)
Transmission Type:
Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (THM 400) 3-speed automatic
Optional Transmissions:
Not typically applicable for 1964 Wildcat 4600; THM 400 was standard for performance models.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent for older transmissions, e.g., Type A Suffix A)
Gear Ratios:
THM 400: 1st: 2.48, 2nd: 1.48, 3rd: 1.00
Safety Ratings:
Safety standards and testing were significantly different in 1964; comprehensive crash test ratings like modern NCAP were not available.
Brakes:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Seat Belts:
Optional front seat belts were commonly available, often not standard equipment.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction, a typical safety feature of the era providing a degree of structural integrity.
Audio System:
AM radio (optional AM/FM stereo with multiplexing was rare and advanced for the time).
Cruise Control:
Optional 'Cruise-Master' speed control system.
Air Conditioning:
Optional factory-installed air conditioning (often called 'Comfort-Aire').
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power seats (if equipped), power steering, power brakes were premium options.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000-12,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and distributor cap/rotor.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per manual recommendation.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate, likely API SF or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine Wear:
Nailhead engines are known for their durability but can experience wear on valve guides and lifters over time, especially if oil changes were neglected.
Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion in body panels, frame, and wheel wells due to age and environmental exposure.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connections, and failing electrical components can lead to intermittent issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers are common wear items.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can require periodic rebuilding due to dried gaskets, worn jets, or sticking linkages.
Buick Heritage:
Buick, founded in 1899, has a long history of producing reliable and comfortable vehicles, often targeting a more mature and affluent demographic.
Wildcat Introduction:
The Wildcat was introduced as a performance-oriented model built on the larger Buick platform, initially as a convertible with bucket seats and a console, evolving into a full-line series for 1964.
Production Years:
The Wildcat model line was produced from 1963 to 1970.
Manufacturing Location:
Buick vehicles in this era were primarily manufactured in the United States.
