Market Segment:
Full-size luxury/personal luxury automobile
Competitors Era:
Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, Chrysler New Yorker, Oldsmobile 98, Pontiac Bonneville
Vehicle Appeal:
Comfort, quiet ride, spacious interior, V8 power, distinctive styling of the mid-1960s American automotive era.
Vehicle Description:
A large, comfortable, and stylish personal luxury car from a classic era of American automotive design.
Coverage Scope:
All Models, All Engines, All Trim Levels, All Transmission Types
Completeness:
Complete and intact, without missing or corrupt parts/pages.
Page Count Estimate:
Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but described as 'everything you need')
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Manual Purpose:
Professional service, maintenance, and repair
File Format:
HTML (delivered as PDF)
Systems:
General Information, Chassis, Powertrain, Electrical, Loads, Bodywork, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control (if applicable for the era), Instrumentation, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Electrical Coverage:
Detailed electrical information, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all electrical systems.
Procedures:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Component Replacement, Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair, Wiring Harness Repair, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Suspension Component Service, Brake System Service and Overhaul, Engine Tune-up, Engine Rebuild, Transmission Service and Overhaul, Clutch Service (if applicable), Drivetrain Component Service, Lubrication and Fluid Changes, Cooling System Service, Fuel System Service and Cleaning, Ignition System Service, Exhaust System Repair, Interior and Exterior Trim Repair, Accessory Installation and Repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic flowcharts, and step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component rebuilds. Includes step-by-step instructions and exploded views for clarity.
Engine Displacement:
300 cubic inches (4.9 Liters)
Engine Bore X Stroke:
3.50 inches x 3.06 inches (standard for 300 V8)
Horsepower Gross:
Approx. 210-250 hp (depending on specific configuration, e.g., 2-barrel vs. 4-barrel carburetor)
Torque Gross:
Approx. 305-325 lb-ft (depending on specific configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Rochester 2-barrel or 4-barrel carburetor (standard)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (recommended, though leaded was common)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (with filter) - check manual for exact capacity and specification.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 16-18 quarts - check manual for exact capacity and specification.
Engine Nomenclature:
The '4400' in the product name likely refers to the common 300 cubic inch V8 engine displacement.
Transmission Type:
Buick Super Turbine 300 (3-speed automatic)
Transmission Type:
Column-mounted manual shift lever for automatic transmission.
Transmission Features:
Torque converter, smooth shifting, designed for V8 engines.
Transmission Control:
Column shifter with 'P-R-N-D-L' (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) positions.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent), although earlier specifications might refer to Type A Suffix A (THM 300 used Type A Suffix A or Dexron)
Wheelbase:
123 inches (approx.)
Overall Length:
Approx. 218 inches
Front Track:
Approx. 59.7 inches
Rear Track:
Approx. 59.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,200 lbs (depending on options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,000 - 5,300 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not typically rated for towing in this era's personal luxury cars, but capable of light towing if equipped.
Safety Ratings Era:
NHTSA/IIHS ratings were not standardized or published in the same manner as today. Safety features were considered advanced for the era.
Active Safety Features:
Power Brakes (standard), Power Steering (standard), Padded dashboard and steering wheel (for the era), Seat belts (optional or standard depending on build date/market).
Braking System:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, power assist standard.
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced frame, energy-absorbing steering column, safety glass (windshield).
Infotainment System:
AM radio (optional, AM/FM rare), analog climate controls (heater, defroster), manual window lifts, bench seats.
Climate Control:
Optional Comfortron automatic climate control available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Power steering, power brakes. No modern electronic driver assistance systems.
Connectivity Features:
None. Analog controls only.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. The manual will provide specific GM recommendations for 1964.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, and carburetor adjustment typically every 10,000-12,000 miles or annually. Manual will specify.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24-36 months. Manual will provide specific GM recommendations.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG or SF (or equivalent for the era), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for general use, but manual will specify correct viscosity for ambient temperatures.
Coolant Specification:
A 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Manual will specify correct type.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components, brake drums/shoes, carburetor wear, ignition points and condenser, water pump, fuel pump diaphragm, cooling system hoses and radiator.
Electrical Issues Era:
Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion in connectors, distributor wear, generator/alternator (if equipped) issues, voltage regulator problems.
Engine Peripherals:
Generator, voltage regulator, fuel pump, and vacuum advance diaphragms are common wear items.
Buick Heritage:
Buick, established in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its solid engineering, comfortable ride, and appeal to a more mature demographic. It occupied a premium but not ultra-luxury position in General Motors' hierarchy.
Lesabre Evolution:
The LeSabre was introduced in 1959 as a successor to the Buick Special. The 1964 model year represented a significant styling update within the third generation (1963-1964) of the LeSabre, featuring clean lines and a more formal grille.
Styling Characteristics 1964:
Formal grille, horizontal headlights, clean body lines, distinctive tail lights, often with chrome trim accents.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily Flint, Michigan)
Production Volume 1964:
LeSabre sedan and coupe models combined for 1964 were around 148,000 units.
