Positioning:
The 1964 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury car, a stylish and powerful coupe emphasizing comfort, performance, and sophisticated design within the GM lineup.
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Ford Thunderbird, Cadillac Coupe de Ville, Chrysler Imperial LeBaron, and other high-end personal luxury coupes of the era.
Design Highlights:
Unique 'boat-tail' inspired styling, sharp character lines, concealed headlights (optional on some models, standard on others), luxurious interior appointments, powerful V8 engines.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of American luxury, powerful V8 performance, and distinctive styling, often targeting a more affluent market segment.
Primary Coverage:
Full maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for all 1964 Buick Riviera models.
Secondary Coverage:
Electrical systems, chassis components, powertrain, and detailed specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 700-1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era, though exact count not provided).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly and assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetion, fuel pump), ignition system, exhaust system, engine tuning, diagnosis.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission service (e.g., ST-400), hydraulic control systems, torque converter, internal components, adjustments, troubleshooting.
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear drums, power assist), wheels, tires.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starting system, charging system (generator), lighting system, ignition switch, gauges, instrumentation, power windows, power seats, radio, heating system.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, doors, hood, trunk, glass, trim, interior components, climate control (heater).
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid), filter replacements, tune-up procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, rebuilding, and adjustment for all major systems.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues.
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics.
Engine Displacement And Type:
Standard: 401 cu in (6.6 L) "Wildcat" V8. Optional: 425 cu in (7.0 L) "Super Wildcat" V8 (with dual 4-barrel carburetors).
Horsepower 401 Cid:
Approximately 325 hp @ 4400 rpm (gross)
Torque 401 Cid:
Approximately 445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (gross)
Horsepower 425 Cid:
Approximately 360 hp @ 4800 rpm (gross)
Torque 425 Cid:
Approximately 465 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (gross)
Carburetion Standard:
Single 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet or similar)
Carburetion Optional:
Dual 4-barrel carburetors (on Super Wildcat engine)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cooling System:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
Crash Test Results:
N/A - Modern crash testing was not performed or standardized in 1964.
Braking System:
Hydraulic drum brakes front and rear, optional "Powermatic" power brake assist.
Steering System:
Power steering (standard on most models).
Seat Belts:
Optional front seat belts.
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass (front windshield).
Audio System:
AM radio with optional FM stereo or AM/FM mono radio. Speaker configurations varied.
Climate Control:
Optional "Comfortron" automatic climate control system, which regulated cabin temperature.
Cruise Control:
Optional "Speed-Pilot" cruise control system.
Headlights:
Concealed, retractable headlights were a signature feature, often vacuum-operated.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, consult manual for specifics).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles (typical, depending on components like spark plugs and ignition points).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service Classification MS (Motor Service), viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for general use, consult manual for specific temperature ranges.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixture. Capacity approximately 20-23 quarts.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron Type A Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Rotor wear (if discs were optioned), brake shoes/drums, front-end suspension bushings, U-joints, exhaust system components, ignition points and condenser, fuel pump diaphragm.
Electrical Issues:
Aging wiring harnesses, generator brushes, voltage regulator, and primitive electrical connectors can be sources of problems.
Engine Specifics:
Valve seals, potential oil leaks from gaskets, cooling system efficiency (radiator condition).
Buick Heritage:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing well-engineered, comfortable, and often luxurious automobiles with a focus on V8 power and distinctive styling.
Riviera Genesis:
The Riviera was introduced for the 1963 model year as a groundbreaking personal luxury coupe, designed by Bill Mitchell, and intended to be a halo car for Buick.
1964 Updates:
The 1964 model received styling refinements, including a revised grille, updated taillights, and subtle bodywork changes. The optional 425 cu in "Super Wildcat" V8 engine was a significant performance addition.
Production Location:
Flint, Michigan, USA (Buick plants)
Production Volume 1964:
Approximately 37,000 units were produced for the 1964 model year.
