Positioning:
A premium personal luxury car, positioned as Buick's flagship model. The Riviera offered cutting-edge styling and performance for its era, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of luxury, sportiness, and American design.
Competitors:
Competed against other American personal luxury cars such as the Ford Thunderbird, Cadillac Coupe de Ville, and Chrysler Imperial. The Riviera's unique styling and performance set it apart.
Riviera Features:
Unique 'boattail'-inspired styling, powerful V8 engines, luxurious interior appointments, optional features like air conditioning and power accessories.
Lesabre Features:
Positioned as Buick's mid-size offering, providing a balance of comfort, size, and performance, often serving as a more accessible luxury option.
Skylark Features:
Positioned as Buick's compact offering, emphasizing sporty styling and often equipped with smaller V8 engines, appealing to a younger demographic seeking performance and style.
Manual Value:
Provides essential technical data, repair procedures, and maintenance schedules to keep these classic Buicks in optimal operating condition, saving owners significant repair costs.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetion, fuel delivery), ignition system, exhaust system, engine performance tuning, troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service (likely Dynaflow, Turbo-Hydramatic depending on model/engine), clutch (if applicable), manual transmission (if applicable), transmission overhaul, adjustment, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Brake system service, hydraulic system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, drums, power brakes (if equipped), adjustment, bleeding, troubleshooting.
Steering:
Steering gear service, power steering system, steering linkage, alignment, troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, ball joints, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, alignment specifications, troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Charging system (generator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), ignition system, lighting system, instruments, gauges, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting.
Body:
Body repair, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, upholstery, weatherstripping, body hardware, alignment, troubleshooting.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system service, heater core, defroster, air conditioning (if factory equipped), refrigerant handling (basic principles), troubleshooting.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, body mounting, suspension mounting points, troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, lubrication, tune-up procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly.
Overhaul:
Complete overhaul procedures for major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Adjustment:
Precise adjustment procedures for carburetor, ignition timing, brakes, clutch, etc.
Installation:
Instructions for installation of new or replacement parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications for experienced mechanics and DIY enthusiasts.
1964 Buick 401 Cid V8:
Displacement: 401 cu in (6.6 L). Bore x Stroke: 4.18 in x 3.625 in. Compression Ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 325 hp @ 4400 rpm. Torque: 445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. Carburetion: Rochester 4-barrel. Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline.
1964 Buick 425 Cid V8:
Displacement: 425 cu in (7.0 L). Bore x Stroke: 4.31 in x 3.625 in. Compression Ratio: 10.25:1 (optional for Riviera). Horsepower: 340 hp @ 4400 rpm. Torque: 465 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. Carburetion: Rochester 4-barrel. Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline.
1964 Buick 300 Cid V8:
Displacement: 300 cu in (4.9 L). Bore x Stroke: 3.75 in x 3.40 in. Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 (typical for Skylark). Horsepower: 210-250 hp (depending on tune). Carburetion: 2-barrel or 4-barrel Rochester. Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded Gasoline.
Engine Cooling System:
Pressurized cooling system with a capacity typically around 20-22 quarts. Features a V-belt driven fan, radiator, thermostat, water pump, and coolant recovery tank (or overflow tank).
Carburetor Type:
Rochester Quadrajet or Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetors common on larger engines, 2-barrel Rochester on smaller engines. Manual covers carburetor rebuild and adjustment.
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump driven by the camshaft. Manual covers fuel pump testing and replacement.
Riviera Wheelbase:
117.0 inches
Riviera Length:
208.2 inches
Riviera Width:
77.0 inches
Lesabre Wheelbase:
115.0 inches (typical for full-size Buick)
Skylark Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (typical for intermediate size)
Riviera Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,000 - 4,300 lbs (depending on options)
Lesabre Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,800 - 4,100 lbs
Skylark Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,400 - 3,700 lbs
Radio:
AM radio was standard, with optional AM/FM radios and Wonderbar radios. Manual would cover removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting of the radio system.
Speakers:
Typically a single dashboard speaker, with optional rear speakers. Manual would cover speaker replacement and wiring.
Cruise Control:
োদয়'s own 'Auto-Pilot' cruise control system was available as an option on some models, particularly the Riviera. Manual would cover its operation and basic service.
Power Features:
Power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and power door locks were often available options, all detailed within the manual's electrical and mechanical sections.
Vintage Era:
Connectivity in 1964 was limited to the car's internal systems and radio. No external connectivity (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) was present. The manual focuses on the mechanical and electrical systems of the era.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide specific recommendations.
Tune Up:
Spark plug replacement every 10,000-20,000 miles, points and condenser check/replacement, carburetor adjustment, ignition timing adjustment usually recommended every 12,000-24,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Fluid and filter change typically recommended every 24,000-30,000 miles. Manual will specify exact interval and procedure.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for general use. For high-temperature operation or heavy loads, SAE 20W-50 might be recommended. Manual will specify precise viscosity based on ambient temperature. API Service Class SF or SG equivalent likely appropriate for the era.
Coolant:
A mixture of antifreeze and water (50/50 ratio) for freeze protection and corrosion inhibition. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will confirm specific type and advise on flushing intervals.
Common Wear Items:
Idler arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers, exhaust systems, and U-joints are common wear items on vehicles of this vintage. Rust can also be a significant issue depending on climate and storage.
Engine Specific:
Buick's Nailhead V8s (like the 401 and 425) are generally robust but can suffer from oil leaks, valve guide wear, and timing gear wear. Carburetor adjustments and fuel system maintenance are crucial for optimal performance.
Transmission Specific:
Dynaflow transmissions are known for their smooth, almost seamless power delivery but can be less efficient and prone to seal leaks. Turbo-Hydramatic transmissions are generally robust but require proper fluid maintenance.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing reliable and comfortable vehicles known for their smooth rides and V8 engines. In 1964, Buick was positioned as a premium brand within GM, offering a blend of performance and luxury.
Riviera Introduction:
The Buick Riviera was introduced for the 1963 model year as a distinctive personal luxury coupe, immediately setting itself apart with its sharp, clean lines and European-inspired styling. The 1964 model was largely a carryover with minor refinements.
Lesabre Lineage:
The LeSabre was Buick's full-size offering, known for its spaciousness and comfortable ride, a staple in Buick's lineup for many years. The 1964 LeSabre continued this tradition, offering various body styles.
Skylark Positioning:
The Skylark, initially a premium trim level for the Special, evolved into its own model line, offering a more compact and sportier alternative within Buick's portfolio. The 1964 Skylark emphasized a sportier image with optional performance engines.
Production Numbers 1964:
Riviera: Approx. 37,600 units. LeSabre: Approx. 109,000 units. Skylark: Approx. 134,000 units (total for Skylark/Skylark Gran Sport). Specific production figures per body style would be detailed in specialized historical data.