Buick Riviera Lesabre Skylark 1964 Service Repair Manual

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This manual covers the 1964 Riviera, LeSabre, and Skylark models. A marque with a rich heritage dating back to 1899, was known for its powerful engines, comfortable ride, and stylish...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 100277

Tags: 1964 Buick Car Cars Lesabre Riviera Skylark

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Description

This manual covers the 1964 Riviera, LeSabre, and Skylark models. A marque with a rich heritage dating back to 1899, was known for its powerful engines, comfortable ride, and stylish designs. The Riviera, introduced as a personal luxury car, is celebrated as a design icon. The LeSabre offered a full-size, comfortable driving experience, while the Skylark provided a sportier option within the lineup. These vehicles, built on platforms like the GM E-body for the Riviera, B-body for the LeSabre, and A-body for the Skylark, represent a significant era in American automotive engineering. This comprehensive service repair manual provides detailed information for all trim levels and engine variants offered in 1964. It covers all major systems, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and bodywork, with specific sections dedicated to maintenance procedures, repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, and necessary adjustments. The manual includes step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and electrical diagrams to assist owners, mechanics, and technicians in maintaining and repairing their vehicles effectively. It is designed to be the most complete resource for these classic models.

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera, LeSabre, Skylark

Year:

Codes

Platform:

GM E-body (Riviera), GM B-body (LeSabre), GM A-body (Skylark)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Target Audience:

Buick owners, classic car enthusiasts, mechanics, restoration specialists

Competitive Analysis

Value Proposition:

The most comprehensive resource for 1964 Buick Riviera, LeSabre, and Skylark service, offering unparalleled detail for DIY repairs and professional maintenance.

Key Features

Content Highlight:

Step-by-step instructions, exploded views, electrical diagrams, specifications, and troubleshooting guides.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Models Covered:

All Buick Riviera, LeSabre, and Skylark models for 1964

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels for each model

Engine Variants Covered:

All engine options available for 1964 models

Transmission Types Covered:

All transmission types offered in 1964

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (specific number not provided, but described as complete)

Manual Type

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

File Format:

HTML (downloadable PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain:

Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission, clutch, driveshaft, rear axle

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, wheels, tires, brakes

Electrical:

Charging system, ignition system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, accessories, wiring diagrams

Bodywork:

Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, weatherstripping

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, tune-ups, filter replacement

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all systems

Adjustments:

Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve lash, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics. Includes step-by-step instructions and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Digital Format:

HTML (delivered as PDF)

Print Quality

Printable:

Yes, all pages are printable

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Delivery)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital Delivery)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Buick Riviera Engine:

401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8 (Wildcat 445)

Buick Lesabre Engine:

300 cu in (4.9 L) V8; 325 cu in (5.3 L) V8 (optional)

Buick Skylark Engine:

215 cu in (3.5 L) V8; 300 cu in (4.9 L) V8 (optional)

Performance

Riviera 401 Hp:

325 hp @ 4400 rpm

Riviera 401 Torque:

445 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel System

Riviera Fuel System:

Rochester 4-barrel carburetor

Lesabre Skylark 300 Fuel System:

Rochester 2-barrel carburetor (standard), Rochester 4-barrel carburetor (optional)

Maintenance Points

Engine Oil Type:

API Service ML or MS (refer to manual for specific viscosity)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Riviera Transmission:

3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic

Lesabre Skylark Transmission:

2-speed Dynaflow automatic (standard on some), 3-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic (optional/standard on others)

Optional

Manual Transmission Availability:

Not typically offered for these models in 1964, primarily automatic transmissions.

Features

Transmission Fluid Type:

DEXRON® Type A (Suffix A) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - refer to manual for exact specification.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Riviera Wheelbase:

117.0 inches

Lesabre Wheelbase:

119.0 inches (standard), 123.0 inches (Custom Estate Wagon)

Skylark Wheelbase:

113.0 inches

Weights

Riviera Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,400-4,600 lbs

Lesabre Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,900-4,300 lbs

Skylark Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,100-3,500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Safety Standards 1964:

Reflects safety standards of the era; features may include seat belts (often optional), padded dashboards, and energy-absorbing steering columns.

Active Features

Braking System:

Hydraulic drum brakes, power assist often optional. Front disc brakes became available on Riviera.

Passive Features

Seat Belts:

Often an optional feature, especially front seat belts. Rear seat belts were rare.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Radio Options:

AM radio, AM/FM radio, often with optional power antenna and speaker systems. Some models offered reverb or Multiplex stereo.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Tempomatic cruise control was available as an option on Riviera models.

Power Features:

Power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats were common options, especially on higher trim levels and Riviera.

Connectivity

Vintage Connectivity:

Limited to radio reception and voice communication. No electronic connectivity features as understood today.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, refer to manual for precise recommendation).

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended every 10,000-12,000 miles or annually, including ignition points, condenser, spark plugs, and carburetor adjustments.

Fluid Specifications

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water) - refer to manual for capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (check manual for specific type and reservoir capacity).

Known Issues

Common Wear Items:

Ignition points, condenser, spark plugs, fuel pumps (mechanical), vacuum hoses, universal joints, rear axle seals.

Riviera Specific Issues:

Potential for wear in the variable pitch torque converter (Twin-Turbine Dynaflow on earlier models, but Turbo-Hydramatic in '64 is robust), electrical system gremlins.

Tune Up Specifications

Ignition Timing:

Varies by engine and tuning (e.g., 4 degrees BTDC for 401 Nailhead at idle with vacuum advance disconnected). Refer to manual for precise settings.

Spark Plug Gap:

Typically around 0.035 inches for the era (refer to manual for specific plug numbers and gaps).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Buick Legacy:

Buick, established in 1899, was a premium marque of General Motors, known for its powerful engines, comfortable ride, and stylish designs.

Model Evolution

Riviera Introduction:

The first-generation Riviera (1963-1965) was introduced as a personal luxury car, a halo car for Buick, styling influenced by European Gran Turismos.

Lesabre Evolution:

The LeSabre, introduced in 1959, was Buick's full-size offering, positioned below the Electra and Riviera, known for its comfortable ride and value.

Skylark Evolution:

The Skylark, introduced as a convertible in 1953, evolved into a distinct model line, offering a range of body styles and engines, often considered a sportier Buick.

Production

Production Year:

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Riviera Design Accolade:

The 1963-1965 Riviera is widely regarded as a design icon and a benchmark in American automotive styling, often cited for its clean lines and distinctive grille.

Ratings

Performance Reviews:

Buick's V8 engines of this era were praised for their torque and smooth power delivery, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.

Certifications

Manual Quality:

Professional technical manual, same as used in local service/repair shops.