🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera, LeSabre, Skylark, GS

Year:

1967

Manual Product Code:

Implied from product name, actual code not provided

👋 Introduction

Historical Market Segment:

Buick's 1967 models, particularly the Riviera, were positioned as personal luxury cars, competing with Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler New Yorker, and Cadillac models. The LeSabre and Skylark offered a range of styles from intermediate to full-size, catering to broader segments of the market.

Key Competitors 67:

Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Catalina, Oldsmobile Delta 88, Chrysler New Yorker, Dodge Monaco, Plymouth Fury.

Buick Brand Appeal:

Buick emphasized smooth ride, quiet interiors, powerful V8 engines, and distinctive styling, appealing to a more mature and affluent demographic.

Riviera Specific Features:

The Riviera was known for its elegant styling, often featuring hidden headlamps, luxurious interiors, and a powerful engine lineup. It was a halo product for Buick.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All models including Riviera, LeSabre, Skylark, and GS variants

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 600-800 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Shop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (V8), carburetor, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission (Turbo Hydra-Matic TH400), driveshaft, differential, rear axle.

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (drum, power assist), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Battery, starting system, charging system (generator), lighting, instruments, gauges, radio, heater, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, convertible top mechanism.

Body:

Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, convertible top, bumpers, glass.

Maintenance:

Lubrication, fluid level checks, filter replacements, spark plug service, tune-up procedures, belt adjustments.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, steering system rebuilding, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, timing specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major vehicle systems. Includes diagnostic information and specifications essential for professional technicians and experienced enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes (assuming a well-scanned original manual)

Image Clarity:

High (typical for factory manuals, includes diagrams, illustrations, and photographs)

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1967:

Primarily Buick's Nailhead V8 engines, including: 300 cu in (4.9L) V8 (Skylark), 340 cu in (5.6L) V8 (LeSabre, Skylark GS), 401 cu in (6.6L) V8 'Wildcat' (Riviera, LeSabre Custom), 430 cu in (7.0L) V8 (Riviera GS, Riviera Gran Sport).

Horsepower Torque Ranges:

Horsepower ranged from approximately 230 hp for the 300 cu in to over 360 hp for the 430 cu in Gran Sport. Torque figures were correspondingly robust, contributing to the cars' effortless cruising ability.

Carburetor Types:

Single-barrel (300 V8), two-barrel (340 V8), four-barrel (401 V8, 430 V8). High-performance GS models often featured dual four-barrel carburetors (e.g., on the 430 V8).

Engine Identification:

The manual will detail engine suffix codes for identifying specific engine displacements and factory configurations.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

Automatic transmission was standard on most models, particularly the Riviera. Manual transmissions were less common in this era for Buick's larger cars but might have been available on some Skylark/GS models.

Automatic Transmission Options:

Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 (less common for '67, TH400 more prevalent) and the robust Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (TH400) were common automatic transmissions.

Transmission Fluid Type:

GM Dexron Type A (later updated to Dexron II). Manual transmission fluid type specified based on transmission model.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Typically around 12-14 pints for automatic transmissions (TH400), but the manual will provide exact capacities.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Range:

Wheelbases varied significantly: Skylark around 112 inches, LeSabre and Riviera around 116-119 inches.

Overall Length Range:

Full-size models like the Riviera and LeSabre approached or exceeded 200 inches in length.

Curb Weight Range:

Curb weights generally ranged from approximately 3,500 lbs for a Skylark to over 4,000 lbs for a loaded Riviera.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

GVWR figures will be detailed in the manual for each specific model and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

Formal crash test ratings as we know them today were not conducted by government agencies in 1967. The manual will focus on structural integrity based on GM engineering standards of the time.

Braking System:

Front drum brakes standard; optional power brakes and front disc brakes were available, particularly on higher trims and performance models. The manual details operation and service.

Seat Belts:

Front seat belts were often standard or optional; rear seat belts were less common. The manual may cover installation and adjustment if equipped.

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction (typical for the era) with integrated body components. The manual covers frame inspection and repair.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM radio, AM/FM radio, often with optional search tuning or stereo. The manual covers radio system diagnostics and installation.

Power Steering:

Power steering was widely available and often standard on higher-end models like the Riviera. The manual details its operation, maintenance, and repair.

Power Brakes:

Power brake assist was a common option enhancing braking performance. The manual covers the vacuum booster and associated components.

Climate Control:

Factory-installed air conditioning systems were available and complex for the era. The manual provides detailed procedures for servicing the AC system (refrigerant types and handling protocols of the time).

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power seats, and power door locks were increasingly popular luxury features, all of which are covered in the electrical system sections of the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-4,000 miles or 3-4 months. The manual will confirm the exact recommendation for the period.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points, and condenser service typically every 10,000-15,000 miles. The manual provides detailed tune-up procedures.

Transmission Service Interval:

Fluid and filter change typically every 20,000-30,000 miles, or as specified in the manual.

Engine Oil Type Viscosity:

API Service Class SG or SF (or equivalent for the era), typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. The manual will specify the recommended viscosity range.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (typically 50/50). The manual will detail proper coolant ratios and types.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (if power brakes or disc brakes are equipped). Manual will specify.

Common Wear Items:

Front suspension components (ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends), brake drums, clutch components (if manual), universal joints, and exhaust system are common wear items for vehicles of this age.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Nailhead V8s are generally robust but can suffer from oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan), worn camshaft lobes, and carburetor issues. The manual provides diagnostic steps.

Body Rust:

Rust is a significant concern for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas prone to moisture like rocker panels, floor pans, wheel wells, and around window seals. The manual covers body repair procedures.

Example Oil Filter Part Number:

While exact part numbers vary by manufacturer (e.g., AC-Delco, Fram), the manual will reference the correct OEM specification or equivalent for filters like oil, air, and fuel.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick, established in 1899, was one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for quality, comfort, and performance, often positioned as a more upscale offering within General Motors.

Riviera Development:

The Riviera, introduced in 1963, was a groundbreaking personal luxury coupe with a distinctive 'boathail' design. The 1967 model represented a styling evolution with new grille treatments and body lines.

Lesabre Skylark Evolution:

LeSabre and Skylark represented Buick's larger and intermediate offerings, respectively. These models also saw continuous styling and mechanical updates throughout the 1960s.

Manufacturing Location:

Buick vehicles in 1967 were primarily manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and other GM assembly plants across the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Period Automotive Press:

While specific awards for 1967 might be scarce, contemporary automotive press lauded the Buick Riviera for its styling and performance. Models like the GS were recognized for their muscle car capabilities within the luxury segment.

Consumer Reputation:

Buick generally held a reputation for reliability and comfort among its target demographic. These models are now highly regarded classics.

NHTSA Certification Era:

NHTSA as a regulatory body was in its nascent stages in 1967, and formal vehicle safety certifications were not standardized as they are today. The manual focuses on manufacturer's safety standards.