The 1964 Buick Riviera stands as a testament to American automotive design and engineering, representing a distinct era of personal luxury. This model, part of the first generation of Riviera production, was celebrated for its unique styling, a departure from the more ornate designs of its contemporaries. Key features include its crisp, European-inspired lines, a front-wheel-drive layoutโa pioneering move for General Motors in a production vehicle of this caliberโand powerful V8 engine options, including the 401 cu in Nailhead and the larger 425 cu in variant. Marketed as a premium personal luxury car, the Riviera offered a refined ride and sophisticated interior, positioning it as a strong competitor against other high-end coupes of the period.
This comprehensive factory service repair workshop manual is meticulously designed to guide owners, mechanics, and technicians through all aspects of maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1964 Buick Riviera, Lesabre, and Skylark models. It covers a vast range of systems, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical systems, bodywork, and HVAC. Within its hundreds of detailed pages, you will find step-by-step repair instructions, disassembly and reassembly procedures, troubleshooting guides, maintenance schedules, and essential technical specifications. The manual's depth ensures that both routine servicing and complex mechanical rebuilds can be performed with accuracy and efficiency, preserving the integrity and performance of these classic vehicles.
๐ท๏ธ Basic Information
Model Variant:
Lesabre Skylark 4400, 4600, 4700, 4800
Chassis Code:
Not explicitly stated, but consistent with GM E-Body platform for Riviera
Engine Code Indication:
4400, 4600, 4700, 4800 likely refer to engine displacement or power output variants.
Market Position:
The 1964 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury car, offering a blend of style, comfort, and performance. It competed with other upscale American coupes of the era.
Competitive Analysis:
Key competitors included the Ford Thunderbird, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lincoln Continental. The Riviera distinguished itself with its sleek, crisp styling and powerful V8 engines.
Key Features:
Unique styling by Bill Mitchell, front-wheel-drive (a first for GM in a production car of this era), powerful V8 engine options, luxurious interior appointments, and a refined ride.
Manual Purpose:
To provide comprehensive guidance for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1964 Buick Riviera, Lesabre, and Skylark models, ensuring factory-correct procedures are followed.
Coverage Areas:
All repairs, servicing, and troubleshooting procedures for the 1964 Buick Riviera, Lesabre, and Skylark models. Includes engine, transmission, chassis, electrical, body, and HVAC systems.
Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact number not specified, but described as 'very detailed')
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition), Transmission (automatic and manual, if applicable), Drivetrain (rear axle, driveshaft), Suspension, Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, parking), Electrical System (lighting, starting, charging, accessories, wiring diagrams), Body (interior, exterior, trim, glass, upholstery), HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair instructions, detailed disassembly and reassembly, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, maintenance schedules, torque specifications, adjustments, component testing, fluid level checks and changes, wiring harness repair.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance and routine servicing to advanced diagnostics and complete mechanical rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
๐ Manual Specifications
Print Quality:
Printable (single page or entire manual) with high-resolution images and diagrams.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (N/A for physical binding)
Paper Type:
Digital (N/A for physical paper type)
Licensing:
Lifetime use, no expiry dates, usable on multiple devices.
Compatibility:
Windows and MAC computers, tablets, and smartphones.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Family:
Buick Nailhead V8
Engine Displacement Cu In:
401 cu in (6.6 L)
Engine Displacement Liters:
6.6 L
Horsepower 401:
325 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 401:
445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Engine Displacement Optional Cu In:
425 cu in (7.0 L)
Engine Displacement Optional Liters:
7.0 L
Horsepower 425:
340 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 425:
465 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Rochester 4-barrel carburetor (401 and 425)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (though leaded was common at the time, the manual will specify octane requirements)
Ignition System Type:
Breaker Point Ignition System
Transmission Type Standard:
Buick Super Turbine 300 3-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
Not typically offered with manual transmissions in the Riviera for this year, but the manual may cover it if a rare option existed.
Transmission Features:
Torque converter, column shift, P-R-N-D-L gear selection.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent for that era like Type A Suffix A)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 4 US quarts (3.8 L) without torque converter refill
Wheelbase:
117.0 inches (2972 mm)
Overall Length:
208.0 inches (5283 mm)
Overall Width:
76.2 inches (1935 mm)
Overall Height:
53.7 inches (1364 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,200 - 4,500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg) depending on options
Safety Ratings:
No formal government safety ratings existed in 1964. Focus would be on passive safety features of the era.
Active Features:
Power Brakes (optional), Power Steering (standard).
Passive Features:
Lap belts (optional), padded dashboard, energy-absorbing steering column (early implementation), safety glass.
Infotainment System:
AM radio, optional FM radio, speaker system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Power steering, power brakes (optional).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features)
Comfort Features:
Air conditioning (optional), power windows (optional), power seats (optional), cruise control (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months. The manual will provide specific recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000-12,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and distributor cap/rotor.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API Service SF (or equivalent for the era, e.g., MS)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 20 US quarts (18.9 L)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Known Issues:
Rust around wheel wells and lower body panels, potential for oil leaks from front-wheel-drive components, carburetor tuning, electrical component aging, vacuum hose deterioration.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failing voltage regulators, and worn starter solenoids are common points of failure.
Brand Heritage:
Buick has a long history of producing upscale and powerful vehicles, often characterized by smooth rides and distinctive styling.
Model Evolution:
The 1963-1965 Riviera, often referred to as the 'boattail' Riviera (though the true boattail was later), was the first generation. It was a groundbreaking design for GM, emphasizing European-inspired styling with American power and luxury.
Production Years:
1963-1970 (First Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Flint, Michigan, USA
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions:
The 1964 Riviera was widely praised for its innovative design and was a significant success for Buick, often featured in automotive enthusiast publications.
