🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Wildcat

Year:

1964

Engine:

4600

Engine Code:

Likely represents a 401 cu in "Fireball" V8 or a 425 cu in "Super Wildcat" V8, as the '4600' designation is unusual for Buick's official engine naming conventions of that era. A common engine for the Wildcat in 1964 was the 401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8. The '4600' might refer to a specific engine option or a non-standard designation. Further verification with specific VIN decoders or original documentation for the '4600' engine would be required for precise identification.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Buick Wildcat was positioned as a premium, full-size personal luxury car, offering powerful V8 engines and stylish, distinctive styling. It competed with other luxury coupes and sedans of the era from brands like Ford (Thunderbird), Chevrolet (Impala SS), Chrysler (New Yorker), and Oldsmobile (Starfire).

Competitive Analysis:

The Wildcat stood out with its aggressive 'Wildcat' styling cues, including fender skirts, unique grille, and sporty interior options. It offered a balance of performance and luxury, appealing to buyers who desired a powerful and stylish automobile with a strong road presence.

Key Features:

Powerful V8 engines (including the iconic Nailhead), distinctive styling, spacious and comfortable interior, optional luxury features, robust build quality, rear-wheel drive, independent front suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle

Page Count:

Hundreds or thousands of pages (printable at great quality)

Manual Type:

Official Full Complete Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (internal components, tuning, repair), Transmission (automatic and manual, overhaul), Brakes (hydraulic system, drums/discs, parking brake), Electrical (starter, alternator, battery, ignition, lighting, accessories), Suspension (front and rear components, alignment), Steering (power steering, steering column), Cooling System (radiator, water pump, thermostat), Fuel System (carburetor, fuel pump, lines, filters), Emission System (PCV, exhaust), HVAC (heater, A/C components), Chassis and Body (frame, body panels, doors, glass), Differential and Axles (rear axle assembly, driveshaft), Interior (trim, seats, dashboard), Restraint System (seat belts).

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly, repair techniques, torque specifications, electrical circuit diagnosis, wiring diagrams interpretation, fluid checks and changes, lubrication procedures, alignment adjustments, component rebuilding.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Great Quality, Printable

Binding Type:

Digital Download (Implied - 'Instant Download')

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for larger compressed files)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Likely the 401 cu in (6.6 L) "Fireball" V8 or the 425 cu in (7.0 L) "Super Wildcat" V8. The '4600' designation in the manual title is atypical and could refer to a specific engine variant or a market-specific engine package. The 401 Nailhead was standard on many Wildcats, producing around 325-340 hp. The 425 Super Wildcat, often a dealer or factory option, offered higher horsepower figures, potentially exceeding 360 hp.

Performance Estimates:

Horsepower ratings typically ranged from 325 hp to over 360 hp depending on engine option and carburetor configuration. Torque figures were substantial, contributing to strong acceleration for its class.

Fuel System:

Carbureted. Likely featured a Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel carburetor on most V8 engines, with potential for dual 4-barrel setups on performance variants. Mechanical fuel pump.

Cooling System:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled system utilizing a radiator, water pump, thermostat, and fan. Coolant capacity typically around 20-25 quarts.

Lubrication System:

Pressurized wet-sump system with an oil pump, oil filter, and oil pan. Oil capacity typically around 5 quarts.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., TH-400).

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmissions were not commonly offered on the Wildcat in 1964; it was primarily an automatic transmission vehicle.

Transmission Features:

Smooth shifting, robust design, capable of handling the high torque output of the V8 engines. Specific gear ratios would be detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Overall length: approx. 209.5 inches. Wheelbase: approx. 119 inches. Width: approx. 79.5 inches. Height: approx. 54.2 inches. These dimensions place it firmly in the full-size segment.

Interior Dimensions:

Designed for comfortable seating for 4-6 occupants, with ample shoulder and legroom, characteristic of full-size American cars of the era. Specific interior volume figures would be in the manual.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,800 - 4,200 lbs (1,724 - 1,905 kg), depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Safety standards of 1964 were significantly different from modern standards. The vehicle would have featured basic safety equipment for its time.

Active Features:

Power drum brakes (standard, possibly front discs as an option), power steering (common option). Tires would be bias-ply construction.

Passive Features:

Lap seat belts (often optional, especially in the rear), padded dashboard and steering wheel, safety-door latches. No airbags or modern crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

AM radio (optional), potentially with push-button tuning. Speaker placement would be typically in the dash or rear parcel shelf. No advanced infotainment features by modern standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern definition. Features like power steering and power brakes were considered advanced technology at the time.

Connectivity Features:

No external connectivity. The primary electrical system powers the vehicle's core functions and accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

General maintenance intervals for 1964 vehicles: Oil changes typically every 3,000 miles or 3-6 months. Lubrication points (chassis grease) every 1,000-3,000 miles. Spark plug replacement every 10,000-15,000 miles. Transmission fluid service every 20,000-30,000 miles. Brake fluid flush every 2-3 years. Detailed intervals provided in the manual.

Engine Oil Spec:

API Service Classification ML or MS (for the era). Viscosity grades like SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 were common. The manual will specify the exact recommended grade and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron-II (or equivalent for GM Hydra-Matic transmissions of the era). Capacity around 4-5 quarts for the torque converter and transmission. Specific fluid type and capacity will be in the manual.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Recommended ratio 50/50. Specific coolant type and capacity detailed in manual.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will specify capacity and change intervals.

Common Issues:

Potential issues common to 1960s American vehicles include carburetor wear, ignition system problems (points, condenser), cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), brake system maintenance, and potential for rust on body panels. The manual provides troubleshooting for these and more.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing premium and performance-oriented automobiles, known for their distinctive styling, powerful engines, and comfortable ride.

Model Evolution:

The Wildcat nameplate debuted in 1962 as a performance option package on the Invicta. For 1963, it became a standalone model, positioned above the Invicta. In 1964, it was further refined with updated styling and powertrain options, solidifying its place as Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe and convertible.

Production Years:

1962-1970

Manufacturing Locations:

United States (primarily Flint, Michigan, and other GM assembly plants).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1964 model are not widely documented, the Wildcat was recognized for its bold styling and performance, contributing to Buick's reputation as a producer of stylish and powerful automobiles in the mid-1960s. It was a significant model in Buick's lineup.