🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Model Variant:

Lesabre Skylark 4400, 4600, 4700, 4800

Year:

1964

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.

👋 Introduction

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.

📋 Manual Details

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

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

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.

⚙️ 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

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

📐 Dimensions

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 Features

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.

💡 Technology Features

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).

🔧 Maintenance

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.

📚 Vehicle History

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

🏆 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.