This is a list of things to get when you're at a pik-n-pull

My idea for this thread is to list things that Riv owners will need for maintenance and repair that are easy/cheap to get at a "pick and pull" and store before they are actually needed. I'll start the list here - please add to it as things occur to you.

I would consider getting:

- the 'thermal breakers' that are used with our power seats and windows. Some PNPs will let you have a fistful of these for like a buck - they are $12 each in the store.

- a HVAC control - expecting to have to replace the little light bulbs inside. I'd just get one and do the bulb swap when I had some time on my hands. Then when enough of teh bulbs in my installed HVAC head unit have burned out, just swap in the fixed one. This is a MAYBE - if the PNP only wants $5 or $10 (or maybe 20) for it then go for it.

- spark plug heat protectors - if you get to the PNP early enough, scarf those little cans GM puts over the ends of the spark plug wires that are by the downpipe, and put 'em on the rest of the plugs. This is another pricey item that would be a fistful for a buck at a PNP and the substitutes (KoolSox for instance) are not cheap.

- beyond the obvious highly expensive small parts, might be a good idea to be on the lookout for things like idler pulleys that have been recently replaced; a shiny clean pulley or tensioner on an apparently "neglected" engine might be a good bet. Same with a fresh looking radiator. or brake calipers (they are easily overhauled) if not sitting in the yard long.

Your thoughts?

Albertj

Various different bulb sockets, Interior trim pieces that are known to break or crack.
Maybe some items that cost more than $2-$3 would be a spare level ride compressor ($20-$30), Power antenna, etc.

Trim rings off the wheel arches if in good condition.

If you want to do an LED conversion, the taillight sweepspear.

Albertj

Heated and auto-tint mirrors. The glass is removable from the housing and are hard to come by.
As a matter of fact if anyone has a drivers side one I'll take it.

Power trunk release motor
Console lid.
Wheel centers
MAF sensor


Bert

This list is developing well!

Cornering lamp lenses if they are not busted (they can be cleaned to remove yellowing). Headlamp units if you're thinking about an HID conversion. Dash vents.

Albertj

Exterior Door Handles

Exterior Driver Mirrors

Power Antenna
The A/C outlet vent grate for the rear seats

red courtesty lenses on doors.

the in-armrest and interior door remote pull lights (that come on with instrument lights) even if not working they can be re-lamped with grain-of-wheat bulbs bought from radio shack or off EBay.

Albertj

This is just a nitpicky thing, but those little caps that go on the door handles (the part you pull to close the door) that match the shade of your car. Ever since we've had the Riviera it only had one little cap on it and I'm sure the dealer would want too much for them. You'd be surprised how many Rivieras were just like mine and had none. The day I found one with all four on thereat the junkyard I snatched them up quick!

Also the headlight switch (This is what controls the correct functioning of the twilight sentinel if I'm not mistaken). Most Riv's have this still in them and they usually will sell to you for $10 or so but I couldn't figure out how to get it out and they were closing in 10 minutes (You pop the side panel off then unplug it but I couldn't get the thing to come out of there - and I wasn't being gentle with it either).

The center console hinge if it's in good shape. I found three Rivieras at my latest visit and all three were bent or broken in some fashion and even mine is broke on one side. Apparently these things always go bad.

The grille if it's in good shape. I haggled with my junkyard and picked up a mint condition grille (Looked dirty when I got it though) for $20. Surprisingly this grille is in better shape than the one on my Riviera now (My chrome has done this odd hazing with a rough texture around the left and right sides on the edges). Always good for grille mods and experiments. Toying with the idea on my spare of painting it white to match the car or putting a custom material in it. Ha, and for kicks I thought about notching out a spot for one of those Knight Rider light bars (But to be fair I was watching some Knight Rider reruns at the time).

This would be a nice sticky thread if you ask me!

Shintsu wrote:

Also the headlight switch (This is what controls the correct functioning of the twilight sentinel if I'm not mistaken). Most Riv's have this still in them and they usually will sell to you for $10 or so but I couldn't figure out how to get it out and they were closing in 10 minutes (You pop the side panel off then unplug it but I couldn't get the thing to come out of there - and I wasn't being gentle with it either).

I had trouble with the removal too, but after playing with it a bit, the whole assembly rotates and pops out of the dash.