new HVAC head unit for a '95

Looks like my head unit is failing--it flashes sometimes, and the display blacks out when I push HEAT.

I've already found out they are not available from the dealer anymore, and I'm wary of junkyard electronics.

Is anybody rebuilding these units? Or is there a source for NOS? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

Riv95SC wrote:

Looks like my head unit is failing--it flashes sometimes, and the display blacks out when I push HEAT.

I've already found out they are not available from the dealer anymore, and I'm wary of junkyard electronics.

Is anybody rebuilding these units? Or is there a source for NOS? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

don't know specifically about the '95 unit BUT a lot of radio repair shops do rebuild these. One in my area that's excellent is United Radio, in Syracuse NY, look them up on the web.

Also, a junkyard unit will probably be fine, try to get it from Ed Morad (moradpartscompany.com). A lot of list members have bought parts off Ed, seem to be generally satisfied.

Albertj

There are several units for a 95 listed on ebay. "95 Riviera climate control' Almost all are less than $100. When mine started going dim, I bought a unit from Vegascarparts on ebay and then had it swapped my car. Had my unit as well as the unit in me Regal GS sent to Speedometer Repair Service in Dayville CT. They total time away was 5 days including U.S. Mail to/from Atlanta. This service is also on ebay.

I used this guy on E Bay. He rebuilds them and will send you a good one. Then you send your original to him so there is no down time. The one he sent me blacked out in about 3 months. I sent it back after calling him, and he repaired it. It has been perfect since.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-96-97-1995-BUICK-RIVIERA-DIGITAL-CLIMATE-AC-CONTROL-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5183b46bbcQQitemZ350101990332QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Thanks for the suggestions, everybody. I looked into all alternatives, and finally went with a rebuilt one from Rock Auto that works fine.

However, I got one of only two they had, which they had got from a rebuilder that went out of business, they said. These '95 panels are fairly scarce, and not easy to get rebuilt. They were a one-year-only item in the Rivs--not sure what other Buicks used them.

So, I've got my old one now--display blinks and it doesn't put out much heat, but it might be salvaged by somebody with the proper skills. I hate to just throw it away--anybody got any ideas on something practical to do with it?

Riv95SC wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions, everybody. I looked into all alternatives, and finally went with a rebuilt one from Rock Auto that works fine.

However, I got one of only two they had, which they had got from a rebuilder that went out of business, they said. These '95 panels are fairly scarce, and not easy to get rebuilt. They were a one-year-only item in the Rivs--not sure what other Buicks used them.

So, I've got my old one now--display blinks and it doesn't put out much heat, but it might be salvaged by somebody with the proper skills. I hate to just throw it away--anybody got any ideas on something practical to do with it?

You already have the answer to this -- use United or one of the other suggested rebuilders to have it rebuilt and keep as spare.

Albertj

Well, I live in a small condo, and I really can't accumulate much junk. I don't really want to lay out the money and the storage space for something I may never need. One way or another, I'm afraid it's go to go.

Riv95SC wrote:

Well, I live in a small condo, and I really can't accumulate much junk. I don't really want to lay out the money and the storage space for something I may never need. One way or another, I'm afraid it's go to go.

makes sense. When I lived in a condo I did not keep holiday decorations year to year let alone much else -- all you have to do is calculate what it costs per cubic foot (floor space and air space) to store stuff and wha-la if you were a packrat you quit packratting immediately.

Albertj

Riv95SC - if you're considering getting rid of it, let me know...I might take it off your hands.



-Andrew Z

No problem Andrew--I'd be glad to donate it to a good home. How shall I get it to you?

You have a PM!

Got it! I'll send the thing off. You can just look at the package to see the shipping cost.

Ok deal! Thanks! I appreciate it! Send me your Paypal address whenever so I can send you the money.

-Andrew Z

It went off today. For small packages, First Class & Priority are the same price nowadays, so it went Priority.