Newly Acquired Riv '98

Tried to find a sturdy jack point under the front end of my '95... not much luck.
Decided to upgrade.
This is my "new" '98 Signature Edition" (goldie stick-on emblems all over). Checked the rarity and found only 47 made in this particular configuration.
The engine has some serious issues, apparently in the bottom end, but still turns over. Diagnosis not complete until I get into it.
This is the one I was considering swapping engines with the '95. After research, it may work out better to simply repair this pup. Can't really go wrong... I didn't pay anywhere near the price scribbled on the windshield.
All options, new tires, a few minor paint issues, driver's seat a bit worn, 104K.
Here's the sale closer... Florida car! As opposed to my '95's cancerous undercarriage, this one is immaculate.
Whodda thunk a thang like this could be found in New York State? Hasn't seen a single winter here

Looks Sweet!

Nice find. The Sig Ed stuff is dealer aftermarket "fluff" to pad their margins. On my 98 too.

I kinda figured the emblems didn't mean much. Not like the Silver Arrow with a mere 200 run.
But, they do serve to set it apart a bit. Not that I would hop into the wrong Riv coming out of the pancake house
Hey, wanna sell me your short block

Hard to beat a Florida car...CONGRATULATIONS !!!

I don know??...Vegas cahs are supah clean!
Its official,Denim is a lover of Rivieras.

Thanks, Dave.
My jaw dropped nearly to the ground when I peaked underneath this car. Under my '95 it's hard to tell one component from another 'cause they're all the same color... rust
Perhaps I can getting looking as fine as your own Riv in time.

Hmmm, could be, Robo For a guy with no garage, I now have way too many rides.

Be sure about the problem as well - there are a lot of 3800 cars available cheap because they hydrolocked and need a "head gasket" when in reality it's the LIM gasket.

Yeah, most all of the southwestern states have fine rust-free vehicles.

Only thing...if you buy one, make sure it's been sheltered from the blistering sun.

I try to buy my cars in Arizona, California, Nevada or New Mexico and I have bought a couple of vehicles in Florida (lots of retired people). The 3000GT I purchased a few days ago came from the estate of an older gentleman in Albuquerque who bought it new and kept it garaged.

In my opinion, it's well worth shipping a car from one of the rust-free states.

Yes, Deekster, I'm anxious to get to the "bottom" of the real issue. 'Twill be enlightening in any case.
The fellow I bought it from drove directly to his "mechanic" after the failure. The mechanic deemed it needed an engine replacement, then made him an offer for the car. Sound suspect?

QUESTION: Guess I'm in the market for an OEM 1998 manual.
Any suggestions?
I have a 2-volume set for the '95 Riv, but suspect it is of little value for a '98.
Are CDROM manuals any good? Or should I shoot for a paper manual?
How many books compromise a set for 1998?

Good looking car! I like the gold emblems, always have.

You should be abe to find manuals on ebay fairly easily. Expect to pay around $50, but as I'm sure you know, it's WELL worth it!

looks like a decent buy. Congrats.

denim wrote:

QUESTION: Guess I'm in the market for an OEM 1998 manual.
Any suggestions?
I have a 2-volume set for the '95 Riv, but suspect it is of little value for a '98.
Are CDROM manuals any good? Or should I shoot for a paper manual?
How many books compromise a set for 1998?

98 is a 3 volume set, frequently found on Ebay.

A quick look under the Florida Riv.
Haven't yet trailered the car, so it's bit hard to see all.
Since I haven't been under anyone's Riv but my own, how does this look, anyone?

Wow! Mine sure doesn't look like that, but i wish it did!!

Looks real nice, Sean.

Like I've said before...it's hard to beat a Florida car and well worth the expense of shipping .

Thanks for the input. Just looking for a benchmark.

Looks decent, might want to wash it, scrape the rust with a Scotchbrite wheel and repaint. Done well will slow down further rust.

Thanks Albert.
RE: Your avatar shot... Grand Canyon? Sure's looking like good 'ol NYS?

denim wrote:

Thanks Albert.
RE: Your avatar shot... Grand Canyon? Sure's looking like good 'ol NYS?

OOPS I forgot to update the caption. It's Niagara Falls, recent pic at dusk (hence the golden sunset color).

I'll fix that caption.

Albertj

Scored a set from eBay, $48 total. Revised Edition. A better deal could have been had for the initial printing, but I assume any updates are valuable time savers.

Looks good. The rear suspension looks great. The rust spots on the front cradle all look to be paint that got nicked or scraped away so if you want to be picky, just take care of that stuff.

Hired a tow for this one. On the trailer, on the way.
Seller was nice enough to grab a shot.
Tow guy, without me present uses trailer instead of flatbed as promised. WTF?
Should I step hard on his toe or break one of his fingernails?