So far so good. 1997 N/A Riviera 174000 miles

Hello everybody. I checked out this site and it seems to be a good source of knowledge and good people.

Here's my story. I always wanted a Riviera, but I could not find a good running one. I did have a 2001 monte ss, but the engine threw a rod after about 500 miles, then an Intrigue, I sold that crap. Then I saw this ugly buick Riviera, the car was originally green and then someone spray painted it blue. For some reason there was house paint all over the inside the trunk and the driver door was hanging off, the steering wheel has some slop as well. I was at a car lot of all places. The guy was asking 1500 for it. I drove it for fun and I enjoyed it. The only thing that bothered me was that you had to get down the gas for it to go. The transmission shifted fine. Fast foward a week later I brought it for about 1000 with tax and title. The did rig the door so it works now. So far so good. I love the ride. I love the handling. The enterior looks good except for the driver seat. My dad painted the car black and we changed the oil, fuel filter, air filter. I have not did the plugs or wires yet. I did replace the throttle body hose with that of a super charge hose because it looked cooler. (Will that cause a problem?)

Wow! 20 or so views and no greetings. I guess my post is too long. lol

Welcome, Curtis. Sorry about the late greeting, but I'm certain you will get more. Sounds like you have a project ahead of you, but it should be fun. Post some pics when you get a chance and let us see what you're dealing with. Good Luck

PS: I don't see why that hose should cause a problem, but there are experts who know much more than I who will advise I'm sure.

When I first got it.

Ha...what about the smearing on the hood...were you attempting to buff it out or something? From what I can see, the body looks straight. Any rust issues?

This was right after we started sanding the car. The paint was rough I even had a tough time sanding it with 120 sand paper. No rust issues thank God for that. Me and my pops painted the car black that weekend. Trying to post that picture now.

I wasnt the best, but it looks a hell of lot better than what it did before and it only cost me the paint and some hard labor to do it. So I can't complain.

Looks pretty good. What kind of paint did you use?

Black Pearl, we got it from O'Reilly Auto Parts( some stores have paint)

Did you clear coat it?

Sorry dave. I'm not the painter. My pops brought th paint. I think they had mixed it. I'm not sure though.

Curtis: It's hard to tell from the picture, but it kinda looks like a mixed paint with the clear mixed in with the color. I've seen this done before at places like Maaco. I'm making that assumption based on the reflections. If the clear is mixed with the paint, I suggest you apply an additional coat of clear, wet sand with this http://www.autogeek.net/2000-grit-sandpaper-5.html and then buff. If you applied a seperate top coat of clear you're ready for wet sanding and buffing for that showroom shine http://www.auto-geek.net/video/Intermediate_swirl_removal.html

By the way, nice looking Riv.

Thanks. I will look into painting it down the line. Right now I just want to make sure it will last awhile. No check engine lights so far. I does have a whine that is constant and it get louder with acceleration, my last gm car did the same. To me is seems like it takes a second to accelerate when you give it the gas as well, but that could be just me.