Got My Riv BACK!!!!!

In the day I leased a 1995 and a 1998 Buick Riviera gave them back and have missed them ever since. Found a 1997 gray on gray, 1997 with 77,623 miles driven by a 74 year old Italian lady who did everything at the dealership (have car fax) purchased for ...wait for it....$2495.00!

The bad news is she smoked in it like a chimney for 15 years. The seat belt is dark brown and feels oily. I have a appointment at a auto detailer who uses a steam extraction system and an Ozone defogger. Anyone ever replace a driver seat belt?

Why would the top of the opening to the fuel tank be rusted? (Where you tighten the cap?)

This car is tight handling, although I have only heard the air suspension come on once and the day after I got it home thought the tire was going flat heard a hissing sound. Any ideas?

The engine temperature mildly creeps when idling at a light, so checked the reserve is a tad low, then read a thread about checking the radiator as well. ( I love this site!) Do you add distilled water to the radiator?

No Moon roof or mirrors that angle down when she goes into reverse. Why does the driver's side mirror vibrate and the passenger one does not?

Found some chrome stock wheels that I plan on replacing the current standard aluminum ones. Anything I should know about doing this before hand?

Traction control light is on got the dealership to check the codes and its the sensor in the rear left wheel. Got that saw the post. (Did I mention I love this site)

Steering wheel has slight slop.

Small rip in the passenger seat and oxidation on the exterior. My goal is to correct everything and use this as the daily driver here in Metro Detroit. I typically put 8,000 miles a year on a car so I figure I'll hit 100,000 miles in 2016!

Any heads up on what to check or watch for would be greatly appreciated!

WELCOME !!!

* This stuff works on the seat belts : http://www.prowax.com/cleaners/C-28-Q_Seat_Belt_Cleaner.html

* You should have no problem whatsoever with the stock rims. However, if you go with aftermarket rims, be sure and check for proper lug spacing and get the proper hub rings.

* Regarding coolant, I always get a pre-mix 50/50 coolant at the parts store. I never ever add just plain water.

Hi Lisa. Welcome. Congrats on the new Riv!

I think the seat belt should clean up pretty well. Let the detailers do their magic. I don't know about replacing the belt. Maybe someone can help.

The fuel filler tube is a rust spot. Mine's got some. Others have seen theirs rust out. It's one of those things they skimped on. For more on rust: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t6233-faq-rust-areas-concerns

If you hear the air hissing constantly, and you're sure it's not a tire, might want to have the rear shocks and air lines inspected or replaced. More on ALC issues: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t2995-faq-automatic-leveling-control-alc-concerns

Coolant does get warmer when you're sitting idle, and if you have the supercharged engine, it runs hotter than the non-SC version. You may need to flush the coolant - it's only good for 5 years. If it's low, add a 50/50 mix of coolant + distilled. You can also by DexCool 50/50 premixed.

Driver side mirror may be loose?

The Chrome wheels are nice, but they have a tendency to corrode inside and leak air around the bead. This can be fixed by a competent tire tech. Also, try to avoid filling with air from gas stations and unknown sources, which may contain moisture that can make the problem worse.

Steering slop: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t6471-faq-steering-column-slop-problems-replacement

Good luck. Hope to see your car in our Showroom!

A thorough pro detailing should take care off the smoke stuff. Definitely let them do the seat belt and even try on your own after if it's not clean enough before replacing because it's not the easiest thing to replace. I haven't even taken mine all the way out but I can tell you the bolt at the top of the b-pillar is extremely difficult. It's made to go in once and never come out. I'm pretty sure the previous owner of my car smoked plenty. The dealership I bought it from had it detailed and I wouldn't even have known if it weren't for the cig burns in the pillars and stuff. It should come out nice for you.

coolant - about how far does it creep to?


And Welcome!

I judge people. Yeah, I said it. People who voted for Bush, people who don't iron their clothes, people who smoke cigarettes, etc.. No offense to any of you Bush voting, wrinkly clothed, smokers or anything.

I have some nasty burn marks from the previous owner of my riv. Right on the lip of the fabric around the sunroof. Leave it to smokers to not pay attention and burn the upholstering in their car. Good job, previous owner!

This just reminded me of the 2 ash trays on the sides of the back seat. Anyone turn those into anything useful?

And that just reminded of cigarette lighters and how they've become nomenclature for a type of electrical outlet. 'Hey man, do you have a cigarette light adapter? I want to use this thing made for lighting cigarettes to charge my phone."

Anyways, welcome to the club! If you look under the hood and you don't see a blower sitting on your engine then add it to the list of upgrades/christmas wish list!

Heh, heh. This should be a fun welcome thread.

Welcome. Post some pics of the new ride when you get a chance.

Nice buy. Welcome.

AA wrote:

Heh, heh. This should be a fun welcome thread.