Project landyacht - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

78bronzechariot · 01-17-2011, 01:36 AM

'72 Buick "Boattail" Riviera, in my opinion one of the best looking cars ever made. I have had this car for a year and a half. I started tearing it down almost as soon as I got it. Unfortunately, I got a little discouraged by the level of rust buried under the brown paint, so I parked it in the barn for a year. A coupe weeks ago I finally decided that it needed to be worked on and put back on the road. I did some cutting, welding and stripping the last two weekends and I am back on track! Anyway, here are a few pics from the first couple weeks I had it (Sorry no complete before pics) Updated pics will come next weekend.

**Palf70Step** · 01-17-2011, 11:45 AM

Kool old boat. They definitely had a unique look.

cable666guy · 01-20-2011, 02:40 PM

Definitely cool old cars, one of my faves, too!! Keep after it...

884x4Sub · 01-20-2011, 08:49 PM

one of the coolest cars of all time!

those things rock!

884x4Sub · 01-20-2011, 08:50 PM

Is there any repop stuff available for those things??

78bronzechariot · 01-20-2011, 11:51 PM

Very little, and what there is very pricey. The only place that I found is original parts group. They specialize in muscle car and 60s-70s Cadillac stuff. They just recently started doing Riviera stuff.

I found a couple pictures of one that I want to emulate, although with less of a drop, I need to drive on rough Illinois highways since the state is bankrupt.

78bronzechariot · 01-23-2011, 01:24 AM

Didn't get too much done because it was so cold here in Illinois this week, and I'm waiting for my new garage to get finished so the old pole barn is where everything is right now. Anyway, bottoms of both rear fenders were completely rusted out. Drivers side has been repaired and rough body work done, passenger side is welded in. The drivers front fender was completely rusted out at the base behind the wheel. It has been welded up and rough bodywork done. I can't wait for it to warm up and for my garage to get finished.

78bronzechariot · 01-29-2011, 02:39 AM

Sorry, that I don't have any updated pictures today. I'm on the road for work. Anyway, Worked on Fitting the rear bumper, which was a chore. The car was rear ended at some point in it life. It wasn't too bad, but the bumper was "twisted" so the point would line up with the trunk correctly. I had to cut it in half, and make two other cuts to bend it back where it belonged. I started making patch pieces where cuts had to expand. I also fixed the rust along the bottom edge of the trunk lid. Lastly, I installed the solenoid for the shaved door handles in the passenger door, and welded the door handle holes shut. I should be able to take some pictures when I am off the middle of next week.

68C15 · 02-20-2011, 10:24 PM

FWIW there is 2 of these at the local self serve yard. pretty much complete too.

if I had time/money/space I would do one as well.

I know a guy north of here who is doing one RADICAL. stretched nose, stretched tail, peaked fenders, chopped about 6 or 8", the whole shebang.

spudz · 02-21-2011, 10:58 AM

I always wanted one of these cars

tcb-1 · 02-21-2011, 05:03 PM

I hate huge cars like that......... oopps, don't look at my avatar!

the Riviera was a car before it's time. the 63-65's, the 72' boattails...... These cars were custom right out of the factory. can't wait to see more pic of your progress!!

cam.man67 · 02-21-2011, 05:12 PM

My great-granddad owned three electra 225s, one from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I think a Riv was probably too sporty for him. Love those old Buicks!

78bronzechariot · 02-21-2011, 10:35 PM

So, I have worked on the Riviera some, but the weather has been terrible here in Illinois. They finally started building my new Barn/garage. Sorry I don't have Riviera pics, but I do have some of my new garage to be and my '67 visiting it...

threeonthetree · 02-22-2011, 12:03 AM

loooks like its gonna be a great place to work
that 67 sure is sharp diggin the white walls!

spudz · 02-22-2011, 10:16 AM

awesome!

78bronzechariot · 02-22-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudz

awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by threeonthetree

loooks like its gonna be a great place to work
that 67 sure is sharp diggin the white walls!

Thanks

**N2TRUX** · 02-22-2011, 12:42 PM

Looks great!

Lippyp · 02-22-2011, 02:22 PM

This one turned up at my local cruise, sorry for the crappy phone pics but I forgot my camera. It started out as a fire damaged project, it had brown suede paint, a custom interior and loads of custom touches everywhere. Had to be car of the night without any doubt, all done on his driveway and a UK sized single car garage. Hope yours turns out as nice!

78bronzechariot · 02-22-2011, 08:47 PM

Just ordered paint. Summit's bright cobalt blue. Hope to have body work done on my next days off.

78bronzechariot · 02-23-2011, 07:13 PM

Finally took some pictures. I had to section the bumper to get it to fit tight. I started the bodywork to cover the seams in the bumper. Not a big deal since I plan on painting the bumper body color for a smoother look. I worked on shaving the side markers and I did the bodywork to shave the trunk lock and passenger's door handle. Patch is in for the drivers door handle and the bottom of the passenger front fender has been patched.

78bronzechariot · 02-23-2011, 07:14 PM

A few more...

**Palf70Step** · 02-23-2011, 08:30 PM

Nice work!

78bronzechariot · 02-24-2011, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Nice work!

thanks

78bronzechariot · 03-02-2011, 08:52 PM

Well, I didn't get the body work done while I was off. The roof got stripped. Hood got stripped and primed with epoxy. The passenger quarter got its body work done. I decided that I did not want side trim so all the mounting tabs got ground off which meat redoing some of the drivers quarter. Lastly, the new garage is coming together!

78bronzechariot · 04-19-2011, 09:59 PM

Long overdue update...Sometimes things just don't go as planned. Finally got the new barn/garage finished and moved everything. What a chore, You never realize how much stuff (and junk) you have until you move, and I only moved a 1/4 mile! anyway... The car hasn't progressed much. I chased all of the electrical problems, got all the power windows working, Gutted the interior and painted the inside of the trunk lid. Also sorry for some of the pics, they are from my phone.

01-17-2011, 01:36 AM	#1
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Project landyacht '72 Buick "Boattail" Riviera, in my opinion one of the best looking cars ever made. I have had this car for a year and a half. I started tearing it down almost as soon as I got it. Unfortunately, I got a little discouraged by the level of rust buried under the brown paint, so I parked it in the barn for a year. A coupe weeks ago I finally decided that it needed to be worked on and put back on the road. I did some cutting, welding and stripping the last two weekends and I am back on track! Anyway, here are a few pics from the first couple weeks I had it (Sorry no complete before pics) Updated pics will come next weekend. Attached Images Last edited by 78bronzechariot; 01-17-2011 at 01:38 AM.

01-17-2011, 11:45 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,746	Re: Project landyacht Kool old boat. They definitely had a unique look. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-20-2011, 02:40 PM	#3
cable666guy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Willow Grove, PA Posts: 299	Re: Project landyacht Definitely cool old cars, one of my faves, too!! Keep after it...

01-20-2011, 08:49 PM	#4
884x4Sub p p pullin' Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: oshawa ontario Posts: 373	Re: Project landyacht one of the coolest cars of all time! those things rock! __________________ doug

01-20-2011, 08:50 PM	#5
884x4Sub p p pullin' Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: oshawa ontario Posts: 373	Re: Project landyacht Is there any repop stuff available for those things?? __________________ doug

01-20-2011, 11:51 PM	#6
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Very little, and what there is very pricey. The only place that I found is original parts group. They specialize in muscle car and 60s-70s Cadillac stuff. They just recently started doing Riviera stuff. I found a couple pictures of one that I want to emulate, although with less of a drop, I need to drive on rough Illinois highways since the state is bankrupt. Attached Images Last edited by 78bronzechariot; 01-20-2011 at 11:53 PM.

01-23-2011, 01:24 AM	#7
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Didn't get too much done because it was so cold here in Illinois this week, and I'm waiting for my new garage to get finished so the old pole barn is where everything is right now. Anyway, bottoms of both rear fenders were completely rusted out. Drivers side has been repaired and rough body work done, passenger side is welded in. The drivers front fender was completely rusted out at the base behind the wheel. It has been welded up and rough bodywork done. I can't wait for it to warm up and for my garage to get finished. Attached Images

01-29-2011, 02:39 AM	#8
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Sorry, that I don't have any updated pictures today. I'm on the road for work. Anyway, Worked on Fitting the rear bumper, which was a chore. The car was rear ended at some point in it life. It wasn't too bad, but the bumper was "twisted" so the point would line up with the trunk correctly. I had to cut it in half, and make two other cuts to bend it back where it belonged. I started making patch pieces where cuts had to expand. I also fixed the rust along the bottom edge of the trunk lid. Lastly, I installed the solenoid for the shaved door handles in the passenger door, and welded the door handle holes shut. I should be able to take some pictures when I am off the middle of next week.

02-20-2011, 10:24 PM	#9
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Project landyacht FWIW there is 2 of these at the local self serve yard. pretty much complete too. if I had time/money/space I would do one as well. I know a guy north of here who is doing one RADICAL. stretched nose, stretched tail, peaked fenders, chopped about 6 or 8", the whole shebang.

02-21-2011, 10:58 AM	#10
spudz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Branchville SC Posts: 1,647	Re: Project landyacht I always wanted one of these cars __________________ 2004 z71, 96 z71 on 38s, 88 Chevy k5 blazer, 4in lift. 84 swb project, 82 SWB project , 84 chevy 4x4 lwb project, 88 Jimmy beater/highschool ride. 79 c30. 99 tahoe 4x4 project. and a bunch of parts trucks..

02-21-2011, 05:03 PM	#11
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Project landyacht I hate huge cars like that......... oopps, don't look at my avatar! the Riviera was a car before it's time. the 63-65's, the 72' boattails...... These cars were custom right out of the factory. can't wait to see more pic of your progress!! __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

02-21-2011, 05:12 PM	#12
cam.man67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jefferson, MD Posts: 2,397	Re: Project landyacht My great-granddad owned three electra 225s, one from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I think a Riv was probably too sporty for him. Love those old Buicks! __________________ '68 Dodge Dart 270, 225, 904, 2.76--"Lucy" 1996 Gmc 1500 Z71, 350, 4l60e, 3.73s 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5, AX5, 4.10s 1989 Toyota Pickup 22re, auto, 3.73

02-21-2011, 10:35 PM	#13
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht So, I have worked on the Riviera some, but the weather has been terrible here in Illinois. They finally started building my new Barn/garage. Sorry I don't have Riviera pics, but I do have some of my new garage to be and my '67 visiting it... Attached Images

02-22-2011, 12:03 AM	#14
threeonthetree Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 975	Re: Project landyacht loooks like its gonna be a great place to work that 67 sure is sharp diggin the white walls! __________________ Smoking Tires Since 1992 1969 c10 AKA SIN 1985 SSWB TRAZER (super short wheel base)

02-22-2011, 10:16 AM	#15
spudz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Branchville SC Posts: 1,647	Re: Project landyacht awesome! __________________ 2004 z71, 96 z71 on 38s, 88 Chevy k5 blazer, 4in lift. 84 swb project, 82 SWB project , 84 chevy 4x4 lwb project, 88 Jimmy beater/highschool ride. 79 c30. 99 tahoe 4x4 project. and a bunch of parts trucks..



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02-22-2011, 12:42 PM	#17
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Project landyacht Looks great! __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-22-2011, 02:22 PM	#18
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: Project landyacht This one turned up at my local cruise, sorry for the crappy phone pics but I forgot my camera. It started out as a fire damaged project, it had brown suede paint, a custom interior and loads of custom touches everywhere. Had to be car of the night without any doubt, all done on his driveway and a UK sized single car garage. Hope yours turns out as nice! __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission Last edited by Lippyp; 02-22-2011 at 02:23 PM.

02-22-2011, 08:47 PM	#19
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Just ordered paint. Summit's bright cobalt blue. Hope to have body work done on my next days off.

02-23-2011, 07:13 PM	#20
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Finally took some pictures. I had to section the bumper to get it to fit tight. I started the bodywork to cover the seams in the bumper. Not a big deal since I plan on painting the bumper body color for a smoother look. I worked on shaving the side markers and I did the bodywork to shave the trunk lock and passenger's door handle. Patch is in for the drivers door handle and the bottom of the passenger front fender has been patched. Attached Images Last edited by 78bronzechariot; 02-24-2011 at 03:37 AM.

02-23-2011, 07:14 PM	#21
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht A few more... Attached Images

02-23-2011, 08:30 PM	#22
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,746	Re: Project landyacht Nice work! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-02-2011, 08:52 PM	#24
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Well, I didn't get the body work done while I was off. The roof got stripped. Hood got stripped and primed with epoxy. The passenger quarter got its body work done. I decided that I did not want side trim so all the mounting tabs got ground off which meat redoing some of the drivers quarter. Lastly, the new garage is coming together! Attached Images

04-19-2011, 09:59 PM	#25
78bronzechariot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Bud, IL (Home) Newton, IL (Shop) Posts: 301	Re: Project landyacht Long overdue update...Sometimes things just don't go as planned. Finally got the new barn/garage finished and moved everything. What a chore, You never realize how much stuff (and junk) you have until you move, and I only moved a 1/4 mile! anyway... The car hasn't progressed much. I chased all of the electrical problems, got all the power windows working, Gutted the interior and painted the inside of the trunk lid. Also sorry for some of the pics, they are from my phone. Attached Images Last edited by 78bronzechariot; 04-19-2011 at 10:00 PM.

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