Newbie!

[phenometron]

Just dropping a line to say hi to everyone. I'm sure I'll have more than a few tech questions along the way... I currently own a 1971 Buick Riviera currently set up as more of a hotrod/cruiser. Then I had "the vision" ...a pricey one at that. I figured if Bugatti can make a 2-ton Veyron handle like it's on rails, then I can find a way to make a 2-ton Buick handle...well, kind of like that. And so begins the conversion. I've always thought she had the aggressive lines for it, now I want to make her as bad as she looks. The suspension upgrades come first, so any and all "spare" knowledge regarding handling capabilities of heavier rides is both welcome and greatly appreciated! Talk to everyone later...

[The Stickman]

Welcome to the forum. I always loved those cars. From the great looking fenders to the rear window. BTW you aren't the only one here making a big car work.

[phenometron]

Thanks! ...And not being the "only one" is a very good thing. I'll take all the advice I can get! My biggest fear is dropping cash on parts that won't perform the way I expect. I suppose that everyone has those same concerns. :p I've already started scouring posts for the larger cars, but finding that magic keyword for a search is tough... Again, thanks for the welcome!

[The Stickman]

You have the standard type GM 4 link right? Would it be the same as say a Chevelle or Cutlass? If so there are plenty of makers of rear control arms upper and lower as well as swaybars. That is where I would start as well as beter bushings for the front A arms. Your car already is slung low so that isn't a problem. Question would be are the springs firm or soft? DAmn I just realized something. You're from PA. I thought the scenery looked familiar. Where about are you located?

[CruizinKev]

very nice ride welcome!

[phenometron]

You have the standard type GM 4 link right? Would it be the same as say a Chevelle or Cutlass? If so there are plenty of makers of rear control arms upper and lower as well as swaybars. That is where I would start as well as beter bushings for the front A arms. Your car already is slung low so that isn't a problem. Question would be are the springs firm or soft? DAmn I just realized something. You're from PA. I thought the scenery looked familiar. Where about are you located?

Yeah my bushings are shot. Been looking at the new polyurethane sets...the scenery is actually from Port Deposit, MD. I live in Delta, PA but my wife and I are planning a move back to Maryland. Long story! Delta, PA borders MD on one side of the Susquehanna River and Port is actually close the PA line on the other side of the river. If you're close, stop by some time!

[The Stickman]

Yeah my bushings are shot. Been looking at the new polyurethane sets...the scenery is actually from Port Deposit, MD. I live in Delta, PA but my wife and I are planning a move back to Maryland. Long story! Delta, PA borders MD on one side of the Susquehanna River and Port is actually close the PA line on the other side of the river. If you're close, stop by some time!

Bushings in the front end make a big difference if they are shot. You sound a bit farther away then I thought, but not too far. Maybe 2-2 1/2 hours. Like I said if you work on the suspension it should liven it up quite a bit.

[jturkey69]

need some updates on this awesome beast!!...I could see a whole bunch of rim and tire under those huge wheel wells! I love the tailights...they dont look stock?

[phenometron]

need some updates on this awesome beast!!...I could see a whole bunch of rim and tire under those huge wheel wells! I love the tailights...they dont look stock?

Sorry, updates are limited to parts strewn throughout my basement right now! The taillights are just red plexi. I've got a couple of OE pairs, one restored, one with a skim coat should I decide to black them out completely. I do like some of the stock look...same for the headlight bezels. First priority is suspension... Patience, all!

[jturkey69]

LOL..its all good, I just love those cars!!...I have no room to talk, our car is finally going to the body shop, and getting a basic 4wheel disc set-up so we can drive it all summer.

[phenometron]

LOL..its all good, I just love those cars!!...I have no room to talk, our car is finally going to the body shop, and getting a basic 4wheel disc set-up so we can drive it all summer.

Thanks! I'm doing the "stupid" stuff right now...fixing the wiring to the alternator, fixing the bracket to the alternator, etc. I can't even start her right now. AAARRRGGH! How are you doing the rear discs? Swapping out the rear or using a bolt-on conversion?

[jturkey69]

Thanks! I'm doing the "stupid" stuff right now...fixing the wiring to the alternator, fixing the bracket to the alternator, etc. I can't even start her right now. AAARRRGGH! How are you doing the rear discs? Swapping out the rear or using a bolt-on conversion?

More then likely going to do a bolt on conversion, something like an ebay special, or classic performance?...this year we just wanted to get the body done, and brakes and some wheels and tires (boss 338, or some BMW staggered wheels) We have 6 kids all together, and Im the stay at home dad, so spending 3500 or so on the car this year is enough, we want to enjoy it for a year, then take it back down and upgrade some more next winter. this way my wife can enjoy it instead of it sitting in the garage...lol.

[phenometron]

Ha! My wife complains until she's riding in it, then she thinks she's "cool". LOL Let me know what you think of the bolt-on conversion. I have drums on the rear, and so far I believe they're adequate, just considering a conversion for down the road but haven't decided how I'm going to go about it.

[jturkey69]

Your wife rides in it??...Mine just wants to drive it!!!, take it to work, show off, etc...I cant fit all the kids in there, so im stuck with the lt1 wagon...lol...Im gonna have to make my wagon look cooler, and when she gets home from working in the middle of the night, then maybe I can take the cutlass for a drive!..lol

I will let you know how it goes...my biggest thought is rolling with 18's and seeing the ugly drum in back.

[Rod]

coool car and welcome!!

[72Cutty]

Yes, I dig! Welcome.

[phenometron]

Your wife rides in it??...Mine just wants to drive it!!!, take it to work, show off, etc...I cant fit all the kids in there, so im stuck with the lt1 wagon...lol...Im gonna have to make my wagon look cooler, and when she gets home from working in the middle of the night, then maybe I can take the cutlass for a drive!..lol

I will let you know how it goes...my biggest thought is rolling with 18's and seeing the ugly drum in back.

It's not like I don't make the offer for her to drive it. She's about 5'3", so she has a bit of trouble reaching the pedals and seeing over the steering wheel at the same time. And it certainly has more power than what she's used to. The torque on that 455 in just sick. I let her drive my Titan once and it scared her to death (and that's with adjustable pedals and seat)! Yeah, I get the ugly drum syndrome...and I can't bring myself to use one of those disc-looking covers. That's like sticking on that plastic chrome trim!

[jturkey69]

It's not like I don't make the offer for her to drive it. She's about 5'3", so she has a bit of trouble reaching the pedals and seeing over the steering wheel at the same time. And it certainly has more power than what she's used to. The torque on that 455 in just sick. I let her drive my Titan once and it scared her to death (and that's with adjustable pedals and seat)! Yeah, I get the ugly drum syndrome...and I can't bring myself to use one of those disc-looking covers. That's like sticking on that plastic chrome trim!

LOL...my wife is 4'11" bout 108, however she has a lead foot, and loves cars, as long as they look cool..lol She used to race my Old showcar Olds Alero, and while it didnt have a ton of power, it was modded much faster then stock...so I guess I have to build the interior of the Cutlass to match us both as Im 6'..lol. I had thought about picking up a different engine to bolt in just for the fun factor, and a Buick, Poncho, and Caddy are all for sale in my area that have been built up a bit...for a cheap price its pretty hard to pass up sometimes...lol

[jro183]

Welcome to the forum.