1965 Riviera GS Wood Veneer Deluxe Trim

[serious_kam]

Hello Members, I’ve officially entered the proud life of a Riviera owner and driver — but first, this beauty needs a proper restoration.

As I’ve been gathering parts, I’m finding that not all suppliers offer the level of quality or authenticity I’m aiming for. I’m currently looking for a real walnut veneer trim kit for both door panels and the center console, and I’ve hit a bit of a wall.

So far, I haven’t been able to locate a kit that includes the correct black striping seen on the original interiors. Most reproduction kits seem to omit this detail, and I’m hoping to keep the car as close to factory-correct as possible.

Does anyone here have experience with a high-quality source for real walnut veneer trim that includes the black striping, or a recommendation for a supplier you trust?

Thanks in advance — I appreciate any insight from those who’ve already tackled this part of a Riviera restoration.

serious_kam

 

[Anthony Cipriano]

Hello Members, I’ve officially entered the proud life of a Riviera owner and driver — but first, this beauty needs a proper restoration.

As I’ve been gathering parts, I’m finding that not all suppliers offer the level of quality or authenticity I’m aiming for. I’m currently looking for a real walnut veneer trim kit for both door panels and the center console, and I’ve hit a bit of a wall.

So far, I haven’t been able to locate a kit that includes the correct black striping seen on the original interiors. Most reproduction kits seem to omit this detail, and I’m hoping to keep the car as close to factory-correct as possible.

Does anyone here have experience with a high-quality source for real walnut veneer trim that includes the black striping, or a recommendation for a supplier you trust?

Thanks in advance — I appreciate any insight from those who’ve already tackled this part of a Riviera restoration.

serious_kam

Hey there. I can understand why you have hit a wall, as you have stumbled onto one of the most notorious pain points in the '65 Riviera restoration world. The reality is that no off the shelf reproduction kit currently exists that includes the painted black pinstripe pre-applied. Most mass market suppliers, even the high quality ones, explicitly omit this detail because it's incredibly difficult to replicate at scale on real wood. Manufacturers usually state in the fine print that while the original cars had the stripe, their reproduction panels don't.

The most effective path forward for a factory correct appearance is to purchase a high quality plain walnut veneer kit and add the stripe yourself. Two of the best sources for the wood itself are Old Buick Parts (CARS LLC) or, surprisingly, Clark’s Corvair Parts, which maintains a specific catalog for 63-65 Rivieras. Once you have the plain panels, you can take them to a professional pinstriper or sign painter. They can hand paint the black line using One Shot paint to match the factory width before you install the pieces. This is generally how concours level restorers achieve that authentic finish.

If you prefer to have someone else handle the entire fabrication process and cost is less of a concern, you might contact Madera Concepts in California. They are automotive wood restoration specialists who can often restore original cores or fabricate new ones to exact specifications rather than just selling a kit.

 

[LARRY70GS]

Other Resources,

Riviera Owners Assocation Home Page

Antique Automobile Club of America - Discussion Forums

forums.aaca.org

 

[serious_kam]

Hey there. I can understand why you have hit a wall, as you have stumbled onto one of the most notorious pain points in the '65 Riviera restoration world. The reality is that no off the shelf reproduction kit currently exists that includes the painted black pinstripe pre-applied. Most mass market suppliers, even the high quality ones, explicitly omit this detail because it's incredibly difficult to replicate at scale on real wood. Manufacturers usually state in the fine print that while the original cars had the stripe, their reproduction panels don't.

The most effective path forward for a factory correct appearance is to purchase a high quality plain walnut veneer kit and add the stripe yourself. Two of the best sources for the wood itself are Old Buick Parts (CARS LLC) or, surprisingly, Clark’s Corvair Parts, which maintains a specific catalog for 63-65 Rivieras. Once you have the plain panels, you can take them to a professional pinstriper or sign painter. They can hand paint the black line using One Shot paint to match the factory width before you install the pieces. This is generally how concours level restorers achieve that authentic finish.

If you prefer to have someone else handle the entire fabrication process and cost is less of a concern, you might contact Madera Concepts in California. They are automotive wood restoration specialists who can often restore original cores or fabricate new ones to exact specifications rather than just selling a kit.

Anthony,
Great help….
At this point finances isn’t a concern, but I’m early in the project. I am moving forward to the pin-striper and get it done correct one time only.

Thanks so much,

Serious_Kam

 

[G-9042]

Hello Members, I’ve officially entered the proud life of a Riviera owner and driver — but first, this beauty needs a proper restoration.

As I’ve been gathering parts, I’m finding that not all suppliers offer the level of quality or authenticity I’m aiming for. I’m currently looking for a real walnut veneer trim kit for both door panels and the center console, and I’ve hit a bit of a wall.

So far, I haven’t been able to locate a kit that includes the correct black striping seen on the original interiors. Most reproduction kits seem to omit this detail, and I’m hoping to keep the car as close to factory-correct as possible.

Does anyone here have experience with a high-quality source for real walnut veneer trim that includes the black striping, or a recommendation for a supplier you trust?

Thanks in advance — I appreciate any insight from those who’ve already tackled this part of a Riviera restoration.

serious_kam

I have a 65 myse

 

[serious_kam]

I have a 65 myse? Please Explain

 

[serious_kam]

What is- I have a 65 myse?

 

[serious_kam]

Hello again,
To add pain to misery, I recently found out that a prior owner replaced the original 425 Wildcat engine with a 401 Buick engine due to cost considerations. While I understand the reasoning, I now realize this presents a significant issue for me.

I am currently looking for a correct 425 Wildcat engine to install and was hoping that any members might be able to help or point me in the right direction. I am also in need of the dual-quad intake manifold, along with both carburetors and related components.

It has been suggested that I consider replacing the dual four-barrel carburetors with a dual EFI carburetor setup. I’m not yet convinced that this is the right direction and am still researching that option. For now, my immediate goal is to locate the correct dual-carburetor intake manifold.

Any assistance, leads, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
serious_kam

 

[LARRY70GS]

I'd look here first,

Antique Automobile Club of America - Discussion Forums

forums.aaca.org

Here is an engine advertised in 2022,

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/374810-rebuilt-1964-425-cid-nailhead-for-sale/

Tom Telesco might know of an engine for sale. He is Telriv in the above linked thread. If anyone can help you, it's Tom.

Tom Telesco
Classic and Muscle Automotive
12 Cook St.
Norwalk, CT 06853-1601
Day Phone 203-324-6045 ET
NailHead Mini-Starters '53-'66
Adjustable Roller Tip Rocker Arms - All NailHeads
Custom Forged Pistons
Many parts to numerous to list
"If I can't get it, you don't need it!"