Cops 4 Kids Website
Custom Riviera Build
Cops 4 Kids
C/O Sergeant Sammie Hoskins Peoria Police Department 600 SW Adams
Street Peoria, IL 61602
A message from Sammie Hoskins
October 19, 2007 For
the past 30 years, in my roll as a
For
this reason and as the project designer, in 2005 I partnered with Pete Brown,
custom car builder and owner of Farmington Road Autobody, a Custom and Crash
Autobody business based in
I
ultimately hand selected a 1965 Buick
Our
plans were to attend as many Goodguys National Events and Special Events
Performance Series shows as possible. We have obtained best of show awards and
are very proud to have received a VIP invitation to the 46th Annual
World of Wheels event to be held January 25-27, 2008, in
June 3, 2007
Limited Rods of
Club Choice Award
July 8, 2007
Goodguys Rod & Custom Ass.16th Annual
Heartland Nationals
“Defintion of Kool” PEAK Award
July 14, 2007
Kewanee Car Show
Best Paint
August 5, 2007
2nd Annual Art and Automotive Classic
Best of Show
Best Interior
August 12, 2007
Best of Show (Modified)
Best Paint
August 25, 2007
Special Events 28th Annual “Hot Rod
Super Nationals
Award of Excellence
September 8, 2007
2007
1st in Class (Custom)
September 9, 2007
1st in Class (Custom)
Best interior
September 28-30, 2007
Best Buick
Best Custom
Best Paint
October 6, 2007
6th Annual Bethany Car Show/Cruise
Best of Show (Modified)
January 25-28, 2008
46th Annual World of Wheels
McCormick Place-East
VIP Invitation
Below I have listed the local and national shows we have attended this year and
award results:
To date, our project has debuted
at several car shows and charitable events in and around the state of
Remember
"Take a Kid to a Car show"
Sammie J
Sammie J. Hoskins
The
beginning of the rebuild...
Since June 2005, and as time progresses,
we will be placing a sequence of pictures with captions of a car
Sammie is having built showing some steps involved in what crafts
persons do to build a special custom car. Sammie will provide the
captions for the pictures. Rebuilding a car is an art as is any art
and takes time to develop. We thank you for your patience as Sammie is
going to share with us how a custom car is made. Whenever a group of
people get together with a common goal in mind for a positive change -
many good things may be accomplished.
For those following
along as the Riviera is being rebuilt ~ the most recent updates are
toward the end of the page.
We thank our sponsors below for all they have done for building this
car. For to the tree the root provides the source of
life so to our sponsors who provide the life and resources to our many
projects. To find out more about them please click on the "thumb
nailed" business card to view a large one or if they have a website
click on the link for that by the small business card.
Our thanks to all who helped make this possible...our thanks to YOU !
Here we go...
THE TEAR DOWN
This vehicle was
purchased two years ago for the sole purpose of turning it into a custom built
street machine show vehicle. It is a 1965 Buick Riviera, with a 425 engine. It
had about 87,000 miles when I first purchased it. It was owned by two prior
owners, who took very good care of it.
The Farmington
Road Auto body Crew worked fast and removed all of the interior and dash in a
short amount of time. Man are they quick. I thought we would find a mice or
two, but we didn't. Very little rust was found.
Step 1
Pete Brown and Chuck Strube took on the custom build.
Pete owns Farmington Road Auto body Located in Peoria, IL. Pete and Chuck are
superb professional custom auto builders. They have built numerous cars
throughout Illinois. that has been first contenders at many top custom car
shows. As you can see they have allot of work to do before we can call this
project a finished product.
Interior tear down ...
This car is in pretty good
shape to be a 40 year old car.
Rear window removal and repair...
Chuck Strube removed the rear window and found a lot
of rust which caused water to leak into the rear trunk area. He
felt one of the past owners at one time had removed the rear window and later
it was not properly re-installed. Water subsequently caused the damage. Chuck
took on the challenge to remove the rusted metal and made the repair.
Stock Car Trivia: Did I mention Chuck Strube
was at one time one of the BEST stock car drivers here in Peoria, IL. He was
known as one of the top point contenders at the Peoria Speedway in the early
1980's.
Chuck Strube is very skilled at removing rust and customizing body parts, such as
shaving locks, door handles and emblems. When he finishes you will never be
able to tell where anything was
("Smooth as silk").
Greg,
also known as "Johnny Depp" did all of the prep sanding. That took some time
to do. Pete told me sanding is very important and that's the first step to a
great paint job.
Time to Prep the Body (2)
The Riviera was finally pushed into the paint booth for final preparation.
Pete was determined to paint the body this week. The Crew had finished the
final sanding of the fenders. All of the parts were ready, however Pete, has
decided to paint the fenders, hood, trunk, inner fenders, door skins, and the
interior dash/console separate from the car body before the primer is
applied.
Pete is determined to make the Riviera the best paint job he has ever
done.
The First Prime
Pete
Brown, the Farmington Road Autobody owner, has been customizing
automobiles for many years. He specializes in Restorations from past
years to repairing your everyday driver. Pete is willing to take on
any project. He just recently restored a 39 Ford Coupe and a 1979
Corvette. Pete and Chuck are currently restoring other customer
vehicles which includes a 1969 Ford Mustang an older VW convertible,
and a 1969 Camero.
The engine
and transmission removed...
With the engine and tranny removed, it's time to push it into the paint booth for the first prime job. Pete covered all of the parts that were not going to be primed or painted. About this time we learned Air Ride had returned a letter indicating they would support the custom build with a partial sponsorship.
"That
made our day".
Thanks to Air Ride Inc, the Riviera will be
able to touch the ground and regain it 's
natural stance with the press of a
button. Now that is "Too Cool".
Pete decided to remove as many body parts as
possible and repair and
paint each part separately. As you can see Pete, Chuck and Greg,
removed
the door skins, and the inner and outer fenders . Yes, I did say door
skins. In the early 1960's the Buick Company built the Riviera doors
in
a way which would allow the outer door panels to be removed without
removing the whole door. By removing the inner fenders we will be able
to paint them the same color as the exterior. The entire engine
compartment will be painted and I will begin the chrome and powder
coating after the 454 Chevy engine is installed.
Pete removed all of the paint from the top of the engine hood and trunk with a razor blade.
He then turned it over to "Gary Hoffman" for the prep. Little by little,
the Farmington Road Autobody Crew continues their custom Riviera Build.
"PROWLER ORANGE"
|
|
|
When I arrived at the shop it was passed Pete's quitting time. Everyone else had gone home except for Pete. As I walked toward the paint booth I saw Pete on his knees. You see, Pete was making sure all of the under body parts were getting the same amount of attention as upper portions. Pete told me it's not that often he gets on hands and knees, but he was going to make sure the paint job was going to be the best he has ever done. I replied "That is Cool" .
T
he first coat of prowler orange...
Pete laid the first coat of prowler orange without any complications. Finally its beginning to take shape. As you can see from the photo, it is flawless. Pete took a breather and we had a couple of soda's. During Pete's brake we began to discussing the future plans for the interior. We decided to call Jerry Kensinger, the owner of A-1 Auto Upholstery. Jerry is known buy all of the car enthusiast in Central Illinois as the builder of custom interior. We telephoned Jerry and he decided to stop by the shop that weekend. We are confident, Jerry will turn the inside interior into a peace of art.
The second coat.
After Pete applied the second coat of paint he then applied the clear coats in several stages. The next morning Pete pushed the Riviera out of the paint booth and began the wet sanding stage. Pete decided he would take on this never ending task. The upcoming photographs you a re about see will be the wet sanding and the final stage of buffing .
Waxing and Buffing...
Let me introduce you to Greg. I mentioned
Greg's name during the tear down. Greg was very instrumental during the prep
work prior to prime and paint application. Greg was responsible for the majority
of the old paint removal and stripping. He take his work very seriously and when
he finish you know the paint will adhere to the metal.
According to Pete, the
prep work is one of most important issues when it comes to a professional paint
job.
Exterior Update
November 21, 2005
Chuck decided to install the bottom moldings and the
front fenders. If you look close, you will see the custom touch Pete has applied
to the front fenders. A look that will be definitely different and hard to
duplicate. Chuck feels the engine will be completed soon. Just a few other parts
need to be installed before the engine will be started. Chuck will be installing
a Ready to Run distributor and a 750 CFM, 4160 Holley Manual Choke Carburetor.
Due to a hood clearance problem, Chuck decided to use a different set up which
included two K&N Air Filters. A 14" top air filter element and a 2.5" filter
will be used to cover the carburetor.
Hopefully, this will solve the hood clearance issue.
Vogel Electric from
Bakersfield, CA (661-323-1995) was contacted to tackle the headlight motor
rebuild. I spoke to Doug Palmbach and he told us he would be able to rebuild the
motor and have it back to us in two weeks. The headlight motor is used to open
and close the clam shell headlight covers. We found Doug's shop information in
the Riviera Owner Association, "The Riview publication. If you own a Riviera,
this is a great resource publication. For additional information go to
www.rivowners.org .
...The Engine...
Today, Pete and Chuck decided to move the Riviera rear steer
to a front steer.
We received a pair of custom made headers from
Sanderson
Street Rod Headers .
They were a very helpful
after we could not locate a set of headers that would fit the transplanted 454.
Some frame modifications had to made before they would fit perfectly.
Buick front end with no engine
You ask how did they do that? Well in short terms, Chuck removed the Buick
steering
and replaced it with a 80's Chevrolet Caprice steer. Now that is "Trick".
Pete Brown from Farmington Road Autobody was able to locate a 454 GM Engine and 400 Transmission from Barney's Auto service in Peoria, IL. 309-676-0240. Barney Allen along with his sons own and operate a local towing service and he is also a strong supporter of car enthusiast. Barney has also contributed and is one of our sponsors for "Cops 4 Kids Custom Car Shows" At one time Barney had one of the top drag cars in the State of Illinois. It was a Ford Mustang that was called "The Mule". And boy, "it did have a kick"
Barney had used this 454 in one of his trucks he had purchased and kept it after the truck was taken out of service. He told us it was a strong runner and the previous owner had "Supped it Up". Thanks to Barney, this will be the engine that will be transplanted into the Buick Riviera. Watch how it will be transformed.
Pete and Chuck had to set the engine into the frame first
to see what changes were needed to make it fit.
And my goodness, did they have to make some changes?
Yes, they did !
It wasn't as easy as it looked. Chuck had to do frame
modifications before the 454 would
sit in the frame like a hand going into a
glove.
Chuck had to custom make the steering mechanism and
move
the steering box from a rear steer to a front steer.
Pete completed the frame modifications.
The frame was painted Satin Black and the undercarriage was undercoated.
Pete began to strip and remove the old paint finish from the engine in preparation for the makeover.
Today, Pete painted the engine. The color is a shade darker than the exterior paint.
Born Paint Company
located in downtown Peoria donated the special mixed custom enamel engine paint.
Pete and the guys made this batch of paint special for our custom build. They
have always been a big help when it comes to customizing a
vehicle.
Thanks to everyone at
Born Paint.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Pete and Chuck installed the engine into the frame. After they installed some of the chrome engine accessories, the engine took on a totally different appearance. We contacted Zoops Products, Inc (www.zoops.com) to help us out with the selection of the engine serpentine billet bracket system.
Stay tuned for the upcoming photo's of the engine installation.
Pete and Chuck had a busy week. They finished the VW restoration and, boy, they had a happy vehicle owner. They did a great job restoring the VW convertible. Last week (7-22-05) they put most of their time into the Riviera. Pete and Chuck began installing the chrome to the engine. As you can see the engine is beginning to take shape.
Engine Update
As you can see, the 454 GM engine build is beginning to look show worthy,
however Pete and Chuck
still have some work to do before I can begin to say it is
show quality.
The engine and transmission were installed without any
complications.
The engine bracket assembly and pulleys arrived from ZOOPS and
we again were
impressed with their quality of workmanship.
The Sanderson Headers, the 750 manual choke Edelbrock carburetor and Holley fuel pump were installed. Because of Chuck's frame modifications, no clearance problems were detected. The carburetor cover is temporary until we can locate a cover that will enhance the engine appearance.
After we receive the front engine components from
Tuff Stuff Performance
I am sure we will be smelling carbon.
Pete's quote of the week: "We're going to be smell'n smoke real soon, let's get 'er done."
Pete and Chuck installed the bright
orange spark plug wires and the Zoops Wire Looms.
Part #2000S. Also pictured is the Zoops Forged GM Serpentine Billet Crank
Pulley.
We will be installing the entire Zoops #8160 Serpentine System.
August 19, 2005
Pete and Chuck ran into a small problem
while installing the water pump. We contacted
Tuff Stuff Techs and they were able to help us with the install. With a few
modifications we
plan to have the water pump and other engine accessories installed in about a
week.
Front photo shot of engine only
Pete and Chuck decided to stay over today
and install
the engine brackets supplied by Zoops Products.
The engine is coming together and hopefully we will be starting it soon.
September 17, 2005 Exterior Update
Pete and Chuck are on the role. They are
working very hard at putting the Riviera back together. As of today, the inner
and outer fenders have been installed. The door skins and locks are now
installed and are in operational order. The upgrade disc brake system is now
installed and in working condition. Chuck used a late model S-10 Chevy brake
booster and master cylinder to complete the brake installation. Pete got in touch
with a local powder coater (Tobi) and had the hood hinges chrome powder coated.
Stay tuned for periodic updates...
October 15, 2005 Exterior Update
The Sound System...
Let me introduce you to a long time friend, Brian Schroeder.
Brian will be responsible for building the "Sound
System". I have known Brian for over 25 years. I met Mr. "B"
when he was about 8 years old. He was a neighborhood Kid that reminded me of the
movie character Dennis the Menace. Brian was always at my side, even today.
Together we have customized our cars, mini trucks, and our 1977 Harley.
Brian owns a "Full Custom Nissan Mini Truck" which was featured in a past
Mini Truckin' Magazine 
Brian decided to take time off to
install the flooring and build the trunk area in preparation for the sound
system and Air Ride controls. Please visit,
Mr. "B" has decided to use the following sound system products:
www.alpine-usa.com
Alpine CD Receiver (CDA 7832)and disc changer
Rockford Fosgate Coaxial Speakers (total of 6 )
Kicker Speaker (2 located in the front kick panels)
MTX Amplifiers
Brian had just upgraded his personal CD Receiver so" he made me an offer I couldn't refuse".
We will follow Brian as he build the sound system.
Stay Tune In ...
June 28, 2005 Stereo Build Update
Bryan called on Brian Bong who is a well known Custom Stereo Fabricator Builder to assist with stereo build. I have known Brian for several years. He is a long time member of the Twisted Koncepts Custom Car Club (Peoria Chapter). Brian along with other members, hosted the 2004 Cops for Kids Custom Car Show. Brian Bong is in the process of rebuilding his Lo-Rider Astro Van which will be coming out real soon.
Check out Twisted Knocepts web @ www4.mtco.com/rizzo
The two Brian's
(Bryan's) will be performing fiberglass fabrication to
the rear trunk area and they will be building the Box for the 10" speakers.
Building the speaker box enclosure...
Brian (Bong) completed the difficult task of building the speaker box
enclosure.
Continue to follow along as the "two" Brian's build the sound system.
For your custom sound system build, check out Brian and the guys at:
309 CUSTOMS
501 Walnut Street
Washington, IL 61571
(309) 689-5091
The Suspension System
Chuck contacted Jim Patton and the two of them decided to tackle the job of installing the Air Ride system. Jim is employed at Zeibart Tidy Care here in Peoria, IL. He is a long time member of the "Down to Earth Custom Car Club" based in Peoria, IL. Jim has been a lo-rider for years and he has owned an assortment of different customs.
Photo
"Jim" is an expert when it comes to lowering
a custom.
As you can see, the "Riv" is going to be sitting on the ground with a flip of a
switch.
Air Ride Technologies supplied the air bag lowering system. We will be using the Ride Pro Compressor System (ARC4000E), for the rear- the Cool-Ride Kit (ARR21900) and for the front the Front Shock Waves (SKW1015).
Tony Bicknell from Air Ride Tech. helped us choose the proper system for our application. To see how you
can lower your ride check out
www.ridetech.com .
Pete painted the remaining steering component's and brake parts satin black
Chuck began the front disc brake change over. The calipers will be painted and cleared to put that final touch to Billet Specialties Wheels. Chuck decided to customize the dash. He along with Brian Schraeder will install a couple of speakers and design the dash to make it a little different. Stay tuned for more details and photos.
August 12, 2005
Today, I spoke to Drew Persson from
Baer Brake Systems.
Drew is a promotional
representative .
from Auto Media 2000 and is responsible for promotional product
distribution. Drew informed
us Baer Brake could help us with the disc brake
change over by cross-drilling our existing disc brake rotors. This is great.
This will definitely enhance the open wheel pattern. I would like to thank
Drew and Baer Brakes Systems for their assistance and quick response. If you would like to check out Baer Brakes go to
brakes@baer.com or
you may telephone :
(602)233-1411.
Baer Brake Systems Update Thursday, October 6, 2005,
Baer Brakes returned the Brake Rotors. They look awesome. Baer Brake Systems
custom drilled - slotted and zinc plated the rotors. We would like to thank
everyone at Baer Brake Systems for their generosity and for becoming a part of
the Buick Rivera Custom build. "Stay tuned in for more..."
October 9, 2005
Chuck is planning to build the brake system some time next week.
This must be our lucky day.
I spoke to Don from Flowmaster Master Mufflers. Flowmaster will be supplying two T-304 ready to polish Hushpower II Mufflers. These mufflers are designed for limited space applications and they can be placed in multiple locations within the exhaust system. The Hushpower mufflers are designed for us lo-riders that like to drop our rides to the ground. What was so cool about Flowmaster's web-site, we were able to see and listen to the mufflers. This made it easier to come to a decision to what type of mufflers we were going to use on the Riviera.
Thanks to Flowmaster and "Don", the Riv sound will be lo and deep. If you
would like information
regarding Flowmaster Mufflers, go to
www.flowmastermufflers.com or
you can call 1-800-544-4761 for sales and technical support.
Thanks, Flowmaster !
Exhaust frame modification photo
September 19, 2005
Pete and Chuck pulled the rabbit out of the hat today. They came up with a
awesome idea regarding how they were going to install the exhaust pipes from the
exhaust (Sanderson Headers).
They had been talking about it for several weeks and today they made it happen.
Chuck modified the frame to allow the exhaust pipe to run through the front
portion of the frame.
The frame received extra support to allow for the changes that were made.
The exhaust pipes will be positioned through the frame opening and will run next
to
and outside of the frame. We will be using 2 1/2 exhaust piping with the
Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers installed toward the rear
The Wheels...
Billet Specialties Wheels - Sponsored by
Peoria Plaza Tire
About 3 months ago a sponsor letter was mailed to several different tire companies, some of which were local Peoria, Illinois tire distributors. Several responded, including Bob Williams the manager for our local Firestone Store located at 1601 N. Knoxville, here in Peoria. I have known Bob and his crew for several years and they are a great when it comes to volunteering their time and helping the community. Bob and the crew has volunteered and helped at the yearly Cops for Kids Custom Car & Truck Show as the class car show judges.
Today, July 9, 2005, Carl and Terry from Peoria Plaza Tire Company gave us some good news. You see earlier this year Peoria Plaza Tire Manager, Carl Fifield, asked Terry who is his Custom Wheel Expert to see if he can locate a set of wheels for the Riviera. After weeks of looking at different wheel styles, Terry decided to contact Billet Specialties and inquire about the "Hi Boy" Billet Wheel which is listed in the Profile Collection. www.billetspecialties.com .
After searching the web for the correct sizes that should be used, we decided to
use a 18X9 wheel for the front and a 20X8.5 wheel in the rear. Both front and
back wheels will have a 4.25 backspacing. Terry thought the wheel would look
good tucked under and centered inside the fenders.
I am very happy to say Carl and Terry
were able to obtain the wheels. We appreciate and thank Terry for all of the
work he put into locating the wheels and we specially thank Carl and all of his
crew for the sponsorship. After the "Riv" is reassembled it will be taken to
Plaza Tire where Carl's professional staff will mount, balance, and install the
Billet Specialties Custom Wheels.
For your custom tire or wheel upgrades or
if you need a set of tires for your personal vehicle,
check out Carl and his crew at
www.plazatire.com or call 309-673-8261
Carl's favorite song is "We Rock and You
Roll".
~ Thee Falken Tires have arrived ~
About a year ago I met Greg
Hatton from Falken Tire Company. After several telephone
conversations Greg indicated they were looking for custom vehicles in certain
areas to showcase their vehicle tires at events they attend. Greg informed us
Falken Tire could possibly sponsor the tires for the Riviera build. It was
decided to use a 275/35ZR 20 for the rear and a 245/40 ZR 18 for the front.
Due to a back order Greg had difficulties obtaining the uncommon 20" 275
tire.
Today, Greg made it happen. The tires arrived. Falken Tire supplied us with the Falken Azenis ST-115 Tires.
We would like to thank Falken Tire
Company and thanks to Greg,
the rear fenders will be filled with meaty 275/35 20" tires.
Check out Falken tires at www.falkentire.com ...
The Falken tires were mounted on the billet High Boy wheels by Plaza Tire Company. The rear 275/35 ZR 20" Tire filled in all of the air gaps and made the rear look "FAT". Just the look we were looking for.
Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories
We called Bud Riser and the staff at Tuff
Stuff Performance Accessories to help us with the selection of some important
engine accessories. Tuff Stuff is a well recognized company that specialize in
Chrome plated engine accessories. After several telephone conversations with
Bud he suggested we use the following
Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories:
B.B Chrome Chevy Long Water Pump, part # 1461
Sanden Chrome R-134 A/C Compressor, part # 4515, and the
Chrome GM 140 amp Alternator, part # 8173
I would like to thank everyone at Tuff
Stuff, the owners Frank and Tom Hurst
and especially
Bud Riser-Marketing Director
of Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories. You may check out
Tuff Stuff
products by going to their web-site,
www.tuffstuffperformance.com or you can telephone
1-800-331-6562. For you local guys and girls, you can order the parts from
Winner's Circle.
Earlier last week, October 13, 2005
If you are in need of auto or motorcycle
chroming call Quality Plating at 815-626-5223.
Sept 17,2005
Engine Updates
This week, Pete completed painting parts for the engine compartment and he completed installing the engine brackets, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor.
Engine Updates
October 15,2005
Gary Huffman
Let me introduce all of you to Gary
Huffman.
Gary was responsible for the majority of the block sanding to the Riviera.
He has been in the body repair business for some time. Gary's father
started him out at a young age and thanks to his dad he has become one of
Pete's most important employee's.
Gary is responsible for repairing damaged vehicles on a daily bases.
When he is not busy (which is very seldom) he gives Pete and Chuck a hand with
the Riviera.
Thursday, November 3, 2005 I took time off to attend the SEMA / NACE Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a great event to attend. I was able to meet several individuals from all over the country that are involved in different aspects of the car world. Workshops were offered and new products were introduced, not to mention an array of different customs cars that were on display. You name the Company, and they were there. This event is great to attend and a lot of information was obtained.
Stay tuned in for more updates...
Sam
The Interior
Before
November 12, 2005 Update
Pete and I returned to Neals Auto Salvage (Peoria, IL) to look at a different set of seats for the Riviera interior. Jerry, from A-1 Upholstery convinced us to look for seats out of a newer model Chevy Monte Carlo. Jerry felt the Monte Carlo seats would give the build a more updated custom. Thanks to Neal's Auto Salvage a pair of 1999 Monte Carlo SS seats will be installed. The seats were placed in the Riviera just to make sure they would fit, and they did.
Pete and Jerry got together and decided to apply a two tone color scheme to the interior.
The Riviera will eventually be turned over to A-1 Upholstery for the interior build.
December 15, 2005
The Dash Board
December 17, 2005
December 19, 2005
(This picture were added March 30, 2006)
Tiffany Weber, from Optima Battery contacted us with good news. At our request Optima Battery agreed to sponsor the Battery Power for the Riviera. Thanks to Optima Battery, we will be using a 34/78DT Yellow Top Optima Battery to power the Riviera Custom Build.
If your custom has a lot of accessories, like running lights, high-performance stereo/AV system, winches or hydraulics, your vehicle demands more from its battery. Optima Yellow Top Batteries will provide the extra performance and deep cycling capacity that your custom vehicle demands.
You can check out Optima battery equipment by going to their web-site www.optimabattery.com .
January 1, 2006 Update
"HAPPY NEW YEAR"
For the last two weeks Pete and Chuck have been busy changing the
appearance
of the Riviera's Hood.
Because of a clearance problem they decided to modify the engine hood and
make the center section 1" higher over stock. The center section
of the hood had to be removed and modified to make the custom change.
Chuck and Pete has completed the custom
hood modification.
Pete completed the custom look by adding his special touch to the front of the
hood.
This is definitely going to be a one of a kind custom Riviera hood.
"The Air Ride Technologies Drop"
January 10, 2006
Air Ride Installer / Builder, Jim Patten stopped by the shop today to
complete the Riviera air suspension build. Jim worked diligently and with
expertise like any professional would. He made sure each component was installed
and placed properly throughout the compartments in the vehicle.
As I mentioned before, this is not the first or 2nd time Jim has installed
a air ride system on a car.
Jim has installed radical drops on all types of vehicles and he did not
experience any problems with this installation.
Thanks to Jim, we can officially call the Riviera a "Low Rider".
January 10, 2006
Pete and Chuck took time out for a photo shoot. These to guys are artist when
it comes to customizing a car. They know all of the tricks in the books and they
have applied quite a few to the Riviera build. The Riviera has taken on a new
look after it was finally laid down on the ground.
From the ground up the
Riviera stands at 3 3/4" in the front and 4" in the rear.
Pete's quote for the day is "Let's get 'er done"
A New Sponsor
January 10, 2006
While attending a parts show at Indianapolis Indiana State Fair grounds this past weekend I stopped at Rodney Red Performance Products booth. I saw something totally different, a aluminum radiator set up with double electric fans attached to a aluminum shroud. Needles to say I was impressed so I decided to make contact with the companies owner Jerry Wirth.
Jerry manufactures custom aluminum radiators along with the customized built electric fan shrouds. Jerry's shop will modify and attach the Electric fan assembly to the Riviera's Griffin Radiator.
Check out Rodney Red Performance Products at www.rodneyred.com
January 10, 2006
The Air Ride Technologies Drop
Air Ride Installer / Builder, Jim Patten, stopped by the shop today to complete
the Riviera air suspension build. Jim worked diligently and with expertise like
any professional would. He made sure each component was installed and placed
properly throughout the compartments in the vehicle. As I mentioned before, this
is not the first or 2nd time Jim has installed a air ride system on a car.
Jim
has installed radical drops on all types of vehicles
and he did not experience any problems with this installation.
Thanks to Jim, we can officially call the Riviera a "Low Rider".
January 24, 2006
This week I made contact with several custom shops, one of which was Lee Lenses.
I spoke to the shop owner, Johnny Smith. Lee Lenses
manufactures custom built taillight lenses for specific nostalgic custom
vehicles. The shop is located at
Lee Lenses
51 Herens Landing
Richmond, KY 40475
Johnnie did not have a specific taillight lens for the
Riviera, but he is working with us in an attempt to customize the Riviera's rear
taillights .
Check out Johnnie's web-site at
www.leelenses.com
Pete and Chuck decided I should locate a custom shop that
could fabricate a custom exterior mirror for the drivers door. My search led me
to Sun Spec Billet Factory, owned by
Rich and Stacey Patzwald. The shop is
located at
Sun Spec Billet Factory
PO Box 907
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Telephone: 573-346-6929
Sun Spec has an assortment of custom billet accessories that can be seen by going to their web-site www.ssbilletfactory.com . Rich will be fabricating a Billet Mirror that will fit the body line and curve of the Riviera. We appreciate all of the help we received this week from everyone.
Stewart Design LLC
One day while looking through a custom magazine
I saw a 1965 Buick Riviera that had the most unique custom billet grill that I
ever had seen. The workmanship appeared to be flawless and fit was perfect.
Needless to say I was on it. I telephoned the shop that was listed in the magazine and
learned the builder was Jim Stewart from,
Stewart Design
805 SW 72nd
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Telephone:
405-634-0422
After speaking to Jim, he agreed to custom make a grill for our Riviera.
Jim made our dream come true. "He is truly a skilled craftsman".
The grill he made for us fit perfect and no modifications were needed.
If you would like to contact Jim telephone 405-634-0422.
February 2, 2006
This week, Chuck's and Pete's main focus was on the Air Condition and Heating transplant transformation. Earlier last week, I contacted a known Street Rod builder to get his opinion. Larry Miller, is well known for his work throughout the custom street rod world. Larry, without any hesitation told us what we needed for the transformation. He ordered an complete updated heating and air conditioner unit for the Riviera.
Thanks to Larry the unit arrived and Chuck without any hesitation began the transformation.
Thank you, Larry, for all of your help.
February 2, 2006
The hood and dash board received the final paint makeover
today. Pete, will now wet sand and buff the paint to a mirror finish. No doubt,
Pete will make this finish look so clear you will be able to place a 36 inch
ruler to the surface and measure the depth of the paint job
to at least 25 - 30 inches.
" Now that's a custom paint job ! "
February 2, 2006
At the very beginning of the Riviera Build we contacted Jeff and Becky from
J & B Microfinish. Jeff is known in the custom car and street rod world as a individual that can produce and sculpture a piece of billet aluminum into a work of art. Jeff agreed to custom make billet inserts for the Riviera's mid center and console areas. Jeff's custom billet creations will definitely make the Riviera's interior stand out in the crowd. You can check out Jeff's work by going to www.jbmicrofinish.com .
Thanks, J & B Microfinish !!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 7, 2006
Hello everyone, Sammie J. here,
I just wanted to share the attached file with all of you.
Pete Brown and Chuck Strube have contributed numerous hours of
their time building our 1965 Buick Riviera. I thank them over and over again
for the time they have put into this project. There is no one else in the
whole wide world that can piece together a project
and turn it into a jewel like Pete and Chuck.
To me they are the "Kings of the Craft of Building Custom Cars".
Pete and Chuck's 65 Custom Street Riviera build is
currently featured in the
March Weekend Wrench'n issue of
"GoodGuys Goodtime Magazine".
Thanks Pete, Chuck, and all, "You made it happen."
February 9, 2006
Today, I spoke to Beth Maranda from Dynamat. Earlier during the build, Bryan applied Dynamat Extreme to the floor board of the Riviera. Most of it has been applied but we were still short of material to complete the installation. Beth explained the difference of the materials and suggested we add another layer. She recommended the Dyna Pad. Dynamat makes your custom ride feel more solid and it is the world's leading product for eliminating unwanted noise, vibration, and heat. Thanks to Dynamat the Build will be completed with Dynamat Extreme and the Dyna Pad.
Our thanks goes out to Beth and Dynamat.
If you would like more
information regarding Dynamat Materials go to
www.dynamat.com.
I am sure you will be happy with what you find out and experience.
March 7, 2006
Dave from Dave's Glass and Trim from Peoria, IL arrived
and
replaced the rear window and front windshield.
Give Dave a call if you are in need of any window
replacement or removal for custom applications.
His business number is 309-692-0010.
The Firewall Change
Last week, Pete and Chuck decided to remove the inner and outer fenders. They
decided to fill in the holes that were left over from the stock air and heating
unit. The holes on the firewall and inner fenders were removed and modified.
Pete then repainted the body parts. Chuck then installed the custom modified
dash.
March 14, 2006
" Hey Joe, the radiator finally arrived
Can you add the photo's around the Rodney Red insertion ? "
You got it, Sammie....
Once again, while attending a parts show at Indianapolis Indiana State Fair grounds this past weekend I stopped at Rodney Red Performance Products booth. I saw something totally different, a aluminum radiator set up with double electric fans attached to a aluminum shroud. Needles to say I was impressed so I decided to make contact with the companies owner Jerry Wirth.
Jerry manufactures custom aluminum radiators along with the customized built
electric fan shrouds. Jerry's shop will modify and attach the Electric fan
assembly to the
Riviera's Griffin Radiator.
Check out Rodney Red Performance Products at www.rodneyred.com .
April 3, 2006
The Hood...
April 28, 2006
Today, was a special day for Pete, Chuck, and everyone else
that has contributed to this project. Chuck and Pete has worked hard at making
the Riviera to what it is today. The "Riv" is now 70% completed and it is on
it's way to have the Flow Master "Hushpower ll" mufflers and aluminum 2 !/2 "
pipes installed. Rick Garcia, a very close friend of all of us suggested we use
Naramore's Exhaust Systems to do the custom exhaust build. Pete made an
appointment and today the Riviera was loaded on Bob Simpson's stock car trailer
for transport. Bob is an avid "Street Stock Car" Racer, driving car #35
throughout the state of Illinois.
Thanks to Bob, the "Riv" was safely transported to Naramore's Exhaust Systems.
We arrived and spoke to Bryan Naramore. The Riviera will be fitted with the new exhaust system over the next two days. We would like to thank the crew at Naramore's Exhaust System for all of their help with this build. If you are in need of a custom exhaust build, check them out at 1127 N. Main in Creve Coeur, IL Telephone number 309-694-4847
Bob Simpson is an avid "Street Stock Car Racer, driving car #35
throughout the State of Illinois.
Thanks to Bob, the "Riv" was safely transported to Naramore's Exhaust Systems.
April 29, 2006
Off to A-1 Upholstery in Bartonville, IL
During this build we have continued to have contact with Jerry Kensinger.
Jerry is the owner and operator of A-1 Upholstery. Jerry has customized vehicles
in and out of Illinois and is well known for his custom interior work.
Stay tuned in as we watch Jerry turn the Riviera interior into a piece of art.
The Upholstery
May 29, 2006
The "Riv", was delivered to A-1 Upholstery by Barney & Son's Tow Company.
Jerry Kensiger the owner and operator of A-1 Upholstery has been with us every step of the way during this entire custom build. He has offered great advise as to how the interior and trunk should look upon completing his custom build.
Jerry began his build by installing the seat brackets to the floor and making modifications to insure a proper fit. If you can recall the seats Jerry decided to use were removed from a 1999 Chevrolet SS Monte Carlo. The rear seat was modified and will be an added attraction after the final touches are made. The front seats adapted very well to the floor board. The head rest will be removed to keep that low appearance look.
Jerry will be fabricating his own door, roof and rear seat panels which will later be sculptured into a artful design and then covered with the custom interior. Stay with us while Jerry continues his custom Riviera Interior Build.
If you are thinking about customizing your interior,
please consider giving
Jerry a call at A-1 Upholstery, 309-697-6470.
June 6, 2006
A-1 Auto Upholstery Update
(Passenger and drivers door photos)
Today, Jerry gave us a call and ask if we could stop by and take a look at
the design he had fabricated into the ceiling and door panels. Needless to say
we rushed over and after arriving, I saw a design that will definitely be, "one
of a kind".
(Interior Ceiling Photo)
Jerry had skillfully made all of the panels and designs out of wood.
I am very impressed and happy with his work. "The ceiling is awesome"
We will continue to follow Jerry as he continues his Custom Riviera Interior
Build.
July 8, 2006
Door Update
July 31, 2006
Upholstery Update
August 17, 2006
Today, was such a beautiful day in Peoria, I decided to drive to Bartonville, IL and check in with Jerry at A-1 Upholstery. I stopped by and picked up my friend Charlie Cannon first and we both went on our little adventure to check out the Riviera.
After our arrival, we both were pleasantly surprised after Jerry removed the car cover. The upholstery's look has took on it's own image of artistry, thanks to Jerry. The interior color scheme worked out well with the exterior color. Charlie and I are very pleased with Jerry's work.
If everything go as planned we are hoping to debut the Riviera at the upcoming Route 66 Festival which will be held in Springfield, IL, September 22-24, 2006. If you would like information pertaining to the
Route 66 "Mother Road" Festival go to www.route66fest.com.
And thanks to my good friend Joe, aka "the Webmaster" for this update...
September 15, 2006
Jerry at A-1 Upholstery completed the interior installation. I would like to take this time to thank him for all of the long hours of work he put into this project. It will definite be an added attraction to this build and I am very, very pleased with his craftsmanship.
Thanks "Jerry" !
