Restoring The Past

Two years ago, I purchased a 1969 Buick Riviera. From the date of purchase, I’ve let it languish in the backyard without touching it and rarely ever thinking about it, other than damn, I’ve got to do something with that car one day. I had it towed from the auto dealership to the backyard, not knowing exactly what was wrong with it. But what I did know, is that I didn’t see many of them out on the street, and that if ever fixed, it would be a pretty cool luxury/muscle car.

Recently, someone offered me a straight trade of a running 1969 Cadillac Deville. They gave me the keys and the car, and vowed to come to tow my broken Buick after the weekend. I took the Cadillac to the Autobody shop for them to tell me how rotted it was underneath and how costly it would be to restore it to mint condition. Needless to say, I went right back and through that jerk’s keys right back at him and kept my Buick. It actually only took about $800 to get it running again, new alternator, tune-up and breaks. Now it’s on its way to be painted. I’ve chosen the original olive colored green with a black top. It will be called El Che’s “Green Machine.” Also, once it gets back from the shop, I’ve decided to learn how to work on it myself. The hideaway headlights don’t function properly, so now my mission is to find those lights and install them myself. Here are some before pictures. Let me know what you think or if you have any ideas.