'63 Riviera radical custom

[dino246gt]

I removed the chrome trim from around the rear window and added drip rails to the sides.

I made a new windshield surround and  raised the middle of the cowl, this, the windshield surround, was very tricky, and I've never done it before!

And that big piece where my saw is, that had to be reshaped.

It's reshaped and you can see my new windshield surround better here.

[NOBLNG]

It’s looking mighty fine Dennis!? 

[dino246gt]

Sorry for the delays, but it's been a lot of primer, sand, fill, sand, primer, sand, etc.

BUT............ I've finally got the Riviera in red and mostly polished, still needs a bit more in certain areas.

You can see that while I wanted a radical custom, I still wanted to preserve the Riviera look.

Although mine is a 2 seater, I think the proportions are good because I also shortened behind the rear wheels, wheelbase is stock '63, windshield and cowl moved back a scale foot!

Nail head will sit back accordingly.

Edited February 20, 2024 by dino246gt

[SpikeSchumacher]

That's looking really good Dennis!

[Chuckyg1]

Wonderful!

[Bainford]

Looking good. I really like the body proportions. 

[Rattlecan Dan]

Man, this is coming along too cool. That side profile has a "this is what a Monte Carlo should have looked like." But whatever you call it it's going to be very interesting to gawk at. Nice job.

[geemoney]

OUTSTANDING slice/dice

[dino246gt]

Hey, I finally put some more time into the Riv, been busy with "stuff" and working on that slammed '62 pickup re-build.

So here is where I'm at so far, carpets actually match better than the pics look, but I'm pleased with the colors.

I'll elaborate on what I did later, now it's time for dinner, just didn't want this concept to be left out for too long.

Ciao!

 

 

Edited April 11, 2024 by dino246gt

[Lowlife ! !]

 

Wow, that's a lot of work, your bodywork is outstanding and I love the design !

stunning build, I looking forward to seeing it complete !

[dino246gt]

Okay, I was rushed yesterday posting pictures with flocking dust everywhere, but today, I'm more relaxed.

I cut the pedals from the '66 Riv kit because I already stole the engine from it, so pedals no longer required in that one.

I printed some Buick logos and just glued one onto the steering wheel and put a small photo etch ring over it and some canopy glue.

Outdoor lighting shows the interior better, now it's just glass, headliner, dome lights, sun visors and rear view mirror, THEN I can glue this into the body.

I'm sure it'll look good enough once it's inside the hardtop body, that's why I wasn't too concerned about the smallest details. Cheers!

 

Edited April 12, 2024 by dino246gt

[dino246gt]

As much as I liked the open pore wood I felt that it was just too modern for this build, so I brushed some clear orange over it and now it looks more period correct.

 

[Kah puts]

Bingo it really pops ?

[Modlbldr]

Wow! I just read through this entire build and I am truly amazed at the restyling work you accomlished. I am currently working on a 63 rebuilder myself so I was interested to see where you went with this. You have pulled off an excellent job of making a custom out of an already beautiful design and made it all flow even more beautifully. Great job! I'll be watching to see the wrap up on this.

Later-

[NOBLNG]

Beautiful work on the interior Dennis.? Nice touch adjusting the bucket seats differently.?Your first pic of the body with paint kind of gave me a “Mustang” vibe…similar proportions I guess? It will really look great once the trim work is done.?

Edited April 15, 2024 by NOBLNG

[BDSchindler]

I absolutely love custom builds like this!  Only one word comes to mind with this Riv...

"AMAZING!!!!!"

[Mike Slapattack]

Great detail painting!

[ea0863]

Just coming out awesome Dennis. The proportions remind me of one of my favorites - the Foose Impostor - although in your case you do not seem to be going the resto-mod route, but rather a period-correct concept route. So cool!

[dino246gt]

Back to this concept car, I made a rear license plate and backup light piece from 6 pieces of .015 X .030 on end, then filed it down and foiled it and filled the lights with canopy cement.

[dino246gt]

I made a pair of sun visors, stole a rear view mirror from a '69 Riviera kit, cut a piece of rear glass and mounted it with no trim, then I glued the upper interior and floor pan on!

Tail lights are similar shape to the rear glass and also have no trim.

I made front and rear bumpers from the stock ones, sprayed Revell chrome on and mounted them.

Here the front and rear styling is seen looking very much like a stock Riv, but nothing like the AMT kit!

As they say, "It's starting to look like a car"

[FoMoCo66]

13 minutes ago, dino246gt said:

As they say, "It's starting to look like a car"

Yes, yes it is. Nice job!

[RW033]

Beautiful! Great job!

[dino246gt]

Getting the ride height right, like a factory prototype, not a cool, lowered custom.

 

 

Edited May 7, 2024 by dino246gt

[dino246gt]

Looks better in outdoor light.

Still need Weber linkage and fuel lines.

I'm now thinking no door handles, OPINIONS?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Very very nice. You've kept all its "Riviera-ness" and achieved the look of a professionally designed, well-integrated factory styling exercise.

Doing such heavy mods to a car as attractive as the Riv usually results in a serious not-improvement, but what you've come up with looks like a slightly smaller, lighter, more nimble take on the Riv theme, and every bit as attractive.