Working on the Classic Car: Hunker Junker Still Runs! (Repainting and Landau)

Removed damaged landau

You can buy a new car, finance it, and if you spend enough money, you're bound to turn some heads. I have a friend who bought a new luxury car—they definitely get attention, but they’re a hefty price for it. I decided to forego any new high interest debt and simplify my life down to as close to a flip flop wearing casual beach lounger as much as possible (Live your freely and then dress in a tux every once in a while if something important is going on). 

Nearly every day someone comments on my work-in-progress: a 1985 Buick Riviera. In some ways, I think a few people enjoy watching the evolution of the car as I drive it around town. Small but noticeable differences.

I’m just experimenting with minimal tools and equipment, so yes—there are mistakes (I laugh at them, too). But hey, you can’t buy style!

For those who love old cars, you already know—it’s a labor of love. Every repair or upgrade requires research and hunting down hard-to-find parts. You spend hours watching YouTube tutorials, tinkering, and testing out possible fixes before making a final diagnosis.

In continuing this journey with my “hunker junker,” I’ve sanded down most of the rust, applied rust converter, filled in damaged areas, and put on a coat of primer. I bought the car for $1,000 and have put about $700 into it so far, not counting my own labor. With a total budget of around $3,000, I’m aiming to turn it into a solid runner that looks good enough for local car events—not a full restoration, but something respectable.

Removed hood rust

What’s Been Done So Far:

• Windshield washer pump replaced

• High-mileage oil change

• Landau top (looks better than before, but it’s a rough job—some sections need redoing)

• Greased carriage and joints

• HVAC control module replaced

• Window repairs

• New speakers

• Door handle fix

• Temporary exhaust fix (Can and chicken wire method. It is quiet but want to quote out a custom replacement. Need some time.) 

What’s Still on the To-Do List:

• Diagnose slow fluid leak

• Fix door linkage

• Redo landau top properly

• Repair or replace dashboard

• Long-term muffler solution

• Recharge or fix A/C

• Finish primer and paint

• Continue smoothing the hood

• Deep-clean carpets and upholstery

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