🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Wildcat Year: 1964 Trim: 4600 Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Buick Wildcat was positioned as a premium personal luxury car within Buick's lineup for 1964, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and distinctive styling. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with other large personal luxury coupes and sedans from American manufacturers such as Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler 300, and Chevrolet Impala. Key Features Styling: Sleek, swept-back styling with a long hood, distinctive grille, and sharp body lines characteristic of mid-60s American design. Interior: Luxurious interior appointments, often featuring bucket seats, a center console, and high-quality upholstery and trim. Performance: Emphasis on powerful V8 engines and comfortable cruising. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types for 1964 Buick Wildcat 4600 Page Count Page Count: Estimated 700-1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and assembly of all engine components. Engine Electrical: Ignition system, charging system, starting system, wiring diagrams, component testing. Fuel System: Carburetor overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank service. Transmission: Overhaul and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., Dynaflow or Turbo-Hydramatic). Drivetrain: Driveshaft, rear axle assembly, universal joints, differential service. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component service, alignment specifications, shock absorber replacement. Steering: Power steering system service, steering linkage, steering column repair. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system service, brake shoe replacement, wheel cylinder and master cylinder overhaul, brake drum specifications. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories. Body And Chassis: Frame inspection, body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, trim replacement. Heating And Air Conditioning: Component service for climate control systems (if equipped). Procedures Included Maintenance: Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication points, filter replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults. Repair And Overhaul: Complete step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Diagnostics: Explains how to identify problems and perform tests to pinpoint the cause. Specifications And Tolerances: Provides all necessary torque values, clearances, and measurements for accurate repairs. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and overhaul. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-quality digital reproduction of original factory manual, ensuring clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: Digital download (PDF) - no physical binding Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine: 401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8 Bore X Stroke: 4.1875 in x 3.6875 in Compression Ratio: 10.25:1 Horsepower: 325 hp @ 4400 rpm Torque: 445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Rochester 4-barrel carburetor Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (required for the era) Lubrication Oil Capacity: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approx. 20-22 quarts (18.9-20.8 L) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (THM 400) 3-speed automatic Optional Optional Transmissions: Not typically applicable for 1964 Wildcat 4600; THM 400 was standard for performance models. Features Transmission Fluid: Dexron-III (or equivalent for older transmissions, e.g., Type A Suffix A) Gear Ratios: THM 400: 1st: 2.48, 2nd: 1.48, 3rd: 1.00 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 123 inches Length: 207.7 inches Width: 79.8 inches Height: 54.4 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs (depending on body style and options) Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm) Standard Tire Size: Typically 7.75-15 or 8.20-15 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: Safety standards and testing were significantly different in 1964; comprehensive crash test ratings like modern NCAP were not available. Active Features Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Passive Features Seat Belts: Optional front seat belts were commonly available, often not standard equipment. Body Construction: Body-on-frame construction, a typical safety feature of the era providing a degree of structural integrity. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM radio (optional AM/FM stereo with multiplexing was rare and advanced for the time). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional 'Cruise-Master' speed control system. Comfort Features Air Conditioning: Optional factory-installed air conditioning (often called 'Comfort-Aire'). Power Accessories: Power windows, power seats (if equipped), power steering, power brakes were premium options. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era). Tune Up Interval: Every 10,000-12,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and distributor cap/rotor. Transmission Fluid Change: Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per manual recommendation. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate, likely API SF or equivalent) Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid. Known Issues Engine Wear: Nailhead engines are known for their durability but can experience wear on valve...
The Buick Wildcat was positioned as a premium personal luxury car within Buick's lineup for 1964, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and distinctive styling.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with other large personal luxury coupes and sedans from American manufacturers such as Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler 300, and Chevrolet Impala.
Key Features
Styling:
Sleek, swept-back styling with a long hood, distinctive grille, and sharp body lines characteristic of mid-60s American design.
Interior:
Luxurious interior appointments, often featuring bucket seats, a center console, and high-quality upholstery and trim.
Performance:
Emphasis on powerful V8 engines and comfortable cruising.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types for 1964 Buick Wildcat 4600
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 700-1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and assembly of all engine components.
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.
Repair And Overhaul:
Complete step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
Explains how to identify problems and perform tests to pinpoint the cause.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Provides all necessary torque values, clearances, and measurements for accurate repairs.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and overhaul.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-quality digital reproduction of original factory manual, ensuring clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital download (PDF) - no physical binding
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine:
401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8
Bore X Stroke:
4.1875 in x 3.6875 in
Compression Ratio:
10.25:1
Horsepower:
325 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Rochester 4-barrel carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (required for the era)
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 20-22 quarts (18.9-20.8 L)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (THM 400) 3-speed automatic
Optional
Optional Transmissions:
Not typically applicable for 1964 Wildcat 4600; THM 400 was standard for performance models.
Features
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent for older transmissions, e.g., Type A Suffix A)
Gear Ratios:
THM 400: 1st: 2.48, 2nd: 1.48, 3rd: 1.00
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
123 inches
Length:
207.7 inches
Width:
79.8 inches
Height:
54.4 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs (depending on body style and options)
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm)
Standard Tire Size:
Typically 7.75-15 or 8.20-15
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
Safety standards and testing were significantly different in 1964; comprehensive crash test ratings like modern NCAP were not available.
Active Features
Brakes:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Optional front seat belts were commonly available, often not standard equipment.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction, a typical safety feature of the era providing a degree of structural integrity.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM radio (optional AM/FM stereo with multiplexing was rare and advanced for the time).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional 'Cruise-Master' speed control system.
Comfort Features
Air Conditioning:
Optional factory-installed air conditioning (often called 'Comfort-Aire').
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power seats (if equipped), power steering, power brakes were premium options.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000-12,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and distributor cap/rotor.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per manual recommendation.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate, likely API SF or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine Wear:
Nailhead engines are known for their durability but can experience wear on valve guides and lifters over time, especially if oil changes were neglected.
Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion in body panels, frame, and wheel wells due to age and environmental exposure.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connections, and failing electrical components can lead to intermittent issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers are common wear items.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can require periodic rebuilding due to dried gaskets, worn jets, or sticking linkages.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Buick Heritage:
Buick, founded in 1899, has a long history of producing reliable and comfortable vehicles, often targeting a more mature and affluent demographic.
Model Evolution
Wildcat Introduction:
The Wildcat was introduced as a performance-oriented model built on the larger Buick platform, initially as a convertible with bucket seats and a console, evolving into a full-line series for 1964.
Production
Production Years:
The Wildcat model line was produced from 1963 to 1970.
Manufacturing Location:
Buick vehicles in this era were primarily manufactured in the United States.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
While specific awards for 1964 are not typically documented as modern awards, the Wildcat was reviewed favorably by automotive publications of the era for its performance and luxury.