(Submitted by Bill Prince. First posted 9/13/2014))
For many years I admired the Bill Mitchell’s Silver Arrow III, which was based on the production 1971 “Boat Tail” Riviera. The modifications dramatically improved the appearance of the factory car. I purchased my 75K mile 1972 Riviera twelve years ago. Several years ago, I conceived a plan to modify the front and rear of my car, so as to have some of the appearance of the Silver Arrow III.
As most people familiar with the Boat Tail Riveras know (CC here), the production car ended up being vastly changed from the original concept, which was based on the mid-sized Skylark platform. The ’71 Riviera was originally planned to join the Grand Prix and Monte Carlo on the smaller A-Special platform. And the first sketches by John Houlihan (above) were based on that assumption. But when Buick’s new General Manager Lee Mays saw what was planned, he refused to spend the money on the new body shell, forcing the boattail design to be upscaled to share as much of the body of 1971 full-sized LeSabre/Centurion as possible, including the full size Buick windshield and door windows.
These changes damaged the look of the car – at least from certain viewing angles. From the side, and rear, and rear three quarter viewing angle, the production car looks great – Very dramatic and stylish. However, from the front, and worst yet from the front three quarter viewing angle – the car looks disconnected, a little odd, and too vertical in the front.
However, years passed and I did nothing. Finally, about four months ago I started to get serious about actually making the changes. I looked very closely at photos of the Silver Arrow III, and noted every change and how and why that change improved the appearance of the car. The changes were intended to unify, lower, widen, and smooth out the design for a much more stylish and sleek car.
Vertical lines were replaced with horizontal lines on the front. One main feature that helped in the look of the car, was the lowering of the roof by about 2” or 3”. The front door was cut down, and the windows are different. And the rear window was changed. However, I was not interested in doing any major non-reversible changes to my car since it is in excellent original condition.
One thing I did a few years ago, was to add after market fender skirts. These are not full skirts but rather about three quarter skirts that allow most of the wheel to still be seen. While I like the look of the car without skirts and with a full wheel opening, I really hated the look of the car from the front three quarters view.
There is a total discontinuity between the large side body section before the rear wheel opening and the much smaller side body section after the big wheel opening. The slender rear fender sort of just sticks out there by itself. Two other features make this worse. One is the fact that the boat tail rear window tapers rather quickly and none of it is visible from the front three quarters view. The second is the fact that the lower rear fender curves in too much at the bottom – in fact so much that it is not seen! My solution was to add fender skirts, so as to unify and blend the front and rear side body sections together. I wanted this change as well as all of my changes to look sort of factory.
So, with the fender skirts, I removed the wheel opening trim and filled in the recess with welting (actually white extension cord since I could not find any welting this large). I also added polished aluminum trim to the lower curved lip to both give it a finished factory look and to emphasis the flat side of the fender skirt thereby blending the skirt better into the body side. Finally, I fabricated small wheel opening trim parts for the lower wheel opening (the opening not covered the skirts).
I also added a rear antenna like that on the similar rear fastback of the 1963 Corvette Sing Ray. I thought about this for a long time, as well as it’s location, before installing it. The antenna sort of fills in the blank space on the top of the rear fender as it appears from the front three quarters view. The antenna also is a vertical contrast to the sloping of the rear window – again like the 1963 Corvette. It just looks right, in my opinion. I have thought about adding sort of a scoop at the bottom of the rear quarter panels, sticking out about an inch or so from the lower edge and traveling from the wheel well opening to the rear bumper – ending in a sort of vent. This would help with this area having too much of a inward curve, causing the lower quarter panel to not be seen in a front three quarter view. The defect adds to the skinny looking rear quarter panel. I am satisfied with my results, but may toy with this sometime in the future. Oh, I almost forgot – I added small arrows to the front and rear of the curved Buick side spear, and covered the upper black part with white tape to help unify the look of the car.
My goal for a mild duplication of the Silver Arrow III was:
Phase 1, modify the front of the car.
Phase 2 modify the rear of the car.
Phase 3, identify, purchase, and install Silver Arrow III type of wire wheels/correct white wall tires.
Front of the car: I spent more than 8 hours reviewing, designing, and making patterns for the changes to the front. Constraints included: Fabrication of parts had to be done with the hand tools, and the car needed to resemble the Silver Arrow III (look factory from a few feet away). As far as I know, no one has ever done a Silver Arrow III modification of a 1971-1972 Riviera.
Changes to the front include: 1.) New headlight panel/lens assemblies, and ”integration reflectors”. 2.) Bumper guard modification/relocation. 3.) New Tri-Shield emblem. 4.) Grille molding change. 5.) “Silver Arrow IV” License plate.
The headlight modification: After removing the original headlight bezel, I designed/fabricated 5 “Integration Reflectors” for each headlight box, for a more integrated rectangular headlight look. They have the same curvature as the headlights and have vertical impressions for a Fresnel lens look. I used 22 ga. Steel for the headlight overlay panels and .030” thick Lexan for the long wrap around lens, curving around and over the cornering lights. Horizontal lines were added to the lens to help unify the rectangular look.
Polished aluminum bezel trim was added around the headlight openings. Bumper guards: I used an extra set, since they had to be modified, including the addition of a fabricated polished aluminum side panels for each. It would have been easier to simply move them from the original position, which sort of “squeezes” the look of the front end to one of being narrow and tall, to the outer part of the bumper blade right on the inside of the grille, but that simply did not get the look I was after. So, I had to do a major modification of the guards in order to place them right on the outside of the grille opening.
This simple change made a big difference in achieving the horizontal sleek look I was after. Tri Shield Emblem: the angled Tri Shield emblem on the Silver Arrow III was off of a 1970 Riviera grille (I think). I found one, but the price was crazy high. So, I fabricate one out of 1/8” thick brushed aluminum (brushed different for each shield) and mounted it with two sided glazers tape. It almost looks better than the red white and blue Tri-Shield – sort of like silver arrows! Grille molding: I reduced the vertical height of the molding by covering three quarters of it with white vinyl tape. Again, a small change, but it helped in getting the lower horizontal sleek look.
Changes to the rear of the car: 1.) Trunk lid/fender ends. 2.) Tail lights. 3.) Tri shield emblem. 4.) Rear Window Windsplit.
Trunk lid modifications: I fabricated curved panels that screw on to the trunk lid to cover the cut out for the factory tail lights and removed the existing thin stainless trim. I also fabricated fender end panels are held on the glazers tape to match up with the panels on the trunk lid. I added a polished aluminum trim strip to the lower edge of the trunk lid including the panels. The panels have a molded in lip on that mates up with the top of the tail light.
The Tail lights: The first thing I did was to purchase two sets of 1971 tail lights. I used only the bottom of the horizontally divided 1971 tail light. The top part I blacked out. The tail light was also difficult since I wanted the entire lens to be red or a clear over the red and for it to have 4 lamps rather than the 2 from the factory. That meant that I would have to replace the reflector area with a lamp and replace the backup light area with a lamp – thereby having 4 lamps. So the reflector had to be completely remade, and the lens had to be completely remade.
In addition, a small area of body sheet metal behind the reflector would have to be cut out. I used the original 2 curved reflectors for the original tail lights and added a new one at each end (cutting off the smaller reflector for the backup light). I wanted very even light distribution and for all 4 lamps to function together for tail light, brake light, and turn signal. I did a similar thing to the lens by using the center two lamp area and removing the backup light clear part and replacing it with a red lens, and added a lens for the reflector area. I covered the red lens with a clear vertical Fresnel plastic lens, which gives a white lens look – although they can be removed.
Then I did the wiring with the added new sockets. This was a lot of work, but well worth it. The tail lights look really cool since they are slender and long – sort of Sleek and a little sinister. Tri-Shield emblem: (the same as the front one except for being curved more) covers the release access where the original “R” emblem was located – I now use the glove box power release. I installed clear Fresnel plastic lenses over the red lenses. Finally I added a polished aluminum “Wind Split” to the rear window as per the Silver Arrow III. It is just a continuation of the spine on the trunk lid. I have thought about fabricating two roof top brake light domes, but hate to have to use Velcro on the vinyl top. I am not sure about this change at this point.
Wire Wheels/tires: I bought a rare set of new vintage Appliance, 70 spoke, Wire Wheels – close to what the Silver Arrow III has. I installed new white lettered 235 75R15 tires, with shaved 1 ½” white walls. I modified the center caps with tri-shields/black tape for a “toothed gear” look like the Silver Arrow III. The larger tires help with the proportions of the car. The car is a little too big for a smaller tire size. It just does not look right. The wire wheels also have less of an offset, thereby causing the wheels to be outboard a little over an inch more. This also helps with the original ungainly look of small wheels tucked too far into the body.
Normally, the changes people make to the boat tail evolves splitting the bumper. When done correctly, it looks OK but just does not look factory and adds more to the non-sleek vertical look. This look could be improved on (in my opinion) by “blending” the front bumper blades into the grills in a straight line, but still eliminating the part of the bumper blade that comes to a point over the center of the grille – for a more factory look.
These modifications took me more than 300 hours of work, but the end results to me are amazing. The changes may be subtle, but the car looks much more unified, sleek and stylish, while still looking basically like a factory car.
Looks realy good realy well done …very cool indeed
It has a rather Cadillac look to it
the front also reminds me of a battery powered lowrider toy I have.
Adam,
Yes, there is a little bit of Cadillac look to the front due to the “V” grille – that 1970s Cadillacs had. I have thought about (but most likely will not) add small “bullets” with counter sunk ends in each square opening of the grille – sort of like the 1960-61 Cadillacs.
I would like to see the lowrider model. I did not want my car to look like a lowrider, but you never know – each person has an interpretation.
Thanks Damo.
Beautiful, tasteful custom! You have achieved a wonderful accomplishment of your goals. It’s interesting how history repeats itself- -the AMC Marlin was originally prototyped off the American (the Tarpon) as a small fastback. But, again, practical considerations intervened. The American did not yet offer a V-8, and had a plain interior/dashboard. Neither Buick’s nor AMC’s decisions have ever bothered me–I love big fastbacks–own a ’66 Marlin!
Ray,
I agree. I remember a little bit of the story on the Marlin. As on the Boat Tail Riviera, the rood is too high. In the case of the Riviera it is too high in the front. In the case of the Marlin, it is too high over the rear seat. Again, the Marlin as the Riviera, has good angles and bad angles. Each made this way for different reasons – albeit with the same harm to the design. If I had one, I would not do any permanent changes. I would, however, think about modifying the tail lights to have the sort of cross hair (plus sign with a circle in the center) as the concept Tarpon had. This would not help with the tall roof, but would be a nice touch.
Looks good and worth the effort. I think if you lower it about an inch, the job would be complete.
Just what I was thinking. Lowering it slightly would give it the same low-slung look as the real deal, without having to chop the roof.
Of course, it looks fantastic already!
Agree also on lowering, maybe more than an inch (but nothing lowrider-like!). Not sure about the skirts – on that type of car, if you have to have them, they should be full ones but I don’t think it’s possible with the wheel sticking out on the bottom (bubble skirts would not do, they’re too 50s)…
Amazing. What a shame Buick didn’t go in the direction you did for the front end of the 74-76 Rivieras. It would have mated very well with the sqaured off trunk.
It would have not been that big of a deal for GM to do – if I can do it on my patio and in my kitchen (yes, I am divorced). Minimal cost for a face lift. Maybe the sales numbers would have been improved on!
Impressive work. The styling has definitely been improved.
Thanks David.
Dramatic and superb.
Thanks David. Sometimes I have thought that my Riviera was not my favorite car in my little collection, but after the modifications – it is almost my favorite if not my favorite. Some of the good lines of the car were being hidden by some of the bad lines.
I love this series Riviera and you have certainly improved on the design. Nice Job!
Mr. Bill,
Sounds like my name! Many years ago, I owned a 1969 Riviera daily driver. It looked great in all black. I also had a 1967 Riviera that I bought to re-sale. The front end on that car was as sleek as they come. The overall car was a little plain however (in my eye). The 1967 front was much nicer than the 1969, but the rear of the 1969 was nicer than the 1967 (in my eye).
I was always asked if I had a Boat Tail when I told someone I had an older Riviera. Back then I preferred the 1966-67 overall. The 1965 is of course cool looking and has greater quality including the interior, but it is not as sleek. However I now think that my Silver Arrow IV maybe as sleek if not more than the 1966-67. Certainly it is more dramatic. From the point of view of being easy on the eye, the 1973 is just awful. The fault of the Government, not the designers.
Most remarkable: tasteful, refined, it looks like something Buick itself would have done, had the stylists been given some more rope (and dollars) and thought about it a bit.
Someone who didn’t know what the original looked like could be excused for thinking that it’s not a stock Buick. Nothing sticks out and screams, “CUSTOM!” It all fits.
Very nice work.
Thanks G,
I have only had the car at one small car show so far, but no one recognized that the car was not factory or asked me about the changes – since they did not identify them. That is what I wanted, however it would be nice to see the reaction of someone who knows what these Rivieras look like from the factory. I am planning on showing it in this years Houston AutoRama at the GRB during Thanksgiving weekend. It should look good under all of the lights!
Always loved these Rivs- there were three in the small bush town I grew up in. I particulary like the front mods. This is a restomod I can appreciate!
Thanks Glen,
The Boat Tails were the last of the dramatically styled GM cars. I don not consider many of today’s cars such as the Pontiac Aztec or Chevy Aveo or Nissan Juke or Nissan Cube (I could go on and on) to be dramatic – they are just plain ugly as sin.
Nice choice! Nice choices!
Thanks Flipper.
I’d like to see a photo without the skirts, as I’m generally not a fan.
Morley,
I posted a couple of photos – out of sequence however.
Sweet ride man!
Thanks Chris.
Very tasteful custom, nicely done! If you want to get the quarter window/c-pillar look of the Silver Arrow lll, consider working the quarter windows from the Eldorado convertible to get the curvature. The framing might be built up from the top mechanism and metal-work. For the rear window, perhaps just a fillet overlay on those window corners would complete the look.
I would also love to see one of these boat-tailed Riviera converted into a convertible using the components from the concurrent Eldorado convertible.
I did give some minor thought to adding side panels to the rear side windows and rear window to give this area a similar look of the Silver Arrow III. However, the drip rail protrudes out from the C pillar. Also, my car had a vinyl top which complicates the situation. I am actually satisfied with the look of the car in it’s current state so I do not plan on performing any more changes – at least at this time.
As for as lowering the car: I understand that it would give the car a little more of a Silver Arrow III look, however I am am apprehensive about messing with the suspension. My car has the original suspension, which amazingly allows the car to sit relatively high – of course I have larger tires on it now which added to the already sort of high height. Normally, I like a car to sit a little high vs a little low which makes the car look old and worn out. I also could have a problem with clearance with the front tires. So, I may error on the side of leaving the car as is, which is sort of brisk looking. Sometimes I have to simply choose between two favorite themes.
Fender skirts: The car looks excellant without them, however as I stated in my article, there is a disconnect between the front and rear side body sections. Not that I will not from time to time take them off and reinstall the wheel molding – just for a change. The photos where taken before I had completed all of the changes. Tail lights still original, although 1971 issue, and the side spear not modified yet. BTW, I have a design sort of finalized for modifying the side spear more – with the larger section as on the Silver Arrow III, however I am not sure that I want to apply that much glazier’s tape – but I may. The photos do no have the wheel opening molding installed, but they give you an idea of what the car looks like without the skirts. I am off of the Riviera project for now and currently working on a oblong headlight modification to my 1966 Thunderbird. If successful, I may also do it to my 1960 Thunderbird. I am also working on my customized 1986 GMC Longhorn (again, factory looking – to some extent). Thanks to everyone for the nice remarks on my design and work. Bill
Rear of car before tail light conversion.
Bill, I agree, do NOT lower her. With that long wheelbase you will dread every Railroad crossing and speed bump in creation. Can’t wait to see your T-bird projects!
Ray,
I plan on leaving the height the same for a number of reasons. One main reason is that I am afraid that the car will have a little bit of a low rider look with the fender skirts, and this is not a look that I want on this car. As the car sits now, about 7/8 of the rear wire wheel is still visible with the fender skirts installed. Lowering would reduce it to about 1/2 or 5/8.
Bill, I love the look if your Riviera. I have a 73 Riviera lowrider project with cut springs. Definitely the wrong way to go, the rocker panels are 3.5″ off the ground with 235/75/15s!! I was wondering where you got the fender skirts? Keep up the good work
Most of us have probably had an idea or two on how to improve the trim details on a car, but you have actually done it. You have put a ton of thought and time into this project and have achieved admirable results.
I had the conceptual idea for almost 10 yrs, but I knew it would be easier said than done and I was working 60 yrs a week including the drive – so the idea was delayed. It is hard for me to overcome the amount of work, so I always break it down into many steps – each thought through completely as I go to sleep each night. Then just keep my eye on the prize – the completely project.
Bill,
Great job…as usual!
Glenn,
What are the odds of running into you on curbside – but then I do realize how much you appreciate good and/or interesting automobile design and the stories behind it. Thanks for the compliment. I can’t wait to see your 1960 LC when it is completed.
That’s a lot of work, but the end result looks great and is very tasteful.
Thanks Bajan. What made it even more difficult was the Texas July/August heat. I am talking about right at 100 degrees! I went through gallons of ice tea!
Really, really impressed with this. There’s something special about driving around in something like this; not overt and getting the double take from those who know their stuff. I think maybe you’ve gone halfway with the rear wheels. You could do something that lines up with the lower edge of the fender bulge, but that’s me. It’s your car and congratulations, I haven’t seen something subtle like this since the guy who put a concept prow on a 1960 (IIRC) Edsel.
Don,
I agree about the lower fender skirt. Actually, just the other day I was looking at a photo of my car from the side and noticed how the lower front edge of the fender skirt did not match up properly with the side body panel. I am thinking about adding a small polished aluminum trim part to that area on the skirt – sort of like a number of cars did in the past such as the 1955-7 Tbirds (the 1955 prototype did not have these – one of several small changed that the designers made before production started). When I get the car back from storage, I will looking into this.
Don,
This is my concept of the change I may make to the lower front part of the fender skirt. Edge protector, and maybe 2 or 3 hash marks next to it so as to blend it into the body more.
I know its a bit earlier, but I’d use the 68 Astrovette’s idea of a clean cut but following the lower edge of the bulge as you’ve almost done. Of course the 68 has that flare, but I’d leave that turnunder open, with no chrome lining it. To really make it look concept though would be to get rid of the circular seam. Just don’t ever get a flat rear tire. hehehe
d’oh
Don,
No question that the Astrovette’s fender skirts are very sleek and blend into the body very nicely. I am using after market fender skirts that I did not fabricate. I did not like the fact that they bulged out in a side profile and had the rounded lower lip. I wanted a skirt that would be flush with the side of rear fenders like the Astrovette’s. I had thought about fabricating my own, but never did. So, what I did was to add the lower trim, which really did give a more flush look to the skirt since it got rid of the rounded lower lip. A hidden benefit of the after market skirts was that having the slight bulge did allow enough room for the Appliance wire wheels which are about 1 1/4″ further out board than the originals. There would be interference with a flush mounted skirt. A completely new custom skirt like the Astrovette’s might look really cool – although more custom than factory. It would be a big project due to my having to learn how to lay up fiberglass and the making of the molds. I am guessing 6 months. For now, I would like to blend in the front lower part of the skirt to the body a little better than what it now is. When I complete my 1966 Tbird oblong headlight project, I will look into it. Thanks for sharing the Astrovette with me.
Good luck Bill. Keep us in the loop with the T-Bird and the Riv.
Have you heard of this car?
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/i-bought-a-1961-cadillac-eldorado-gm-factory-custom-off-craigslist.735537/
Yes Don, I am aware of the Cadillac. However, I did not know of the story of it’s restoration. Amazing for sure. It makes my little project just that.
I have the frames and center reflector made for the 1966 thunderbird oblong headlights. Also have the Lexan curved lens cut. I am waiting on a set of 1996 Cadillac cornering lights to use part of for the center Fresnel lens. Then I will make the aluminum bezel. The photos show the frame pattern, and the frame/center reflector.
Frame and center reflector.
Frame and center reflector side view.
Sort of what the headlights will look when completed.
Wow–really, really impressed. The changes are subtle but they do bring the car much more in line with the concept. And it looks completely factory if you’re not paying attention–but as in “what the factory *should* have done.” The quality of the work looks fantastic and your attention to detail and custom fab work on things like the headlights is pretty remarkable. What an amazing car! Keep us updated on your other projects as they come along!
Chris,
Thanks for the nice comments. I just started working yesterday on an oblong headlight modification to my 1966 Tbird Town Hardtop (white with turquoise interior). Sort of like several concept show cars made in the mid 1960s. Once I am done, I may post photos – if all works out the way I want it to. Might get a little delayed in that project since my 1986 GMC truck (another mild sort of factory looking custom) will be getting back from having a new paint job and I have a lot of polishing of custom made aluminum trim parts to re-install. This is my daily driver, so I want it to be all back together before I start driving it. I may post and article of the truck in the future also. Another neat and simple modification I made, is to the tail lights of my 1967 Tbird.
Bill,
I think this is a great piece. My opinions differ on your various modifications (though I really ilke the front end), but I admire the thought you put into it and I admire the results.
Does anyone have photos of the Silver Arrow ll? They were published in Old Cars Weekly years ago. Does it survive?
It was basically a 1971 Riviera made in 1970. It had wire wheels and a wide side spear. Other than that I don not know if it had more modifications or if it was based on the factory 1971 or was built before production of the 1971 started. As far as I know, it did not survive.
I love to see an American craftsman, do awesome fabrication ! , With that I respectfully must admit the changes are not in my opinion , improving the looks or angles you happen to be hung up on. The Boattail looks awesome at every angle!!!! I love my stock 1972 Riviera just the way that American Beauty came over 40 years ago. The fender skirts are not cool , but all the other mods look very well done and with the utmost care and American Quality.
More of my Southern California Riv
Another Of my 1972
My Sons are Admirers as well !
Factory is always the Best ! For me.
I love the quality of work and the subtle factory look.
The skirts are a unique idea because I agree on the weird looks from 3/4 front. My idea to deal with that is bigger wheels. I haven’t found any I like yet. Six spokes and a deep dish, because the wheel track is to narrow. I would want to keep my stock “R” hubcaps too. Six spokes because at 20-22 inches 5 spokes show to much of the brakes.
Unfortunately few vehicles have 5×5 bolt pattern, those that do have shallow offset so I would need custom wheels.
Bill -love your car. Thinking about doing a 71 resto-mod along the lines of the Silver Shadow III which I have always loved. If possible , I would like to visit with you by phone to discuss a few thoughts and gain your advice. Thanks Ken Reed
Ken, I just now saw your post. My phone number is: 713-401-4599
Hi Bill – sorry we never got to talk . Just finished my 72 . Won first place iniquity division in KC World of Wheels . Bit a few little things to button up just I time for some good driving weather. How are things with your car – made any changes ?
Very nice. Yes, I added the roof lights (reflectors), as on the Silver Arrow III. I just added vinyl to them, so as to match the top better. It took me several days just to cut the more than 40 sections of wood to get the contour – sort of like making a wood master pattern. Then glued them together over the roof and sanded forever to get the smooth shape. They are held in place with rare earth magnets – no permanent modifications.
Couple more pics
I love the Silver Arrow III and your interpretation of it. I have a 73 Riviera project that I intend on borrowing some of your ideas on. As soon as I decide on how to redo the front bumper, I have a bumper from a 72 Cadillac that I might work with, I plan on shortening the headlight/side markers to get closer to the concept. I am going for a 70s custom/lowrider look with reversed Astro Supremes and white walls. The biggest decision is definitely the front bumper as ,in my opinion, every car’s bumpers after 72 are hideous because if the mandated shock absorbers. Your work is inspiring!
Recently worked up a Riviera image mod, then came across this article’s white car with fender skirts. Well done!
My changes include adding skirts, decreasing size of backlight, moving front bumper forward several inches and squaring off the front fascia. Am still pondering the frontal design, think there might be opportunity to do something really dramatic.
Much appreciation to owner of donor car, is in wonderful condition and has a beautiful paint color. Also special thanks to photographer… best image I have ever seen of this generation Riv.
I have since removed the fender skirts. Also considering changing the blue top to white – I really like the look in all white, after accidentally noticing how good my car looked with a white sheet over the top during storage.
I’m glad you removed the skirts. That was the one part that I didn’t like that you did. The line on the side of the car follows that opening, and the skirts interfered with that showing.
I like stream lined cars, most of the time. Riviera, even more rocket looking.
Never seen such a thing…where is that from? Looks like a dealer special, but way too involved to be that. Tell us more please…
My rendition only. I attempted to stream line the existing basic shape of the car, without modifying the overall shape. Simple enough that someone like a Chip Foose could pull it off for real.
Gorgeous. You did a great job. Finished off the big boat to look replete.