Let's talk Corvair

Got a line on a 1966 two door Corsa convertible, red with white interior. Looks really sweet. 140 hp but unfortunately with automatic transmission. Would have to sell one of my TR8's to make room but also realize I don't really need three TR8's. There's always been a soft spot in my heart for Corvairs as my dad had a 61 and a 65 when I was growing up, albeit they were 4 dr sedan versions.

I'll have to do some research but what are the things to inspect on Corvairs before purchase? I imagine there is good club support and parts availability isn't a problem?

First off check how the front carpet/floor mats are installed. I once was around a vair whose previous owner installed the carpet with carpet tacks. Yes, that did make the interior smell like gasoline!!

Their was a place that made 5 speed kits, "American Boxer" but I hear they are gone now. The web site is still up though. Corvair forum mentioned using a Porsche trans instead.

Corvair Society of America (CORSA) is one of the outstanding marque clubs, with an excellent and informative magazine. 99% of parts are no problem at all form the very strong aftermarket. Easy to work on, interesting, underrated and cool cars, especially Corsas. Lots of mechanical and historical reference information available. Knowlegible enthusiasts on the GRM site, too.

In reply to Jim Pettengill:

Thanks Jim. I found the CORSA site today after I made my OP.

A 140 with an automatic is an interesting configuration. I believe they did do a few of those, but not many (140 is really not an ideal match with a 2 speed auto). You should check the build tag (right rear on frame rail in engine compartment) to see what the original options were.

As with most old cars, it's rust rust rust rust rust. With Corvairs, this is a special consideration. Since the cars are not worth much, few put a lot of effort into restorations so: BEWARE A REPAINTED CORVAIR. (was I yelling?). There are many cheaply done "freshen it up" restoration jobs on Corvairs out there and a re-paint is a great way to cover that (bondo, fiberglass, rust still there etc). Convertibles are of course even more susceptible. At least with a convertible, there issue areas are more obvious (floors which are not that hard to replace).

Especially since it is red (argh, seems like 90% of Corvairs are repainted red... it's a bit tiring), I would be suspicious of a repaint.

Good luck. Remember, you won't fund your retirement with a Corvair, they are for enjoyment only (which is actually kind of nice).

Good move ! One TR8 should be PLENTY if you built it right. One TR8 and a TR7 parts car for the random this and thats when you need them.

I've owned a '64 Corvair convert and a '66 Corvair convert and loved them both in the Summer, thought not at all in the Winters. Either style had it's charms for sure. Parts are everywhere. If I could find an early four door around here I'd own it in a minute.

In reply to aircooled:

Most likely a retrofit with the Powerglide. Corsas came 4-speed only, I don't think it was until '67-'69 the 140 was available with a Powerglide. I know this only because my dad retrofitted a PG in his '69 Monza Convert that came factory with a 140. I know you need a 140 specific governor for the PG if it came with a different engine. They are actually quite hard to come by because very few were made.

I agree on bodywork. A lot of "resprayed" Corvairs hide bad bodywork.

The only true way to know if it's a Corsa or not is by the body tag in the engine compartment.

In reply to TeamEvil: Vairs aren't so bad in winter. Provided of course you have lots of snow ski gear & don't mind scraping the interior of the windshield whole driving!

Actually, Vairs can heat great in the winter. Just make sure you install new exhaust gaskets and Viton pushrod tube seals (not a real big job, can be done with the engine in the car), and if the thermostat bellows are working properly to control the doors on the heater boxes, the heat should roast you in the car. My '63 (admittedly only 5 years old at the time) worked so well I could drive it in a T-shirt in subzero temperatures. So Vairs work good in winter - just keep a long screwdriver on hand to clean out the front wheel wells. When they get packed with snow you can't turn the front wheels.

VW Beetles, on the other hand - keep an ice scraper at hand to clean the inside of the windshield. Been there, done that many a time.

Hey, Rupert, from your avatar are you an alto player? I mostly play tenor and soprano these days, but still pull out the alto on occasion. Saxophones forever!

In reply to Jim Pettengill:

That is true. The Corvair is an awesome car in the winter and I wish I spent more time in one. If the car has Posi, they're damn near unstoppable.

However, there are not many people who brave the winter anymore, mainly for rust reasons.

The heaters are quite good. I'm pretty sure that's something they over-engineered on purpose. As long as your hoses aren't shot, the bellows are working, and your heater controls are working, your pretty much good.

Being here in the Midwest, we still have car shows and such in the fall and it can be a bit chilly, so those heaters come into play.

I'm restoring the heater in my '68. My dad never used it because it was his racecar, but I have intentions on using it. I am making some custom lower shrouds to fit around the headers.

In reply to Jim Pettengill: Jim sitting near my work desk are a soprano, alto, & a tenor sax. Next to them are a trumpet, cornet, & 2 trombones. I always keep my horns on stands so I can just pick up and play whatever I choose on the spur of the moment. But, I have pared down my collection.

I was a music major till I decided I didn't want to spend my life on the road to make a decent living. Being retired I now play at nursing homes, charity events, church, etc. However I did quit playing taps at military funerals. It brought back far too many very bad memories.