First classic car, where to start?

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Ralphnader
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Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 12:04 pm

First classic car, where to start?

Post by Ralphnader »

Hello all, I recently acquired a 66 Monza. My wife’s grandparents bought it brand new in 66, put 90,000 miles on it, and then stopped driving it. Its been sitting covered in a garage for the past 20 years at least, probably longer. I put a new battery in it and it fired right up, very fun to drive! It seems to be in very good shape, however considering its age and how long its been sitting, I am sure it needs some work. Oh and there is definitely oil leaking from somewhere.

My quesiton is, where to start? I am definitely a newbie, although I am fairly handy. I have been doing basic maintenance (fluid changes, brakes, hose replacements) on my own cars since I was 16. But any major repair has been sent off to the mechanic. I look forward to learning how to do more in depth repairs and maintenance on the Corvair.

I figured I would at least do an oil change, new air filter, new plugs and wires, try to address the oil leak mentioned above, is it worth taking the carburetor’s off and cleaning them if they seem to be working fine? Should the gas tank be replaced since its been sitting so long? New brakes? New suspension? I’m sure there’s things that need to be done that I am not even aware of.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.
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Ralph
San Francisco, CA
66 Monza
66vairguy
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by 66vairguy »

What a great find. The days of finding a nice clean original Corvair are nearly over.

The engine looks like it has air pollution controls on it. That was only done in Calif and a few counties back East in 1966. Not an issue and doesn't impact performance that much, but a standard (non pollution) distributor will improve driveability at low speeds.

I've fixed up a number of old cars over the decades and the Corvair is definitely different, but you can learn about it.

Yes Corvairs leaked oil, one of their worst problems. Today with modern seals and sealers they can be made tight and dry.

You are going to get a lot of opinions. Take it all in and discard things that don't add up. Buy some good books. Clark's Corvair sells a number of Corvair books by Bob Helt, or contact him on the Corvaircenter forum. If you can, then find a club and check it out. Clubs vary a lot, some have great wrench turners that will help. The original size tires are ONLY made for the U.S.A. by one firm Maxxis. Deliveries are spotty, but you can still find them. DO NOT USE 13" TRAILER TIRES that are very common and some disreputable folks sell for the Corvair.

The odds are the old gas tank is rotten, yes new ones (and senders) are available. At the least put a generic metal canister fuel filter between the gas tank and carbs. Replace the rubber hoses (at tank and in rear - NONE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT!) with hoses rated for ethanol fuels. Gates makes a fuel hose called "Barricade" that is great.

The brakes are probably rusted up. A new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and rubber brake hoses are advised. The metal brake lines may be bad also. NOTE: You have to drop the fuel tank to replace the front metal brake line - soooo, if you replace the tank, then replace that line and save yourself some work later. You can go with a dual master cylinder, but I haven't found a decent kit. Many just buy the 67 Corvair dual MC and do their own plumbing.

Good luck and give your general location so folks can suggest a club.
Ralphnader
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 12:04 pm

Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by Ralphnader »

Thanks for the reply and the information! I’m located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ralph
San Francisco, CA
66 Monza
66vairguy
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by 66vairguy »

Ralphnader wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2018 2:07 pm Thanks for the reply and the information! I’m located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I'm south in L.A. CA. Three good clubs down here. Wish I was closer I'd like to see the car and give a hand.

Seth Emerson sells some of the best spark plug wire sets for the Corvair and races Corvairs. He's in San Jose and might help you find a good mechanic. See http://wireset.com/

Oh I forgot to mention - don't take the car up to high speeds until you get good tires and change all the lubes (and fix the brakes of course). You appear to have an automatic (Powerglide) that has a couple known issues, but overall is a very durable long lasting transmission. You'll want to drop the Powerglide (PG) oil pan to change the fluid. With an automatic transaxle you can use the newer GL-5 lubricant in the differential, BUT you have to pump out the old lube - no drain. Easy with the correct tool. Of course the engine oil should be changed. I would not try to remove the spark plugs until the engine was run a few times (expansion and contraction will make the plug come out easier). After all these years in the engine the plugs might strip the aluminum threads on removal. Do a compression check. If good and it runs fine then don't mess with the spark plugs until you have too. With unleaded fuel spark plugs last much longer now.

A well maintained Corvair (and yours looks like someone took care of it) can go over 100,000 miles without major transaxle or engine work.

The rear axle wheel bearing are near the end of their life at 90,000 miles (if original). Don't even attempt to rebuild them yourself - you need a few special tools and experience. Properly rebuilt they will go another 100,000 miles so find someone with knowledge to do them. Steve Goodman at Rear Engine Specialist in Colorado has a good reputation for doing them correctly. Not cheap to ship, but it's a one time deal if done right.

Enjoy the car.
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Mcwho
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by Mcwho »

I would start by looking at the hydraulics, BRAKES, they get gummed up after long storage times, next rubber seals and gaskets.
1965 Corvair Monza Coupe 110, 4 speed, Liberty Blue
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Iceland Spyder
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by Iceland Spyder »

Hard to find original corvair in that condition to day. Keep it as original as posible including the smog system. Nice find.
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bbodie52
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by bbodie52 »

:welcome2: :clap: :wave: Welcome to the Corvair Forum!
1966 Corvair Monza 110 hp with SMOG (1).jpg
1966 Corvair Monza 110 hp with SMOG (2).jpg
Depending on your budget, it might be worth your while to spend some money to have your car evaluated by a Corvair professional. Mel Raven is an experienced Corvair mechanic and specialist in San Jose. I have listed his website and contact information below. Your Corvair engine is fitted with a smog pump system, and 1966 was one of the earliest years that this system was installed on Corvairs. The smog systems tend to be problematic and cause the engine to run hot. GM seemed to be continually fighting with their smog pump design on the air cooled Corvair from 1966 through 1969 when the Corvair was discontinued. I'm not sure they ever really did get it right. I would be inclined to remove the smog pump system, but with California emission laws and restrictions I'm not sure that is possible since you are resident of California. I'm sure you want a safe, reliable, and drivable Corvair, and it helps to have a pair of experienced Corvair eyes to assist you with an initial evaluation of the car so that you can map out a plan for spending your time and financial resources to bring this car back to life. Mel Raven is likely to be a good starting point. Seth Emerson is also based in San Jose and has a great deal of experience with Corvairs. He would also be a good point of contact for the CORSA club chapter in San Jose, or he could possibly recommend other Bay Area CORSA club chapters that might be closer to your home. His contact information is also listed below.

Removing your car from storage/Reviving a Dead Corvair
:link: viewtopic.php?f=225&t=5030

The aging tires on your car are probably dry rotted and should be replaced. 13 inch tires are still available from limited sources, since the size is obsolete and most tires in the 13 inch size are specified for trailer use only. You might want to consider investing in a set of 14" or 15" wheels and matching tires for your Corvair. The 1965 and later Corvair body has plenty of room for the new tire sizes, and you will find a wider range of modern performance specification tires to choose from in that wheel diameter. Modern radial tires in the larger wheel size will improve handling, braking, and safety. Now would be the time to decide whether you wish to upgrade or retain the original tire size.

Sizing Corvair Wheels and Tires
:link: http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html

SELECTING CUSTOM WHEELS AND TIRES FOR YOUR CORVAIR
:link: viewtopic.php?f=225&t=6066

The Powerglide automatic transmission has a good reputation as long as the fluid levels are properly maintained. Draining and replacing the old transmission fluid would likely be a good choice. The vacuum modulator on the right side of the transmission is a weak point that has a limited lifespan. It might be a good idea to include this on your list of things to do. Clark's Corvair Parts states that if the modulator is more than 10 years old that you are really on borrowed time. http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/catalog ... w_page=135 The transmission fluid on the dipstick should be red in color and not discolored or have a burnt smell. If your transmission is in good condition changing the fluid and replacing the vacuum modulator, and checking for leaks should provide you with long-term reliability with your transmission.

The parking brake cables and pulleys should be inspected and repaired if needed. The automatic transmission on the Corvair does not have a PARK position to lock the transmission, so the parking brake system is the only thing that keeps the car from rolling when it is parked. If the cable should snap your parked Corvair could easily roll away.

:link: http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/catalog ... N&page=148

Seth Emerson is a Corvair aficionado and accessory supplier who is based in San Jose. He is also a contact for Silicon Valley CORSA (Corvair Society of America). Here are the links to Seth Emerson's websites....

Silicone Wire Systems
Your Wire Supplier

:link: http://wireset.com/

Image
Performance Corvair
:link: https://www.perfvair.com/

Quick Contact Information:

Silicone Wire Systems / Performance Corvair / Silicon Valley CORSA
3462 Kirkwood Dr.
San Jose, 95117-1549

(408) 247-2237


============================================================================

If you need a professional Corvair mechanic, there is one in the San Jose area who may be able to help...

I have heard that Mel Raven is semi-retired (he recently turned 70). He may also be aware of other Corvair mechanics and Corvair activities in the Bay Area. His website is still active, so if you need his services you would have to contact him to find out about his availability or if he has any references to other northern California Corvair mechanics...

Image

:link: http://vairmart.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mels.vairmart?fref=ts

Mel's Vairmart
Mel Raven
1443 Laurelwood Road
Santa Clara California
Phone: (408) 267-8164
Fax: (408) 267-8164

Corvair Engine rebuilding.
Complete Corvair repair shop.
Shop Rate - $95.00 /Hour

Call Mel Raven for all your Corvair work

============================================================================
Image
There are quite a few CORSA club chapters in California. This link will provide you with a list of contacts...

:link: https://www.corvair.org/index.php?optio ... crmSID=3_u

:dontknow: I would like to encourage you to expand on your earlier post and tell us more about yourself, as well as about your Corvair. If you can provide your personal assessment of your mechanical skills and abilities, that would help a lot. Members of the Corvair Forum love to be helpful in assisting other Corvair owners with technical support and advice, but it helps a lot if we have some understanding of your technical background and mechanical abilities, your Corvair-related knowledge, etc. Helping us to know more about you will help us to write comments to you that are tailored to your needs and experience. Knowing your specific location is also useful, because knowing where you live can sometimes suggest possibilities.

The link below will provide you with a list of useful websites that are Corvair-related. Some of the links will lead you to an extensive technical library that will allow you to download shop manuals and other technical references in Adobe Reader format at no cost. There is also a link that will help you to locate nearby CORSA (Corvair Society of America) club chapters. While the Corvair Forum can be very helpful as you work on your Corvair, having local friends and contacts in your region who are knowledgeable about the Corvair can also be very helpful. These family-friendly CORSA chapters often offer picnics, group scenic drives, technical training and assistance, car shows, and competition events that can greatly enhance your enjoyment of Corvair ownership. You will also find a list of essential Corvair parts suppliers. Clark's Corvair Parts in Shelburne Falls, MA is the biggest and oldest Corvair supplier in the world. You will find a link that can provide you with a series of videos that amount to a tour of the Clark's Corvair Parts facilities. I think you will be amazed at the quality of the reproduction components they offer — particularly the interior carpeting and re-upholstery items. Parts suppliers such as this truly make our Corvair hobby possible.

Common and Useful Corvair Websites

:link: viewtopic.php?f=225&t=6007

Finally, you will notice that in my post here my name, location, and details about my Corvair are clearly posted and automatically appear in every post that I write. You can modify your User Profile to do the same, by scrolling to the top of the Corvair Forum screen and clicking on your logon name. Then select User Control Panel from the drop-down menu and you can customize your user profile to provide this important information so that Corvair Forum members are not left guessing when thy want to write to you.

:welcome:
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
Ralphnader
Posts: 4
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by Ralphnader »

[Thanks for the wealth of information and the links, I still havent had a chance to do anything to the car yet. Although I am not in a huge hurry, I want to develop a good list and order of operations before I dive in too much. Sounds like things to think about are:

-new gas tank
- possibly new oil pan?
- new brake lines, anyone have experience switching to disc brakes?
- new seals and gaskets.
- flush the transmission?
- vacuum modulator on transmission

The tires honestly seem to be in great condition.

The care runs as is, I am just concerned about running it too much and putting too much old gas through the system. Some one mentioned telling more about my personal mechanical abilities, Honestly they are limited, as well as my knowledge, as is most likely evident with all my questions. I have done basic vehicle maintenance, mostly oil changes and brake jobs, and other random basic maintenance things, nothing huge. I have never pulled an engine or otherwise disassembled an engine.

Questions about the transmission, I purchased a book from amazon called “Chevrolet Corvair Owners WOrkshop Manual.” This book stated that the transmission fluid is good for the life of the vehicle, as long as the level is correct. Does this sound accurate? Or do I really need to flush the system out?

91BAEA1F-A1E7-4830-B418-096A2293C9E1.jpeg
Ralph
San Francisco, CA
66 Monza
66vairguy
Posts: 4498
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by 66vairguy »

GM didn't do a good job of specifying transaxle lubricant change intervals. Basically folks drove these cars about four years and then bought another car, just the way it was in the 60's. So folks rarely changed transaxle lubricant before getting rid of a car back then. Now we know better.

A PG car uses Dexron in the transmission and gear oil in the differential. The manual cars shared transmission and differential gear oil so a GL-4 MUST be used in a manual transaxle. With an automatic (PG) you can use the more common GL-5 gear oil in the transaxle. I suggest you change the fluids and do it every 30,000 miles.

DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE ON OLD GASOLINE. There have been a few reports of the valves seizing in the heads when the engine was run on old gasoline. Gasoline is a complex solvent and 3 - 6 months is considered the safe limit to use gasoline unless you add a preservative like Sta-Bil to fresh gasoline. With a gasoline stabilizer the gasoline can last up to 24 months.

There are disc brake kits, but the rears are complex to do. The 65-69 Corvairs had more than adequate sized drum brakes and with the correct linings they work fine for normal driving. A lot of talk about the correct linings and size over at the corvaircenter forum lately.

Clark's now sells stainless steel brake and fuel lines - worth considering if you plan to keep the car a long time. BTW few ever do it, but brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every two years.

Good luck with the car.
Ralphnader
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 12:04 pm

Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by Ralphnader »

Thanks 66vair guy, that’s very helpful. Looks like I’ll be doing all fluids, and siphoning out all the old gas too.
Ralph
San Francisco, CA
66 Monza
perfectreign
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by perfectreign »

That's a nice looking vehicle! Can't wait to see the progress.
Kai Ponte - www.perfectreign.com

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66vairguy
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by 66vairguy »

Yes it is a nice car, and now you rarely see a Corvair in such nice original condition.

Of course it is YOUR car to do with what you want. I'd suggest trying to keep it preserved, or sell it to someone who will preserve it.

You'll get advice to dump the smog equipment, but it is rare to see and it's impact on drivability is mostly caused by the distributor timing (springs and weights). I'd suggest keeping the original distributor intact, but replace it with a non-emissions 1965 110HP rebuilt distributor and setting the timing to 1965 spec. It will improve idle, reduce engine idle temperature, and give better throttle response.
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Gregory_Miller
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Re: First classic car, where to start?

Post by Gregory_Miller »

Also the tires may look good, but if they are 20 years old I wouldn't trust them farther then the nearest tire shop, and at less that 40 MPH getting there. I'd hate to see that nice car damaged by a blowout at speed.
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