Hello from NC

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bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

Hi FOLKS,

A lifelong Chevy guy, now retired'
My points of interest have been '49 to '52 Chevys, have owned 3 Corvairs in the past.
I have owned two 1951 Chevys, different models but both are two door sedans, one is stock, one is modified, both turn key cars, both # 2 condition. One of the '51's has been in my care for 17 years, the other for 3 years.

My mission now is to find a '66 to '68 Corvair Monza Coupe, prefer a PowerGlide, prefer a one owner or an owner who has a documented file of car history maintenance.
Car must be turn key, well maintained, ready to roll condition.
Thanks,
Bob. 2-10-2017.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
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bbodie52
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Re: Hello from NC

Post by bbodie52 »

:wave: :welcome2: Welcome to the Corvair Forum!

Your initial post stated that you are interested in 1966 through 1969 Corvair Monza coupes, preferably with a Powerglide transmission. The 1965 model year with a Powerglide transmission would be essentially identical to the later model years, so you should not eliminate that from your list of acceptable Corvairs as you search for the perfect car for you.

You did not mention your specific location in North Carolina. I would recommend that you contact and perhaps join the nearest CORSA (Corvair Society of America) club chapter to help you with your search. CORSA club members can offer knowledge, recommendations and contact information that may help you with your search. Membership in a CORSA club can also enhance your enjoyment of Corvair ownership. Clubs are usually family-friendly and offer technical assistance and training, competition events, picnics and scenic drives, and other social events. Here's a list of Corvair club websites that would help you to locate and contact the nearest club to your location…

Image

:link: http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter271/

:link: http://www.queencitycorvairclub.com/

Common and Useful Corvair Websites

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

:welcome:
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
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County98
Posts: 419
Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2014 1:15 am
Location: Lawton, OK

Re: Hello from NC

Post by County98 »

Happy hunting and welcome!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Corvair Forum mobile app
Cheers!

-Shayne
Lawton, OK

'66 Corsa work in progress
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=8079
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

bbodie52 wrote: :wave: :welcome2: Welcome to the Corvair Forum!

Your initial post stated that you are interested in 1966 through 1969 Corvair Monza coupes, preferably with a Powerglide transmission. The 1965 model year with a Powerglide transmission would be essentially identical to the later model years, so you should not eliminate that from your list of acceptable Corvairs as you search for the perfect car for you.

You did not mention your specific location in North Carolina. I would recommend that you contact and perhaps join the nearest CORSA (Corvair Society of America) club chapter to help you with your search. CORSA club members can offer knowledge, recommendations and contact information that may help you with your search. Membership in a CORSA club can also enhance your enjoyment of Corvair ownership. Clubs are usually family-friendly and offer technical assistance and training, competition events, picnics and scenic drives, and other social events. Here's a list of Corvair club websites that would help you to locate and contact the nearest club to your location…

Image

:link: http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter271/

:link: http://www.queencitycorvairclub.com/

Common and Useful Corvair Websites

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

:welcome:
Thanks for the welcome, the links and the CORSA info. I did not include the '65 because I read somewhere? that the '66 and up were a vast improvement over the '65. I must admit, finding '65 and up are not as easy as '64 and below.
We are over the mountain from you, in Hendersonville, NC
Bob. 2-10-17.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

County98 wrote:Happy hunting and welcome!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Corvair Forum mobile app
Thanks.
Bob. 2-10-17.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
SteveH
Posts: 452
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2015 10:27 am
Location: San Lorenzo, CA

Re: Hello from NC

Post by SteveH »

Welcome! Good luck on your search!!!!
CORSA Member #034095
65 Corvair Corsa "Field Find" 140-4, 4 speed, Hardtop, Telescoping wheel. Rear Speaker
65 Corvair Corsa Automatic 140-4, Coupe
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

SteveH wrote:Welcome! Good luck on your search!!!!
Thank you Steve.
Bob. 2-10-17.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
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bbodie52
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Re: Hello from NC

Post by bbodie52 »

bobg1951chevy wrote:...I did not include the '65 because I read somewhere? that the '66 and up were a vast improvement over the '65.
I drove 1965 Corvair Corsas (coupes and convertibles) from the year I first received my driver's license (1969). I drove them across country, coast to coast, numerous times while I served in the USAF, and all over Germany as well. I currently own a 1966 Corsa convertible. Essentially the 1965 and 1966 was identical in quality and performance. They have all been highly reliable. The primary difference in the manual transmission version was that the 1965 used the same manual transmission as the early Corvairs (1964 and earlier) and in 1966 Chevrolet switched to a beefed-up 4-speed. The Powerglide automatic has a good reputation for high reliability, as long as the fluid level is properly maintained. (It is a little anemic in the performance, or "sportiness" department, though, as it is only a 2-speed transmission). The Powerglide was never offered as an option in the 1965-66 Corsa, or with any turbocharged Corvair. It was only available with the Monza and 500 Corvairs in the late model series.

1965 and later tend to be a little "thin skinned", in that they have a thinner gauge sheet metal and are more prone to body rot than the early model Corvairs.
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

I have not heard about the later models having thinner sheet metal.

I'm still looking to buy, but the '64 and earlier are not as stylish, as the '65 and up, IMO.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
66vairguy
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Re: Hello from NC

Post by 66vairguy »

bobg1951chevy wrote:I have not heard about the later models having thinner sheet metal.

I'm still looking to buy, but the '64 and earlier are not as stylish, as the '65 and up, IMO.
Body sheet metal gauge is hard to pin down. Body strength is determined by alloy strength vs. thickness. HOWEVER, the general consensus is the 1960-64 Corvair bodies had a thicker gauge body steel vs. the 1965-69 cars. There is little doubt the earlier car bodies were "overbuilt", especially the convertibles. That doesn't mean the latter cars are flimsy. As with any uni-body car, rust or missing spot welds makes a difference.

As far as manual transmissions go. The 64/65 Corvair transmissions were the most advanced of the first design and are durable. A lot of folks prefer them to the 65-69 transmissions because they shift "nicer" or "better". The 66-69 four speeds can take more torque, but they do shift like a bigger/bulkier transmission. Why did GM change the Corvair manual transmission? Simple - the Corvair four speed was the ONLY CAR FOUR SPEED TRANSMISSION Saginaw produced. All the others came from Borg-Warner until GM and BW had a falling out. The BIG GM Muncie four speed was not practical in six and small V8 applications so Saginaw tooled up to replace the smaller Borg-Warner four speeds and in the process adapted those parts into a new case for the Corvair and the original Corvair four speed design was superseded. Contrary to common wisdom - BOTH the early and 66-69 Corvair transmissions were made by Saginaw, but to this day the 60-64 is called the "Corvair 4 speed" and the 66-69 is called the "Saginaw".

As far as reliability goes - the 64-65 and 66-69 each have their weak points - but if the gear oil is changed and the transmissions are not abused either generation is reliable. Oddly - parts are easier to find for the 64-65 fours speed compared to the 66-69 four speeds. Also note that to get the "big" car Saginaw parts in the 66-69 Corvair case some parts had to be made that are unique to the "Saginaw" 66-69 Corvair transmission. The "Crown V8" folks know all about it.
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toytron
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Re: Hello from NC

Post by toytron »

Welcome from illinois! Good luck on your search. Btw Hendersonville is beautiful country. That is one place I would love to live.

Ed Stevenson
Edwin Stevenson
Industrial Electrician
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65 corvair corsa convertible turbo
65 corvair monza
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bbodie52
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Re: Hello from NC

Post by bbodie52 »

bobg1951chevy wrote:...I'm still looking to buy, but the '64 and earlier are not as stylish, as the '65 and up, IMO.
See the following Corvair Forum post for an extended debate on which is better... Early Model (1960-1964) or
Late Model (1965-1969)
:guitar:
:link: viewtopic.php?f=80&t=3

::-): ::-): ::-):
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

66vairguy wrote:
bobg1951chevy wrote:I have not heard about the later models having thinner sheet metal.

I'm still looking to buy, but the '64 and earlier are not as stylish, as the '65 and up, IMO.
Body sheet metal gauge is hard to pin down. Body strength is determined by alloy strength vs. thickness. HOWEVER, the general consensus is the 1960-64 Corvair bodies had a thicker gauge body steel vs. the 1965-69 cars. There is little doubt the earlier car bodies were "overbuilt", especially the convertibles. That doesn't mean the latter cars are flimsy. As with any uni-body car, rust or missing spot welds makes a difference.

As far as manual transmissions go. The 64/65 Corvair transmissions were the most advanced of the first design and are durable. A lot of folks prefer them to the 65-69 transmissions because they shift "nicer" or "better". The 66-69 four speeds can take more torque, but they do shift like a bigger/bulkier transmission. Why did GM change the Corvair manual transmission? Simple - the Corvair four speed was the ONLY CAR FOUR SPEED TRANSMISSION Saginaw produced. All the others came from Borg-Warner until GM and BW had a falling out. The BIG GM Muncie four speed was not practical in six and small V8 applications so Saginaw tooled up to replace the smaller Borg-Warner four speeds and in the process adapted those parts into a new case for the Corvair and the original Corvair four speed design was superseded. Contrary to common wisdom - BOTH the early and 66-69 Corvair transmissions were made by Saginaw, but to this day the 60-64 is called the "Corvair 4 speed" and the 66-69 is called the "Saginaw".

As far as reliability goes - the 64-65 and 66-69 each have their weak points - but if the gear oil is changed and the transmissions are not abused either generation is reliable. Oddly - parts are easier to find for the 64-65 fours speed compared to the 66-69 four speeds. Also note that to get the "big" car Saginaw parts in the 66-69 Corvair case some parts had to be made that are unique to the "Saginaw" 66-69 Corvair transmission. The "Crown V8" folks know all about it.
Interesting info, thanks.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

toytron wrote:Welcome from illinois! Good luck on your search. Btw Hendersonville is beautiful country. That is one place I would love to live.

Ed Stevenson
The hunt continues ...... a couple of interesting vehicles so far, but I am most comfortable with documentation, whether it be for maintenance / repairs or ownership.

Word of mouth only can be misleading.

I came through the Asheville / Hendersonville area many, many years ago, with my 454 Suburban and travel trailer, told my wife this was the area where I wanted to live, after retirement.

Here we are !
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
bobg1951chevy
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:26 pm
Location: Hendersonville, NC.

Re: Hello from NC

Post by bobg1951chevy »

bbodie52 wrote:
bobg1951chevy wrote:...I'm still looking to buy, but the '64 and earlier are not as stylish, as the '65 and up, IMO.
See the following Corvair Forum post for an extended debate on which is better... Early Model (1960-1964) or
Late Model (1965-1969)
:guitar:
:link: viewtopic.php?f=80&t=3

::-): ::-): ::-):
I didn't read all 227 posts, but it certainly is a 50/50 reply, based on the graph.
Bob G., Hendersonville, NC.

1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan. 6/2000.
1969 Corvair 500 Coupe # 2671. 7/2017.
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bbodie52
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Re: Hello from NC

Post by bbodie52 »

Image :chevy:
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
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