New Member VA

[Pops1964]

I just purchased my dad’s 1964 Corvair Monza Convertible, Automatic from his estate.
It hasn’t been on the road since 1987.
I spent my younger years working on it with him, as my family says, I was my dad’s son (I am female).
It was garage kept, but in really rough shape. I am a novice in restoring a car, but this is going to be a family project and several close friends that are mechanic's..

[Phil Dally]

WELCOME!!!

[Frank DuVal]

1. Where in Virginia? General area.
2. Was dad in Virginia?
3. On Saturday, rain or shine, we are having the 42nd Virginia Vair Fair in Richmond. Love to see you there. Without the car is fine. You will have lots of people to answer your questions and give advice!


https://sites.google.com/view/central-v ... /vair-fair

[Pops1964]

I am in Winchester, as was my dad before he passed. I can’t wait to bring this beauty back to her glory, that was always my dad’s wish. I can’t make it this weekend, but maybe in the future I’ll be able to make one. I have just started this adventure and it’s scary but I know it will be worth it.
Thanks for reaching out. Temple

[jimbrandberg]

I especially love these generational Corvair stories and I hope it goes well.
You might want to check the master cylinder and add DOT3 brake fluid before you push on the pedal. It's not like you won't have to do work on the brakes but you might save the hydraulics for a temporary basis.
You probably want to rig up something to use good gas out of a can. The gas tank is probably a chamber of horrors and no use pumping that crap into your carburetors.
Does the engine turn with a 3/4" wrench on the crankshaft pulley? Even though the engine turns counter-clockwise I try turning it clockwise so I don't just loosen the bolt.
You can look for mouse stuffing on top of the engine by removing the plate on top of the oil cooler on the rear of the left side and the fresh air duct on the front of the right side. Since you probably want to remove the spark plugs you can look for evidence there too. A light in the fan opening and a mirror will help see.
When washing the outside there should be an oval opening in the rocker panel about 8" behind the front wheel well. It drains the rocker panels of the water that goes in ahead of the windshield. Holding the hose in the top with one hand and clearing debris out of the bottom with a finger on the other hand will flush out a lot of rust causing soil and debris.
Please let us know how it's going because we are interested.

[kmart356]

@Pops1964 -

If you don't have copies of the shop manuals, you can download sections as needed from Corvair & Corvair-95 Repair Manuals

[Frank DuVal]

I was questioning the two small air filters (as seen on 1961 to 1963 models) instead of the typical one big center air filter, so I looked at the body tag. Yep, second week of September production (the 09B at the top), that's early!

Color Code 912 is Silver Blue Poly, looks like it still is that color.

[RexJohnson]

I don't see a PCV valve or tube out of the top shroud?

[flamingchariots]

No differential dipstick either (for '64).
Anybody know what is the hose laying on top of the fanbelt? From the choke pulloff?

[kmart356]

Vacuum advance hose?

[Pops1964]

Thank you and everyone for your response and suggestions. We haven’t tried anything on this yet. We are moving “Lola” next week and the work begins. I was just pleased to get the truck open, I thought I was going to have to remove the headlight, trunk would only open about 1/2” but would not release all the way, even turning key all the way right and pushing down, last resort, WD40 did the trick. I think I found the differential dip stick in the trunk and possibly the original oil dip stick.

She is sitting on 3 flats, putting new tire on tomorrow to pull her out of the garage to get her moved.

The drivers door is broken, but I was able to finally open passenger door tonight.

I have attached a few more pics.

I am looking forward to reading this forum and getting help when I need it.

[Frank DuVal]

A lot happens in 61 years. We are here to help sort it out.

There is the Northern Virginia Corvair Club which would be good to join. Also the parent organization, CORSA. NVCC has meetings at member's houses to work on cars. PM me with your email address and I will send their info. I am a member. You may have to make a few more posts before you can send PMs.

[jimbrandberg]

Hey that thing don't look too bad. I'll be anxious to read about how it's going.

[Dennis66]

God bless ya. That will be a great project, and a lot of cherished memories as you progress. Start a "build thread" in the members rides section and we can all join in (LOTS of valuable help here). My older daughter wants my Corvair when I pass. I hope to be able to pass it to her as a completed turn key vehicle. She did help me rebild a singke cylinder engine meny years ago.