1964 four door automatic project by remote

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Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

Violated the primary car buying rule; I just bought a '64 four door sight unseen from a tow lot in Napa CA.

The tow yard is transporting the car to a Corvair shop in SF for inspection and repair; Corvair Unlimited.

I intend to do a low cost rehab of the car to include a cheap paint job and minimum upholstery work. Hope to have a reliable runner.

I ordered all the parts so far from Rock Auto. I had a tough time finding tires and when I found them I got shut down when I tried to buy a set through Amazon with them telling me I was in a sanctioned country. This hasn't been true for a number of years.

Had been looking for a four door automatic as I have two young daughters and the traffic delays in LA can be hateful.

Future additions may include A/C. But for now I'd like to get it all running and functioning as designed. Should be a fun car but we'll see how this rehab by remote works out.
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64 corvair Napa CA.jpg
64 Corvair Napa CA 2.jpg
64 Corvair Napa CA 3.jpg
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1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

Is there a way to tell what '64 four door model this is by just the exterior?

Also, while I assume it has a standard output engine is there a way to know if the engine is standard or 'high performance'. Other than referencing a VIN or engine code number...?
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
guru_1071
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2016 9:38 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by guru_1071 »

only 64's have 'CORVAIR' on the bonnet
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

Thanks guru,

at least that's good confirmation its actually a '64.

But what I meant was is there a way to tell what sub-model it is from its exterior. 700? 900?

I'm just new to Corvairs but I'm starting to think its a 900 as it has the rear 'scoops' and front and rear wheel opening trim.

Yep, found a GM heritage center doc detailing the entire '64 range. Definitely a 900. Actually a 969.

Now just have to determine standard engine or HP and what if any options.
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

He said 'bonnet'...

j/k
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
64powerglide
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Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by 64powerglide »

Monza's have the chrome/stainless trim around the side windows, the emblem on the front fenders have 900 if it's Monza. Engine lid would have flags with 110 on it, no flags 95HP. But you never know someone could have replaced the engine at some time.
64Powerglide, Jeff Phillips

Kalamazoo, Mi..
joefarmer
Posts: 89
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2017 5:38 pm

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by joefarmer »

Ecklund - I think you will be pleased with your purchase... beautiful car! I too have the Monza 969 trim code. My engine is the 110hp, but no badges on the car to support this. The engine block is from a '65 which confirms its not original. Secondly, I have the Corvair lettering on the rear hood, but not on the front (could be a replacement hood though). And finally, I believe we each have the same window trim and fake "scoops".

What all have your ordered from Rock Auto? I was under the impression that Clarks and Corvair Ranch were the two places to order from. Also, what are your plans with coloring? Back to the white shade?

Just to clarify, will you get to see the car before transport? Or are you meeting it at the SF shop? Be sure to provide pics! Good luck!
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

64powerglide wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2017 9:51 am Monza's have the chrome/stainless trim around the side windows, the emblem on the front fenders have 900 if it's Monza. Engine lid would have flags with 110 on it, no flags 95HP. But you never know someone could have replaced the engine at some time.
Very true. Didn't really consider an engine replacement but of course the car is well over 50 years old and it is entirely possible.

Understood on the flags and the 110. Didn't know that. Thanks.
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

joefarmer wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2017 1:11 pm Ecklund - I think you will be pleased with your purchase... beautiful car! I too have the Monza 969 trim code. My engine is the 110hp, but no badges on the car to support this. The engine block is from a '65 which confirms its not original. Secondly, I have the Corvair lettering on the rear hood, but not on the front (could be a replacement hood though). And finally, I believe we each have the same window trim and fake "scoops".

What all have your ordered from Rock Auto? I was under the impression that Clarks and Corvair Ranch were the two places to order from. Also, what are your plans with coloring? Back to the white shade?

Just to clarify, will you get to see the car before transport? Or are you meeting it at the SF shop? Be sure to provide pics! Good luck!
They are very interesting cars. Yeah no badges on mine either that would indicated any particular engine. Agreed, no way to know what body parts may have been replaced over 50 years or more.

I have used Rock Auto in the past and had good results and many times they have the best prices. Complete tune up and maintenance stuff: plugs, wires, motor, cap, condenser, coil, trans and engine filters, belt, shocks, wiper blades and wheel bearing etc. I also ordered almost all new brake components: wheel cylinders, master, flexible brakes hoses, shoes and adjustment screws etc. I didn't order drums as I dont know what I'll need there. I even ordered a trans modulator.

Even though I'll probably need suspension bushings, fuel system parts, steering parts and other components I'll wait for the shop to indicate exactly what is needed.

Yep, cheap exterior paint job to all white. Although I did see a white 969 recently with a dark 'wine' colored top that looked pretty good too. But maybe down the road. White for now.

Nope, violating every rule of car buying and even just plain good sense. The first time I'll see the car is when I pick it up in SF. Not too worried about the body or interior or even brakes steering and suspension as those systems will get a complete rehab. But if the engine is beyond hope or the trans is shot I'll be into it for more than I'd wanted to be.

But with a complete service and tune up there is a reasonably good chance the care will turn out to be the reliable runner I am hoping for.

Will definitely post any pics that come my way during the rehab.
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

Car arrived at Corvair's Unlimited shop in SF.

Good news is that engine can run and trans turns the wheels.

Car is mostly complete. Missing radio.

Bad news is one cylinder has lower compression and there is significant blow by. There is a chance carbon is fouling the ring/s. Will try to clean out the gunk and see if the rings can be freed. Of course the rings in the cylinder may have lost tension or worn the bore egg shaped. Then, its rebuild time.

No brakes, but that was expected. Steering appears serviceable but suspension needs some help; ball joint/s.

Louis, the owner, will clean out the tank and give the motor and trans a complete tune up. He'll also rehab the entire brake system.

The interior turns out to be blue. No carpet and what seat material is left is brittle/fragile. Going to get the brakes and drive train up to speed first, then address any other mechanical issues before I turn to the cosmetic issues.

Just a progress report.
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
joefarmer
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Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by joefarmer »

Can't wait to see some pics. Will this be your first Corvair?
Ecklund
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Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

joefarmer wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2017 9:23 am Can't wait to see some pics. Will this be your first Corvair?
I keep asking the shop for some pics, but many mechanics view that kind of thing as a waste of time and not to be negative but many are not familiar with much communications technology. My guy is using his brother's email.

Pics would be nice but I'd rather have a Corvair savant if I have to choose.

Yep, first Corvair. Have been mostly about V8 cars but recently started to look at Porsche 996 911 cars. Smaller, more efficient but still can be used as an everyday driver. That along with the fact that I'd had an eye out for a older US car to use as a driver/backup driver, I started looking at the Corvair.

I had a few a-body mopars, I do like the slant six and of course they came as four doors, but the EM Corvairs are just much more unique.

As I have two small daughters a four door seemed more appropriate. And as the Corvair is to be an actual driver and the traffic in the LA area can be, well, stupid, a power glide seemed right. Besides as I understand it the Corvair was originally designed to be built in this one configuration. Sort of a socialist people's car; but not a crappy eastern block one, but a good one.

The intention is to rehab the car to be a reliable driver. But A/C sure is high on the list of mods after that.

As my Corvair has an engine that is at best worn and I have been thinking about a 3.1l kit version of the 140 engine with a cam. A bit more intake flow, a bit more exhaust flow and a healthy increase in displacement over the stock 164. Not a race car or even a sports car but just more of what the Corvair is now with a nice increase in low end torque. But will drive it with the current engine until something substantial happens.

Some of the canyon roads in the LA area have long twisty down hill sections. The brake system on my 969 900 will be completely rehabbed. Still, I'm not sure drums won't overheat even with the car's light weight. I've certainly over heated the brakes of heavy cars on those downhills. Maybe a disc brake conversion at some point too.

When I do the 140 swap I'd like to change out the rear drive to a taller ratio. Being able to drive the car in the low 80s mph without the rpms being too high.

But that's just mostly bench racing. The idea now is to get the Corvair to be a decent runner without sending the kids to the poor house.
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
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b74eqcm
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Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by b74eqcm »

Ecklund,

Some people do upgrade the brakes on Corvairs. Folks who have been building and restoring Corvairs for decades will tell you that in most every circumstance (except racing), the stock brakes are fine. I don't think an upgrade to discs, for example, is worth the effort.

Having said that, there are some things to do.
- replace all the brakes hoses - these get brittle over time, and if restricted, can cause pulling to one side or the other. And if they break - no brakes.
- speaking of no brakes - upgrade to a dual master cylinder. That way a brake line or hose failure will only result in losing half your brakes so you can safely stop. Kits are available from Clarks and other to do this for reasonable $.
Jim Thomas
Bethel, VT
63 Monza Coupe
Ecklund
Posts: 78
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Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

b74eqcm wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2017 4:14 am Ecklund,

Some people do upgrade the brakes on Corvairs. Folks who have been building and restoring Corvairs for decades will tell you that in most every circumstance (except racing), the stock brakes are fine. I don't think an upgrade to discs, for example, is worth the effort.

Having said that, there are some things to do.
- replace all the brakes hoses - these get brittle over time, and if restricted, can cause pulling to one side or the other. And if they break - no brakes.
- speaking of no brakes - upgrade to a dual master cylinder. That way a brake line or hose failure will only result in losing half your brakes so you can safely stop. Kits are available from Clarks and other to do this for reasonable $.
I tend to agree that the stock drums are adequate. In fact I'm counting on it as I'm having the entire stock brake system rehabbed. We'll see on those long twisty down hill canyon roads if the stock system holds up.

So are the pre-formed hard brake lines worth the money or does a bunch of straight tubing get me most of the way there at a substantial savings?
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

A few pics the shop in SF sent.

Virtually every system on the car is just worn out.

Just hoping the engine and drivetrain are minimally useable.
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64 Corvair interior 1.jpg
64 interior 2.jpg
64 interior 3.jpg
64 interior 4.jpg
64 roof.jpg
64 roof and right side.jpg
64 from front of car engine cover up.jpg
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
Ecklund
Posts: 78
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 5:49 am

Re: 1964 four door automatic project by remote

Post by Ecklund »

Spoke to the mechanic last night.

Said the motor was leaking between the heads and cylinders. One cylinder had low compression and was concerned with the way that the trans had been shifting at such a low RPM when it was off the ground.

We decided that it was the best course of action to do a re-ring and head R&R to be sure the car is reasonably realible and drivable. He's going to run through the transaxle and trans too.

Can't say this is that unexpected. Car has at least 115K.

Since the rule pump is shot anyway he is recommending an electric pump. Sounds right.

Hand brake cables need replacement, speedo cable, carbs need R&R. In addition to a complete brake and bearing rehab.

Looks like any cosmetic upgrades for the paint and interior just went out the window; well at least for now. Same for items like the suspension springs.

Hoping to get the car into reasonably good, reliable running, driving and stopping form. The appearance stuff can come later.
1964 Corvair 900 (969) four door with powerglide - new project
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