65 Corsa convertible finally getting started

[sixbanger]

I've had this car for a couple years and am finally going to start on it.Hopefully I can have it done for my Grand daughters 16th birthday. She is 14 now.My first plan of attack is going to see if I can get it running again.I'll need an exhaust manifold left side as the one I have has a broken ear on it.The car came as a turbo model but now has a R N motor which is a 140hp motor. I have the original turbo.Which I don't know what I''ll be doing with it.I want to thank BBodie52 for his help in decoding the vin. Car was originally Dark green with a black top and fawn interior. Actually that sound like a nice combo to go back to.
Also have a question about the two canisters that are behind the headlights and mounted to the front of the inner fenders. Does anyone know what they are for or what they do? Thanks Ken

[DT-VAIR]

Those canisters are the 'shakers'. Only convertibles have them. You should have the two in the trunk and two in the engine bay. If you don't have the engine bay ones not too big of a deal. People took them out a lot since it made it harder to change the bulbs (what I've heard). They are designed to absorb vibrations and keep the shimmy down when the top is in the lowered position. Again - what I was told. They have a big spring and some fluid inside. If you need he rear ones I think I have an extra set. Looks like a fun project! Have a good one!

[sixbanger]

Thanks DT-VAIR lol never would have guessed that. I'll check for the rear ones. Ken

[bbodie52]

Here is a picture from the attached extract from the 1965 Corvair Assembly Manual...

Corvair Trivia - Convertible Dampers aka Cocktail Shakers
http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.ph ... 366,384498

[sixbanger]

Thanks Bbodie52 great information. DTVair I would be interested in a pair of shakers for the rear as mine are gone.Ken

[MBlaster1]

I also have a set of Shakers if interested let me know.

[DT-VAIR]

Ken - sent you a pm.

[sixbanger]

Well had a disappointing weekend.I put the 65 on a lift to fix the exhaust manifold.While it's in the air I'm having a look around and found that pretty much everywhere there is bondo,screen and tin put into the body.The battery tray is gone as are some of the structural seems and pinch welds.I really don't think that I have the talent to do a body restore nor could I afford to pay someone to do it. Here are some pictures although it was dark out when I took them.
So just a lesson to new corvair fans like me. Don't fall in love with the car when you first look at it and then fail to inspect it closely. I'm afraid the 2500 I spent is pretty much gone now. I'm moving ahead with getting the engine running and the car moving then see if I can get some of my money back or possibly find a donor body and built one out of two.

[bbodie52]

How creative would you be? Can you transport this Turbo Corsa shell and rotisserie all the way from Florida to Michigan (1,189 miles each way)? A long drive with a flatbed trailer or an appropriate truck might do the job, and for about $1800 you would have a firm foundation upon which to build. You would have to restore and transfer a lot of components from your "Bondo bucket", but if you can find a way to get this body to your home it might just be the most economical and feasible way to achieve your goal. Transport would not be easy, but it would probably be easier and cheaper than trying to restore that car body you currently own. The convertible bodies and model years match.

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1881&p=60306&hilit ... 514#p60306

For Sale: Late Convertible Body and Rotisserie
$ 1,800.00 USD
Posted By: Norm Wright
City:DeLand, Florida
Phone: 386-804-7948

Description

This is a very solid body on an almost new rotisserie set up for Corvairs. This would be great for someone who has a late Corvair with a rusty body. Also have available a top frame and other parts necessary to switch a coupe to a convertible. Will separate. Located in Central Florida.

[DT-VAIR]

That's exactly what I was looking for when I sold my other Vair. Ken - that could be a good idea!

[sixbanger]

That's exactly what I was looking for when I sold my other Vair. Ken - that could be a good idea!

Hmm interesting.

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[sixbanger]

Bbodie52 you never cease to amaze me. Not only did you find a great body with pictures you even map quested it for me.
Thanks so much. Now to talk to the money manager. Lol.... Ken

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[bbodie52]

Good luck... I hope this approach works out for you. If you give the seller a call let us know what you decide to do.