Greenbrier examination

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Boxer
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Greenbrier examination

Post by Boxer »

I have been looking for a Greenbrier and found this one:
http://www.motorcarportfolio.com/product.php?id=11961

As I live in Sweden I sure need some help.
Is there anyone living nearby Canton,Ohio able to make some examination of this vehicle, i.e. rusty floorboards, worndown engine. Well, just about anything.
The company selling the van seems OK but a close eye would be appreciated.

Regards

Stig Holm

Currently a proud owner of a -65 Corsa coupé
66vairguy
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Re: Greeenbrier examination

Post by 66vairguy »

While it's not stated were the Greenbrier originated from, I know from experience Northern Ohio is part of the so called "Rust Belt" because the roads are salted in the Winter. A close inspection of the vehicle for corrosion damage/repair is recommended.

For the asking price I would also expect good mechanical condition. I doubt a dealer can supply the history of the vehicle regarding maintenance and repairs.

Someone put on a roof rack and nice wheel covers, but the trim level is that of a base vehicle. No trim around the windshield, no deluxe interior trim. The wood cover in the middle of the dash also makes me wonder what it is covering up.
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Corventure Dave »

I agree with 66vairguy.

It looks pretty nice in the photos. But no pictures of the undercarriage and better shots of the engine, that I could see.
For the price there should be some better details. Does not have to be perfect, but better details.
Other observations I see:
Again the wood plate on the dash.
Car glove box lit.
Again, not a deluxe model with the special interior and exterior trim.
Speakers cut into door's not original.
Late Model Corvair 4-door car arm rests on front doors.
Antenna mounted on the drivers side. I fount that position to be distracting while driving!
Amber front signal lens's. Should be clear for that year.
Outside mirrors are aftermarket, generic.

The roof rack appears to be a "Speedy Rack" from the 1960's. It is not a Corvair van accessory roof rack that looks and mounts different.
In fact, I believe it is one that was a Ford dealer option.

This Greenbrier may turn out to be a nice one. But For me, I would have to examine it myself, up close to make the investment. A lot of trouble can be hidden with a shiny paint job. But at least, this one looks like the restorer at least tied as an amateur restoration.

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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by bbodie52 »

Image:woo:

Listing indicates a "cosmetic restoration". Looks nice in the pictures, but these vans are subject to body rot and rust, and the seller is in Ohio, which indicates a potential existence in road salt country. The concern would be hidden damage under the surface, and the quality of any rust or body rot repair. The possibility of excessive plastic body filler (Bondo) and poor-quality hidden body repairs would be a concern, especially considering your overseas location in Europe. Another Corvair Forum member ("mart" - Martin Reed) purchased a late model Corvair coupe from an unscrupulous used car dealer in Pennsylvania for delivery in the United Kingdom. Upon receipt he discovered huge problems with the body, which he is still working on years later! viewtopic.php?f=52&t=2512&p=17114&hilit ... ket#p17114.

This Ohio dealer appears to be a step above a normal used car dealer, in that they specialize in classic cars and would try to appeal to classic car aficionados worldwide and can't afford to develop a bad reputation. (That's the theory anyway!) But how can you confirm the condition of the body from your overseas location?

ImageImage

I did notice a few questionable areas and discrepancies in examining the pictures of the engine. The oil filler tube is appropriate for an engine in a Corvair van, truck or station wagon, in that it has an oil filler tube that is low and accessible from the rear access opening (special engine cases were cast to accept this oil filler tube mounting). The vehicle is listed as a 1962, yet the engine has carburetors and a manual choke that was only seen in 1961 Corvairs. 1962-1969 Corvairs had an automatic choke. Could this have been an early production 1962 Greenbrier that carried over the 1961 carburetors and choke configuration? The distributor is the appropriate design for a 1962-69 Corvair engine. No signs of a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, which would indicate the presence of a road draft tube (appropriate for a 1960-1962 engine). The engine has a magnesium fan and belt guide from a 1964-1969 engine (generally a good upgrade that provides for improved fan belt longevity). The oil cooler does appear to be a folded fin design generally used from 1960-1962, and is considered to be a good design, but a little more subject to the cooling fins being clogged by dirt and debris. The engine displacement is stated as 140 Cubic Inches, which was only correct for the 1960 Corvair model year. 1961-1963 Corvairs had an increased piston bore that bumped the displacement up to 145 CID. This could simply be an error on the part of the person who prepared the advertisement listing, however.

A Powerglide automatic transmission is a 2-speed unit that is generally considered to be a strong, reliable transmission as long as the fluid levels are properly maintained. If the fluid is clean and red in color, and does not have a burned odor, the internal bands and clutches are likely OK. The vacuum modulator on the side of the transmission can develop vacuum leaks in the vacuum diaphragm, which are usually indicated by the presence of transmission fluid in the vacuum hose. Clark's Corvair Parts recommends replacing the vacuum modulator every ten years or so.

MOTORCAR PORTFOLIO LLC
:link: http://www.motorcarportfolio.com/
Greenbrier :link: http://www.motorcarportfolio.com/product.php?id=11961
320 MARKET AVE SOUTH
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 453-8900

International Transport and Shipping
:link: http://classiccars.com/resource-guide/8 ... ional.html

Inspections and Appraisals
:link: http://classiccars.com/resource-guide/6 ... isals.html

There is a CORSA (Corvair Society of America) club chapter listed in Canton, Ohio. I have had some luck in the past with enlisting help from CORSA club members and/or Corvair Forum members who live in the local area and who would be willing to act as a third party to investigate a Corvair of interest for an overseas buyer.

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CORSA Chapter Locator - Friends of Corvair
Image
Chapter ID: 440
Organization Name: Friends of Corvair
Street Address (Primary): 7478 Angel Dr. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
President: Gary DeMoss, 1290 Revere Rd. N., Akron, OH 44333, Phone: (330) 864-7262, Email: GWD601@aol.com
Vice President: Rick Juenemann, Canton, Ohio
Secretary: Bette Carpenter, 7478 Angel Dr. NW, North Canton, OH 44720, Phone: (330) 499-8598
Treasurer: Robert Norwalk, North Canton, Ohio
Newsletter Editor: Lori Downer/ Carole Fallot, Louisville, Ohio, Email: ckf1937@earthlink.net
Newsletter Name: The Spinner
Website: http://friendsofcorvair.com
Email (Primary): tcarpenter@neo.rr.com
"Friends of Corvair" is just that - a friendly club dedicated to fun, fellowship, and the enjoyment of the Corvair. Our nearly 100 members hail from all over north east and east central Ohio, with the Canton area as a central hub. We do things! Monthly gatherings are hosted by our various members, and can range from a simple dinner meeting to a road trip, picnic, museum tour, or any number of interesting activities. One thing's for sure....all of them include food! All age groups are represented, and families are encouraged to participate. Many of our members travel to regional and national CORSA meets to participate, compete, and show their cars. In Friends of Corvair, people are the focus; our common interest in the Corvair is the vehicle to bring us together. We welcome you as a Friend!
Brad Bodie
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Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by 66vairguy »

A suggestion - Since you are "across the pond" you might hire a reputable appraiser/car finder. The money spent could save you a lot of aggravation. Sorry I can't recommend someone at the moment.

A buddy working in an automotive museum a couple decades back was talking to one to the agents that procured cars for museums and private buyers and told him about a car he personally wanted. A year later he got a call and ended up buying a car sight unseen from across the country based on the agents description. The car arrived in as good, and in some instances better, condition then he expected. He new the agent was reputable and he was not disappointed.
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by cad-kid »

My observation of the photo is - look at the side cargo doors - they don't seem to fit too well. But I have not inspected many FCs.
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bbodie52
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by bbodie52 »

Spotted this Greenbrier on eBay for your consideration and comparison. It is a considerably lower price, a 1964 with 110 hp engine (164 CID) and manual transmission...

:link: http://corvairsforsale.com/corvair-for- ... d-62007909

ebay :link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Chevrolet- ... rmvSB=true

eBay item number:331680252582, Time left: Time left: 6d 01h Monday, 7:36PM

1964 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Year: 1964
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvair
Engine: 6 cylinder
Mileage: 99609
Sub Model: Greenbrier
Exterior Color: gray & silver
Interior Color: Gray
Number of Cylinders: 6
Transmission: 4 speed
Body Type: van
Warranty: none
Vehicle Title: Clear
Options: CD Player
For Sale By: Private Seller
Disability Equipped: No
VIN: 4r126s108179

1964 Chevy Greenbrier Van. I have owned this van for a total of 31 years. The paint is Gun Metal Gray with Ice Blue Metallic stripe. It has a 1965 Corvair Monza 110 hp engine with a 4 speed transmission. The van hits the road great with no squeaks or rattles. The engine pulls strong and does not smoke or knock.

Some of the modifications include: Dual exhaust, dual master cylinder, 65 amp alternator, newly rebuilt 65 Monza primary carbs done by a well know Corvair specialist in Goldsboro N.C., Fresh engine reseal and pilot bearing. Electric fuel pump with Clark's stock fuel pump by-pass kit (prevents raw gas from being dumped into crankcase in the event of stock pump failure). Petronix electronic ignition. New Clarks front door window fuzzies. New Clark's front vent window rubber. New Clark's Harmonic Balancer (not rebuilt). New Clark's heater and defroster cables. Original F.C. tire jack and wrench. AM-FM C/D player with MP3 and USB input going to 4 Sony aftermarket speakers and 2 tweeters. F.C. Delux chrome bumpers. Excellent matching tires with new matching spare. 14 inch 3-bar GM wire wheel hubcaps that are in very good condition. Corvair Spyder dash and glove box. Fully carpeted passenger compartment. Custom seat covers. 2 new horns and horn relay. Later model GM steering wheel (Original wheel conveys with sale). Leftover cans of both paint colors. Locking gas cap. New battery. The speedometer works, but the odometer does not, hence it would be true miles unknown. The van also has F.C. Delux rear taillight reflectors, but it is not a delux model van.

Drive anywhere. Motor pulls strong and feels like a 140 hp engine. It is not a showcar - it is a driver, but you can tell from the list of improvements that it has had many things done to it to make it a solid dependable vehicle. People always come up to me at gas stations, and stores to inquire about this van. I parked it next to a Ferrari at a car show recently and people gathered around this van like the Ferrari was not there.

My reserve is $6,000.
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This Greenbrier is in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and there is also a CORSA club chapter in that city. If I were in the market for a Greenbrier I would take a serious look at this van, as it has been with the same owner for decades, is a private party sale, and the van shows indications of having received lots of love and affection. Here is the information on the local CORSA chapter, if you want to contact them about asking for a possible third party evaluation of this Greenbrier...

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CORSA Chapter Locator - Tidewater Corvair Club
Image
Chapter ID: 236
Organization Name: Tidewater Corvair Club
Street Address: 2901 Cardo Place, Virginia Beach, VA
President: John Gilliland, eMail: JWG1701@cox.net
Vice President: Keith Jones, eMail: kkjonesemo@cox.net
Secretary: Anne Davis, eMail: annie-bo@cox.net
Treasurer: Anne Davis
Activities Director: Steve Dunn, eMail: pttydunn@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor: Dean Zawaki, eMail: deanage5@hotmail.com
Newsletter Name: Spyders Breath Gazette
Website: http://www.corvair.org/chapters/tidewater/index.html
Email (Primary): annie-bo@cox.net
Welcome To Our Club's Web Site!

Located in the Tidewater area of South Eastern Virginia, Tidewater Corvair Club members are automotive enthusiasts that appreciate Chevrolet's rear engine car from the 1960's. TCC is active in community events and we support our local charities whenever possible. Tidewater Corvair Club is a member of the Virginia Peninsula Car Club Council and the Car Club Council of Hampton Roads and is actively concerned with our hobby and legislative issues effecting it. We are a chartered member (#236) of the international organization of CORSA, the Corvair Society of America in which we have been active for over 25 years.
Brad Bodie
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by rv6aaviator »

I looked at the Blue Greenbrier about 6 months ago. It was for sale locally on Craigslist in the Cincinnati area for $5500. The van did run and drive and looks good from 10 feet. The mechanics on the car were fair to good. The interior of the van was very presentable even though it was not put back stock in materials. The body and paint on the van shows well from 10 feet but close inspection reveals lots of filler and typical rust. I tried to buy the van for $4000 and the seller would not let it go. I'd say pass on this one and keep looking.
Jeff Sandor
Prez Cincinnati Corvair Club
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Boxer
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Boxer »

Thanx to You all for your inputs about Greenbriers.
A small chat with my wife indicated some dislikes in my needs for one more car.
I can appreciate her arguments:
A -90 Subaru Impreza, a -89 Mazda 121, a -06 Subaru Forester, a -08 Subaru WRX (my toy with 300+Hp) and the gem of it all, the -65 Corvair Corsa turbo. + a Mercedes lorry, a Bobcat skidsteer loader, a Polaris ATV and a couple of snowmobiles.
And finally my Van's aircraft RV6 I need to get finnished and airborne.
All in all, it will take at least this winter to persuade her to get my Greenbrier...
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Boxer »

Unfortunately.....Well, maybe not:

Last night I lay a bid for the Greenbrier on ebay.

And won!

So I'm now in the next stage (or actually stages, I also have to explain to my wife) of the purchase, the shipping.

Do any of you fellows have information about a decent shipper for a pick-up in Virginia and container freight over the pond to Scandinavia (Gothenburg)?
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by bbodie52 »

...Last night I lay a bid for the Greenbrier on ebay.

And won! :tongue: :whoa:

So I'm now in the next stage (or actually stages, I also have to explain to my wife) of the purchase, the shipping.
Is this your baby??? :clap: :funnypost: :thumbsupwink:

Image
On Oct-14-15 at 11:16:20 PDT, seller added the following information:

I've had several people email to inquire if I have clear title. Yes I do.

I've also had various inquiries about rust. It's had some, primarily the driver's side floorboard, and some spots on the frame rails. Anything that needed repair, of consequence, has been dealt with. This vehicle is safe and sound. If you want to buy one of these to be a show car, or pristine, it's probably not for you. If you want to buy a nicely updated and cared for survivor, one you can enjoy from the git-go, this is it. This vehicle has had nothing but good homes. I know the history of it since it was new. It was first sold new to the Holiday Inn, in Harrisonburg, VA, to be used as a courtesy vehicle to carry hotel guests here and there. Originally, it was white with a red stripe. After a few years, they bought something else, and this van was sold to an older guy in McGaheysville, VA who converted it to a camper of sorts. He had cloth curtains on the windows and had a special mattress made to fit the back of the van. I left it like that for 20 years.

I bought it first in 1977. I owned it for 30 years until 2007. I went thru a divorce, and sold almost everything I owned, including this van.

I had not looked at a Corvair for 7 years. I punched in the word Corvair on Ebay, and my old van popped up. I knew it was mine from the thumbnail pic. I had to buy it back. I didn't want to get rid of it in the first place! I paid almost $8,000 for it last year on Ebay. Then, I did $5,000 worth of improvements to it. Now I live near the oceanfront, where parking space is at a premium.

Unfortunately, for me, it no longer fits my parking situation. When I do drive it, all I get is thumbs up from people on the street, and anywhere I park it. It's an instant conversation piece. You can lay a 4x8 panel in it flat, or haul 4 bicycles with ease. You can drive a riding mower into this thing with the low floor height. And, you only pay modest car tax each year, because it's so old !
It is always hard to know for certain, but this listing, the numerous photographs, the detailed explanations from the owner, all leave the impression of honesty and a true affection for this Greenbrier. I suspect that you have a very good deal that is originating on the east coast, which makes shipping easier. In fact, since Virginia Beach is right in the middle of a huge United Stated military community on the east coast (Naval Station Norfolk, Langley AFB, etc), I suspect that it will not be hard to find a commercial shipping firm that caters to military personnel who need to ship their family car to Europe.

I would suggest browsing the link below, and looking at some of the websites listed.
:dontknow: :think: :idea: :google: :search: https://www.google.com/search?newwindow ... Djdx5bukN8

At first glance, these links look to be particularly informative, and may be a good starting point as you begin your research...

:link: http://www.shipping-worldwide.com/norfolk.htm

:link: http://www.schumachercargo.com/quote/in ... oCRDDw_wcB

As you progress with making shipping arrangements, you may still benefit from contacting the CORSA club (Tidewater Corvair Club) I listed earlier. Considering the cost of shipping parts to European countries, if the Greenbrier needs any maintenance at all it might be helpful to identify what you need to have done and to then have it performed by a mechanic in the U.S. prior to turning it over to a shipper. One or more Corvair club members might be willing to help you to evaluate the van, find local Corvair-qualified mechanics, etc. who can do the work for you. Will an American specification van from 1964 meet all licensing and inspection requirements in your country? Are there any special lighting or other changes that will be necessary to import your Greenbrier? If so you might be able to arrange to have this work done in Virginia before it leaves for Europe. If a quantity of oil filters, tune-up items, etc. are permitted to be stored in the van for inclusion in the vehicle shipment, you might be able to save a little by ordering a "care package" from Clark's Corvair Parts, having it shipped to the seller, and then having him pack the spare and maintenance parts in the van to provide you with an initial spare parts supply that will keep you going for a while after you receive the vehicle.

Good luck. Please keep in touch on the Corvair Forum and let us know how things go for you. :woo:
Brad Bodie
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Boxer »

Yes, that's the one
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Boxer »

Tahnks a lot bbodie52
That information would be most valuable to me. I will check this out, especially as it seems to be a harbour for container ships in Norfolk, pretty close to Virginia Beach.
@rv6aaviator. By the nick I suppose you have an RV6A, correct?
I am finishing a straight RV6, hopefully this winter. A really loooong time project with a lot of things delaying the project; kids to be raised, moving, and airline career (B727+737), and of course the Corvair business.
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by wrightclassics »

Boxer,
We have moved a ton of Greenbriers out of the West coast and shipped them overseas to Rotterdam.
If you have any problems shipping your car from Norfolk, we can pickup from Virginia Beach, take it to our loading facilities in NJ and ship it overseas from there.
Our shipping calculator quotes the following price; $450 to move it NJ and $2,400 to ship the car in a 20ft container.
http://www.wcshipping.com/international ... calculator" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I wish the price could be less but we do not currently offer consolidation to Gothenburg.
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Corventure Dave »

Unfortunately I live on the West Coast of USA. But that is a sharp looking Greenbrier.
Feel free o post any questions when you receive it. Also, some of us make trips across the pond
from time to time. We could bring small things over there depending on our destination.
I hope to make a trip to London, France and Germany next year.

Congrats! :tu:

Corventure Dave
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Re: Greenbrier examination

Post by Roelof »

As Gothenburg has a roro terminal I would seriously consider shipping the car that way. The car must be able to move and as the cars will be stored outside for a few weeks it should not leak. I moved a corvair from the usa to Amsterdam that way about two years ago. The cost was about half of container shipping.

It is pretty safe. New european luxury cars are moved that way in the other direction.

A local Swedish forwarding company should be able to take care of this and transport to the harbour. They also provide insurance.
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