Hemmings Corvair Restoration

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erco
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Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2020 8:45 pm

Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by erco »

You guys may have seen this already but it bears repeating. Ongoing updates about the wonderful, painfully slow concourse restoration of a '66 Corsa. The latest at https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/0 ... -the-wheel

Nearly 4 years of updates at https://www.hemmings.com/stories/tag/corvair-homecoming

God bless this fellow, he's no spring chicken and he's doing it right, despite the requisite frustrations. The vent below from https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2018/1 ... steps-back

Okay, I'm going to get this off my chest.There are those days - and this is one - when I am thoroughly sick and tired of this Corvair project.There - I've said it. Doesn't feel any better, but might as well be honest about how the last 72 hours have felt.
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Last edited by erco on Mon Sep 21, 2020 3:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.
66vairguy
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Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by 66vairguy »

As Jay Leno would say --- Cars like the Corvair you buy cheap, restore them for $50,000.00 and you have a $15,000.00 car.

That said hats off to the guy for doing such a great job. My cars will never sell for what I put in them, but it's a hobby I enjoy.
erco
Posts: 1489
Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2020 8:45 pm

Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by erco »

Yup, best Leno quote ever at 6:00!

[share_youtube]https://youtu.be/OY6X_603MMc?t=358[/share_youtube]
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azdave
Corvair of the Year
Corvair of the Year
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Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by azdave »

Sounds like another 90% restored Corvair will be on Craigslist soon. :sad5:
Dave W. from Gilbert, AZ

66 Corsa 140/4 Yenko Stinger Tribute
66 Corsa 140 Coupe w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR 140/PG w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR EJ20T/5
64 Greenbrier 110/PG, Standard 6-Door
monza66coupe
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Joined: Tue Apr 21, 2020 6:19 pm

Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by monza66coupe »

The fun(?) of getting the kinks out of any vehicle is in the “doing”. One learns a lot about the so-called quirks of a model while undertaking said journey. My 1966 Monza sport coupe, as I found out had issues with the brakes, carbs, and shifting (4 spd)...do not buy an auto in the dead of winter with three feet of snow on the ground. When it arrived at my doorstep, it drove up and down the street somewhat OK and then the fun began. After the wheel cylinders, hydraulic hoses, steel rear lines, adjusters and Master cylinder were replaced.....Now that r & r the carbs, and still possible clutch replace... it will be a sweet ride! I think.
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flat6_musik
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Location: Hesperia, CA

Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by flat6_musik »

It was an honest assessment yet....reading it weighed on me, as in "depressing".
monza66coupe
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Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by monza66coupe »

I look at the “rebuilding” of the 66 Monza as kinda fun, not depressing however it does get into “scheckles” a bit but the progress is rewarding as the improvements improve the process towards a very reliable auto. Having done the 65 cvt, I knew what I was getting into so no big deal.....I really like the lines on the sport coupe so just smile.....
erco
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Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by erco »

The excruciating madness continues with the illusion that "the end is in sight". Are Corvairs ever "finished"?

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/1 ... s-in-sight
66vairguy
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Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by 66vairguy »

I'm often asked "Have you got that old car done yet?" My response is "Now what fun would that be".

The best thing about a "hobby" car is when you're tired of it you just close the garage and walk away. That's why my daily driver always goes to the dealer for service.
erco
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Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by erco »

Finished? So very close, but no cigar. But he DID finally drive it: right back to the body & paint shop.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2021/0 ... completion
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gbullman
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Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by gbullman »

That last issue with the weld joint would be a hard one to take. Who even knows that is a thing?
Gary Bullman
66 Corsa Convertible
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STB2000
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Re: Hemmings Corvair Restoration

Post by STB2000 »

I've followed this story in Hemmings since the beginning as Don and I acquired (or reacquired in his case) our Corsa 'verts at around the same time. His is story is a good read if not heartbreaking. Many a person would have thrown in the towel by now.

For me and I trust a lot of folks on this forum, restoring cars is one of those trial-and-error endeavors, and in a weird way, therapeutic. Re-doing paint and engines is another matter. But the stuff I've encountered and worked through, while often frustrating, is ultimately rewarding.

66vairguy said it well in his reply. I.e., you're better able to enjoy the trip without a destination.
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