Corvair diet food

[BEACHHOUSEGURU]

Hi
Just a tidbit that has probably said before but I'm relatively new (again after 50 years). I plan to slowly try to put my car (66 convertable) on a small diet to reduce the weight as much as possible. I plan to stiffen it a bit so at a minimum not let it get too fat.
I found a Porsche scissors jack and crank (I think 944)- aluminum and weighs less than 3.8 lbs. Not a big diet but every little bit helps.

[joelsplace]

I love it!
You may be able to find an aluminum space saver spare also. For a bunch of cash a lithium ion battery is light.

[Swngaxl]

A club member some years ago attempted the minimal weight deal on an Ultravan. He found ways to reduce weight I never would have thought of! I might can find some pics if you're interested.

[Swngaxl]

Well, I tried, but no luck finding the pics. Will have to dig deeper. But as a weight reduction experiment, I can honestly say it was impressive!

[joelsplace]

Was that the guy that used the plastic interior panels? Not sure what you call it but it's like cardboard but made of plastic. Very light.

[joelsplace]

I've seen guys use lawn tractor batteries. Cheaper and lighter than a regular car battery and they claim they have enough power to work fine in a Corvair. Excellent spot to remove weight also.
The gear reduction replacement starters supposedly save about 10lbs also.
I took the cocktail shakers out of my '65 convertible with no problems. Those things are really heavy.

[Swngaxl]

Was that the guy that used the plastic interior panels? Not sure what you call it but it's like cardboard but made of plastic. Very light.

Believe so, that stuff was like corrugated plastic panels. You're right, very light! Wish i could find the pic of the dash, that was amazing. He removed the dash panel. Used a speedometer off a bicycle. On the steering column, he removed the bracket that stabilized the column and bolted under the edge of the dash so the column was only supported where it came through the floor. The Ultravan had an FC steering wheel, the kind with two spokes. He cut one of those out, had a steering wheel with only one spoke. Amazing the lengths he went to so he could get the weight down!

[joelsplace]

I wonder how light he got it?

[Swngaxl]

I wonder how light he got it?

2600 pounds, 15-20 mpg. Finally found a pic of the van, must have lost the ones showing inside. Most of this thing was modified, very little original left to save weight. He drove this thing all over the country!

[joelsplace]

Interesting. A lot of people claim 18 with normal Ultravans. I guess with that much drag weight doesn't make as much difference.