We have a new project.

[homecatmom]

Hello everyone. My husband has always been a car "tinkerer". Recently my oldest daughters boyfriend showed up at our house with a 1964 Corvair on a car hauler and dropped it in the driveway so he and his future father-in-law could bond while they work on it. It is a sad little creature at this point, but after some TLC and of course money, I believe we will have a wonderful addition to the family, and yes, a great family bonding project. I have started the scrapbook with pictures and receipts and will try to share as we go. I have been reading this forum and many of my questions have been answered already. My youngest daughter has already tried to lay claim to the Corvair telling her sister, "you can have the Corvette, I like this one better". The girls are willing and able to help work on the restoration and appreciate the end product having worked to get it there. I look forward to being an active part of this forum. Cathy

[bbodie52]

Welcome, Cathy, to you and your Corvair family! I can relate to being from a Corvair family, as my parents got me started in 1961 when I was eight years old (when they purchased a new 1961 Monza coupe). I'm now driving my 10th family Corvair at age 61. So look what my parents did to me 52 years ago! They never could have imagined the impact that first Corvair purchase would have on their little son. Who knows? Maybe restoring this 1964 Corvair will spawn another Corvair for your use, and perhaps another for your youngest daughter when she gets old enough for a driver's license, and...

Don't laugh... IT HAPPENS!

You mentioned maintaining a scrapbook. Might I also suggest maintaining a website "scrapbook" to document your family Corvair project. You could start a new thread on the Corvair Forum under Member's Rides, Projects, and Builds, perhaps by introducing the family members and project participants, and by showing the project starting point with multiple detailed pictures of the 1964 Corvair. The family could all participate in maintaining and updating that thread with new pictures and text updates as progress is made. Such a continuing thread is also useful should you run into problems or questions for the Corvair Forum. You can post your questions there and recieve answers and comments from experienced Corvair Forum members.

That being said, where do you live? The reason I ask is there is a good chance that a club chapter of CORSA (Corvair Society of America) is in your state, and perhaps nearby. If so, joining that club chapter can be very helpful and can greatly increase your enjoyment of your family Corvair restoration project. CORSA chapters are family oriented and often schedule technical classes, picnics, scenic drives, competitions, etc. Face-to-face socializing with other Corvair aficionados and enthusiasts can be a great help, and CORSA members often volunteer to assist in repair and restoration projects. Their knowledge of good local mechanics, body shops, etc. can also be of great help in a project such as yours. If you tell us where you are, I can provide some CORSA contact info, if there is one close to you.

The following Corvair Forum link can provide you with a list of useful websites that should be helpful as a Corvair owner...

Common and Useful Corvair Websites
Corvair Forum viewtopic.php?f=225&t=6007

The above link will provide you with a list of good parts suppliers, CORSA information, and free downloadable shop manuals and other technical references that can guide you in your project. I taught myself to rebuild my first Corvair engine and automatic transmission in 1969, when I was 16 and on summer break. I had a needy Corvair, a garage and tools, and a shop manual to guide me. The USA learned to successfully land on the moon that summer while I learned to work on a Corvair. I suspect that my Corvair project was easier!

I hope you will post some pictures of your project car, including pictures of the engine compartment, interior, and body. Again, welcome!