RecessBilly's Worklog '63 Spyder project

[bbodie52]

First Class!

With the twin stingers, I thought your modified Spyder needed a supplemental name — something of a Corvair Monza Spyder BLACK SCORPION

[recessbilly]

^Thanks Brad! It's a subtle amount of flair that adds a ton of character. And can be easily removed. I'm loving this thing like crazy. I know I've been a Corvair enthusiast, but now it's more of an obsession. I finally met another Corvair owner in my town, too! He's got a Greenbrier that he's owned for 2 years and hasn't done anything to it himself. Eager to be a helping hand and I'll post pics of that soon. For now, I'm refurbishing the steering wheel. Used "Marine-Tex" to fill the cracks and gaps, then black epoxy primer. Next I'll sand and paint it 2 tone.

[recessbilly]

Doing the pushrod tube o-rings now. Not that bad of a job when you get into it.


All cleaned up and not dripping!

[cad-kid]

The heads look clean. Bonus!

[recessbilly]

Got a Flip2 from JBL and really dig the look and sound. Easy to operate while driving too:


After replacing the O-rings and doing the rocker adjustment, it's running really well and not leaking or smoking!! But these 100 degree days are making my temp light come on after 25 min of highway driving or hills. I did some research on how some remove the lower shrouds for summer, so I found another set of shrouds and took the bottoms and doors off, and put aluminum plates over the top vents. I also found a way to make a $20 CHT setup and I'm quite happy with the result. It's in the engine compartment for now, but I plan to have one in the cockpit too. It's actually quite accurate, and reads up to 2300 degrees fahrenheit. I can help if anyone wants one.
CHT thermocouple from the head:

through the shroud:

Testing accuracy:


Made a sticker for the plate:

I've had it exactly one year and am very excited to see my progress. Such a learning experience, and the drive is still strong.

[cad-kid]

Is the sender for the overheat light new or very old? Old sensors can drift and come on too early.

Was your engine pinging or operating out of the norm when the temp light came on?

[Corventure Dave]

Vary good work! It just gets funner and funner!

Corventure Dave

[recessbilly]

Is the sender for the overheat light new or very old? Old sensors can drift and come on too early.

Was your engine pinging or operating out of the norm when the temp light came on?

The sender was used, and I didn't do a test to see when it comes on. There wasn't pinging, but it was stumbling a bit while holding heavy throttle uphill, as if it was very hot. When I stopped and opened the decklid, it felt hotter than normal. Now, without the lower shrouds she seems good to go.

I installed a Pertronix ignitor electronic ignition and flame thrower coil yesterday too. Next I'll find a timing light and see how well I did timing it by ear. It runs so much stronger already.

[cad-kid]

Making progress

[recessbilly]

More fun!

[recessbilly]

[recessbilly]

Starting to sew the seats. Mock up so far.

[recessbilly]

They're gonna look great!

[Danny Joe]

Vairy Nice!

[SteveH]

excellent! Looking great!

[recessbilly]

Just need to clean up and install the chrome!! and sew up the back seat.