<VV> Cost Differences (long)

[James Dallas]

I take this to mean--earlies well built and strong--late models cheap

Jim Dallas
A pair of "63 verts"


>From: AeroNed@aol.com
>To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
>Subject: <VV> Cost Differences (long)
>Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2004 23:13:44 EST
>
>Group,
>
>One of the most contested discussions here is the one between the 
>differences
>between the Early and Late models. I completely rebuilt my own '66 Corsa.
>Over the last couple of months, I've been working on the MAUM and other 
>Early
>model Corvairs at Terry Kalp's shop. As an engineer I have made several
>observations on the differences between the two designs that I'd like to 
>share. I'm not
>going to discuss the generally obvious things like styling. After all, I'm
>not qualified to comment on styling, I'm an engineer <G>.
>
>I want to address the things I noticed that GM changed to lower the cost to
>make the Late models. The removal of the 'B' pillar, moving the engine 
>intake
>lovers off of the engine lid and on to the rear panel below the rear window
>simplified these parts. If you compare all the sheetmetal stampings, the 
>earlies
>are more complex than the lates. Complex is expensive.
>
>The heating system hoses on an Early are quite elaborate, dual systems. Two
>outlets in the rear, two outlets in the front, two defroster doors all add 
>up
>to lots of parts. The lates have a single plastic duct in the center tunnel
>which feeds a single rear outlet, with a plastic door, and a single 
>defroster
>valve. All of these things have a lower part count which means lower cost.
>Additionally, the assembly of these systems became much simpler in the Late 
>model.
>The materials, metal and rubberized hose in the earlies, plastic in the 
>lates,
>also means lower costs.
>
>Moving into the interior, one of the first things you'll notice is the
>dashboard shape. The earlies have more metal and more curves which is more
>expensive. The floors under the seats is another area to see some cost 
>cutting. The
>lates have a simple single floor with the seat bolt going through to the 
>bottom
>of the car. The earlies have a nice flat bottom, the seat bolts to caged 
>nuts
>inside the car. This design has more parts, is harder to make and therefore
>more costly.
>
>All of this makes me wonder why the General decided to cut costs on the
>suspension and drivetrain? I'm still going to keep my '66, my opinion is 
>that the
>improvements in the suspension and drivetrain outweigh the other items.
>Besides, cruising in a real hardtop is as cool as it gets! I might get an 
>early
>convertible though...
>
>I'm sure I've left out many examples of the cost differences between EM and
>LM, what are some that you've noticed?
>
>Ned Madsen
>1966 Corvair Corsa 140
>CORSA Member since 2000
>Mid Continent Corvair Association - President
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