<VV> 3 year quest

[N. Joseph Potts]

This resto, like any resto, will cost whatever you let it cost. In your part
of the world, I would expect $15K total budget to result in a very desirable
example that could have all of the characteristics you list, except possibly
for that horsepower number (I just don't go into modifications like that).
Now, I might have to pull my horns in a little if you are truly NOT allowed
to do any work whatsoever. But if you can steal a little time away from the
other demands on you, you can go pretty far on $15K.
     While you might be able to find/set up a 3.08 for your Corvair, I think
the more-standard 3.27 will serve you very well for highway driving. 3.55
was standard for the performance versions such as you are positing. You DO
need to have some rpms for your engine cooling and A/C compressor.
     You're likely to have some trouble finding your rust-free example, but
if you do find it, your efforts WILL be rewarded well. Power train is
optional, in my opinion.
     Other questions that I may seem to be overlooking, I just don't have
solid answers for. Good luck!

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org]On Behalf Of Cepak, Tom A
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 10:44 AM
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: <VV> 3 year quest


I'm new to Corvairs, so straighten me out if I'm totally out of my mind.
I'm from Fort Worth, Texas and I'm hoping to find a car in the D/FW area
(or referred to as FW/D here).  Within the next 3 years I'd like to find
a very low rust (rust free if possible) '62 through '64 Spyder
Convertible, with a 4 speed stick.  A car that has all components and is
still assembled (It doesn't have to run).  I currently drive a '93 Buick
and I think I can keep it alive until the restoration project on the
Corvair is complete.  I'd love to do the restoration myself, but part of
the bargain with my wife is that someone else does the work.  I restored
a '68 VW Beetle from scratch http://users4.ev1.net/~cepak/index.html,
but my wife didn't like the fact that I spent so much time restoring it,
and not enough time with her.  The other part of the bargain is that I
try to spend no more than $15,000 on the car and restoration total.
Since I have no idea what a full restoration costs, maybe this is where
you guys can help me out.  Now I'll give you an idea of what I want to
do.  I would like to use this car as a daily driver since I only drive
approximately 140 miles a week.  The underside if the car, after any
rust is taken care of, I'd like to have it sprayed with the Rhino-liner
stuff they put in pickup truck beds (you tell me if this is a bad thing
to do).  I'd like to have the exterior painted to a Concours quality.
I'd also like the suspension lowered just a tiny bit.  As far as the
engine goes, I really don't mind if I don't have a turbo, but I at least
want installed a 140/4 carb with maybe the horsepower increased to the
180/200 hp range.   Now for the transmission, I want it rebuild but I'm
not sure what the best ratio for my needs would be.  I'm thinking 3.08
because I do mostly highway driving, but let me know what you think on
this as well.  I would like to have an A/C system installed as well
since the summers get mighty toasty around here.

Now, for a complete restoration based on what I've told you guys, am I
totally out of my mind and wishfully thinking?  What do you guys feel
this restoration would cost me?


Thanks,

Tom

P.S.  I've looked at a '64 Monza Spyder Convert, and '66 Corsa Convert
so far and both were total rust buckets.