<VV> Re:Concours

Tue, 1 Jun 2004 12:19:51 -0400

I think the defining difference between the Corvette crowd and the Corvair
community is $$$$$.  I expect that very few Corvairs ever change hands for
more than $25,000.  At that level, you are just starting to look at
Corvettes, and ones that are the equivalent of a $25,000 Corvair are easily
into six figures.  With that kind of money involved, the testosterone really
gets pumping, and then "numbers matching" becomes much more important.  In
contrast, in the Corvair world, only true wonks will go for the numbers
matching restoration because there is certainly no money in it.  Only when
Corvairs are worth as much as a decent house will we have to worry about the
kind of lunacy seen in the Corvette world.  Until then, we will have to
content ourselves with the Bill Hubbell and Chuck Armer kind of lunacy.  :)

I think that at the right level, the "numbers matching" hyper-restore thing
is healthy for the hobby, and I appreciate the cars and the individuals who
are willing to invest that level of effort.  If we have more data on build
dates and the like, I see that as interesting, even if it is not something I
am ever going to put much importance on myself.  But as far as checking the
numbers on hy heads, I think that's a bit personal....

Norm Witte

> -----Original Message-----
> From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
> [mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org]On Behalf Of Louis C.
> Armer, Jr.
> Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 2:50 PM
> To: Bill Hubbell
> Cc: virtualvairs@corvair.org
> Subject: <VV> Re:Concours
>
>
> You may not know this but in 1989 when Tony Kruzich restored Maderia,
> he did exactly what you have pointed out. Everything in that
> car matched
> production run inventory and even the day or week that parts
> would have
> been available. Now these facts alone may not have meant much EXCEPT
> this 1965 Monza had her total front end involved in a wreck
> which was so severe
> that the left front wheel was pushed all the way back to the
> dash. Tony was
> very
> disappointed when he was not allowed to be in Factory Stock
> as Maderia was much
> more Factory Stock than some other Corvairs that were
> classified as such. Tony
> did an amazing restoration with uncomprimising attention to
> detail. I hope
> that
> Maderia's new owners, Andre and Barbara Bergeron of Lakeland,
> Florida keep her
> as original as possible. She was Senior in Factory Stock Restored.
>
> Chuck Armer
>
> //////////////////////////////////////////////////
> At 11:33 AM 5/31/04 -0400, you wrote:
> >For the record, CORSA Concours rules state that:
> >
> >'Vehicles in Factory Stock Original and Factory Stock
> Restored are expected
> >to have "matching numbers."  Date coded items such as
> engine, transaxle,
> >carburetors, alternator, glass, etc. *may* be checked for
> consistency and
> >their relation to the body build date, Paint, trim and
> accessory codes *may*
> >also be verified.'
> >
> >In practice, it seems that date codes are not really
> checked.  Still, I went
> >to great pains when restoring my FS sedan to meet these requirements.
> >
> >But unless you are really a nut like myself, Rich Thompson,
> or a few others
> >who want to compete in these stock classes, it doesn't
> really matter what
> >parts or codes you put in your car.  We are fortunate that CORSA has
> >provided a Concours for people of all interests to compete in.
> >
> >As far as decoding the accessory codes, those of us who are
> working on that
> >project are doing it mostly for the fun of the hunt.  Also,
> many people want
> >to know what those letters and numbers mean.  finally, it
> does fit in with
> >our mission as an organization dedicated to the
> "preservation, restoration,
> >and operation of the Corvair".
> >
> >Bill Hubbell
> >////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> >
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: <NicolCS@aol.com>
> ><Smit>
> >
> > > Kent is working on decoding the body tag information for
> '65s.  This is a
> > > GREAT project and one that will be of great interest and
> benefit to all of
> >us.
> >
> > > However, if we aren't careful, we could end up using this
> knowledge to
> >hurt
> > > ourselves and others.  In the Corvette world, if you
> install ANYTHING that
> >isn't
> > > on the body tag, that item becomes a zero-point value.
> Forget your AM-FM
> > > multiplex, quick steering, deluxe belts, and any other
> thing that isn't on
> >the
> > > tag. Color change?  Interior change?  Engine swap (even
> identical year) No
> >way.
> > > If you purchase a replacement 140 head you can't just go
> by the correct
> >part
> > > number, you will have to find one with the right casting
> date (+/- a few
> >DAYS)
> > > and you will have to buy in pairs.  I don't want this for
> our Corvair
> >world. I
> > > don't think many would sign up for this insanity if they
> had any idea
> >where
> > > it could lead.  Am I alone on this?
> > > Craig Nicol
> >_______________________________________________
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Corvair Atlanta, BOD
CORSA MEMBER
CORSA Tri-Membership Chairman
http://carmerjr.home.mindspring.com/
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