<VV> early - late interchangability

[NicolCS@aol.com]

<snip> Hi all, Is it possible to use the drivetrain  and linkage from a '65 
to convert a '64 to a three speed? <unsnip>

Hi, and welcome to the list.  The basic answer is no, though there are many 
twists and turns in the question.
1) The transmissions are interchangeable, though it's unadvisible to install 
a three speed in any Corvair when four speed transmissions are generally 
available for pocket change.
2) The transmission support bracket from the 65 wouldn't work.
3) The clutch linkage and shift linkage from the '65 wouldn't work
4) The differential would "fit" though you wouldn't be able to use your 
'64-only transverse leaf spring (not a good thing to omit) and you wouldn't be able 
to have any speedometer at all. 
5) The clutch and bellhousing (assuming the '64 is currently an automatic) 
would fit and are correct. (These pieces, like the transmission itself, are 
identical between a 64 and 65.
Hope that helps.  

There are plenty of donor cars out there, you'd be best to find an early 
stick-shift donor car (think $50 to $150) and then do some swapping to get a '64 
manual trans differential if the donor car isn't a '64.  Also know that there's 
a break in transmission specs; 61-3 have a lower first gear and a range-gap 
between 2nd and 3rd.  64-5 has a first gear that's a better match to the larger 
64-up 164 CID engine, better spacing of gear ratios, and improved internal 
parts that provide better shifting and higher transmission strength, so the 64-5 
box is more desireable if you are going to bother with a conversion.  If you 
can't find a '64 donor car, an equivalent alternative would be a 61-3 donor 
car and a separately purchased '64 differential and 64-5 4-speed transmission.  
Also, with freeway speeds what they are today and tire diameters being less 
than what they were in the old days, I recommend one or the other of the 
following: 64-5 trans with a 3.27 axle or 61-3 trans with a 3.08 axle. The 3.08 
set-up is really cool but former is 100 times easier to come-by. BTW, it's a "list 
requirement" that you sign your postings with your name so we all know who 
we're talking to. Thanks!
Craig Nicol