<VV> I'm new to the Corvair Hobby and need advice

[Marc Marcoulides]

you wrote...
On Friday I'm going to look and possibly purchase a 1964 Spyder Conv. The guy selling the car has been very up front about the car. Here are the details. He told me the shifter was very sloppy, it always goes into every gear, but sometimes when down shifting from 3rd to 2nd you wind up in 4th. What are the possible causes? Is this a transmission problem or a shifter problem? What do you guys think it would take to fix this problem as far as time and money? The car also has a '63 Spyder Turbo engine instead of the '64. How much less is a '63 turbo engine worth compared to the '64? If I find a '64 turbo short block to make this vehicle correct, are the turbo and other engine components (engine tin, distributor, etc.) compatible with a '64 turbo engine? I appreciate any input you can give me since I know practically nothing, other than what I read, about Corvairs. 
 
In my opinon you should get ready to have lots of fun with a great car. There is a little bias in that opinion. The repair to poor shifting usually means replacing the connection at the trans (it's worn) and that part is available from Clarks Corvair Parts (www.corvair.com) Shelborne Falls MA. The Corvair Society (www.corvair.org) markets a "Tech Guide" and it outlines the repair process as well as many necessary repair and maintance procedures you will encounter. I also reccomend getting a shop manuel for that year. 
I have had a 65 Turbo and when the engine failed I was able to replace it with a 63 engine with some adaptation. It cost me less money and at the time I needed the car running and price was important. The auto collector purist would be offended but you can still enjoy the car.