<VV> What to look for when buying a Corvair

[kenfran@comcast.net]

> I am sure that the rest of the gang will warn you about all the usual rust
> areas to look for but the biggest concerns will be the rockers, the floor
pan
> and around the windshield.

I have only owned one early, a '64 Spyder that I bought in '70 (in great
shape, for $500) but the two lates I got recently both had major problems in
the area of the battery shelf and the fender under it. (Any leaking battery
acid is gonna go on the shelf and/or fender, so....) One had been bondoed
over the rusted out area, with the rust enclosed. Had to cut out the fender
from the bumper down, and the battery shelf, and have new pieces (from
Clark's) welded in. Also needed the piece in front of windshield cut out and
replaced. Also small holes in front fender were welded over and ground down.
All the rust-prone areas were given a coat of POR-15 after repair, to slow
down further rusting. I didn't use POR-15 on my rain gutters on the roof,
but in hindsight should have, since regular paint and primer are
water-permeable, and I am now getting blistering. (One of the great problems
of having no garage) Oh, and the base of the rear window also collects water
like the windshield, so rust is common there too.
One thing that should be checked is if there are any leaks in the exhaust
system, they can be picked up by the heater, and you can get the car full of
carbon monoxide. A cheap way to check is to start the car (outside,
well-ventilated area) and let it run a while, heater on, with one of the
cheap battery-powered carbon monoxide testers inside. (windows rolled up)
Matter of fact, I would say that local clubs might encourage all their
members to try this on all their cars to make sure we don't lose any people
or cars that way. You should smell the burnt gas fumes if there is a leak,
but this is an area that Corvair owners should always be aware of.

Ken Franson
CORSA & Arkansas Corvair Club member
1965 Corsa 140
1966 Monza 4-door 110 auto.