<VV> Can't Fix Corvair

[N. Joseph Potts]

This problem that's afflicting Jim forms the core of the Potts Theory of the
Demise of the Corvair. However, the demise of the Corvair (let's just say
this was it - there certainly were other factors) gave rise, as such events
do, to a far uglier, more horrible being: Joe Potts, Corvair Mechanic (and
eventually, as with Patio Matt, mechanic to anything and everything). Yes,
the car line may have died, but from its ashes sprang This Wrench, even as
Superman escaped his dying Krypton.
     Sometimes I have to remember that the Corvair is Different, because IT
happens to be the car on which I cut my mechanic's teeth (and I DO mean
cut).
     I'm prepared to conclude that the Corvair is, indeed, not the car for
Jim, at least as long as Jim lives more than 20 miles outside Frankfort,
Indiana or any of the dozen or so other places on the globe where good
Corvair service is, indeed, available. Jim knows himself, and he knows cars
(as much as a non-mechanic can), including his Corvair. So, a good other
home for his Corvair, in time, and a good other car (he already has them)
for Jim, and all's well with the world. If the Corvair were for everybody,
it probably would NOT be for most of us.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org]On Behalf Of JKFG717 at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 1:45 PM
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Re: VirtualVairs Digest, Vol 6, Issue 122


From: <mhicks130 at cox.net>
Subject: RE: <VV> sick of my  Corvair, Very Long!

My story is similar to Mike Hicks. I have 2 Corvairs and have learned  they
are a quirky automobile. I also own two other old cars, an Olds, and a
Cadillac. I agree with Chuck Kubins analogy to an extent. The primary
difference  I
feel about Corvairs versus other cars is this:
An old Mustang, Chevy,Ford or any common 6 cylinder, V-8, or flat head for
that matter can be fixed by most, not all, but most mechanics. Basically a
water  cooled 12 volt car is just that. Some are problematic, but not  many.
Electronic transmissions from the 50's, Overdrive systems, Kaiser  Turbo
chargers,
those are some of the few exceptions. Being far from  mechanically inclined
myself I struggle mightily with diagnosis and repair.  I have however
figured
out most things on a V-8 Cadillac with little problems.  Not so simple with
a
Corvair. I have posted on this group amy times with some of  the most
interesting problems. I have gotten great advice and am eternally  grateful
for all of
you and the advice. Still though, I can't get my car fixed.  There are no
mechanics available and I live in the Metro, DC/Baltimore area. I  can't
continually tap on my club friends every 2 months when the car either  won't
start or
move. This car ran OK till a very talented mechanic rebuilt the  carbs. Not
so
since. Everyone is busy, working and have lives. I find it  interesting that
in
my local club there are probably 3 running Corvairs. The  rest of the
membership have driveways full of non-running cars.  I honestly  know of no
other
clubs around me that have those averages. Most of you probably  think,
"What's
this guy in it for?" To answer, it's the people. I have no other  club
friends
like our Corvair people. A great blend of some of the most  wonderful,
talented, generous people on the planet. Even when I get out of  Corvairs,
I'll stick
around. I can carry tools, help with conventions, clean and  polish cars and
whatever else my Corvair folks need. The car though, probably  not. I don't
have either the time or talent to keep up with these babies. No  matter how
easy
and cheap they are to work on. I am 48, have foreign daily  drivers and
that's
not an accident. I don't have to worry much about them. I  still think
though, that you should be able to get back and forth from a club  meeting
or a car
show without breaking down. I do it in my 53 Cadillac all the  time. Thanks
for the vent space. Jim