<VV> RE: Need help with deciding on WHERE to start

[Phil]

Melanie,

One of the great things about Corvairs is how easy it is to keep them going
without spending a lot of money. You are mechanically inclined, so that puts
you way ahead of the game. Some parts you will have to pay for, new clutch
stuff etc. Other parts can be had for very reasonable cost from friends in
the club, parts cars, etc. Plus, I have learned that there are lots of
things on a Corvair that can be "fixed" simply. Unless a part is broken or
worn beyond beyond, simply removing it, cleaning it, lubricating it, and
putting back together will often make it work like new. This works very well
with door locks by the way. Do you have shop manuals? I would suggest
getting a '60 and a '61, these are very good and will take you step by step
through most anything you need to do. Read the manual first, then look at
the parts and it will all start to make sense.

In terms of cost per mile, a Corvair is about as cheap as you can get. And
the early models (in my opinion) are the easiest off all to work on. So
don't hesitate to tear into it, and above all, have fun!

Phil & Max ('64 Spyder convertible)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Melanie Teller" <ponymel at earthlink.net>


> Hi all,
>
> It's me again--:)  I have a 1961 Rampy that has been sitting at a friend's

> place who managed to get Mugsy (the truck's name) running.  Said friend 
> says he needs clutch 'stuff' (replace the clutch and whatever assembly, 
> etc. goes with that) in order to make the truck driveable--at least 
> driveable in the mechanical sense.  My situation is that I have no money 
> at the moment (and no job either :( but was wondering what others think 
> about what to do to get the truck running and driveable.  I'll still need 
> to replace the windshield and a door window, not to mention fixing locks 
> on doors so truck will lock up 'tight'--but I'm thinking that I need to 
> get the truck out of my friend's yard and at least home with me so I can 
> stare at it. :)
>
> Though I'm mechanically inclined, I basically know very little about 
> repairing cars on my own so will definitely be depending on others to fix 
> the truck, etc.  I bought it in 1991, and it's been at my friend's place 
> for several years now and he's is a bit tired of me not being able to get 
> money to him, etc.  I figured if I get a ballpark plan started, it might 
> help me with setting goals for the truck.  I could have used this truck 
> and its cool rampy bed MANY times already with various tasks. :)
>
> Any ideas would be welcomed.  I do post periodically and it seems I always

> ask for help, and then don't do anything--so any "morale" support would be

> welcome too! :)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Best,
>
>
> ~Melanie Teller
> Northridge, CA
>
>
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