<VV> That Simple

[J R Read_HML]

It is NOT that easy - but is not that hard either, just a bit more time 
consuming and maybe a little more expensive than what you are apparently 
thinking at this point.

You said the car sat for years.  Well, unless there was DOT 5 in the brake 
system you will need to replace all the lines, hoses, likely the wheel 
cylinders (or rebuild) and also likely the MC (or rebuild).  The drums need 
to be evaluated as well.  Just how rusty did they get and what are they 
doing to the lining on the shoes?  Are they true - round?

The gas tank also has to come out, get cleaned and coated on the inside (or 
replaced?).  That's OK because it has to come down in order to do the RF 
brake line anyway.  Oh, and all new rubber connections to the tank and in 
the fuel line are in order.

Ever heard of the hard - harder test?  You do it in a location (while 
parked) where you will be able to work on the car when it fails the test. 
Essentially, you pump the brakes half a dozen times and then grab the 
steering wheel for leverage and come down as hard as you can (two feet if 
yours are small) on that pedal.  This will reveal the weakest line.  Again, 
replace them ALL.

The reason she lost the fan belt is because the pulleys are (well - were) 
rusty and they ate the belt.  Hopefully she pulled over within a block or 
two of the dash light warning.

You mentioned an island.  Is this a salty air environment?  Things rust even 
faster in those conditions.  Make sure the car will STOP before you worry 
about how well it will GO!  Be safe out there...  there are fewer Corvairs 
every day.  Lets not wreck one for something simple that was overlooked.

Hope your friend gets many years of enjoyment out of this nice (from your 
description) car.

Later, JR
CCE CORSA CORVANANTICS SCG member
'61 Rampside Standard 4/110
'65 Monza Convertible 4/140

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeffrey B. Aronson" <jrh at foxislands.net>
To: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 7:51 PM
Subject: <VV> Can It Really Be That Simple


> An island neighbor just bought her first

> Of course, as a car that basically sat for years, the new fan belt
> slipped off within the first two days
>
> The only concern was the braking system. Pressing the pedal slowed the
> car, but if you held your foot on it, the pedal would slowly sink
> towards the floor. After the drive, there was no fluid loss in the
> cylinder, and the brakes never grabbed to one side, so I'm assuming
> there's an internal leak in the master cylinder.
>
>
> Jeff Aronson
> Vinalhaven, ME 04863
>