<VV> Stock?

[Hugo Miller]

One of these days I should do an English-American dictionary! The tie 
rods in England are track rods; Pitman arm is a drop arm; hood is the 
bonnet; trunk is the boot; fenders are wings; drive shaft is propshaft; 
lug nuts are wheel nuts. Etc etc.
I just bought an 8 door van with a non-working fuel pump. Rather than 
mess about with it (I hate mechanical fuel pumps anyway) I fitted an 
S.U. fuel pump at the back. That is an ancient British device which has 
a diaphragm operated by a solenoid, with a set of points at one end. 
That will draw fuel up from the tank, and if a vehicle has been 
standing, they just tick away softly to themselves till they have filled 
the carburettors. Then they tick once every few seconds to keep them 
topped up. I much prefer these to the Chinese ones that run all the 
time. All the best British cars used to use SU fuel pumps. I bet mine is 
the only Corvair with one though!.


On 2019-11-09 09:07, Jay Maechtlen via VirtualVairs wrote:
> On 11/8/2019 1:43 AM, Hugo Miller via VirtualVairs wrote:
>> My view is that some mods are a matter of subjective taste (like 
>> extreme custom jobs), while others are an objective improvement. In my 
>> view, everything listed below will improve driveability withot making 
>> it any less a Corvair.
>> A couple of questions if I may; why TWO fuel pumps? And what do you 
>> mean by 'tie rod' (this is a linguistic question - I'm in the UK where 
>> the terminology is often different)?
>
> I hope the following is suitable:
>
> Tie rods usually refer to a portion of the steering linkage - each
> spindle has an arm to connect the steering linkage, which are known 
> as
> steering arms.
>
> The steering box has an arm (pitman arm) to actuate the linkage that
> connect to the steering arms.
>
> On the Corvair, there is a center link that runs from the pitman arm
> to an idler arm (same geometry as pitman arm, but pivots freely).
>
> The "tie rods" connect each steering arm to the center link, with
> ball pivots at each end. These usually have adjusting sleeves so the
> tire toe-in and steering wheel centering can be adjusted.
>
> Two fuel pumps? Sometimes problems can arise with a stock
> engine-mounted fuel pump. Some folks like to have an electric fuel
> pump inline as an "insurance policy". It can also be useful after
> having the carburetors off or having the fuel system opened for
> whatever reason.
>
> I've seen Jack's car many times - it is a nice, clean Corvair that
> looks pretty stock. It is a great example of improving a vehicle 
> while
> keeping its spirit and character intact.
>
>> In England, my wife drives a Morris Minor tourer, dating from 1958. 
>> I have fitted slightly bigger engine (1275cc against the original 
>> 948cc), an alternator, 1" bigger drum brakes all round, and a higher 
>> axle ratio. These are all things that the manufacturer would surely 
>> have done if they had stayed in production. They all improve 
>> driveability without detracting from the character of the car. Some 
>> people fit Toyota engines and five speed gearboxes, which is fine, but 
>> then it no longer has the character of a Morris Minor.
>>
>> On 2019-11-08 02:24, John Pinard via VirtualVairs wrote:
>>> Hi guys
>>> There is definitely a place for pure stock Corvairs for educational
>>> or historical  purpose, in or out of museums.
>>> But for general use modifications are appropriate.
>>> My 66 Corsa has stock appearance with improvements in safety,
>>> performance, convenience and entertainment.
>>> Safety: Hslogen headlights, leds, dual master cylinder, adjustable
>>> tie rods, tires.
>>> Performance: Larger pistons, roller tocker arms, electronic
>>> distributor, 100 w alternator, two electric fuel pumps, performance
>>> carbs, Roger Parent throttle linkage.
>>> Convenience: 12 v outlet for charging phone, hands free Bluetooth.
>>> Entertainment: AM/FM/CD unit in addition to stock AM.
>>> These improvements allow for reliable use in Southern California 
>>> city
>>> and freeway traffic.
>>> The car has participated in many open events drawing attention with
>>> opportunity to discuss changes.
>>> And it has won numerous people’s choice awards at Corvair shows
>>> competing  against cars with extreme paint, upholstery and engine
>>> mods.
>>> Bottom line is that I feel okay loaning my improved car to my kids
>>> and grandkids.
>>> They can experience the joy of driving a Corvair with  safety not
>>> available in stock.
>>> Regards,
>>> Jack Pinard
>>> “Oldest  Participant at 2019 Great Western Fan Belt Toss & Swap 
>>> Meet”
>>>
>>> iPhone 8s
>>> 805.340.6533
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>
> Mine, on the other hand, keeps very little of Corvair about it...