Who on this board has ever owned or still owns a CORVAIR?

Question

Just wondering what years are best to buy, and what years and models to avoid? Are the convertible ones real expensive? Please recommend a good source for parts and repair information, a good website or club would be nice if I get one. Chevy made them for all of the 60's I think.

Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

They are great cars, under appreciated and have been unfairly lambasted. I own a 63 Spyder Convertible, a 64 Rampside and a 65 Corsa Turbo. They don't roll over easily at all (very low center of gravity), the suspension wasn't fataly flawed (shared with VW's and Porsches of the time), in fact the first American production car with all independant suspension. Also, they don't catch fire or spin out easily. The early model body style, from 60-64 was an attractive car that won many acclaims for styling. The 65-69 was equally well recieved. The earlies had a swing axle, the lates a fully parallel rear end replaced the swing axle. Easily best handling cars of the 60's, and very innovative. Plenty of parts, plenty of helpful people, many active local clubs, AFFORDABLE. Can you tell I'm biased?

Answer 2

I have a 1964, and recently did a ground up restoration on it. Go to www.corvair.com It's a place called Clarks Corvair Parts. I found every single nut, bolt and piece I needed right there. You could techinically build a Corvair from the parts in their inventory. Also I think the later models were better, since good old Ralphy wrote that book, "Unsafe at any speed".......get yourself a copy. The biggest flaw these cars had, was rear-wheel tuck under.....caused quite a stir. Chevy had an add on for those models, but the later years were built a bit sturdier........hope this helps a little, and good luck.......they're out there if you look hard enough!

Answer 3

Avoid the '60-'64. They are squirly and will spin out on ya if you don't keep proper air pressure in the tires. This is because, unlike the VW and Porsche, the engine hangs further out behind the rear axle, and the engine is heavier with two more cylinders than the VW. The suspension AND looks were drastically improved in '65.

I owned a Corvan for a while, until the engine caught fire from all the oil leaks. These vans and the VW micro bus were the first mini vans, even though Chrysler claims THEY were the first.

Answer 4

I had a 65. Get a 65 or newer. they look better and dont flip over as easy. My corvair had 95 hp and 3 speed on the floor. I loved it. Get the 140 or 110 horse power with 4 speed. avoid turbo. Auto is ok if you hate shifting but slows it down a lot. Go for it.

Answer 5

There is a white 1963 covair convertible every night on my way home red interior just a dual carb. 100hp. Reliving a childhood dream? Trust me finding resto parts will be a nightmare. Buy one fully restored and save. I would opt for the latter cars like 1967 monza spider convert. blue with white interior a little show stopper. But do it quick because there are not many left.

Answer 6

I don't own one but I wish I did, that is a cool car. I really want a Yenko Corvair, but those are extremely hard to find.

Answer 7

Owned a 1980 "vette" with a 4 sp instruction manual. The engine became not person-friendly as nails. not a bad little automobile. merely have been given too small after a whilst. bear in ideas, the Chevette became the 1st American automobile to apply rack and pinion guidance.

Answer 8

HA! my sisters first car was a corvair!