1965-69 Chevrolet Corvair Buyer's Guide

Let's take a closer look at an affordable, enjoyable classic car - the "late model" 1965-69 Chevrolet Corvair. Available in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles, we'll break down what makes the Corvair unique, what to look out for if you're shopping, and some easy, common upgrades that make it even better.
You can find Chris Shade at shadesclassiccars.com/
There's more Corvair content from Flawless Plan Garage here: • Corvair
Check out our Corvair FC Truck & Van Buyer's Guide here: • 1961-65 Chevrolet Corv...
Follow along on Instagram: / flawlessplangarage
Index:
00:00 Intro to the Corvair
08:43 Examining the underbody
14:36 Topside body areas to check
16:40 Common upgrades
19:21 Engine cooling
20:31 Belt Tension
21:32 Pushrod Tube Oil Leaks
22:29 Legroom
23:48 Tire Pressure
25:00 Body Tag Location
25:43 Engine casting number location
26:27 Final Thoughts

[@pgerry9400]

I'm Canadian and in 1965 bought a brand new 65 Corvair Corsa with the 140 Hp 4 carb model. I took it to the drag strip a number of times. They put me in L stock and I was racing against 283 Chevrolets. There was only one out of about 8 that would beat me. One day he didn't show up. These were the days before the Christmas tree, so it was a guy with a flag. I am 80 now and still have exceptionally quick responses. I watched for wrist movement and this time the flag man didn't do as normal and I saw movement and took off before the flag left the ground. I let off the gas and the other car passed me and then I floored it and I still beat him. Great handling car on the corners but in rain you had to watch it as it was light in the front.

[@pgerry9400]

@The Jailer When typing my comment Corvair is what I put in and it auto corrected wrongly and I didn't catch it.

[@johnabriggs6044]

As a young man I own a 1963 corvair in 1964, at that time I use Gate Green Leaf steel core fan belts for my 95hp engine and once tentioned and stretched ran for years with no fan issues. I also drilled my valve covers to match the 6 hole in the heads and used 1/4 X 1/2" 20 hex head bold to replace the 1/4" X 1/2" 20 Philips #3 head screw to hold them in place and did not have any more valve head oil leaks while I own my car till I traded it in for a new car in 1968

[@volktales7005]

I own a '65 Monza. I wanted a Corvair for years and they are pretty much extinct here on the West Coast of Canada. Luckily a good friend of mine found one in a back yard, acquired it, and then GAVE it to me! As you might expect, a free Corvair needs a lot of work, but I can't wait to get it roadworthy again. I fell in love with these cars almost 35 years ago when I sat in one at a local used car lot. Waaaay out of my meager price range then, but I never forgot it and hoped I would one day find one exactly like it. Turns out that the car my buddy gave me is actually EXACTLY the same car that I sat in all those years ago. It simply must be restored. And it has rust in all the areas that this video tells you to avoid. Oh well, I love it anyway...

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Love is pretty much the main ingredient in a Corvair restoration - certainly don't do it for the money!

[@USdefender1]

I bought mine 3 days ago on 21 December 21. When I took a closer look at it I was really disappointed because I had rust in a couple of the spots you mentioned. After watching your video I feel better knowing that I can purchase repair parts from Clark Corvair. Thanks

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Never judge a book by it's cover is the old adage! Needless to say that this applies to just about any & all classic cars. The good news is that the Corvair is always a good read and in the end you'll be glad you did. Good Luck!

[@laurentfoisy4573]

Tell Chevrolet They Need to start making the Corvair again ! ! !

[@cesarparra4429]

A real mid engine corvair

[@ericvandenavond8748]

​@@cesarparra4429 a mid engine corvair would ruin its purpose, as it was kinda meant to be a blend between family sedan and sport coupe.

[@TomPauls007]

In ‘69 I was at the dealer closing out the last Monza. Convertible w/4 sp. Kicked myself ever since! Should’a bought it.

[@kenthughes6895]

I've got an old friend, who has run Corsas forever, offering me a Corsa convertible for free... I don't see how I can refuse! Thanks for the info!!!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

A free Corsa convertible would be hard to refuse indeed!

[@kenthughes6895]

@@FlawlessPlanGarage We'll see!! It's been in a barn for years!!

[@richardwaugh2049]

I ordered a 69 with HD suspension QR steering and 140 HP. When my dealer finally gave it to me I put Konis on it and had wider wheels F and R. with B60 13"F and E60 13R TAs revized sway bars F and R. I had the intake manifolds milled off each head with equal length tubes curved up to a collector box above the fan that held a"62 Olds F-85 turbo holding the largest SU carb (off a 4.2 Jag) .I also used the Crown lower lateral link position changer. It could outhandle EVERY sports car except lotus and out accelerated everything except a 427 Cobra. But then I got serious and put in a 3.5 alum V-8 with 12/1 compression and 3/4 cam with center pivot 450 CFM Holly and headers and I would fill up the tank at the airport with 140 avgas and went looking for Porsches and Vettes...but just to humble them a little. I've had Vans and sedans but presently only have a Lakewood wagon that will have a 3,6 liter VR6 behind the rear seat with the VW's suspension, brakes and transaxle all ahead of the Corvair engine compartment it will also use a 2015-22 miata suspension, brakes and steering. Wish me luck with this one. :-)

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

I took a measuring tape to a few different Corvair options when I had a VR6 VW as well with that same idea. Good luck!!

[@Larry19271]

Great video. I have owned Corvairs since 1965 when I purchased a new 500 Cp. I currently have a 1965 500 Cp with 15,000 miles.

[@bobreese4807]

I got my driver's license on my 16th birthday in my grandma's brand new 1966 silver Monza coupe with the spoke hubcaps like you have in the video, on that light purple one. It had a powerglide tranny and we street raced my cousins in their dad's blue and white Ford Econoline pickup that had 3 on the tree. Before that 1966 Monza.. my granny had a beige one and my aunt had a black one. of the generation 1. In 1970 my dad bought a green 1965 Monza that smelled of smoke when heater turned on and sprayed oil on the back side under the bumper like mad. Don't know what happened to any of those cars but they were all gone by 1971

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Multi-generational! My dad got me into Corvairs as well.

[@TairnKA]

Growing up, our family had a 64 Monza convertible (110), later on I had a 66 Corsa convertible (140). My Mom worked at a tire store and was given a free set of Michelin radials, it was funny seeing mechanics shake their heads when my five foot and a bit mom tried to tell them the tires weren't flat. ;-D

[@DumbCarGuy]

I picked up a 65 corvair corsa 4 carb convertible with 31,000 miles on it a few years back. its been parked in a polebarn since 1978. Guy bought his wife a corvette and it sat ever since. Its colors are Tripple Sierra. Sierra Tan Exterior, sierra tan interior and the original sierra tan convertible top with the original boot. It has a magneto. It also came with two medium sized boxes full of brand new parts from GM. I swear the GM boxes should be worth more than the car. so many gm boxes down to 1" x 1". I have these crazy fold out brochure like pamphlets with pouches which are actually ring sets for each cylinder and photos showing where each ring goes. Like i say so many cool original GM boxes with corvair parts. You can fill a kitchen table. Great Video.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thank you!

[@randallringwald5059]

I'd talked to a old mechanic who knows these Corvairs. He'd mentioned the use of Silicon to solve the 🛢 oil leaks. My mother's first car was a black 1st generation. Thanks for this very interesting video!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Good quality gaskets, careful preparation, and viton o rings will solve a lot of Corvair oil leaks. Slapping a bunch of silicone sealant in will only cause more problems. Less is more!

[@boomerguy9935]

@@FlawlessPlanGarage I just replaced my o rings with OEM ones because viton was not available yet. Mine never burned oil and the inside of the exhaust pipes stayed light gray.

[@boomerguy9935]

In 1971, I bought a used 1965 Corsa with 4 carbs and automatic transmission. It had every luxury factory option on it: telescopic steering wheel with aluminum spokes and wood rim, chrome everything underneath the hood plus chrome tipped dual exhausts, white bucket seats to match the white convertible top which was a breeze to put up and down manually. The interior dashboard, door cards and carpet matched the exterior turquoise. All I had to do to improve the handling was put wider tires on the rear and stiffer shocks all the way around. To stop the oil dripping underneath (and spraying the cars behind me), I had the pushrod o-ring seals replaced. It never burned oil and it averaged 28 mpg with premium gas (required). The heater was great and the "crotch coolers" (air vents in front of each front door) were also great along with the quarter windows up front. This car was cool in the summer and warm in the winter. When I drove it on the interstate, I had to load extra weight in the front to prevent side winds from causing unintended lane changes.The four carbs never needed adjusting. I loved this car!!!!!

[@R182video]

My first car was a 1965 Corvair that my father owned since new. He gave it to me to drive to college in the early '70's. I learned how to maintain a car with that car and it served me well the entire time I owned it. 110 hp with a 3 speed.

[@lired70]

I had a 1966 Corvair Corsa truly was a stunning car. I was only 16 when it was bought for me. Here is it what I remember: no heat, the gas tank leaked, the car was all over the road! And the transmission did not work in the cold! However, it was beautiful! Candy Apple Red.

[@danr1920]

Corvair Society of America tech tips is a must and covers everything. Also the Clarks Corvair catalog and you're good to go. It's well worth spending a lot of money on a rust free example. I'm talking multiple thousands.

[@chipbaker2025]

First car, 1966corsa turbo. Had the turbo worked on, added an oil cooler, Stromberg carb, fast ratio steering. What a fabulous car for a 21 year old combat vet. Got destroyed in New Haven Ct When a big Caddy ran over me at a stop light.

[@MD-zo7cl]

1.78 million, Mr. Cole an AMERICAN ENGINEERING GENIUS👏😁🇺🇸"67"Monza

[@sweetpea7292]

I adore that purple color!! I’d love to have a 64 monza that color.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

You and me both!

[@JamesDavidWalley]

That front crossmember was also notorious for rusting back in the day.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

True!

[@tommyv8777]

Great video! I've owned a 66 Monza PG since 2001. I never get tired of driving it or just looking at it. It's definitely not a show car but it still turns heads. In my opinion one of the most beautiful cars ever built.

[@loboheeler]

There is a lot of Corvair styling in the early Camero.

[@springertube]

​​@@loboheelerSome 0pels and early 70s BMWs as well-- intentional or not!

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

I had two. A 1965 Monza Coupe', automatic. A 1969 500 coupe'. The the 1969, built three weeks from the end, had a heavy duty three speed and a quick shift and quick steering. Not a lot of fun to drive, but as beautiful as any other late model Corvair. What drove me away from them was the high maintenance required and my advanced age making it difficult to properly care for them.

[@sneff1052]

Would be interesting to see a Van/Pickup/greenbrier buyers guide!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Working on it now!

[@HAVOCRISING_]

I am a new corvair guy, I have a 65 Monza and your video was super helpful for me. Thanks for the video bros

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beaminscott]

Very well done, thanks to you and Chris for providing this editorial to assist in setting expectations for those looking at purchasing a Corvair. The only things I would add, if you are looking to buy one, is any history on the engine. As mentioned in the video the heads of a stock Corvair engine are aluminum with steel valve seats. This is great in that lead does not have to be added to the fuel but with the dissimilar metals there are only so many heat cycles before a valve seat may elect to leave it's snug desired location. There are many outlets within the Corvair community that can install deeper seats, and some that also stake the seats into place, to prevent seats from coming out in the future. Another reason engine history is good to have on a late model is because the late model pistons are different than the early, this played a part in the larger displacement. This created a stress point right at the skirt area and if a Corvair engine has over 100k miles on it then it's likely the stock pistons are beginning to crack at the skirt. You can often identify this at idle by way of extra clicking between the compression strokes. In my opinion, a dependable Corvair would have already had these issues resolved along with the other modern upgrades that Chris mentioned in the video.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks, Scott, great points.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

loved my 65 and 68 monzas both 4speed ,140hp 4CARBs fun cars to drive ,the 1968 had quick shifter , posi ,koni shocks sticky perrali radials one the best cars I ever drove, fun in the twisty back roads

[@2lotusman851]

A swing axle suspension IS a fully independent suspension too.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Fair enough!

[@connieschmitt714]

I love corvairs especially the lakewood but they are all great!

[@villixeb]

I have the early model (EM) 1960-1964...I Love It...One day I hope to acqire an LM

[@danswrld]

I own a 62 convertible and a 62 2dr hardtop, and they are such cool little cars.

[@americanrambler4972]

I have always like the Corvair ever since I was a kid and my dad bought a new one. His was the Corvair 95 Rampside pickup. The model that is my favorite changes over time, with my early favorite being the 1966 Corsa Convertible with the 180 Turbo. Right now my favorite is a 1960 4 door with the power glide automatic with the fold down rear seat and the gas heater in the front. It really does not matter the trim level. The one modification I would make is the available camber limiting straps that were available to restrict the extension of the rear end to reduce rear suspension jacking and tire sidewall tuck under. I have actually seen 2 Corvairs with those installed back in the 1970’s

[@cpwatching5647]

Good review. I have a Corsa 65 turbo. Love it drove it today. Take care.

[@bradaug7029]

I've been a. Corvair owner since 1979 my Father helped design some trim parts. Other rust areas are inside gas lid and front cross members in lm. At present I have 64 65 66 convertible monza 66 is corsa . Best car to drive! And best experiential aircraft engine around.

[@simonconway550]

Very interesting I'm planning to come over to the USA this year to purchase a corvair, corsa and ship it back to England so many thanks for the information

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Hope you have a great experience! I've spent a few days crossing your country by car and I think a Corvair would be great over there.

[@jdos2]

I recognize Chris Shade's shop! Hastings was in the path of the 2017 Eclipse - and ended up buying a '65 4 door from him and driving it home for a summer vacation (after seeing the eclipse). Such a wonderful memory, and Chris is an absolute pleasure with whom to deal. Thank you for the video and the memories!

[@robt5818]

I am very interested in Corvairs, because the Nader hype was unfair PLUS my grandfather had a sweet two-tone Rampside (aqua and white). Thanks for this info!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks! We did another one of these focused on the Rampsides and other FC Corvairs

[@patrickflohe7427]

@@FlawlessPlanGarage Do you have a link?

[@woodstoney]

Very informative video. Thanks!

[@tomhughes6486]

Vairy nice video. FYI: for the most part, you could get just about any engine in any of the three lines. I think the 180HP turbo was only available in the Corsa.

[@davidkern9979]

I believe you are correct that the 180 was only available in the Corsa, I had a 65 turbo Corsa and never should have sold it.

[@Friedbrain11]

I ran 20 in the front and 30 in the back on radials on all of my 'Vairs. Worked great for me. Ofc i didn't run mismatched rims and tires. They were the correct rims and correct-sized tires.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Good advice!

[@boomerguy9935]

I ran oversized tires on the rear stock wheels. This improved the handling a lot!

[@lynnhecht4948]

A new red Corsa convertible was my go to college car. It was as close to a Porsche as I could get. I loved it.... for a few years.

[@bradstauffer102]

Enjoyed your presentation. This will be very helpful for those looking to buy a Corvair or confirmation for those of us who already have one.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Our pleasure!

[@teashea1]

very articulate and insightful

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks, Tom. When you decide you can handle the raw acceleration of nearly 100HP and are ready for a Corvair, let me know! :)

[@teashea1]

@@FlawlessPlanGarage I will do that. I learned to drive in a metalic red Corvair - early generation ------ but what I am really waiting for is a ride in the beast when it gets rolling - provided one tank of fuel will get across Lincoln

[@marvinrieger7129]

Great video, I have a 68 convertible 140 that I restored thirty some years ago and drove for many years in many parades now it sits covered in a wood floored barn on the family farm. I just have new interest but I still have feeling for the Corvair.

[@washingtonfootballfanwgil8392]

Hey Marvin, would you be interested in selling your Corvair?

[@patrickflohe7427]

Do you have photos of it, to share?

[@maximilianschimmel1042]

Very informative and well made. You could say its a flawless video.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Hah, I wouldn't go that far, but thanks!

[@huauqui1]

Real nice run down! Thanks

[@joewysocki5619]

We need more of this! great job now for early models.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks, Joe! A lot of the mechanical info translates directly to the early models, so we probably won't do a video for those, but will cover the FC soon!

[@nutsack]

yeah i think most of the things they changed from gen1 to gen2 was fixing a lot of the things that ralph nader came after in the first generation. The second generation is perfectly safe by the standards of its age/release era.

[@chrisjohnston5475]

Really loved my 1965 Monza. Drove it across country a few times, Got REALLY cold in the Pennsilvaina mnts. driving from CO to NY. Bought the car in MN, to NYC for 3 mos, the Jacksonville FL., to CO., back to NY, then Jax again. I loved that car. Only replaced a wheelbearing in SC, and rebuilt the carbs a few times, great car, just not before 1965. Onlt part I ever put in (except belt and tuneup). Kept it over 1000.000mi., bought it at 30,150mi.

[@springertube]

I found that if you made sure that summer / winter slot cover at the left rear behind the oil cooler was flipped to Winter, ie open--a lot of people didn't even know about on the late models--that helps not only with engine warm up (actually crucial) but also heater function...and the thermostat bellows functioning. If the latter has the rear air doors stuck open in the winter, that does not help either the engine or the heater operation. Of course the reverse is true in the summer.... when it's better if those doors have to be stuck, that they are are stuck (even wired) open. If that above mentioned slot cover is missing, you could fashion one easily out of sheet metal and a screw. That, and fastidious attention to making sure the heater and related hoses are intact. A lot of them I observed were not, ie were torn and in some cases absent. With these provisos, I found it "adequate" 0° and slightly below in the mountains of Arizona, and "not bad" in the teens.

[@davidraezer5937]

Great review and factual! I started working on Corvair’s a few years ago. Great cars and have a 65 Corsa getting redone at the body shop. Can’t wait to get it back on the road. Correct on the engine rebuild prices. Of the 3 I have done all were in the 5K range with a couple grand going into the cylinder heads.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks, David!

[@2Aqua1]

Thanks So Much !! This video presents a wealth of information on Corvairs generally !! God Bless, Brother👍

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thank you!

[@richcoleman469]

Interesting video. I had a 65 Corsa turbo in 71. Put F 70-14s radials on back and stock 6.00-13s on front. My brother had a 65 stingray and he said mine handled better!!

[@joelzinnecker5451]

This was very well done! Production was excellent. You keep this up and you're going to be one of those influencer people I hear so much about. Maybe even get invited to be on Dancing With The Stars!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks Joel!

[@calbob750]

Owned a 1964 Corvair 4 door. Good in snow. The engine had a tendency to throw fan belts. In the sixties it was getting 24 mpg vs 14-16 mpg of full size cars.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

In my experience, the fan belt issue is fairly easy to overcome, and yes, I've usually gotten 22-28mpg on the highway in my Corvairs. Somewhat....less than that on the race track, of course :)

[@StonemanRocks]

Mine had a tendency to throw transmissions! 3! O and rear ends ! 2! And a cpl of engines as well! I f i still had it i would donate it ! To no one because it would be on fire! Lmao!

[@loboheeler]

A lot of the fan belt problems were by using non-OEM belts, usually the cheap unwrapped and cogged types. Seem to remember the OEM belts were made by Dayco. I had two 110 HP (in VW vans) and a 140 HP Monza that got run hard, and never had a fan belt issue.

[@vincepetrie5637]

The 4-door Corvair was called a hardtop, not a sedan, because it didn't have a B-pillar. So the three passenger car body styles were the Coupe, Convertible and Hardtop.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

That is a commonly-debated point! I've owned my 4-door, more-door, sedan, hardtop, pillarless sedan, no-post '66 Corvair for 25 year or so now and enjoy it no matter what people call it.

[@boomerguy9935]

I think the 4-door also had folding rear seats. My 2-door convertible did not.

[@1RAYGC]

I owned several 65-68 Corvairs back in 70's and they had their own set of problems. They had a great tendency to break off the nose of the starter and they liked to toss the fan belt. I live in snow country and these cars were terrific in the snow with all that weight on the drive wheels.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

The only thing that ever really slowed me down in the snow was when the front wheel wells packed up so tight that I couldn't steer with the front wheels any longer! Of course, this was simple to solve with additional throttle application. :)

[@keithstudly6071]

If you had starter noses break it was because your flywheel was coming apart. The starter ring gear is on the pressure plate and that is bolled to the flywheel. Flywheel is riveted together and when the rivets work loose the who;e clutch assembly starts to go off center and the starter is the first thing to notice.

[@1RAYGC]

@@keithstudly6071 Thanks for the info, wish I knew this back then.

[@boomerguy9935]

There was an aftermarket tensioner for the fan belt. This was only a problem on the ones with manual transmission because "slop" would occur during shifting.

[@springertube]

​@@boomerguy9935...and, the late models (actually starting in MY64) had a belt guide added on top of the shroud near the fan. OVERtensioning of the fan belt, which was common, one of the main culprits of belt problems. They should have had at least a little bit of flex on them, not loosey goosey.... but not board stiff like many owners and mechanics made them.

[@herrunsinn774]

This was a very informative video and the technicians in it really know their stuff. I was disappointed you didn't provide any websites for these shops where we (who might be interested in buying a Corvair or getting one repaired) can dig a bit deeper. Also, I would highly suggest you add a pop filter to your microphone. It was sooo distracting to hear (what sounded like) a panting dog. I mean every breath was audible. While it's always more desirable to eliminate the "breaths" before they happen, you probably could have mitigated the effect by editing the audio in Melodyne before your final audio/video mix is sent out the door. Just a thought.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks for the feedback - if you only knew! Due to my inexperience and ineptitude with these mics, audio gain was WAY off while recording, and it took many hours of audio post-processing and noise reduction to get to the vaguely usable result in the final product. If you watch any of my other videos, you'll pick up on the theme of "bad ideas, poorly executed" pretty quickly, I think. :)

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

I did also add a link to Shade's Classic Corvairs to the video description - thanks for catching that! shadesclassiccars.com/

[@levgev9613]

Google is your friend

[@dalejohnson3520]

You mentioned differential tire pressures. My first one had a tag showing 30 pounds in the rear and 26 pounds in the front. When I lowered the pressure two more pounds in the front it went around corners like it was on rails. There should be a tag on the drivers side door frame that gives you the recommended pressures.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

It makes a big difference! Obviously different tires and different sizes will need different pressures, but I've found a differential between the front and rear is key.

[@springertube]

​. My family and I had several, early and late models... My recollection was that the decal on the inside of the glove box door showed an even greater differential. I remember the early model decal the most, 20-something on the front and in the teens on the rear! We paid appropriate attention to the differential, but ran more PSI front and rear. Of course this was all back in the day before radials which, generally, can stand at least slightly less differential.. but you still want a good delta. We ran ours about 28 front 34-35 rear on the late models, with both of those figures down a little bit on the early, also with a bit more of a differential.

[@robertsimmons1716]

Excellent production! Can’t wait to see more from you. By the way I hit subscribe immediately when you mentioned your brother in Christ!

[@fredford7642]

I have had several Corvair cars, the first was a 1965 Monza two door ( red in color ) beautiful car. Great driving, never problems. My last was a 1968 Corsa convertible, Really a fine car, quick ( for the time ) I had no idea what I had at the time. GM hes to be credited for amazing stupidity in cancelling their production, no other American car maker was making a vehicle like it. They had the market cornered.GM would have to rank high for their screw up. I hear now that GM is on the verge of collapse, no wonder. Thank you for a great video. Brings back fond memories . ( I also had more hair then !

[@danielanderson4031]

Had a 65 conv and the big problem was blowing out rear crank shaft seal throwing oil on cyl heads creating a rolling smoke bomb.traded for a 67 Camaro.

[@dw3897]

I bought a used 1967 500 in 1975 while serving in the Navy in Norfolk VA. It was a seafoam green, 3 speed, coupe model. After getting out of the service I moved back to Cleveland OH and brought the Corvair home with me. I continued to drive it for several years than selling it for about the same $300 I bought it for. One thing to mention concerning winter driving is the light weight of the front end. Without adding several fifty pound bags of salt in the front trunk (for weight) the front wheels would just slide on the snow and not turn the car. On the other hand with rear engine/drive it would plow thru snow like a tractor and not get stuck.

[@springertube]

Good tips. I always had an 75 lb sack of play sand in the bottom of the frunk when in snow country in my 65 and 66. That, proper differential in tire pressure front to rear (about 28-34 or 35 radials on late models, a little bit more delta on the earlies) and a good set of winter tires seemed to do the trick.

[@David-uu1oj]

.........brother in Christ, that was nice. Real car guys!

[@old-corvair-guy]

A long time corvair owner. I have had still do many of them. Advice to new owners- the will bite the hand that feeds them. I love my corvairs 50+ years.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Not many 50+ year old classic cars that don't bite once in a while!

[@johnpfeiffer4978]

I like your video it reminds me of my five corvairs that I owned my papa had several corvairs also

[@cmans79tr7]

Circa 1975, I saw a neighborhood ad for a circa 1965 Corvair Monza or Corsa turbo 4 speed convertible. Would have been my first car. I was 17 years old and had a pretty good working knowledge of fixing cars. Viewing the car, the seats, rugs and interior door panels were literally decimated. It was missing a critical fuel line fitting, so the owner couldn't run it at that moment, and he said he wouldn't sell it to me unless I first had heard it run. (He said he would provide the missing part) The shift pattern while it was sitting was so rubbery I really could not tell if the linkage was even hooked to the transmission. Upper body had a lot of surface rust, but I don't remember about the rust prone spots on the lower body, and boy was that body low to the ground! The owner mentioned doing two ring jobs (!) and replacing the seals on the pushrod tubes (he did the work himself). He said it ran best at speed on the Parkway. The car was only 10 years old and needed two ring jobs? The interior was shot, the shift linkage was rubbery, and turbo condition unknown. The owner also showed me his relatively modern (at the time) daily driver Ford pickup truck that he had installed a flathead Ford V8 into. I think he wanted $500 for the Corvair back then. I think I had $1000 to my name at the time. I figured I could get it on the road for about $500, but that left me with no money for gas or insurance, plus if a guy who put a flathead V8 into a modern pickup truck wants to get rid of that Covair, what else was wrong with that car? I took a pass on it. And after hearing on this vid how expensive parts could have been, I now, 45 years later, feel a LOT better about not getting that car. One year after that event, a high school classmate flipped her cherry condition Corvair convertible over, and got out unscathed. I wonder if I would have been as lucky.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Some prices have risen slightly in the past 45 years... and not just on Corvair parts!

[@loboheeler]

Many mention fan belt problems. Aside from the mentioned alignment checks, most problems are the belts themselves. The OEM belts were of wrapped construction, and I think made by Gates. They are stiffer than aftermarket belts and don't flop around. You can get the wrapped belts from Clark's.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Good points!

[@allenhall3907]

Very well done. Truthful, knowledgeable, most of all positive. I love these cars. I just sold a 65 resto-mod. Moving and had no choice. I’ll find another one some day

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks, Allen!

[@sweetpea7292]

This video was so informative! I’d love a buyers guide video for an early model Corvair. I’m in the market for a 64 monza spyder convertible.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thanks, we're thinking about it!

[@isaaclavoie]

Great video

[@cesarparra4429]

Very well done, very exact

[@clarkgarner9060]

Excellent info! Much appreciate your witness for Jesus as well!

[@robertcoren7318]

I live on the east coast. If I had an interest in purchasing a Corvair, do you recommend I buy one from an established expert like Chris Shade, find a vehicle near my home and have it inspected locally, or join an active Corvair Club, and find an opportunity through the club? Prices are all over the place, with some exceeding $25K, which seems way out of line. I’m just an old guy who would like a classic of my youth to drive as a second car. And while I can drive a stick, at this stage of life, I’d rather not because my legs don’t work so good anymore. I’d love your advice. Thanks!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

CORSA is a great organization and I recommend joining if you have a local active chapter, for sure. Nothing beats local knowledge you can tap into. Plus that way you can drive or ride in a few in the club and figure out what features are important to you. If you're just wanting to drive one, and not spend a decade restoring one, I think the most important thing is to buy one with a solid body and a good running engine. Most other things are flexible depending on what you want to spend. Prices vary wildly, but even $25k is much less than you'd spend if you were writing checks for a restoration. If you're looking for a driver-quality (not show-quality) automatic transmission Monza model, I would expect that half of that $25k could get you a nice car right now.

[@brienfoaboutanything9037]

Thats amazing information about Chevrolet Corvair: kzbin.info/www/bejne/forWgGlvebZ4rJI

[@michaelfalkenstein2544]

Corvairs Rule

[@vintagecarcare1632]

Keep up the good work!

[@markcrampton5873]

Good video ! However constant gasping for air is really annoying ! For God's sake get him some oxygen !

[@ronstorey6012]

Covair's also are a great vehicle to dump the engine/ transaxle mount a standard rear end to the original transaxle swing arms an cut the trunk an but a SBC or 5.0 Ford w/ automatic transmission and cut down nova coil springs to compensate for the weight an have fun. I've built 2, a 64 w/ a 302 SBC w/ a power glide trans and the 2nd a 67 w/ a 327 w/ a TH 350. Had a ball w/ both both on the drag strip an on the hwy

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Glad you had fun with them! I've seen those types of swap and always wondered - why not just use literally any other car of the era that was already set up for a front engine and rear live axle? What was it about the Corvair that made it attractive for that?

[@larrysorenson4789]

Axle jacking? Oh, you mean like the Triumph. 🤣🤣🤣😃👍

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Corvairs are certainly not the only swing-axle cars! Just the most frequently criticized.

[@larrysorenson4789]

@@FlawlessPlanGarage I seem to recall that along with the Early Corvairs, GM put the entire rear swing axle and transmission in another model at the same time. It had a torque tube driveshaft. It was a small sedan, maybe the precursor to the Chevy II or Nova.

[@gvet47]

Can the Corvaire benefit from adding the newer sound deadening material ? No one seems to mention using it. Also using the same materail used for truck bed liners as a bottom coating to prevent rust and deaden sound. When I hear the doors being closed they just sound like tin cans.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

I added a lot of dynamat-type sound deadening on my Corvair. I spent many hours, added a bunch of weight, and it had very little impact. I'm also not personally a fan of heavy bedliner type products underneath any car - if any moisture gets behind the coating, it's trapped and will rust out faster than if it was just painted. To each their own!

[@robertsimmons1716]

I’m getting a barn find ‘67 convertible back on the road (parked in ‘94), I’d like your opinion on oil coolers. Is it true that the ‘61-‘62 folded fins are even better than the 12plate? More Corvair videos please!

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

I've only used the 12-plate coolers and a larger aftermarket cooler that I have on there now. I ran back-to-back tests on the same day when I switched to the aftermarket cooler and I saw a 15-ish degree reduction in temperature on the highway, but it still gets HOT on the highway and on the track. Might be more upgrades in the future on this.

[@manuelstapp7277]

I had a 65 ....180 turbo still miss it

[@rayfridley6649]

@22:26- I know from ownership of the VW Beetle that the valves need to be periodically adjusted, usually every six months. Does the Corvair needs valve adjustment?

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Yes, but not nearly that frequently, as the Corvair has hydraulic lifters.

[@jmulvey371]

What do you think of the powerglide Corvairs?

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

I think they are pretty durable, but a car with 100HP or less needs more than 2 gears in my opinion! They work fine but I find the 4-speed manual much more enjoyable to drive.

[@jerrysmith3515]

Do you still problems with the heat plenum rusting out allowing engine odors into the passenger cabin?

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Not really, the Corvair has thick cast iron exhaust manifold logs, that aren't really prone to rust. The pushrod tube o-rings that we mentioned can leak, and then you get oil smell in the heater, but not as dangerous as exhaust leaking in

[@gummyboots]

Been planning on getting one for the last few years. Ideally a daily driver rather than a show car. I've never owned a classic before, I was wondering if this is a decent vehicle to break the ice and a fun learning experience or will it only be a headache? Assuming the one I get is in great shape.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Well, yes. It's a decent choice to break the ice and learn on, but it's also possible for it to be a headache. The main issue is that if you're not willing to learn and work on it yourself, it can be hard to find a local mechanic who is willing to take the time to learn them. They aren't terribly complicated, but some aspects are unique.

[@gummyboots]

@@FlawlessPlanGarage I'm up in Michigan, which unsurprisingly has a huge amount of classic car freaks, and theres a guy obsessed with Corvair that runs a shop not too far from me. Makes me feel safer considering it as a starter classic and summer driver.

[@billkunert7281]

I owned a 1964 Covair Turbo Spyder convertible and decided to trade so I ordered a 1965 4 carb in evening orchid. Thatwas the year Chevroletwent on strike so I ended up cancelling my order and boughtba 65 Barracuda with the 273 ci engine.

[@deltacx1059]

5:05 although any situation bad enough to roll the thing from tuck under is also bad enough to roll even if the axle was flat, heck alot of modern vehicles are top heavy (mainly due to being a SUV) and would still roll in similar situations.

[@DeutschlandGuy]

Nicely done video (save the occasional wonky sound)... But perhaps next time you might consider wearing "big boy pants" (as Jay Leno puts it.) ☺

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Thank you. Audio was a real problem due to my ineptitute with the mics. I appreciate you bearing with it. Jay doesn't have to deal with Nebraska August humidity!

[@sharksport01]

I want one.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Fair warning, it's hard to stop with one!

[@charlesphilhower1452]

Nash, which became American Motors had unibody construction long before the Corvair. The smaller manufacturers like Tucker, Studebaker and Packard were much more willing to spend money to improve their vehicles than the big three were and are.😊

[@SI-lg2vp]

I owned a 1965 Corvair as my first car. It was in poor condition, it leaked oil. I had the engine rebuilt and replaced a number to time the clutch flex plate. I had a mechanic that only worked on Corvairs but there was such a backlog of car in for repairs it became time to replace it with a new 1975 Vega GT. The Vega was a great car that helped me survive as a starving airplane pilot for about 14 years. It had over 240,000 miles when I sold it. The Corvair, and the Vega were two of the worst cars that GM produced, and I've been a Ford owner 33 years now.

[@boomerguy9935]

My younger sister had a Gen 1 Corvair with the swing axle rear suspension. One snowy and windy night, she had a flat tire on the left rear and called me to change her tire. She was parked on the side of the road in a banked turn, so the car was tilted to the left, increasing the weight on that wheel. The standard jack for this car was the bumper jack. I had to raise the rear side of the car which included the weight of the engine and transaxle. Talk about heavy! As I raised the corner of the car, the flat tire started to disappear underneath the car and finally stopped at an angle with the lug nuts facing downward at almost a 45-degree angle and nearly out of sight. The jack was also leaning with the car because of the banked turn. While I was removing and replacing the wheels, I was praying that the wind would not knock the car over on me. This was a terrifying experience for me as a teenager but I finally finished my job successfully. Gen 2 Corvairs rule!

[@davidp2216]

I had several Corvairs, both early and late from the original 1960 model through a 1968, and own a ‘67 now. No Corvair car ever came with or used a bumper jack. They used a small scissors jack that used a long screw turned by the car’s lug wrench. It wasn’t a fast process, but it was easy enough and very effective. The jack was inserted from the side of the car. For a rear tire, you mount the jack just ahead of the rear wheel. The wheel doesn’t tuck under. If your friend’s Corvair had a bumper jack, someone foolishly substituted the wrong jack.

[@boomerguy9935]

My sister's car a completely stock Gen 1 Corvair which was purchased new from the dealership by the previous owner for his wife. Likewise, my stock Gen 2 Corvair was purchased new from the dealership by her husband. In both cases, the bumper jacks were stored in the car with no signs of previous use. I later bought a new scissor jack specifically for each car and I tossed both bumper jacks so they could never be used again. I hated those things from having to use one on my dad's Ford Falcon once. This was the reason I searched for a different type jack. Bumper jacks are stupid! I continue to use scissor jacks for roadside repairs today. My garage has hydraulic jacks to use with my stationary jacks. @@davidp2216

[@johnmoldoch3338]

Clark's corvair has a 4brl ca manifold set up that works fine. I would suggest the Holley 450 to 650 cfm.

[@johnmoldoch3338]

We tried to use the British downdraft carbs. Don't waste your time. We tried to use the Weber, it was not flexable enough and sucked up 3 times the amount of fuel.

[@markcrampton5873]

Doesn't work well for daily drivers no carb heat ! Idols really rough until manifold gets hot ! That takes forever ! I went back to stock setup and never looked back !

[@kevinstacey2231]

i have an opportunity, to purchase a 1966 corvair, for 500 dollars. should i do it? all original, even with sunroof glass, all matching numbers. today is 06/19/2022, i have untill tommorow? or lose it?

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Only you can decide whether to take on a restoration!

[@petepete3389]

You never mention the fact that the front suspension subframe is a major rust area.

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

That is true! Also very easy to fix with a bolt- in replacement

[@radioguy1620]

Back in the day the corvair engine was not available rebuilt from chevy. too expensive as you mentioned

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

... and like pretty much everything else, prices have gone up since I rebuilt mine a few years ago!

[@gavin1905]

Anyone notice the fiero in the back ground?

[@FlawlessPlanGarage]

Chris has a number of them! Something about Fieros that appeals to Corvair guys... I've owned one too!

[@deltacx1059]

7:54 it's alot less (if any) machine work to rebuild one of these engines, the cylinders come off and can be exchanged at Clarks, machining should not be necessary unless something is totally screwed up or you want specific modifications like using vw cylinders.

[@James-ik8yz]

Just found a yard and building full of parts ! N car.

[@Zickcermacity]

23:14 - 5'10", and that drivers seat is barely holding you in place! Looks more comfy though than modern church pews they put in cars!

[@James-ik8yz]

California Corvair Ask for Jeff. He has everything and body parts.

[@johnniwa308]

I have two nice 66/65s One sedan and one convertible anyone interested both will drive onto a trailer in Albuquerque NM