PRESIDENT S PAGE Hemmings Classic Car had the Class of 1987 on its cover this month. As you all know, when a car turns 25 years old, it is considered a classic by the American Automobile Club of America. The cars (and trucks) on the cover included the Cadillac Allante, GMC Safari, and the Pontiac Fiero GT (there you go, Vince). Inside were more including the Dodge Diplomat, Chevy Caprice, and the final year Chevette and El Camino. Having driven a Chevette for a number of years I thought it was a decent car, but not one I would peg as ever being a classic. It was disposable transportation in the 80s, much like, I m sure, the Corvair was thought as in the early 60s, though the Chevette was about as ordinary as the Corvair was innovative. And I doubt the Chevette ever was the inspiration for show cars and design exercises. The latest is the Chevy Code 130R, which the designers claim has a little Corvair, Corvette, and Camaro mixed into its heritage design. It s hard to see but maybe if you squint you can see some late Corvair in the flared fenders and windshield. I guess we ll take their word for it. Gary had mentioned at the last meeting that a guy had contacted him about wanting to sell his 63 four door Corvair. I researched and found the 63 is actually a 66 four door in Montgomery and Glenn February 2012 (he s the guy) has had it parked for five years, lost the keys, and never had a title, but everything worked when parked. Two attempts at contacting Glenn have resulted in naught but it looks like a solid car. It did get me thinking about sports sedans and if there is room in this edition of the SEEL, I m sure our esteemed editor will include it. as Autoswalk and other websites don t have much information for 2012. I think picking one or two a month for an informal club event would be fun. There are usually lots of cars to see, good food, and (at risk of stereotyping) shopping for the wives. As soon as I have the information, I ll get an event sheet put together, as well as our more formal CMI events. Corvair season will be here before you know it. Speaking of wives and significant others don t forget our meeting in on Valentine s Day so be extra nice on Saturday the 11 th and/or Sunday the 12 th. It s also Cara and my 5 th wedding anniversary so expect a short meeting. Stay Tuned, Lee Knauf We talked about impromptu cruise night gatherings at various cities in the area (Anoka, Waconia, Hastings,). I ve started a list but am ahead of the curve a little Remember next meeting is Feb 14 th at the MUM @ 7 pm
CORVAIR MINNESOTA January 10, 2012 President Lee Knauf called the meeting to order at 7:10, read our creed, and greeted 27 members and guests to the MUM. We welcomed one new member, Doug Karon of Rogers who owns and races a Herbert Cox one-place Corvair, so Bill Bertram and Jim Brandberg have another performance partner. December Minutes: The minutes consisted of a Holiday Dues Party wrap-up, so no approvals were needed. Treasurer s Report: No treasurer s report was available but will be by the time the SEEL goes to press. [see report following minutes ed] Upcoming Events: December 2012 Dues Party: Mark your calendars for SUNDAY, December 2. Bill Cook announced that the Board decided to experiment with a Sunday evening party in 2012. This allows us to have the entire restaurant to ourselves plus no one will have to deal with Rush Hour January 28: Mike Jenkins volunteered to once again host the slot car racing event this year. It will be held at either the hobby shop in St. Paul or on Mike s home track, depending on the number of participants. Adopt-A-Highway: Cliff Picht reported there is no news, and it is unlikely we will hear anything before spring, at the earliest. June 10: GMCCA Mark your calendars as it is the 2 nd Sunday in June this year, we are accustomed to it being the first. Redwood Falls Inventors Congress: The same weekend as GMCCA, so we will miss it this year. Summer Parades: A national letter carriers convention is slated for the Twin Cities next year and may want parade cars similar to the 2011 Legion Parade. Tom Quinn will investigate. There was discussion about the Edina parade, as well as parades in general. Fall Run: Tentative plans are for a Duluth trip, including a tour of the Commemorative Air Force Museum one day, followed by the Glensheen and Prudden estates the next day. Details will be forthcoming. 2013 National CORSA Convention: Kalamazoo, Michigan won the competition to host this event. This is a drivable distance, so you have 16 months to complete your projects for display! There are a number of great car museums in the area so plan on attending. Other Events/Activities: Please be on the lookout for other shows and events we can participate in. While we have a number of planned events, people are open to spur of the moment trips and events. Also, watch for club projects like last year s parade flag holders. BREAK: Treats by Chuck Johnson TECH SESSION: For an impromptu addition, Mike Jenkins brought a 4 barrel set-up he had found last week while scouring Corvairs in a junk yard. Gary Nelson demonstrated restoring rather than replacing various electrical switches, especially since some are no longer available for purchase. There was a lot of good discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Johnson Treasurer s Report January, 2012 By Ray Alexander, CMI Treasurer December 13, 2011 Balance $3214.91 Income: Dues Party dinner fees $1200.00 Dues received at Dues Party $500.00 Dues received prior to Dues Party $160.00 Dues received after Dues Party $220.00 Total Income: $2080.00 Expenses: Fran Schmit (BOD dinner) $25.00 Latuff s Pizzeria (Dues Party) $1281.03 Bill Cook (Dues Party Expenses) $100.00 Leeky Seel Printing $78.91 Leeky Seel Postage $25.08 Anyce Day (Plainview Picnic Exp.) $61.89 Deposited Items Fee (bank fee) $4.25 Total Expenses: -$1576.16 January 10, 2012 Balance $3718.75 (2)
Wiring An Electric Fuel Pump Here's my version of the fuel pump wiring. I think it is a bit simpler than the previous diagrams. I hope the PDF comes through. Feel free to pick it apart, it works and I believe both the pump and the fuse box are well protected. According to the manufacturer, the pump only draws 3 amps so I don't feel like I am stressing the fuse box any. In the picture you can see the inertia switch as well as the oil pressure switch. The OP drops out at 5psi. I welcome opposing views. After all, I don't want to be driving down the road and have my car burst into flames like a Pinto. Thanks as always for the great advice on this list [Virtual Vairs ed]. I think this is a pretty simple way to wire the electric fuel pump. Since the radio already has an inline fuse, I simply replaced the 7.5 amp fuse with a 10 amp. I also added a 5 amp inline fuse to the lead going to the fuel pump. Then I connected the positive lead to the male spade connector on the fuse block next to the radio fuse. (now 10 amps) The rest is self explanatory. The negative lead from the fuel pump runs through the tunnel to the Vega OP switch, then to the inertia switch and finally to ground. When I need to prime the pump, I just clip a wire from the OP switch to the negative terminal of the battery and viola, gas. Both the OP switch and the Inertia switch are located in the engine compartment. Works well. Cliff Tibbitts Lexington, KY (3)
Early Glove box Door FIX. The Early Glove box Door developed a couple problems as the years went by. One of those problems was: it was easy enough to close the door but almost impossible to open it, as the pressure from your finger (to release the latch) was more than sufficient to hold the door in the closed position. It took more pressure to push the release button than it did to close the door so, as soon as you released the latch (and tried to let the door open) the latch would function and the door would still be closed!...and there was no way to grab hold of the door to pull it open. Another related problem was the bend in the chrome trim that went around the door. It was not obvious that the two problems were related. I have sketched a breakdown of the Glovebox Door assembly so we can talk about these problems. At the bottom of the door there is a spring. The spring opens the door by pushing down on a tab that is cast into the chrome-plated trim of the door. With age and experience that tab is bent away from its original position. The rivets that secure the trim piece to the steel back of the door break off -- allowing the trim piece to bend even more. The result of the bent trim is that it relaxes the pressure from the spring - that is supposed to open the door. So, if your latch works but the door won t follow your finger back look at the trim straight below the latch if it has an unsightly swoop to it you know how to fix the problem, as soon as you follow this suggestion. Glovebox door continued from page 4 First remove the door from the vehicle. The hardest part is pulling out the hinge pin it is simply a foot long wire shoved in from the end some resist mightily when you try to pull them out, others seem to fall out. You have to get it out so you can modify the way the spring pushes on the door, so keep at it till you have your first success. (4) Glovebox door continued on page 7
Miscellanea I have parked my two Late Models next to each other for the season. One day after it had been warm out and then drifted a little snow on them I happened to look out and see that the rear windows were "obvious". SEE PHOTO. I also noted how much longer (front to back) is the rear window of a 2dr as compared to the 4dr...it appears to be twice as long. It will be fun to compare how much hotter, in the summer, is the interior of the 2dr. It's no wonder why I have always preferred that wonderful 4dr roofline. Here's something to consider - - - cutting off a 4dr roof and welding it on to a 2dr car. Who knows someone who has done this so I can talk with that person? Fran Be sure to mark Sunday, December 2nd, on your calendar for this year's CMI Holiday Party. Because of the great turnout last year, the BOD decided to have the party again at Latuff's Pizzeria and we will have the entire restaurant to ourselves. Because the restaurant is normally closed on Sunday, and will open just for us, we need to guarantee at least 60 people attending to justify the cost, but it will still be only $20.00 per person, and we will definitely have lots of room. So start your holiday planning now!! This 61 Rampside sold at Barrett-Jackson (lot 621.1) in January for $15,400. What s interesting is that it s a 4 cylinder with a 3 speed automatic! (not really, but that s what the ad copy said): http://www.barrettjackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotd etails.aspx?ln=621.1&aid=443&pop=0 This 63 Rampside sold on ebay for $22,000. 6 cylinder, 4 speed with 45609 miles Item number 320822255655, sold January 10 th. (5)
San Diego El Moroccos (caution: no Corvair content) I recently spent a week in San Diego. One of my excursions took me to Balboa Park, a huge conglomeration of 15 museums, gardens, restaurants, zoos, hiking and biking trails, etc. situated on 1200 acres in the heart of San Diego. We were headed toward the San Diego Automotive Museum on one of the main thoroughfares and I spotted three cars in a cul-de-sac that looked familiar, yet somehow different. As we approached I realized that I was seeing something quite rare. The cars I was looking at were Chevrolet El Moroccos! I snapped some quick shots (they were leaving the spot they were parked in) and then continued on to the museum. In the museum, I asked the docent if the cars were to be a part of a display or if they knew a reason why they would be there. After receiving a negative response (but a request to see the pictures) we continued through the museum. A couple of times I was approached by a gentleman from the library who wanted to see the pictures and to share additional information about the El Morocco. They were built in 1956 (10 cars) and 1957 (16 cars). Today, only 1 56 convertible and 2 each of the 57 convertible, 2-door, and 4-door survive. Here are the pictures I took (a white 56 convertible, a teal 57 convertible and a black 57 2-door): So, it turns out that these cars were being photographed for an upcoming issue of Motor Trend (maybe Motor Trend Classics?). Watch for it. John Herkenratt (6)
Glovebox door continued from page 4 Here s a photo (above) of the disassembled door spring mechanism. See how the long hinge pin also secures the spring to push on the cast-in bump. Here s an additional view (below) of that same area showing the factory cut-out where the spring passes by the steel door so it can access the cast-in bump. This is the area that needs to be FIXed. Secure a two inch long piece of wire, similar to the hinge-pin or a piece of a clothes hanger. Place the new 2 er across the factory cut-out and secure it in place with some glue or epoxy - use something that you can finesse at a later date to smooth over (hide) your modification and even paint, for pretty. Once the new short guy is installed, slide the old hinge pin half way across the hinge and position the spring so it will push down on both the new pin on the door and the stationary part of the hinge.finish sliding in the hinge-pin for a final success. See final photo. The broken rivets can be replaced by carefully drilling /screwing with very small screws (#s 2 and 4 come to mind) or using discreet dabs of epoxy. The function of the rivets is now only to hold the shiny trim on to the door as the spring s function has been eliminated. After re-installing the Glovebox Door you will find a satisfactory increase in the spring force pushing the door open.against your latch-releasing finger. And your trim will look good, too! Fran (7)
Another Corvair First? Lee Knauf With the demise of the Ford Crown Victoria and the Buick Lucerne, there is only one automobile manufacturer that offers a bench seat in a passenger car, the Chevrolet Impala. Seating for six is still optional on the current Impala and choosing that option costs $195. All other cars have two bucket seats up front, period. It doesn t matter if you re looking at an entry level subcompact or a top of the line sports sedan. Bucket seats are the only configuration you can get. Okay, what difference does that make? Well way back when, bucket seats in four door sedans, at least in domestic cars, were unheard of. In fact, most American cars had bench seats no matter how many doors they had. And four door sports sedans were virtually non-existent. If you wanted bucket seats, you got a sports car or an import. Until 1961, that is. 1961 was the year Chevrolet introduced the Corvair Monza four door sedan. Here was a compact four door that had all the trimmings of the hot Monza Club Coupe, right down to an available four speed gear box and bucket seats. Chevy produced over 138,000 four door Monzas from 1961 to 1964 and an additional 2567 Monza wagons in 1962. With the 2 nd generation redesign, the Monza four door sedan returned and almost 53,000 were produced from 1965 to 1967. Obviously the market for four door sports sedans was limited in the sixties but another trend started. The Corvair represents many firsts for Chevrolet and the domestic auto industry. Unitized body, turbocharging, independent suspension, aluminum engine, and domestic mini-van (take that Chrysler) are just a few. I think we need to add first domestic four door sports sedan (and wagon) to that list. The domestic part of that is important because imports truly opened the flood gates and set the trend for sporty four doors in the seventies. However, the Corvair was the first made in America. And judging by the number of bucket seated, four door sedans out there (i.e. all of them), the Corvair, as with most things Corvair, was way ahead of its time. Lee (8)
CMI Classifieds FOR SALE '64 - steering box (core value $145.00) rebuilt $185.00 '62-3 piece front trim NOS $250.00 '65 - front grill - very good $100.00 '63-700 rocker trim (narrow) NOS '62-500/700 (narrow) rocker trim NOS '61 - '63 car steering box - used (core value $125.00) $125.00 '65 - '66 steering box - used (core value $125.00) $125.00 '65 - '69 headlight bezels NOS (1 right, 2 left) '64 rear exhaust air grill NOS Jerry Berge 480-250-8816 1966 Monza Convertible, 140/Powerglide, rust free, excellent condition, turquoise w/white interior. $8500. Dennis Carney 952-941-0732 To All, The time has come to sell Two of my Corvairs, Which two depends on the interest of possible buyers, currently I have '64 Spyder Coupe, '63 Spyder cvt. and "Fred" ( 61 flatbed). Most of you are familiar with the cars, because I've had them all for several years. If you have an interest in any or ALL, e-mail me, or call 763-427-7331, Cell # 612-418-3636 Thanks, Wally Couture Compliment your collection for the next Convention, a very rare 1965 Huffy Corvair bike, won 1st place 2011 World of Wheels "Bicycle category". You will not find another one of these; give this Corvair a nice home! I need a car to get to work, make me your best offer, I'm willing to trade for a working winter beater (car)! Thanks, Edwin 612-910-5162 1964 Monza Convertible, silver blue metallic with medium blue interior, 110 automatic, excellent condition throughout, trophy winner, new white top, new carpet, newer paint, new radials on real knock-off wire wheels, electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, AM/FM/Cassette, tissue dispenser. Asking $9000.00 or best offer - Bill Cook 612-940-9179. New: Engine electrical harness, ball joints, Pertronix ignition; headers (110 and 140); custom exhaust; Wallen rebuilt starters generators and alternators; mufflers; rebuilt flywheels; new belly pan for late; crank and rod bearings. Used parts: complete engines, transmissions, differentials: call for parts I have a large inventory. I also offer full time Corvair repair Gary Nelson 612-866-3247 or cell: 612-644-1258 Corvair Repair In Minnesota Your Place or Mine Part Time Casual, Off Season Is Best Mobile Service, Trailering Service, Reasonable Rates CORSA, Corvair Minnesota and SCCA Member Jim Brandberg 2214-293 ½ Av. NW, Isanti, MN 55040 763-444-9334 jimbrandberg@aol.com Mark McKee 952-925-3314 fax: 952-925-3316 7004 Oxford Street, St Louis Park MN 55426 Wanted: 16 wheels for late model. Tony Berbig (952) 955-2848 (9)
WEBSITE: OFFICERS: http://www.corvairminnesota.com/ COORDINATORS: PRESIDENT WANTADS Lee Knauf Rod Basham 1340 Broadview Ave 651.484.8969 Chaska, MN 55318-1704 rodbasham@comcast.net 952.448.6983 vairy69@comcast.net GMCCA TREASURER Mike Gaynor Ray Alexander 763.434.0322 901 Woodlawn Ct Mdgaynor@msn.com Burnsville, MN 55337-3627 651.334.8473 TECHNICAL EDITOR fleetcap@aol.com Fran Schmit VICE-PRESIDENT 3370 Library Lane Gary Nelson St. Louis Park, MN 55426-4224 6916 Russell Ave S 952.929.9174 Richfield, MN 55423-2024 CLUB WEAR 612.866.3247 Bill Cook SECRETARY 3370 Library Lane Chuck Johnson St. Louis Park, MN 9632 Wyoming Terrace 612.940-9179 Bloomington MN 55438-1640 wdcacook@yahoo.com 952.947.9106 cljohnson99@gmail.com EDITOR HISTORIAN John Herkenratt Cara Knauf 952-935-4596 952.448.6983 Jherken1@netzero.net Jot and Tittles Fran on New Year s eve 2011 CMI is a non-profit corporation, chartered with The CORVAIR Society of America. Send CORVAIR Minnesota s $20.00 annual dues, payable by Jan 01, to the CMI Treasurer. Membership in CORVAIR Minnesota entitles you to the monthly newsletter, The Leeky Seel, with free ads for members, a club window sticker, discounts on club activities, information on parts availability, and good advice on the preservation and enjoyment of the CORVAIR automobile. Yeah! THE LEEKY SEEL 3370 Library Lane St. Louis Park, MN 55426-4224 Ph: 763.475.0350 TEMP RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Hope you re staying warm! Lots of 2012 activities coming up hope to see you at some. (Reminder: Last call for 2012 dues)