Toad info needede

[skihor]

We just recently bought a '65 Corvair Convertible. It's an automatic. Remco has no info on the website. Has anyone ever towed one ??

Don & Sheila

[redbus]

Make a phone call to Remco. I think they will know how to make it towable (if it is) even if it is not on the web site.

[robertglines1]

I think if memory serves that the old power glides you could pull in neutral..without a pump(circulating)but please ck to make sure

[Just Dallas]

Removed

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I bet there is a corvair forum somewhere that you could check with too.

[JohnEd]

Talk about memories.  Holy crapoila.

When I was 17 a guy came into a deli and asked if I could push start his car with my car.  He had left the lights on.  I agreed and on the short walk to his car he shared that he was in town on business and that the CORVAIR was a rental car.  In that era most automatics would push start.  I went thru the usual drill of: I will get you up to 35, I will back off and blow my horn and only then will you put her in gear.  Did a run and while the engine turned over and the tires chirped it didn't start.  Another effort and still no joy.  Saw something odd on the second run....his tail lights dimmed and went out when he put her in gear.  I went up to the guy and asked what gear he was putting the thing in and he showed me that he was PUSHING THE DASH MOUNTED SHIFTER ALL THE WAY DOWN.  That was reverse as I saw it from my vantage point standing besides the car and looking in the window.  "Damn", he said and whipped out a pair of reading glasses...sure enuf.....reverse it was.  The third time I pushed him it started right up.  Point of this is that for a auto to pushstart it needs to build pressure from the rear pump and obviously the Corvair had one of those.  Much to small a production for there to be more than 1 trans version.  Like I would know about such things.  My money is on ...it can be pulled.

[RJ]

We just recently bought a '65 Corvair Convertible. It's an automatic. Remco has no info on the website. Has anyone ever towed one ??

Don -

Welcome to the world of Ralph's favorite car!

Doubt you'd get much help from Remco, don't even think the company was around when the Corvair was in production.

IIRC, Powerglides cannot be towed four-down, you've got to use a trailer.  Manual gearbox models can be flat-towed, Jim Craig towed a beautiful Greenbrier behind his equally gorgeous Flxible Clipper to Quartzsite last year (pics in archives either here or at BNO).

Not sure what the folk are using for tow-bar base plates nowadays, most likely custom.  (Moot point if you have to trailer.)

There's a wealth of knowledge about Corvairs within the Corvair Society of America (CORSA).  Highly suggest, since you're now an owner, that you join the national organization, and a local chapter, too.  More active than the busnut community, but just as crazy!  (Too many leaky oil fumes thru the heater, you know!)  Here's a link to the main website:

http://www.corvair.org/csaindex.php

CORSA does have a bbs, called "Virtual Vairs", that tends to be quite active.  Little different learning curve for a bbs, but still a good source of info.

http://www.vv.corvair.org/

Another Corvair site to poke around on is:

http://corvaircenter.com/index.php


Since you have a PowerGlide, your '65 must be a Monza.  Which engine - 110 or 140?  A 110/PG is darned near unbreakable, as long as you change the oil regularly.  I used to do so every 2500 miles back when we still had leaded fuel. . . Straight 30 wt in winter, Straight 40 wt in summer.  And, just like our Detroits, the 'Vair would use more oil between changes when multi-weight was poured into the crankcase.  (Sound familiar???)

Keep the fan belt tensioned properly and it will last a long time, contrary to popular belief.  Carry a spare in the glove box along with two 9/16" box-end wrenches - one straight and one off-set, to make changing the belt easier, if necessary.

Run a 10 psi difference between the front rear tire pressures for best life and handling.  Rotate every 5,000, fronts straight back, criss-cross rears to front (unless using different wheel widths).  Be sure to reset the tire pressures when you do!  For even better handling, set the rear camber to 1^o negative.

I think I have some OEM NOS weatherstripping for the convertible top where it meets the side windows in a box somewhere. . .

I could go on, but droopy eyelids are messing up the thought process.  Send me a PM for more Corvair info, if needed.

FWIW & HTH. . .




Dallas -

You're one of the very few who has picked up on that!