So---- got a screaming deal on a
1963 Chevrolet Corvair

Ralph---The guy that sold it to me==Ralph N. said that it needed some work, water pump is bad, needs a radiator, thermostat might be stuck, and she gets a bit loose in high speed turns!!! I'm thinking i can take care of these minor issues over the weekend. What do you think? It only cost me $3,500 and checking online i think i did good. Runs like a bat out of hell, but it's pretty scary on off-ramps.

 

damn that thing looks great and you got it for a steal in that kind of condition!

 

Kinda tight in here, i think it's gonna be a pain to get at the water-pump and thermostat. On a positive note there doesn't seem to be a radiator in the way!! WOO-HOO

 

Wasn't that considered to be one of the most dangerous cars at one point?

I think it looks awesome! Keep us updated on it.

 

spare tire?

 

Ya know Ralph N. said that there was some history with it, gonna have to do some research on it.

 

Crazy huh!

 

Looks like it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...ng_controversy

Still pretty damn cool looking though.

 

OP problem solved http://www.andysautosport.com/chevro...ay_bars/addco/

Might not be a bad idea, eh?

 

No doubt, Addco Sway Bars are great. I bought a set for my OLDS and although i didn't run rally- they helped with wheel hop.

 

OK, nobody else mentioned the fact that this is an air cooled engine.

 

You sir are Paying Attention !!

 

The Corvair's legacy was affected by controversy surrounding its handling, which led to its inclusion in Ralph Nader's Unsafe at Any Speed. Nonetheless a subsequent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study concluded that the car's handling was as safe as that of its contemporaries.
Also here is some history...
The Corvair name originated for a 1954 Corvette fastback show car. The car's development was directed by Ed Cole, holding chief engineer and general manager positions at Chevrolet during the 1950s. It was General Motors' response to the growing popularity of small, lightweight imported cars such as the original Volkswagen Beetle, as well as to compete with domestic-built compact cars, the Rambler American and Studebaker Lark. The "compact" term was coined by George W. Romney as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of 110 inches (2,794 mm) or less. [3][4] The Corvair's design began in 1956 with the firstvehicles rolling off the assembly line in late 1959 for the 1960 modelyear. The car was introduced October 2, 1959 initially as a four-door sedan offered in two trim levels. Two Corvairs were tested right here at Riverside International Raceway in California, for 24 hours. One car rolled over, but the other completed the drive consuming only one quart.

 

Nice Corvair. Be careful to use the right tire pressure for the front wheels and it will handle better then most sports cars, with good shocks and tires.
My brother have been driving them for 30+ years now and a lot of so called sports cars, ( BMW, Audi porche ) have been dusted on twisting roads by his Corvair ( 64 spyder ) over the years.

 

Older Subarus had the spare under the hood too lol.