PRESIDENT`S PAGE March 2007

March 2007
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
A full moon tonite, and a total lunar eclipse
thrown in. Hope you didn’t miss it! These cold
winter days are taking their toll on my sanity.
You may find me howling at the moon if it
doesn’t warm up soon. Enough about the
Minnesota weather.
Back in January we heard from a fellow in Eau
Claire who was looking for a car to drive while
his project is in the shop. He found a 66 4 dr in
Blomkest, MN on Craig’s list. That’s about 10
miles south of Willmar so I offered to check it
out for him. It wasn’t nearly so cold that day, so
I was able to crawl around it, inside it and even
look under it.
Believe it or not, there wasn’t any rust visible
on the rockers, and they felt solid when I
knocked on them. The trunk looked as if it had
never been used. The evening orchid paint and
black interior are in pretty bad shape, but we’ve
all seen worse. I took a few pictures and
emailed them to him along with my description
of what shape the car was in, and left
Last week one of the patients I treat came in
with a little slip of paper that had a friend’s
name and address on it. He told me this guy
had a Corvair in his garage at Lake Lillian, but
lives in Coon Rapids. We’ll be sending him a
newsletter soon. Lake Lillian is about 25 miles
from my house, but that’s not so far either, on a
warm spring day. Maybe I’ll make Bob Rowe
come along to visit his cousins.
I was looking on eBay the other day and there
was a decent looking 63 Spyder coupe listed at
1000.00 in Albert Lea. You know, there are
Corvairs hiding all over the place.
Keep talking them up when you’re out and
about. It makes for good conversation and you
never know where they are until you talk to the
right guy.
We’ll see you March 11. Bring a friend.
Don Schaefer
CMI President
NOTE: Pre- General Membership Meeting
supper is at the Park Tavern in St Louis Park
(3401 Louisiana Ave S) at about 5:30 pm for
those who are interested.
Thanks to George
Hadges for treats at
the February meeting.
For those of you not
there, you don’t know
what you’re missing!
During the break, Fran shared an old photo
album of past Corvair events. Most of the
pictures were taken home by our historian who
will eventually scan them into a computer file
so we have forever. Thanks to George
Hadges for providing treats for our break.
Corvair Minnesota
Business Page
February 2008
Fran gave another of his award winning video
tech sessions (on the big screen no less). This
one was on the Delcatron Adaptor and was
very informative.
CMI Meeting Minutes
Feb. 12, 2008
Thanks to everyone who came out. See
everyone at the next meeting. Don Schaefer is
bringing treats so expect something
presidential.
Our meeting was called to order by President
Don at 7:30pm. Besides the officers, there
were eighteen members present with no new
members or guests. There were no changes
from last months meeting minutes and the
secretary thanked all the members who took
notes in his absence (I have since changed
jobs and will be in better control of my
scheduling).
Lee Knauf
CMI Secretary
********************************
Treasurer’s Report
Ray then gave a treasurer’s report which is
located elsewhere in the SEEL. He also
changed the account at Wells Fargo to a Non
Profit account and got three horses in doing so
(hope they weren’t Mustangs).
By Ray Alexander, CMI Treasurer
January 1st ,2008 Balance
Income
Dues
Cash
Calendar items appear elsewhere as well in
the SEEL. Fran reminded everyone of the Old
Log Theater event March 6th and that they only
take cash and checks. Other items discussed
were the Econo Run in July, the Picnic in
August, and the September fall run. Next
month’s SEEL will have contacts for all our
upcoming events. Another thing discussed
was our summer meetings. We would like
venues to have drive in meetings so if anyone
has any ideas, please let us know.
$2483.59
380.00
81.00
$ 461.00
Total Income
Expenses
Newsletter Printing/ Nov
MCCA Membership
BOD expenses
Postage
Rent (MUM)
Bank Charges
Total Expenses
We raised $19 in “auctions” from items brought
in from members, including some very nice red
carpet and Ethyl Passenger Car Data booklets
from the 1960s. Also included was an old
issue of Sports Car Magazine with a lengthy
Corvair article in it. Thanks to all who bid on
the items and took them home. We also raffled
a very unique lighter.
January 31st, 2007 Balance
98.54
25.00
10.00
47.56
50.00
2.00
$ 233.10
$ 2711.49
Editor’s note: if you would prefer a PDF only
version, or only the printed version of the
SEEL, contact me at [email protected]
(2)
More on our wonderful DELCOTRON adapter (D/A)
This time we’re looking at the belt tensioner, the
one with two very hard to reach nuts .
Many years ago I bent a long 9/16” box end wrench so
that it could reach around and under the pulley to
access those nuts. It worked well but was not easy to
give to someone else when they needed it as I might
not get it back! A few years ago I bought a bunch of
wrenches at a garage sale and bent and welded
several of them together to hand out. Good idea but
still no cigar.
One day Gary Nelson showed me a long nut that
he found somewhere that he just screwed on to the
stud so that he could get his wrench on the nut
without going “underneath”. A very good idea, I thought. I went on a search. Couldn’t find such an
animal, in hardware stores or even on the Internet….talked to Gary and he had no idea where he got
that one long nut. OK I went to a machine shop to have some made up. The guy says to me, “what
are you making anyway?” I brought in a Delcotron adapter and showed him. He thought for a
moment and then suggested I do something that would be a lot easier and cheaper and also
something all CORVAIRists can do. If you are at all concerned about getting at those nuts. Here’s
how I took the machinists advice.
I replaced the two existing fittings with
3/8”-16 studs. One is cut to be 2 ½” long
and the other is cut to 3 ¼” long. The
length is important as you don’t want to get
too close to the distributor. The 3 ¼” inch
stud leaves you about a half inch
distributor clearance whereas the shorter
one is a little tighter with only about 3/8”
clearance.
A person simply needs to unscrew the
bolt that holds the tensioner on the D/A.
This bolt is already screwed into the D/A
on 3/8”-16 threads……so there’s no
trouble putting in the new longer 2 ½” stud.
To remove the existing stud (because it
has a fine thread and is too short) you
need a vise-grip to grab and unscrew the
old stud out of the D/A. Then replace that
stud with the new longer 3 ¼” one. You
are almost there!
What you now need are two sleeves to space out the clamping action (under the pulley) with the help
of the 9/16” nuts that will then be quite accessible….out there on the end of the new stud. I used the
big flat washer that ordinarily holds the tensioner clamped and a short length of pipe. 3/8” water pipe
is just a bout the right size as it has about a half inch hole. A 7/8” length of pipe will work well on the
shorter stud. A 1 ¼” piece of pipe (along with that large factory washer) will bring the other adjusting
(3)
nut right out into the open. I welded the washer to the pipe and then I painted them for the picture,
just for pretty.
All you need do is ask me for some threaded stock (if you don’t have any) and get some pipe
and cut it to those two lengths. Unscrew the two existing guys and replace them with the new studs.
Slip the pipe pieces on the studs and put the 3/8”-16 nuts on the ends of the two studs. Now you are
ready and willing to change a belt or set the tension using this newer adjustment format. I know, it
only took 40 years to come up with this idea, but a good idea is still a good idea.
Fran
A couple of shots showing the modified fasteners in place:
(4)
(5)
1961 El Cormeno
As Seen recently on eBay:
This is a 1961 Corvair Lakewood Station wagon that was converted by unknown persons, unknown
years ago to a "El Cormeno" pick up. Runs and drives well for what it is. Four new 13 inch black
wall radial tires. This car is a dependable driver, not a show car. It will put on a smile on your face
and all that encounter the truck. The Am- Fm cassette looks to be from the 1980's and works, the
lights functions, the horn works, the brakes work. Drive it anywhere. Surprisingly well ventilated and
comfortable.
It has some faults, like dried up 1/4 window rubber gaskets and a speedo cable that needs to be
replaced. There are a few small paint blisters and chips. Chrome is decent. True mileage is
unknown, but I'd guess the odometer has rolled over.
(6)
2008 Barrett-Jackson Corvairs
Scottsdale Arizona
January 15-20, 2008
VEHICLE DETAILS
Final Price:
$6,000
LotNumber
23
Year
1961
CarMake
CHEVROLET
CarModel
CORVAIR
CarStyle
CUSTOM LAKEWOOD WAGON
ExteriorColor BLUE
Interiorcolor BLUE
Cylinders
6
Engine
Transmission 4-SPEED MANUAL
Summary
Monza Spider 150hp Turbo engine with
a 4-speed, Monza Spider dash, all
gauges, real wire wheels and tires.
Description
This very rare Corvair Lakewood Wagon
has a Monza Spider 150hp Turbo engine
with a 4-speed, Monza Spider dash, all
gauges, real wire wheels and tires. Is
very rare and nice.
VEHICLE DETAILS
LotNumber
39
Year
1965
CarMake
CHEVROLET
CarModel
CORVAIR
CarStyle
CONVERTIBLE
Final Price:
$6,500
ExteriorColor WHITE
Interiorcolor BLACK
Cylinders
8
Engine
Transmission 4-SPEED MANUAL
Summary
110hp two carb motor with a 3speed. Mostly all original.
Description
110hp two carb motor with a 3speed. Mostly all original. This is
one of the nicest Corvairs around.
Vehicle Pictures
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VEHICLE DETAILS
LotNumber
480
Year
1963
CarMake
CHEVROLET
CarModel
CORVAIR
CarStyle
4 DOOR SEDAN
Last Price:
$7,000
ExteriorColor TURQUOISE/WHITE
Interiorcolor TURQUOISE
Cylinders
6
Engine
Transmission AUTOMATIC
Summary
6-cylinder air-cooled engine with dual carburetors,
Powerglide automatic 2-speed transmission and
posi-traction rear axle. A Western North Dakota
car.
Description
This 1963 Corvair Monza 900 was purchased in 2001
from my brother and is from Western North Dakota.
It has been shedded all of its life and has been
driven on gravel roads rarely. Most of the original
miles are highway miles. There are no rock chips,
dents or scratches on the body. The Corvair body is
two-tone with an aqua bottom and a white top.
The interior is all aqua with vinyl split seats in the
front and a bench seat in the rear. The drivetrain is
in excellent shape. This Corvair has a "145" 6cylinder air-cooled engine with dual carburetors,
Powerglide automatic 2-speed transmission and
posi-traction rear axle. Radio and windshield
washer are both in good working order. Original 3corner glass fluid bottle is located in the trunk of
the car in the original mounting bracket. The tires
are steel belted radial 13" and like new. All glass is
in-perfect condition and all windows are in
excellent working order. The car is complete with
all parts and accessories that originally came with
it.
VEHICLE DETAILS
Last Price:
$10,000
LotNumber
1510
Year
1961
CarMake
CHEVROLET
CarModel
CORVAIR
CarStyle
4 DOOR STATION WAGON
ExteriorColor RED/WHITE
Interiorcolor RED
Cylinders
6
Engine
Transmission AUTOMATIC
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Summary
Frame-up restored with a rebuilt matching
numbers engine and automatic
transmission. All new paint, interior, NOS
stainless trim and re-chromed bumpers.
Description
Frame-up restored with a rebuilt matching
numbers engine, automatic transmission, all
new paint, beautiful interior, NOS stainless
trim and re-chromed bumpers. Runs and
drives great.
2008 Calendar of Events
March
April
May
CARS/PARTS WANTED
Late: Rear Ant., Engine wiring harness, Monza or Corsa
Tunnel Pans (under car) bothe pieces, Convertible rear seat bottom
(prefer black, but will accept any color), Interior or most parts for
late, any amount.
Vern Sundbom 1-218-847-6631 [email protected] 01
**************************************
Late in need of a complete interior, including front and rear seats,
seat belts, and door vinyl, in tan or black. As this will not be a
complete NOS restoration, I could be interested in seats from a car
other than a Corvair that fit the late coupe.
Philip George
[email protected]
10
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Late Coupe w/ Manual Trans (to become Auto-Cross car)
Late Model MANUAL TUNE Radios (not pushbutton)
Late Model Emergency Brake Cable (front portion, from handle to
"split")
John Deere Riding Mower (110,111,165,170 models)
Eric Prosise
651-472-1358
10
**************************************
Late Coupe, Not rusty floors, nothing else matters.
Eric Prosise
651-472-1358
10
**************************************
06 Old Log Theater, dinner at 6:30, show at 8:00PM.
11 CMI General Meeting, MUM, 7:30 PM
27 CMI director’s meeting, Fran Schmit res., 7:30PM.
08 CMI General Meeting, MUM, 7:30 PM
24 CMI director’s meeting, TBD.
03 Pancake Breakfast, MUM
13 CMI General Meeting, TBD (drive-in?)
29 CMI director’s meeting, Fran Schmit res., 7:30PM.
CARS/PARTS FOR FREE
Early Model Rear Carpeting, BLACK, for driver, FREE
Eric Prosise
651-472-1358
10
**************************************
Early Coupe parts car, FREE – How often do you get this chance?
Fritz Widmer
952-466-5867
11
CARS/PARTS FOR SALE
'63 Wire wheel covers (set of 5)
Make an offer!
Bill Cook 612.940.9179
03
**************************************
Perimeter strips & Stainless staples
Headers
Custom Steering Wheel
Muffler Heat Shields
Generators, Alternators, starters
'64 air grill - nice
New tank $120
Gary Nelson
612-866-3247
03
**************************************
Used early right front coupe door, all components work well and
glass is good.
Leigh Hunstad 507-327-9544
10
**************************************
WANTED: We need a variety of items for Famous Dave’s
Restaurants. (We help to supply the decor.) All items need to be
from the 1960’s or older and show no bar codes. The Club will
receive 30% from each item sold. The Club’s share is shown by
each item listed. Car equipment: 24 convertible/coupe front doors
with mirror, $15 per door; radiator fill cans, $10.50; 5 gallon oil
cans with brand on can, $7.50; quart oil cans, $4.50; tire pumps, $3;
“car care” items like car wax, antifreeze, HEET, etc., $1.50 each;
well used trouble lights and jumper cables (no need to be in
“working order”) $1.50 each. Non-car items: Bottle cappers, $3.00;
colorful but clean life jackets or boat cushions, fish nets (long
handled), $1.50 each; small grills, $1.80 and old wooden fruit boxes
(preferably with labels) anywhere from $4.50 - $7.50 per box
depending upon the size of the box. If you have any questions
please call Clarence Day at 612-724-4973.
GARY’S CLUB HOUSE
E.I.B. Approved
Mechanical work & parts
Gary Nelson
(612) 866-3247
(612) 644-1258 cell
DG Motors
6857 Oxford Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
(952) 746-0174
[email protected]
HOURS
7 Days a week
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
Part Cleaning
Soda Blasting, Sand Blasting
Powder coating
Vince Rohr
Jim Brandberg
2214293 ½ Av. NW, Isanti, MN 55040
763-444-9334
[email protected]
[email protected]
(9)
WEBSITE:
http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=cmi
OFFICERS:
PRESIDENT
Don Schaefer
2892 Fairway Dr
Willmar, MN 56201-9559
320.222.8020
[email protected]
TREASURER
Ray Alexander
901 Woodlawn Ct
Burnsville, MN 55337-3627
952.890.5798
[email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT
Gary Nelson
6916 Russell Ave S
Richfield, MN 55423-2024
612.866.3247
SECRETARY
Lee Knauf
1340 Broadview Ave
Chaska, MN 55318-1704
952.448.6983
[email protected]
HISTORIAN
Cara Knauf
952.448.6983
EDITOR
John Herkenratt
952-935-4596
[email protected]
COORDINATORS:
WANTADS
Rod Basham
651.484.8969
[email protected]
GMCCA
Mike Gaynor
763.434.0322
[email protected]
Bruce Hubbard
952.473.3864
[email protected]
CLUB PARTS
Paul Sergeant
763.420.4495
TECHNICAL EDITOR
Fran Schmit
3370 Library Lane
St. Louis Park, MN
55426-4224
952.929.9174
[email protected]
SHIRTS&JACKETS
Bill Cook
763-682-4094
[email protected]
PARADES
Rich Buratto
952-473-6706
[email protected]
THE LEEKY SEEL
3370 Library Lane St. Louis Park, MN
55426-4224
Ph: 763.475.0350
TEMP – RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CORVAIR Minnesota 2008 member Price list:
(NEW PARTS ONLY)
Order by e-mail from Paul Sergeant
[email protected] or Phone: 763.420.4495
Audio Tape of song “CORVAIR HEAVEN”
With genuine CORVAIR sounds
$ 4.00
Carburetor kit (2-carbs) w/viton pump
$20.00
Carburetor base gasket
$ 2.00 (4)
Washable fuel filter w/gasket & spring
$ 8.00 (pair)
Tune-up kit (points/rotor/condenser)
$10.00
Plug wires: silicone with good boots
$20.00
Spark plugs: AC 46FF (only)
$12.00 (6)
Fan Belt
$12.00
Air Filter (64-69 except turbo)
$ 6.00
Oil Filter (AC PF-4)
$ 8.00
Oil Pressure sending unit (3-prong)
$12.00
(with or without wiring plug)
Oil Pressure sending unit (1-prong)
$ 5.00
Pushrod tube “O” ring set
$12.00
(includes oil cooler seals)
Thermostat
$20.00
Input Shaft seal
$ 4.00
Valve Cover gasket
$ 6.00 (2)
FC Wheel cyl kits
$3.00 or BO?
CORVAIR Minnesota Antenna Flag
$20.00
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!