1964 Chevy Corvair Monza Convertible Spyder Turbo on 2040-cars

1964 CHEVROLET CORVAIR MONZA “Spyderized” CONVERTIBLE This is a High Horsepower Monza convertible that was converted to a Spyder many years ago. All Spyder running gear and interior pieces are on this vehicle as evidenced by the pictures. Get a Turbo Charged Convertible for less than 1/2 the price of an equivalent Spyder. The 1964 Corvair Monza Convertible is one of the favorite iconic American cars. It is the best of the last model of the early first generation of iconic Corvair design. The ’64 Vairs were equipped with the larger and more desirable / powerful power train. This included the flat 6 engines increase to 164 CI (2.7L) while the ’60-’63 engines were only 140 CI (2.3L). The ’64 Turbo engine was underrated as it was still rated the same Hp as the earlier smaller ’62-’63 Spyder engines. It has been said that Chevrolet wanted a bigger splash for the Turbo engine in the new 1965 model which was rated at 180 Hp hence in keeping the lower output rating of the earlier ‘62-‘63 models. Therefore, one can assume that the ’64 engine was really 160-165 Hp as the 150 Hp rating came in at 4000 rpm, 400 rpm sooner than the ’62-63 variants at 4400 rpm. The ’65 Turbos' increase in power was achieved with a larger Carburetor and slightly larger turbine housing. Another clue to an increase in power output was the addition of a larger oil cooler due to the higher thermal stress of higher engine output. The desirable 12 plate oil cooler became standard equipment on all future high performance models. The 1964 included an improved cooling fan design by going to a light magnesium alloy. The mag fan reduce the mass significantly and reduced the strain on the drive belt and improved engine response as there was less inertia to overcome during acceleration. Another important upgrade on the ’64 model was the addition of a transverse leaf spring in the rear suspension. When combined with the rear coil springs it reduced suspension droop / jacking effect that was prevalent on semi-trailing arm / swing axle suspensions. This modification made the car more stable in high speed corners. Call it an “Anti-Nader spring. Ralph Nader (former Congressman) went after GM and the Corvair in his work of Fiction “Unsafe at Any Speed”. Nader has been vilified in the Corvair Hobby and rightfully so. The front sway bar was also increased to 3/4 ” from 5/8” diameter for improved roll stiffness. These key additions made the Corvair a true world class handling machine. Not even the “bath tub” Porsches or the new for 1965 911 of the era could keep up with a properly equipped Turbo Corvair. Imagine if GM continued to develop the Corvair into the next decade maybe there would not have been a bail out. The Faster and Better handling ’64 model was also equipped with an improved braking system. Although remaining a single circuit system the rear brake drums were now finned for improved braking efficiency. The ’64 GM design 4 speed transmission was more durable as it was equipped with beefier synchros. The change to closer gear ratios made for an improved driving experience and kept the engine in the power band during high engine speed shifts. Bottom line the 1964 Corvair was the most refined Corvair yet. Combined with its classic styling it makes for the perfect entry level collectible. Power Train & Drive Train: This Monza Spyder conversion is like a factory installation. The engine and turbo have been rebuilt. The turbo specific exhaust system is brand new over $650 at Clarks. The engine was overhauled with new rings and seals. The case was not split as the rod bearings indicated no adverse wear. The engine and drive train are the best features of the car. There are no funny noises or knocking sounds. This engine runs smooth. The car can cruise at 80 – 85 mph no problem. Remember on Texas Hwy 130 the speed limit is 80 mph “Only in Texas”. The transmission shifts great and the clutch is new and is light and easy to manage in traffic. There is no clutch chatter and the take up during clutch release is smooth. All gearing going up or down provides for effortless shifts. There is no grinding and you can manage down shifts with heel and toe for proper rev matching. If you have not mastered the art of properly driving a 4 speed then push it into gear and the synchros will do their job. The shifter is a little sloppy and could use a rebuild as well as re-chroming most likely the tension spring has lost some of its load capacity and the plastic bushing could be worn. However, this does not affect the shifting capability nor the transmission jumping out of gear; again something to be aware of when making a decision if you plan to bid. It is as good as a standard shifter in typical econo box cable shifter. Suspension: The steering box is unique as it has fast ratio steering about 3.25 turns lock to lock. The on center feel is a little sloppy but is pretty typical for worm and sector steering of the era. There is no shimmy while driving just the typical light effort that is common on Corvairs. If you are hardcore and want precise steering then I would recommend a complete overhaul of the steering box by a competent machinist that can properly machine the pitman gear to the worm gear to achieve the proper lash. This usually requires significant dollars and there are only a handful guys in the country that can properly rebuild a steering box for track use. Try Global West Suspension they know their way around a worm and sector box. The suspension overall is in good condition. However, the rear spring has slight sag and could be re-arched to increase the curb height in the rear about 3/4" for a more level ride height. If you jounce the suspension the front shocks have good control. However, the rears should be replaced if you want perfect handling. The car tracks straight down the road. Tires: The car has fairly new 13” tires. They are in great shape with 80-90% tread depth. They are a regular passenger tire and perform very well for a 175-80-13 radial. The days of a large selection of high performance 13” rubber are long gone so you get what you get and don’t throw a fit. Brakes: The brakes were recently serviced including a new master cylinder, wheel cylinders and flex lines. The linings are fresh and the car stops straight without any pull. The brake effort is very good for a manual drum car. However, you can’t compare this to a car with a modern braking system and should not expect it to perform like one. Body / Chassis: The body is in good shape with no rust present, the benefit of being a Texas car. There is some surface rust on the chassis; it comes off with a wire wheel. There is no rust through corrosion what so ever. There is some body filler on the driver’s door and driver side quarter panel due to a fender bender at some point in its life. When the driver’s door was hung the gaps are not perfect so it could use a body mans attention. There are some dings here and there. The chassis is very straight and the car does not dog track. There are no replacement panels that I could tell. The rear quarter panels have the same date code. The only panel that was replaced was the battery box due to acid corrosion. The panel was welded in place and could use some attention if your intent is to turn this into a show car, poor mig weld beads which should be ground down. The floors are in great shape and are solid which is uncommon for convertibles. Exterior: The paint is an amateur job and is a couple of shades brighter than the original "creamy" Ermine White. The prep work is poor as there is overspray in areas that could have been properly masked. There is overspray on some rubber seals including the windshield base and door jams. There is orange peel present and could use a good color sanding and machine buff. There was some slight body work done on the driver’s door and driver’s side quarter panel as stated earlier. If you are looking for a good driver and willing to put in some elbow grease you will not be embarrassed at a club event or car enthusiast gathering. Again there are some dings but nothing bad. If you want some detail pics of these areas just ask. Overall it is a 10 footer. If you want show paint sorry you’ll have to strip her down and start all over as the car was painted over the original paint. A good paint job by a competent shop will actually be more than the reserve on the car. The Bright work could use attention as well. A buffing wheel with rouge on the stainless would bring it back to life. The bumpers have their share of parking lot spats and need to be re-chromed. If anything they are presentable. They can be reworked with only a few dings here and there. The bright trim around the lights is presentable but will need attention if you are looking for perfection. Like I said it is a 10 footer. The convertible top is in good shape. There is a minor rip that was repaired it was about 1/2” long. The plastic rear window is clear but, not perfect; it is not hazy as many are. The weather strip on the top is old and weathered and should be replaced. There is wind noise, but nothing terrible. I have not driven the car in the rain so I am not sure if it would leak. But the car has been rained on and there were no leaks after the rain. The door and window felts are also worn and deteriorated and should be replaced. There are a few sewn seams that are coming apart so it will need attention. I want a pic just ask. The original GM glass is in good shape. The windshield is peppered from 49 years of road use and there is a very small rock chip. It could use a polish, but not really necessary unless you desire crystal clear glass. The passenger side view mirror is cracked but still functional. Interior: This is where she needs attention. There has been obvious interior rework, but not utilizing the original style covers. The rear seat was recovered but with a shade of red that is appropriate for the ‘60-‘62 interior color. The ’63-64 has a dark red color not a medium red color. Clarks has the proper vinyl dye to match the original dark red. The front seats are OK but the driver’s seat will need attention soon as the original seat cover is starting to split at the seam. The dash pad is warped and should be replaced. The door panels are salvageable, but the card board is warped, but Clarks has excellent replacements. The interior bright work needs attention much of the chrome work is showing signs of pitting and will need attention to make it look as new. However, it is presentable. Look to California Corvairs as they have many of these parts that they re-chrome. The interior will set you back about $1000 if you want to bring it back to perfect original condition. Electrical: Electrical is in good condition. The wiring is original and all the wiring is intact. The original radio works great for a 60’s vintage AM radio. I have it set to my favorite AM settings using the push buttons. Hey this was deluxe stuff in ’64. The gauge cluster is an original Spyder cluster. The gauge face plates are weathered I guess the life of a convertible played its toll over the years. However, the gauges work except the boost gauge because it is not connected. The trip odometer no longer works and will need a refurb; however, the speedo works fine and registers properly. The tach reads too high so there is a grounding issue that I will try and resolve before the bidding stops. The head lights high and low beam work. All turn signals, running and tail lights work and the turn single cancel works. The back up light switch is broken so the reverse lights are not functional. Although they work fine when tested. Overview: I would feel comfortable driving this car on long trips. If you want to fly in and drive it home that is your call, but I would not have a problem driving it any distance. FEATURES AND OPTION INFORMATION Body Trim Tag Codes Date: 05A May, first week build Style: 65 0967 WR23168 Fisher Body sequence Trim: 781 2 Body: 936, Paint D ACC: W 2 LPS 3 C 5 W Engine Block Code: YR Per the trim tag the following is known The car was originally Ermine White with a Black top and a red interior. It has a tinted windshield. L = 4 speed trans. P= Convenience group. S = Rear Antenna. C = Padded Dash. W = Custom deluxe seat belts with retractors.(These are long gone the car has no belts) The vehicle was equipped with the following RPO options M20 = 4 speed transmission G81 = Posi Rear end 3.55 P01 = Wheel Trim Cover A49 = Deluxe seat belts with retractor Z13 = Comfort & Convenience Group (Back up lamps, Glove Box lamp, Outside review mirror, 2 speed wipers & washer, Inside Day Night mirror) B70 = Padded Dash Pad U63 = Push button radio A02 = Tinted Glass Windshield I have attempted to describe the vehicle as accurately as possible. The vehicle overall is a great driver in need of some cosmetics. But can be fully enjoyed while taking care of the interior and exterior issues. On a scale of 1-5 this is a 3 to 3+. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL 713-471-2121. If you are serious the vehicle is located in Houston and can be inspected if you or a representative wishes to see the vehicle in person. The car is for sale locally and if sold, the auction will be canceled. Please remember, this is a 49 year old car. I am representing it as accurately as I can based on my knowledge and have tried to give as much information as possible. It is being sold without warranty and as is... Inspections prior to auction end are not a problem however, making an attempt to renegotiate the final bid price after the close of the auction will not be accepted and if you have a poor feedback rating or no rating your bid will not be accepted. This vehicle is sold as/is where is. The information may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. All such information is provided "AS-IS" without warranty of any kind. I hereby disclaim all warranties and conditions with regard to this information, including all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement. In no event shall I be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any connected with the use of this web site or with any delay or inability to use this website, or for any information obtained through this website, or otherwise arising out of the use of this web site, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise. DUE TO THE AGE OF THIS VEHICLE, TITLE READS EXEMPT MILEAGE A $500 deposit via PayPal is required or cashier’s check within 48 hours of auction end. Full payment in a cashiers certified bank check or cash will be the only form of payment accepted and is required within 10 days of auction end. If you desire you can arrange for a freight forwarder to pickup the vehicle in the North West Houston area, however, the vehicle and title will only be released if payment is paid in full and all funds have cleared the bank.