President’s Corner - Don Wagner

Heart Of America Corvair Owners Association

July 2008 Volume 44, Issue 07

VairCor

Inside this issue:

President’s Corner 1

Preventative Maintenance 2

Gas Pain 3

My introduction to Corvairs 4-5

Shawnee Parade 5

St. John’s Social 6

Arrow Rock and Lyceum

Theater

7-8

Corvair friends and family we have a number of things lined up to do in

July and August. July 19 we go to Arrow Rock State and the Lyceum

theatre. Next we are going to meet at Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill

(Best Burgers) to display our cars July 26, from 11:30 to 2:00 and

eat. August activates start with a caravanning of our Vairs from Platte City

over to Weston, MO and on out to the Winery and to display our

cars. (10:00 AM - 3:00) I will need to know if you want to buy a box lunch

for $5 by JULY 8,( next meeting). I will have to order these before we go so

they can have them made up. My e-mail wagndo1@stjoelive Ph. 816-324-

4870 ( land line & answering machine) More, Mike Sloan on Aug. 10,

Sunday will be having his social. For all of the information on these acti-

vates check the VairCor for the information and if for some reason it is not

in there, call me. Call Gary Moore about Arrow Rock, Westport & Weston

(me) Don, and Mike Sloan about his social. Be sure to join our group to do

some of these fun events. We had our meeting in the park--the weather was

just right, (some of the gals thought that it was a little cool and put light

coats on). After the meeting we looked the Corvairs over and talked about

you know what. If you did not get a new roster of the club please e-

mailer call Dominique or me. Hope to see all of you at our next HACOA

meeting July 8. Yes for those that don't have their Corvairs going, keep

working so you can get out and enjoy them.

Page 2 VairCor

THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SERIES Mike Dawson

Air conditioning problems unique to Corvairs and to old age:

The condensers become plugged with leaves, dirt and oil. Engine runs hotter and the A/C has poor

efficiency. Clean as necessary. You can use a hose or car wash on the late style while still mounted on the

car. Early style: flip the condenser on to a towel on the fender to clean. Use a fin comb to straighten the

fins. REMOVE LOWER SHROUDS FOR SUMMER OPERATION! This will lower the engine

temperature 40-50 degrees. The 66 style condensers require a completely sealed engine compartment: good

perimeter seal, tight lid seal, covered air recirculation hole, and no holes in the fenders.

Threads pull out of the compressor mount holes because the bolts are loose. Use longer bolts with flat &

lock washers on the pre-66 design. Be sure the compressor brace is in place on the early style - get one if it

is missing. Be sure ALL of the pieces are in place if you have a 140 style.

Switch problems: There are two dash control switches for the 65+ A/C. Both go bad because of current

draw and age. Remove both, disassemble, clean and lube. The mode switch is the one, which chooses

between heater and A/C and must be fully up for the heater fan to work. Install relays to lower current

draw through the switch on all models.

Compressor will not engage but the blower works: Check the ground wire for the clutch. On 66 and later,

there is a lid switch for the ground on the right side hinge. This keeps the A/C from operating with the lid

up. Also check the thermostatic switch on the side of the evaporator (65 & later) because passengers kick

them.

Engine dying at idle (healthy engines only) is usually caused by a loose (or missing), misadjusted, or

broken idle speedup solenoid. All models had them; they improved over the years.

My experience has shown that ALL original filter/dryers on Corvairs need to be replaced. A dryer is only

good for the original factory charge and I doubt anybody still has that. When the desiccant is saturated, the

system starts to corrode and plug up the filter. Replacements are available and can make a noticeable

contribution to efficiency and reliability.

Leaks: If you bend 40-year-old hoses, pinholes appear. The service port valves can leak and the o-rings in

the back of the compressor (look like push rod tube seals) harden. These can be repaired when you install

your new filter/dryer!

R-12 in the 12-oz cans is now available again at any parts store if you have any one of a number of types of

certification such as ASE or MACS. Once the price was raised to where the manufacturers and the tax

collectors wanted it, it apparently no longer harmed the ozone!!

There are several publications available for A/C system conversions, use of different compressors and various

designs that can improve A/C and maintenance of the system. There is also a CORSA chapter for A/C buffs

and an on-line group.

STAY COOL!

Page 3 Volume 44, Issue 07

GA$ PAIN$= Maxi mileage Bob Vukas

In case you missed it, and I will guess that you have not, gas prices in the USA are catching up to the rest of

the world. Many people and countries will probably be happy about this but whether they are or not, it remains

the same. Ingenuity is needed now to use less and to stretch what we do use further. Consumer Reports ob-

served in test vehicles a 5 mile per gallon increase reducing speed from 75 to 65 and another 5 mile per gallon

increase reducing speed from 65 to 55. 42 MPH is now the new maximum gas mileage speed compared to 37.5

MPH from 1973 during the first oil crisis. This factors in wind resistance into the equation.

As responsible Car Hobby People we can set an example as we drive what other people would call our land

yachts, dinosaurs, beasts, boats, etc., by driving sanely and at intelligent, fuel economizing speeds. We are the

ultimate example of recycling and sparing the environment from overflowed landfills with cars and parts. Re-

duce, Reuse, Recycle and one more, Repair, are words we live by and practice every day. Our throw away

habits from the last 40 years or so will need to change in order to find new ways to repair items. This might

create a whole new niche for our economy. Craftsmanship and pride might make comebacks too. Used car or

any other item for that matter, should take on a new meaning and the associated stigma removed. Used should

now mean new to you or previously owned.

When someone passes you on the highway, they are seldom driving a small economical car but usually what

we would call a gas guzzler. There is no one solution to these problems but there are many little things that can

be done. Perhaps we would consider the speed limits of 65 daylight and 55 at night? The fines for speeding

should be raised to the same penalties as drunk driving. Radial tires replaced bias ply and belted bias ply tires

because their use resulted in better gas mileage. There is still room for improvement in tires and Michelin usu-

ally leads the way. Fuels saving oils are available now. Tune ups and tires aired up have always been smart.

Electronic ignitions that hide under our distributor caps can be purchased. Fuel injection adaptations can be

done. Overdrive transmissions, manual or automatic can replace less efficient ones. Keeping your car clean

and carrying less cargo saves fuel too. Instead of bragging about 0 to 60 speeds and quarter mile speeds on

cruise nights we could start bragging up our improved gas mileage.

Check this out from the Mobil Economy Run. The Economizer was featured on GM Cars in the „80‟s. Every-

thing old can be new again. Good old fashioned, make that a renaissance of Yankee Ingenuity is needed. Let‟s

bring back our own Economy Run and make that part of future car shows everywhere.

"... The experience obtained by skilled drivers in the Mobil Economy run indicates that for best fuel

economy, a car should be operated at nearly constant speed in the range of 30 to 50 mph. Rapid accel-

erations or decelerations and operation at (or near) full throttle should be avoided. To practice for

economy runs, skilled drivers used special instrumentation to determine the operating conditions for

best fuel economy. This instrumentation usually included a vacuum gauge to indicate intake manifold

vacuum, a special odometer to measure distance traveled to hundredths of a mile, and a burette to

measure gasoline usage. However, instrumentation of this type is extremely complex for the normal

driver and is additionally quite expensive. ..."

"... It is an objective of this invention to provide a signal to the operator of a variable speed, variable

power internal combustion engine when the engine is being accelerated or decelerated too fast, in ad-

dition to a signal when the engine is being operated at too high or too low a power output. ..."

Page 4 VairCor

My fourth Corvair (the van)…

I had decided before the Luna Tuna in Wichita that I wanted an FC and would prefer a Greenbrier. A local

club member had an 8-door Greenbrier that I considered but there was more rust than I had the ability to

repair. But I did enjoy chatting with the current owner of the van and being treated to a test drive. I will never

forget how quickly he responded to a stuck accelerator cable about a block from the house. None the less, I

was hooked and had to have one.

Many others in the club were also keeping an eye out for me to

the point that while in Wichita, Travis, Dominique,

Gary, and I took a short trip to look at one a Wichita club mem-

ber had for sale. This one was really close to what I was look-

ing for and had run until that very morning when something

went awry. My offer wasn‟t what the club member was looking

for so the hunt was still on.

By the way, the Tuna events put on by the Wichita club at Kalp

Ranch are fantastic. The information and knowledge is abun-

dantly present and you are only limited to your questions by

how fast you can take notes. In a single day carburetors were

synchronized, brakes were replaced, bearings were packed,

points gapped, valves adjusted, and a cars title changed hands.

About a month later I hear from a club member that Ken Ragan has one he may consider selling. This one is a

1963 6-door Greenbrier that ran when parked (last licensed in 1991). I remembered seeing it in Ken‟s

basement so I called him and let him know of my interest. At the next HACOA meeting we agreed on a price

and two weeks later he is backing the trailer into my driveway. This just so happen to be the first day of snow

in Kansas City but that didn‟t slow Ken down a bit.

The van has the least amount of rust I have seen on a van from this area…it‟s actually in better shape than my

convertible from Arizona. However, everything related to the drive train needed to be reviewed from sitting

for as long as it did. The tank was removed, cleaned, and sealed; the pinion/ring gear in the 3.89:1

transmission had failed; and the brakes had to be completely gone through. This is the first one that I also had

the opportunity to learn about window seals (all 6 of them). Now that I know it‟s nothing to be scared of I

may move on and replace some of the older seals in the other two.

After a relatively short time it is now on the road and going.

The original 80hp FC engine and transmission turned out to

be perfect. This is the first one that I didn‟t rebuild just be-

cause. I will report on any regrets I have in the future to this

decision. Tracking down a few missing shroud pieces

proved challenging for a moment but between Ken and

Terry it‟s now all sealed up from the elements. Some atten-

tion to the lights, turn signals, and wiring brought all of the

electronics back to life in short order. Upgrading the cool-

ing fan and charging system (generator to alternator) was a

snap with parts from a parts car.

I have really enjoyed driving the FC as it‟s a completely dif-

ferent experience. This is an early 1963 so the vertical H

shifting is very unique. Between this van and the sedan I

now have a choice of what I drive regardless of the weather. I‟ve been a Corvair only person for 18

months now and have no reason to believe this will change anytime in the future. The cars are comfortable,

convenient, efficient, and simply a blast to drive.

Page 5 Volume 44, Issue 07

Things that I‟ve learned to date…

Never assume what you have. Each one of mine, regardless of how original they appeared, had pieces

and parts that didn‟t belong or mix with the current/future state of the car. Always check things out for

yourself and make sure the distributor, cam, carburetors, drive train, and accessories are suitable for the

intensions you have for the car.

Don‟t hesitate to double check even what you know or have done yourself. It is much easier to check

something again before blaming and replacing correctly functioning parts.

Before you even try to start a Corvair that has sat for more than 2 years you should remove, drain, and

seal the gas tank; inspect the brake lines, brake hoses, master cylinder, and wheel cylinders while

replacing the brake fluid and brake pads; grease all 4 wheel bearings; inspect the fuel pump and all fuel

lines; replace all internal lubricants; and rebuild the carburetors (making sure they are a matched set).

Never buy a car that you haven‟t inspected yourself or asked a club member to inspect on your behalf.

Items can be described in many different ways and only you know what it is you are looking for.

If you have any reason to pull a head from an engine it‟s a good time to have the valve seats staked.

The expense to have this completed is much less than pulling the engine down again in a few months.

Chevrolet adjusted the valves with the engine not running and it worked for them for many years. I

have yet to find a reason to be deafened and covered in hot oil trying to adjust the valves with the

engine running and hot.

Don‟t be afraid to ask for help (like I was in the early years). There is more information than you can

imagine on the Corvair and so many people that are not only willing to help but standing by waiting for

your questions.

And lastly…don‟t buy a Corvair if you don‟t like talking to people you meet on the road or refuse to

return thumbs up from another driver. Every time I leave the house there is someone with something to

say and someone else with a horn wanting to provide their approval of the car. I enjoy the opportunity

to talk about the cars and educate anyone willing to listen. In the words of our current President, invite

them to a meeting and get them hooked!

Scott Allison, HAOCA 2008 –

The Shawnee Parade

The Shawnee Parade was on Saturday June 7th. We started to get together after 9am at the Great Western

Bank parking lot on Shawnee Parkway. There were 7 Corvairs for the parade. The cars were used to transport

City council for Shawnee and Senator Pat Roberts. The members who helped were Don & Barbara Wagner,

Val Dix, Dominique & Kyndall Allen, J.R. Koch (Kevin & Ada Koch‟s son), Jack & Elaine Richardson, Matt

& Deanne Harper, Donnie & Jack Hill. Many thanks to all who took the time and effort to help with the pa-

rade.

PS. We have another parade in Overland Park on September 27th. Please call Jack Hill at 816-452-0619 to

confirm.

Page 6 VairCor

HACOA SOCIAL,JUNE 21st, 2008 Bob & Jean St. John

A HOCOA social was held at Bob & Jean St. John's, on a beautiful June 21st,2008. 25 members

attended. After meeting at St. John's home about 1:30, a group drove to DYE'S Airport to view his collection

of Ultra Light's and Airplanes. The hopes for rides didn't happen - too windy. Back to a Luncheon of Brisket,

Pork Loin and other goodies. After which an afternoon of looking at beautiful Corvairs, Talking above

Corvairs, car events, family and friends was enjoyed. AND it didn't Rain!!

We hope a fun afternoon was enjoyed by all. We certainly enjoyed hosting you at our home in Higginsville.

Bob & Jean St. John, HACOA member Since 1980

Page 7 Volume 44, Issue 07

Arrow Rock and Lyceum Theater Trip

Join us on Saturday July 19 for a trip to Arrow Rock, Missouri with lunch at historic Huston Tavern and a

performance of Big: The Musical at the Lyceum Theater. There will be time for shopping and museum

hopping afterwards. Call Gary Moore at 816-296-7819 for ticket information.

We will meet in Lexington, MO on Saturday morning at the Lafayette Square Shopping Center, which is

located about a half mile north of Highway 24 on Business Route 13. We will leave the center at 10:30 am for

a drive across scenic Highway 24 to Arrow Rock. Lunch will be at the Huston Tavern, the oldest continuously

operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. After lunch we may have time to do some antique shopping be-

fore meeting at the Lyceum Theatre for the 2:00 pm performance of Big; The Musical. After the play there will

be time for shopping and visiting the many exhibits around the State Park. Which include a Gunsmith shop, a

newspaper museum and the home of Artist George Caleb Bingham.

In April of this year, “First Lady Laura Bush, honorary chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated

Arrow Rock as one of the nation‟s newest Preserve America Communities. Arrow Rock joins nine other

Missouri Preserve America communities: Cape Girardeau, Fredericktown, Independence, Jefferson City,

Liberty, St. Charles, Soulard (St. Louis), Ste. Genevieve and Weston. 600 communities have been named

nationwide.” (Missouri Press News)

About Big: The Musical from the Lyceum theater‟s web site: “The 1987 hit movie bursts onstage in this

vibrant, funny and touching musical. When frustrated adolescent Josh Baskin wishes he were "big" and wakes

up the next morning a 30-year-old man, he discovers there's much more to being an adult than he's bargained

for - and he learns we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time. A witty, moving, insightful book and

a dazzling, energetic, heartfelt, contemporary score make Big the Musical an unforgettable theatrical experi-

ence.”

Driving directions from Google Maps follow.

Additional map on reverse side.

Page 8 VairCor

Listed below

are selected events that may be of interest to HACOA members. A complete list of upcoming area events can

be found at the following website:

http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=acckc

August

2: HACOA Winery Tour & Show

10: HACOA Social sponsored by Mike Sloan

22-24: Ozark Empire Swap Meet at Springfield

29-31: Good Guys Mid-Western Nationals at the Kansas Speedway

September

12-14: Corvair Roundup in Oklahoma

27: HACOA participation in the Overland Park Parade

December

12: HACOA Annual Christmas Party at the home of Kevin & Ada Koch

Selected Cruise Nights (See: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=acckc for a complete list.

3rd Friday: Pleasant Hill 6:00

1st Saturday: Blue Springs (west of 7 and Main) 5:00

Harrisonville Family Center 6:00

Lee‟s Summit Paddy O‟Quigley‟s (150 & 291) 1:00

2nd Saturday: Bass Pro Independence (I-70 & 291) 5:00

Overland Park Winstead‟s (103rd & Metcalf) 6:00

3rd Saturday: Johnny Ray‟s Drive In (Lee‟s Summit) 5:00

4th Saturday: Belton Main Street 5:00

Page 9

Tool Crib

Tool Deposit Rental Fee

Puller for Harmonic Balancer $3.00 $1.00

Ramps, Auto $4.00 $1.00

Torque Wrenches:

1. 1/2” drive 20-150 lbs. $15.00 $2.00

2. 3/8: drive 100-1000 lbs. $15.00 $2.00

Floor Jack & Stands $25.00 $3.50

Ring Grove Cleaner $3.00 $1.00

Dwell-Tach Meter $5.00 $1.00

Greaser: blower bearing & Idler Ply $5.00 $1.00

Hubs, Rear Towing for LM powerglide $10.00 $1.00

Contact: Ken Ragan

Ragan Enterprises

212 Warner Rd

Bonner Springs, KS 66012

913-422-5778

E-mail: kenrragan@sbcglobal.net

Volume 44, Issue 07

Rebuilt Corvair Starters With New

Solenoids $85.00:

One year warranty, excluding broken noses

due to bad ring gears. Mike Dawson

816 322-4057. Installation available.

For Sale:

Rebuilt Corvair starters including solenoid,

one year warranty, $85.00 exchange.

(Installation available).

Corvair alternators, rebuilt and converted to

63 amp internally regulated. One year

warranty, $70.00 exchange. (Installation

available) Replace that generator!

Mike Dawson 816 322-4057

HACOA 16001 Oakland Ave.

Belton, MO 64012

Editor, Dominique Allen

Phone: 816-668-3847

E-mail: corvair@home-town.biz

July Calendar

July 4th Independence Day

July 8th Meeting at Chappell’s

6:45 Board 7:00 Social 7:30 Very Little Business Just Fun - Come join in

July 19th Arrow Rock State and the Lyceum theatre

July 26th Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill Car Display

August 10th Mike Sloan’s Social

August 12th Meeting at Chappell’s

6:45 Board 7:00 Social 7:30 Very Little Business Just Fun - Come join in

Heart Of America Corvair Owners Association

Oldest Incorporated Continually Active

Marquee Corvair Club

We’re on the

web at

HACOA.ORG

2007 Officers & Directors

Don Wagner-Pres. 816-324-4870

Scott Allison-VP 816-847-8677

Elaine Richardson-Secretary 816-444-6954

Dominique Allen-Treasure 816-668-3847

Directors

Gary Moore 816-296-7819

Karl Cozad 816-741-2696

Jack Richardson 816-444-6954

Travis Bolton-Ex-Officio 816-792-2682

VairCor is the official publication of the Heart of America Corvair Owners Association, the oldest incorporated continuously

active marquee Corvair club and Chapter 640 of the Corvair Society of America. The membership fee in HACOA is $15.00

annually, payable January 1. CORSA membership is required. HACOA monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday of each

month at 7:30 pm., 7;00 pm Social at Chappell’s. 323 Armour Rd North Kansas City, MO 64116