Find It On eBay ... Even A Corvair

At my last count, there were 43 different Corvairs for sale on eBay. Most of them were meticulously restored, or have spent plenty of time in a garage receiving plenty of TLC. Some of these cars sell for thousands of dollars. How about a 1965 Corvair Corsa with 20,937 original miles for about $10,000?

And if you want to repair or restore a Corvair, you’ll find plenty of parts on eBay, too. Need a cylinder head for the engine? Current bid $1.29 and I was the 142th person to view that ad.

Technorati Profile

Corvair Video

For a look at Chevy's promotional film of the "new" Corvair, go to: http://www.squidoo.com/corvair/

Cruisin' For A Cure!

Here’s a chance to see some classic Corvairs while helping a good cause. A cruise-in is to be held Saturday, June 23, 2007 in Rowlesburg Park, Rowlesburg, WV during the Preston County Relay For Life Event. All proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society. In addition to the auto show, there will be raffles, a Duck Race, games, relay events, food and music. For details contact Donna at dgkeener@yahoo.com.

Restoration And The Law

When considering the acquisition of a project car, you must think about getting the vehicle street-legal. In some jurisdictions you may have trouble obtaining a registration for your vehicle, even after restoration. The current title is the key. For example, in Maryland additional steps are required to obtain a registration for a vehicle with a salvage title. Your project car must pass a state police salvage inspection in addition to the standard safety inspection. That documentation must be presented at the time of registration. And there are additional limitations based on how the vehicle is registered. A vehicle registered as a "street rod" or "historic" is not to be used for general daily transportation.  Special registration may be required based on the age and modifications made to the vehicle.

Let's Restore A Corvair

The thought of restoring an old Corvair is exciting. There are so many things to consider. So many things to remember. Acquiring the vehicle involves more than you may realize.

Be very critical in your examination of your potential project care. Any work that requires the professional touch will cost you. Remember that extensive body work can be very expensive. In the US the average hourly labor rate for body repair and painting is around $73.00. Add to that parts, supplies and any mechanical work you do not perform yourself.

Pay close attention to the interior. Upholstery problems may not pose a big problem, but avoid a car with a gutted interior. A true nightmare. Basically you don't want to pay a fortune for a car that will cost another fortune to restore.

I Remember The Corvair

Growing up as a child of the 60's I certainly remember the Chevy Corvair. For many in my generation, that was our first exposure to Ralph Nader and his book Unsafe at Any Speed. This 1965 work took the American auto industry to task for several failings. But many of us remember him killing the Corvair. I recently saw a gray primered Corvair sitting on the side of the road with a "for sale" sign placed in the front windshield. It was like entering a time machine for me. I thought of guys in their Beatle boots and gals with their big hair. WAIT! I have to go back to see the asking price!