Monday, July 26, 2010

'65 Corvair Corsa Convertible - Cypress Green






We finally got the body painted on this '65 Corvair Corsa Convertible and it is looking much better!

Things went very smoothly. as we did not find any rust on the sheet metal and just had a few dings to repair. Looks to be the original sheet metal and doesn't appear as if the car has been in any accidents or at least no major accidents. Guess living in Central California was a good life for this Black Plate California '65 Corvair Corsa Convertible.


Thought about changing colors but then decided no. Went with the original color - Cypress Green - using Dupont's Base/Clear material. Next task is to give it a few coats of Clear and then buff it out. Once this is done we will move on to the interior. Going to paint the dash and metal on the doors a nice Tan color. I have always like the Dark Green/Tan color combos. The Dash on this '65 Corvair Corsa Convertible does not have a pad on it and I understand the pad was an option for '65 and then became a standard on all Corvairs in '66.


Big question is - Should we go with a standard factory stock replacement interior from one of the good parts houses or should we talk to our local upholstery shop about a nice Custom Interior for this '65 Corvair Corsa Convertible? Leaning towards a nice Custom Job.


Need to be thinking about wheels and tires. What looks good on a '65 Corvair /Corsa Convertible?

Friday, July 16, 2010

'65 Corvair Corsa Convertible




Getting started



All primed!

Last fall I found a rare 1965 Corvair Corsa Convertible - it is a 74,000 mile Black Plate California car with no rust, extremely solid and complete. Sports the 140 HP, 4 Carb engine and a 4 speed. I have always been intrigued with the Corvair design and the unique air cooled rear mounted engine . It is very different than all of the other cars of its era. This is my third car and I decided to make it my Hot Rod.

The first collector car I bought is a '70 Chevelle Super Sport that I restored to its original condition with the original big block 454 engine and 4 speed, factory air, PS/PB, Am/FM radio, buckets, console, all gauges, cowl induction, vinyl top and stripe delete. Car was repainted the original Black Cherry color, interior was redone with black bucket seats and black vinyl top. This car is a strong number 2 and it is driven, not a trailer queen.

The second car is a '68 Corvair Monza Convertible, again restored original with its red color with black interior. Great car and a fun driver - my daily driver in good weather.

The third car is a '65 Corvair Corsa Convertible and it is Special! Searched a long time to for a good one, this is a hard model to find and most current owners don't want to part with them. Chevrolet only made the Corvair Corsa for two years, 1965 and 1966.

This one is not going to be restored to its original condition. The design of this car begs to be customized.

Plans include new paint (in process - Cypress Green - original color) New Tan Top and Interior. I have Chromed the Engine and installed a wild exhaust system. Rebuilt the gauges and need to add some other gauges. Looks as if New Chrome Bumpers and trim along with a new windshield are necessary.

We started last November and things are progressing!