[FC] 1964 Greenbrier Questions

[RoboMan91324 at aol.com]

Hello Jonathan,
 
None of the FCs come with the transverse spring the cars  had.  This 
includes the 1964 and 1965 models.  The 1965 Greenies do  not have the LM 
suspension either.  (There were no Rampsides or vans and  very few Greenies in 
1965.)  Also, the car transverse spring cannot be  retrofitted to an FC because 
the FC is wider than a car.  However, there  was an aftermarket transverse 
spring available for the FC but good luck finding  one.  
 
FC handling was similar to the VW bus of the same era.   However, the VW 
was grossly underpowered .... as low as 36 HP if memory serves  me.  Our FCs 
are only minimally underpowered.  Of course, this depends  on which engine 
you have (80 to 110 HP) and how heavily loaded the FC is.   Amazingly, these 
vehicles are rated close to 3/4 ton and a 145/164 CI engine  might not be 
adequate.  Of course, most people do not use the FCs for heavy  hauling these 
days.  Major hill climbs are not kind to the FC  engines.
 
You will be sitting over the front wheels which will feel odd  until you 
get used to it.  Hopefully, you are not prone to  seasickness.  Technically, 
the vehicle is not bouncing more than more  traditional vans, it is just your 
position that makes you feel the bouncing more  than if you were sitting 
somewhat to the rear of the front wheels instead of  over them.  From a 
perspective of aerodynamics, the FC has been referred to  as a barn door traveling 
down the highway.  At lower speeds, this isn't a  problem but do not expect 
decent MPG or acceleration at higher speeds like your  cars.  I know that 
things can get gusty in MN so you should be aware that  the FC presents a 
large surface to side winds and can wander due to this.   You will need to slow 
down and pay attention in windy conditions.  Next,  the FC has a higher 
center of gravity than the cars so you do not want to take  corners or curves 
at high speed especially if there is a side wind in the wrong  direction.
 
I do not want to scare you away from the enjoyment you may get  from your 
target Greenie.  Most of the issues I mention will have little  consequence 
once you get a few miles under your belt especially if you realize  the FC 
isn't a rally racer.  Some people drive that way no matter what  vehicle they 
are in.
 
Yes, floorboards need to be checked for rust.  The bottom  of the doors are 
major areas for rust as well especially the lower front area of  the front 
doors.  Because MN uses salt on the roads in the winter and MN  winters last 
for 10 months a year, all areas should be checked for rust or  bondo.  
Bring a magnet.  As with most vehicles, the areas around the  windshield are 
critical.  I don't think there is a chapter around Fergus  Falls where the 
Greenbrier is but if you live anywhere close to a CORSA chapter,  you should 
join.  No doubt, you will find someone who knows FCs in the club  who may be 
willing to check out the vehicle with you.
 
I strongly recommend that you do not bid on it unless you  check it out 
first or at least have someone you trust check it out for  you.  Remember that 
it is being sold "as-is" which means that you have  little or no recourse if 
you find some unpleasant surprises.   Certainly, you would have no recourse 
through eBay.  The seller makes no  claims other than the engine runs.  
Everything else is on you as far as  eBay is concerned and unless MN has some 
consumer protection regulations the  dealership violates, you could be out of 
luck.
 
Good luck,
 
Doc
 
1960 Corvette, 1961 Rampside, 1962 Rampside, 1964 Spyder  coupe, 1965 
Greenbrier, 1966 Canadian Corsa turbo coupe, 1967 Nova SS, 1968  Camaro ragtop

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
In a message dated 8/8/2010 9:00:05 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
corvanatics-request at corvair.org writes:

Message:  1
Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2010 11:41:58 -0500
From: jonathan whalen  <jwhalen12345 at gmail.com>
Subject: [FC] 1964 Greenbrier  Questions
To: corvanatics at corvair.org
Message-ID:
<AANLkTinbm0ayPqec8+NVQ-s-f_Cbw_naZEdwMEwAMgz3 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type:  text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Good Afternoon:  I've alway been  curious about Forward Control vehicles 
and see that a '64 Greenbrier has come  up for sale close to where I live.
Here's the ebay  listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250677691927&v
iewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I  sat in a Greenbrier Deluxe for the first time at the national convention 
and  like it a lot.  But I've never driven one or been a passanger in one.  
What do they drive like (I own a '65 Corsa and '66 sedan and don't expect 
them  to handle like cars)?  How are the PG's...do they handle the weight of  
the vehicle well?  If I check this van out, what common rust\mechanical  
problem areas should I look at?  I'm assuming floorboard and rocker panel  
rust are common problem areas.  Did the '64 Greenbriers come with the  updated 
EM suspension?  I like the colour of this van and wonder if it's  original.  
Thanks for your time and any suggestions or comments would be  appreciated. 
 Thank you.