[V8Vairs] Mechanics and Corvair popularity

[Craig Nicol]

The issue is no longer limited to Corvairs. Anything having points, 
carburetor, and no diagnostic port is tough these days. Yeah, cars with 
this technology are simple if you're schooled-up but this older stuff is 
Greek to modern mechanics.  Remember, points went away 40 years ago and 
they haven't made a car with a carburetor in 25 years.

I write mechanic's training courses and my motto is: I teach new guys 
old stuff and old guys new stuff.  My old car skills are in constant 
demand.  I watched a "Chasing Classic Cars" episode where Wayne visited 
McPherson College of auto restoration; looking for possible recruits.  
One of Wayne's interview questions was to identify a set of points. Most 
of the kids were unable to identify the parts.  You just have to seek 
out the right kind of shop. Making a points and carburetor car run is 
dead simple so if it's Greek to the guy with the screwdriver you're in 
the wrong shop.
Craig Nicol

On 9/4/2013 3:07 PM, moonpie8n at comcast.net wrote:
> This illustrates why our hobby with our favorite car will always be limited
> to those who can reliably repair them themselves.   Even if one is enough of
> a mechanic to address minor issues, he still needs access to a hands on
> garage based master who can diagnose problems and provide a cure.
>
> Many who would love to own one of these cars are forced to back away and opt
> for a water pumper simply because there is no master Corvair mechanic
> available near where they live.  And the ones that are out there are less
> and less able to take on additional work.
>
> What is the answer?  I don't think its to sneer at such would be owners and
> tell them that they should go away until they can properly turn a wrench.
> I've heard that from folks right here on the net.  Perhaps not in so many
> words but that is the impression many have taken away.  The video tapes that
> have in the past been made available on topics like tuneups and carb
> rebuilding I think, are the best way to address this.  Between videos and
> easily available tech manuals, the would be owner might gain enough
> knowledge to muddle through.  I wonder if the videos are still being made
> available.  If so, GREAT!  If not, maybe a few of us could work on
> reproducing and perhaps making them on any missing subjects.  Maybe an
> inexpensive package of dvds could be sold to new owners, perhaps through one
> of our terrific vendors.  The manuals are of course readily available.
>
> But until the average guy with a problem he can't solve, can take his car to
> a good garage at least in the same state, the Corvair will continue to be
> undervalued and will eventually be even further marginalized.
>
> Just sayin'
>
> Mike in Michigan