<VV> Corvairs Experiences Gone Bad / counterpoint

[UltraMonzaWest at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/14/2005 10:53:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
carmerjr at mindspring.com writes:

> Many times the "horror" stories portrayed on VV are the result of gross 
> lack of planning on the part of the purchaser to be.
> 
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How true....planning.....asking questions....specific questions can  really 
alleviate suprise....except with liars!  gggg  PLUS  not panicking when 
something is found....makes the difference!

My 69 was "off the web"  sight unseen......reputable person said, "I'd buy 
the car if my garage wasn't full".  Good enough for me!

Friends that "picked up" the car to trailer to painter...."  Car runs 
bitchen!"

Painter....."Rough but great!"

2 weeks later painter says, "  Windows are frozen...keys don't work.....and 
oil pours out of engine when I jack up drivers side. Plus engine is hard 
starting when it's cold..right front wheel is FROZEN  to hub!"

I tell him  dismantle windows.and lube, I'll buy NEW locks fron Lon.......add 
oil after your done....then have trailered to me...don't worry...

Now the problems start;

I get the car....driven off trailer......1 hr. later battery 
dead!.......Charge battery..start car....find  not charging.........check wiring..find exciter 
wire [ brown ]  is connected to taillights!..only charges if lights are 
on....easy fix.....

I drive to gas station to fill tank.....gas runs out on ground as tank 
fills........drive back home......buy new hoses...another easy fix......check  
engine for oil leak.....bad Valve cover gasket....no heat shield in 
desert....cooked!.....replace.....To  remove Right front wheel..it takes a 10 foot bar 
against steering arm...POP...clean corrosion...lube....no problem....

After putting thermostats in..heater works fine for a few 
times..then...nothing......jack up car.....inspect heater ducting......take time to THINK  about 
problem....take 30 minutes to GENTLY dislodge  34 yr. old 6"  ducting from 
plenum at BOTTOM ...reach in and remove Rats nest.....blow air BACK  from pass. 
area to make sure it's cleaned out....HEAT!

Engine is STILL very hard to start....100 pumps..with   electric pump..and 
chokes BOTH working [one rod was not in thermo spring]..but only  little single 
squirts from accel pumps...remove carbs...no kits with me.......CLEAN  all 
holes....cluster  pic up tube was plugged on pass. side......accel. squirt holes  
partially plugged.......engine now starts with 1  pedal depression...

All this could have been done..while "on the road", as Joel and JR  can 
attest......luckily I was not!  ggg

Matt Nall / Patiomatt / WCUH / Chairman V V
69 Monza Cpe., 66 Monza vert, 65 Crown v8 Cpe.
Somewhere between Reno, NV and Coos Bay, Or.