<VV> Update on 1965 Monza convertible

[Joe Lewis]

I went to take a look at the car yesterday. The owner was very open on pointing out all the flaws in the car. I did ask why he was selling and he said he was 70 years old and didn’t like crawling around under cars anymore. He started to restore cushman motorcycles and wanted to buy more with the cash from the car. The car has a very solid motor. Total rebuild including electric fuel pump. It had been sitting for a few weeks and started up on the first try. Brake system was redone and I guess it stopped well for drum brakes. It was missing two of the weight canisters in the engine compartment. One thing I did find out that the car originally had a 110 HP in but now has 140 HP. I don’t know if that affects the value. The ad said 95% restored but I would say 75% restored. Dash needed to be replaced. Drivers seat was very soft and would need to be reworked. I do understand that this is almost a 50 year old car but just wanted to point out all the items. Small thing would be to replace the lock on the trunk, replace carpet, work on antenna, no hold down latches for manual top.

Now for the big question on the body and paint. Body is in good shape and I could not find any spots with bondo. Rocker panels are solid with no sign of rust. Small rust issue on drivers door where I would guess the weep holes for the door clogged up and rusted out. The trunk did have water in it and the owner had to cut out and replace with fiberglass. No door sag and the doors shut evenly. The big issue is that the car needs a repaint. The previous owner pop riveted chrome protectors all along the body line. Present owner took the chrome off and filled the holes and then put pin strip in almost same color to make it look half good. Again the body is in very good shape but in talking with a friend he would say I’m looking at minimum of 5-7K to repaint. This is if nothing big is found when stripping the car. Asking price is 10.5K but I’m sure I could get this price down. This is the first corvair I have looked at and would like some opinions on if I can find a good car with good paint and engine for say the 12K range or look at this car which is I was able to get it for 7-8 K and then have to invest same for paint and body work. Again this would be my first covair. I do plan on meeting the local club in the next few weeks at a show to look are their cars and ask the same. I have a feeling that this car will be around for a bit. I’m must commend the owner for pointing out all the issue on the car without me asking.


attached is the ad

>> http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/4379057933.html