<VV> Fitch Phoenix

Ken Schifftner scrubbr at ix.netcom.com
Sat May 10 08:40:37 EDT 2014


Hi:

A few years ago, NJACE did a Tech Session at Brian O'Neil's Garage Mahal to work on the Phoenix.  This effort was in preparation for its display at the Upper Saddle River NJ Memorial Day car show. Rich Ribble applied his wiring talents on the electrics of the vehicle (which were a mess) and David Main and others did extensive cosmetic work...mostly on the wheels. I worked a bit on the carburetors which were four (4) Rochester "primaries" with some very clever "linkage".  I believe the Phoenix literature mentioned Webers but the carbs were Rochesters.

The linkage was essentially a "trip" between the primary primaries and the secondaries. If I recall correctly, the "secondaries" also had accelerator pumps but the actuator was modified to squirt later (after the butterfly was open further).  The mechanism looked like it had been modified repeatedly. I'd guess John Fitch had less interested in getting slowly to the next stop light than pedal to the metal acceleration. NJACE got it running and the vehicle went back to CT. I believe John Fitch drove it at least once thereafter. Then back into storage.

In preparation for the Sturbridge Convention where the Phoenix was also displayed, the Phoenix was trailered to MA by (I believe) Bob Marlow.  The engine had developed a noise so it was not run.  At about 6:00 AM the day of the Convention John Edgerton and I pushed it outside and gave it a bath. We also cleaned up the interior (dust, etc. from storage). I believe it also received a waxing...but no further mechanical work.

It was/is a very clever vehicle and certainly "rare" is a proper adjective.

Ken Schifftner

-----Original Message-----
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>Sent: May 9, 2014 10:00 PM
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>Today's Topics:
>
>   1. Need some heads (Grant Young)
>   2. Larry Claypool / Vairshop  to REDUCE ACTIVITIES (Matt Nall)
>   3. Fitch Phoenix (James P. Rice)
>   4. Larry Claypool / Vairshop  to REDUCE ACTIVITIES (Matt Nall)
>   5. Re: [fastvair] Got some money laying around? Fitch Phoenix
>      for	sale - June 1 (Dennis Pleau)
>   6. Re: Need some heads (J. R. Read)
>   7. Re: Corvair on CSI Show (jbailey)
>
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Message: 1
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 16:11:37 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
>From: Grant Young <gyoungwolf at earthlink.net>
>To: "virtualvairs at corvair.org" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Subject: <VV> Need some heads
>Message-ID:
>	<14716638.1399666298130.JavaMail.root at wamui-hunyo.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
>	
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>HI. Just had a call from a new owner who has discovered his new Corvair is missing the compression in #1 and #4 (unusual?), so his new mechanic says he needs a couple of decent 1966 110 HP cylinder heads. If you have a pair to sell, just drop me a note and I will give you his phone number and you can work out the details. He is in Florida, I think.
>Thanks,
>Grant
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 2
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 16:25:51 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Matt Nall <patiomatt at aol.com>
>To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
>Subject: Larry Claypool / Vairshop  to REDUCE ACTIVITIES
>Message-ID: <8D139DC013BE7B8-1524-104BD at webmail-m237.sysops.aol.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
>
>These are the two e-mails that Larry has sent out to customers and friends.   Before things become  contorted... HE IS NOT CLOSING!!!!!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Larry's messages:
>
>Dear customers, suppliers, friends and acquaintances,
>Significant and far reaching family changes over the last 9 months have forced me to reconsider everything about Larry Claypool and the Vair Shop.
>When I began the Vair Shop back in November of 1972, all I wanted to do was work on cars- predominantly Corvairs. I then expanded to provide a comprehensive supply of new and used parts. I think I accomplished that goal and earned a good reputation for honest repair at fair prices. My parts supply was large and ?saved the day? for many a Corvair owner in need.
>I studied these strange little Chevys in depth, acquiring as much factory literature and documentation as I could find, and shared this knowledge through the many articles I wrote for both local and national Corvair publications. I have been heavily involved in the Corvair hobby through volunteer positions both locally and nationally.
>In the middle 80?s I developed an interest in micro and mini cars, adding a number of these to my personal collection, and became significantly involved in that hobby segment as well.
>While the Vair Shop has always specialized in Corvairs, any number of makes could be found in the service bay for repairs; indeed the list does run from A to Z.
>In the late 90?s I became involved in a local all makes car club. As usual, I became involved with the operation of that group. The club has grown positively in many ways since then, and I added another whole group of car friends and customers.
>
>One problem that has been ?in the build? is that these many volunteer positions would eat into my revenue producing work time. My reputation as a ?guru? of sorts has further compromised my billable hours with dozens of emails and phone calls each day, all seeking information or advise, the majority of which never leads to any revenue. In my typical 11-12 hour work day, I would often only be able to turn wrenches for 3-4 hours, the rest consumed by volunteer duties, free advice, or paperwork.
>
>My recent personal situation along with a particularly difficult winter, made it clear that I could not continue with ?business as usual.? Either I had to reinvent the Vair Shop, significantly altering the way it operated, or do something else. The opportunity to do ?something else? came first, so I took it. That decision was one of the most difficult I have ever made; it did not come quickly.
>
>The Vair Shop will not close completely, but will scale back significantly as I follow a new employment career. The scope of the shop operation is noted in a separate email I have prepared.
>
>Fixing these old cars has been a very satisfying life for me, and introduced me to many great folks I now consider friends, and brought me numerous opportunities I would have never known in a different lifestyle. Please allow me to express my gratitude for allowing me to serve you over past many years.
>Sincerely
>Larry Claypool
>
>
>Dear customers, friends, and acquaintances,
>Significant changes will take place at the Vair Shop after the week of May 16th..
>At that time , all current/future service appointments will be cancelled; I will no longer be servicing complete vehicles.
>Rebuilding service for certain components (not installed in complete vehicles)- clutches, flywheels, and manual transmissions will continue, as well as machine shop service for heads, cylinders, and crankshafts.
>
>I will continue to supply parts, both new and used, from existing stock until the supply is exhausted.
>The shop will also change at that time to a part time operation, so most calls will go to voice mail. Leave a message and I will return your phone inquiry or email about parts availability as soon as possible. Technical questions I can answer within 3 minutes will be replied to when time is available; those needing research or lengthy replies will require a consultation fee.
>
>I regret that I can no longer offer all the services that made the vair shop what it was, but life changing events have interceded, and drastic measures were required to maintain financial stability.
>
>In closing, I wish to thank my many customers for allowing me to service your vehicles over the last 42 years. We had a lot of fun with these old cars; I hope your experience was positive.
>Warmest regards
>Larry claypool
>
>
>Matt Nall
>Charleston, Oregon
>http://tinyurl.com/The-Corvair-Patio
>
>http://tinyurl.com/Matts-Tech-Pages
>
>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 3
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 15:53:32 -0500
>From: "James P. Rice" <ricebugg at comcast.net>
>To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Subject: <VV> Fitch Phoenix
>Message-ID: <20140509205342.8FE41378AF at tiger.skiblack.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"
>
>Seth & all:  It was my understanding it was to go to the Saratoga Museum
>after John' passing.  But I thought something was up when it was featured in
>the G'wich event ad in several of the car mags I read.  
>
>I've heard the engine probably has a broken crank...  
>
>Wish I had the money. 
>
>Others closer to the car and family probably know more, but may or may not
>wish to comment.  
>
>A question for you chassis number people: what does the VIN and engine
>number tell us about the car? 
>
>Historically Yours,
>              James Rice
>
>Message: 5
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 01:25:11 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Sethracer at aol.com
>To: virtualvairs at corvair.org, fastvair at yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Got some money laying around? Fitch Phoenix for sale - June 1
> 
>Lot  357
>
>Unique prototype from the Estate of John  Fitch
>1966 Fitch Phoenix 
>Chassis no. 107375W224558 
>Engine no. T0930RB
> 
>US$ 150,000 - 200,000
> 
>GREENWICH CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE AUCTION
>
>1 Jun 2014, starting at 9:30 EDT with lot 1.
>
>Bonhams Auction
>
>
>
>---
>This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
>http://www.avast.com
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 4
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 14:24:47 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Matt Nall <glassvair at yahoo.com>
>To: "virtualvairs at corvair.org" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Subject: Larry Claypool / Vairshop  to REDUCE ACTIVITIES
>Message-ID:
>	<1399670687.11386.YahooMailNeo at web122106.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>These are the two e-mails that Larry has sent out to customers and friends. ? Before things become ?contorted... HE IS NOT CLOSING!!!!!
>
>
>
>
>Larry's messages:
>
>Dear customers, suppliers, friends and acquaintances,
>Significant and far reaching family changes over the last 9 months have forced me to reconsider everything about Larry Claypool and the Vair Shop.
>When I began the Vair Shop back in November of 1972, all I wanted to do was work on cars- predominantly Corvairs. I then expanded to provide a comprehensive supply of new and used parts. I think I accomplished that goal and earned a good reputation for honest repair at fair prices. My parts supply was large and ?saved the day? for many a Corvair owner in need.
>I studied these strange little Chevys in depth, acquiring as much factory literature and documentation as I could find, and shared this knowledge through the many articles I wrote for both local and national Corvair publications. I have been heavily involved in the Corvair hobby through volunteer positions both locally and nationally.
>In the middle 80?s I developed an interest in micro and mini cars, adding a number of these to my personal collection, and became significantly involved in that hobby segment as well.
>While the Vair Shop has always specialized in Corvairs, any number of makes could be found in the service bay for repairs; indeed the list does run from A to Z.
>In the late 90?s I became involved in a local all makes car club. As usual, I became involved with the operation of that group. The club has grown positively in many ways since then, and I added another whole group of car friends and customers.
>
>One problem that has been ?in the build? is that these many volunteer positions would eat into my revenue producing work time. My reputation as a ?guru? of sorts has further compromised my billable hours with dozens of emails and phone calls each day, all seeking information or advise, the majority of which never leads to any revenue. In my typical 11-12 hour work day, I would often only be able to turn wrenches for 3-4 hours, the rest consumed by volunteer duties, free advice, or paperwork.
>
>My recent personal situation along with a particularly difficult winter, made it clear that I could not continue with ?business as usual.? Either I had to reinvent the Vair Shop, significantly altering the way it operated, or do something else. The opportunity to do ?something else? came first, so I took it. That decision was one of the most difficult I have ever made; it did not come quickly.
>
>The Vair Shop will not close completely, but will scale back significantly as I follow a new employment career. The scope of the shop operation is noted in a separate email I have prepared.
>
>Fixing these old cars has been a very satisfying life for me, and introduced me to many great folks I now consider friends, and brought me numerous opportunities I would have never known in a different lifestyle. Please allow me to express my gratitude for allowing me to serve you over past many years.
>Sincerely
>Larry Claypool
>
>
>Dear customers, friends, and acquaintances,
>Significant changes will take place at the Vair Shop after the week of May 16th..
>At that time , all current/future service appointments will be cancelled; I will no longer be servicing complete vehicles.
>Rebuilding service for certain components (not installed in complete vehicles)- clutches, flywheels, and manual transmissions will continue, as well as machine shop service for heads, cylinders, and crankshafts.
>
>I will continue to supply parts, both new and used, from existing stock until the supply is exhausted.
>The shop will also change at that time to a part time operation, so most calls will go to voice mail. Leave a message and I will return your phone inquiry or email about parts availability as soon as possible. Technical questions I can answer within 3 minutes will be replied to when time is available; those needing research or lengthy replies will require a consultation fee.
>
>I regret that I can no longer offer all the services that made the vair shop what it was, but life changing events have interceded, and drastic measures were required to maintain financial stability.
>
>In closing, I wish to thank my many customers for allowing me to service your vehicles over the last 42 years. We had a lot of fun with these old cars; I hope your experience was positive.
>Warmest regards
>Larry claypool
>
>
>Matt Nall
>Charleston, Oregon
>http://tinyurl.com/The-Corvair-Patio
> 
>http://tinyurl.com/Matts-Tech-Pages
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 5
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 16:07:40 -0700
>From: "Dennis Pleau" <dpleau at wavecable.com>
>To: <fastvair at yahoogroups.com>,	<virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Subject: Re: <VV> [fastvair] Got some money laying around? Fitch
>	Phoenix for	sale - June 1
>Message-ID: <01e401cf6bdb$7a444ca0$6ecce5e0$@com>
>Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"
>
>The write up says multiple Webber carburetors, the picture shows four
>Rochester HVs.
> 
>Dennis Pleau   
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 6
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 19:17:15 -0500
>From: "J. R. Read" <hmlinc at sbcglobal.net>
>To: "Grant Young" <gyoungwolf at earthlink.net>,
>	<virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Subject: Re: <VV> Need some heads
>Message-ID: <281E1E95088C4B4087A35CA0874D9466 at jrd5ed88692d59>
>Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>	reply-type=original
>
>So, it's like the Corvairs we often see on eBay - 4 cylinders <grin>
>
>I have some heads around here, most still attached to engines.  Doubt if any 
>will fit your description.
>
>Later, JR
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Grant Young via VirtualVairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Sent: Friday, May 09, 2014 3:11 PM
>Subject: <VV> Need some heads
>
>
>> HI. Just had a call from a new owner who has discovered his new Corvair is 
>> missing the compression in #1 and #4 (unusual?), so his new mechanic says 
>> he needs a couple of decent 1966 110 HP cylinder heads. If you have a pair 
>> to sell, just drop me a note and I will give you his phone number and you 
>> can work out the details. He is in Florida, I think.
>> Thanks,
>> Grant
>> _______________________________________________
>> This message was sent by the VirtualVairs mailing list, all copyrights are 
>> the property
>> of the writer, please attribute properly. For help, 
>> mailto:vv-help at corvair.org
>> This list sponsored by the Corvair Society of America, 
>> http://www.corvair.org/
>> Post messages to: VirtualVairs at corvair.org
>> Change your options: 
>> http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/options/virtualvairs
>> _______________________________________________ 
>
>
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>This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
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>
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>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 7
>Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 19:00:07 -0700
>From: jbailey <jbailey at daytonwa.net>
>To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
>Subject: Re: <VV> Corvair on CSI Show
>Message-ID:
>	<CAJZKzCP3tUnU=O_1UOK2=ouMdsZueQ-FN_CFH2YF+_wyf6wG_Q at mail.gmail.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>Kevin:
>
>Yes I did see it, a rusty early coupe.  I could not tell what was still on
>or in it or what model year it was,
>
>John B.
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Subject: Digest Footer
>
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>VirtualVairs at corvair.org
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>------------------------------
>
>End of VirtualVairs Digest, Vol 112, Issue 18
>*********************************************



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