<VV> Smitty

[Tony Underwood]

I'd known Smitty for over 40 years.  I knew that when he said something to you it was a good idea to listen.  He was a world of knowledge on Corvairs and cars in general... and Navy aircraft.  First time I ever actually met him it was when he chased me down at a VA Vair Fair back when the event was held at Baugher Chevy, early 1980s.  He wanted to meet me after I'd posted a rebuttal article in the RVCC newsletter that somehow found its way into the Communique via the Corsa tech folks where I'd defended Smitty's own rebuttal logic response to a Communique article that basically revolved around his saying how all cars run on used parts, thus there should be nothing wrong with using good used parts in a Corvair engine overhaul (something Smitty did more often as not and with good results) and something I, being a skinflint, also recognized as necessary because I couldn't rationalize spending over 2000 bucks (then) on a Corvair engine overhaul as the Communique article had outlined.  Oddly enough, it's also how I ended up corresponding with Larry Claypool who had written the original article (whose logic was that he was doing it for customers who demanded guarantees, thus all new parts, while Smitty and others of his ilk such as myself were doing it for themselves etc).  Again, when Smitty spoke, I listened because he taught when he spoke.   Gonna miss him...   RIP Smitty.   

tony..     On Friday, November 7, 2025 at 02:14:39 PM EST, Doug Mackintosh via VirtualVairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org> wrote:  
 
 Smitty was an inspiration to me and to my daughter. Beneath that crusty exterior he was always generous with his assistance and parts. My daughter and I were greatly enriched by his wisdom and advice as we undertook our 3-year refurbishment of her daily driver Spyder convertible.Also had a great time with him at various events and conventions and enjoyed our battles in the Stock class in the autocross (before he switched to Spike and outclassed me). He was formidable! Will miss you, Smitty!
-- Doug Mackintosh Corsa member since 1996 Corsa/NC member since 1996, Virtual Vairs member Corvair owner 1969-1971 and 1996-on
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