Complete & Unmolested: 1964 Corvair Monza Convertible
This 1964 Corvair Monza convertible is slightly older than I am but appears to have weathered the years better! It’s said to be the 275th unit off the line when production began in September 1963. The car is listed for sale here on eBay listed incorrectly as a 1963 in its title and is located in Kansas City, Missouri, giving those of you in the continental US a central point to pick it up. Bidding is starting at only $1,000.
The seller describes the body as follows: “This is a very solid car, floors are solid, trunk is solid, minimal rust in lower quarters and fender wells.” Although I’m sure it’s not the original coat, the car appears to be wearing the original color of Palomar Red.
Here’s a closer view of the lower left front fender so you can see the minor extent of the rust.
Same thing on the rear fender. The seller says they just put new tires on the car; it’s not clear whether the tires pictured are those tires.
There’s something about seeing the an original owner’s guide in the car. It’s a shame it doesn’t match the year, though. Or did the seller get the year of the car wrong? As it turns out, they got it right in the text of the ad (it’s an early 1964 car) but not in the title. A good clean and some vinyl dressing may be all you need here. No clutch pedal means an automatic, and in this case it’s a two-speed.
The seller has removed the carburetors to be professionally cleaned and they are awaiting reassembly/rebuilding. The suggestion is that with a brake and fuel system overhaul this car will be ready to drive after the carbs are reinstalled. I hope that’s the case, and if so this project might be completed in time for some topless driving this summer. What say you, Barn Finds readers?
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Comments
I LIKE it!
All it seems to need are a thorough clean-up and the usual repairs — because it has been unused for a long time, I’d think an engine rebuild (at least fresh bearings, seals and gaskets) would be a good idea, though a Corvair expert could probably tell us how long these engines can sit without developing problems — and, at least for me, a quality respray after the rust is fixed. Not bad at all.
Not a big Powerglide fan, but have to say that I’ve driven both manual and automatic ‘Vairs, and the automatic wasn’t bad. If you keep the tire pressures right — and add a camber compensater in the rear — these are all kinds of fun.
Wasn’t 1964 when they added the camber compensater on the production line?
Yes, a transverse leafspring was added in 64 to prevent excessive positive camber.
My Corvair experience dates to 1974, when I was a card carrying member of the club. The engines can’t sit any time without leaking- unless the pushrod seals have been replaced with modern silicon. Once resealed, might be good to go.
Silicon seals are no good in this application. Viton is the only way to go.
If it’s sat and small critters have made the underside their refuse, it would be wise to remove all engine shrouding and clean the cylinder fins, heads and assure proper cooling. Pecan shells and nests don’t cool well.
TOO TRUE!!! Been there… With Cholla cactus… 😥
The bondo around the fender bottom by the Monza emblem, and the cracking around the rear wheel well indicates this car has already been restored and repainted at least once. The fact that the engine is partially torn down and the reasons why not explained means this is a “molested” car and will be a major undertaking once you start pulling out the old bondo, start looking inside the fenders, and start looking to re-start the engine.
Have to agree with the pushrod tubes leaking, have have several Corvairs. Keep the oil cooler clean and they run a long time.
As the owner of multiple Corvairs (still have my 1st and 7th) I would suggest any interested parties look elsewhere. EM (early model) Corvairs (1960-1964) are plentiful and one can purchase an EM convert in very good condition for under $10k. The amount of time and effort one would put into the posted Vair here would not be worth the value. And, as Fred W points out, there are multiple other issues that require modern solutions. If you are keen to buy a Corvair convert, I would check the structural integrity – rust being a huge problem (if the doors do not easily close, don’t buy it). And if you are keen to buy Corvairs that might hold their value, you are better off buying the LMs (late models: 1965-1969).
Couldn’t agree more Herman!
I agree with Herman. Look elsewhere.
My 1964 convertible rusted in the same area around the wheel arch–and this was in 1973! 64’s are notorious rust traps in the rockers and over the fenders because of the full length aluminum trim along all the bottom edges. I have awakened my share of ‘Vairs over the years after they’ve been sitting. Sometimes it is just a quick drop in rebuilt carbs and go. But I would be aware of the aforementioned nut shells and mouse droppings in the engine, engine bay and under the back seat. Lots of places for critters to get in.
I’m in the vast minority of those who prefer a hardtop. Here’s our restored Palomar Red ’64 four-speed which was my wife’s parents first car they purchased new. Her Dad, Bob, who passed away 14 years ago drag raced this car with his buddies, including Ronnie Sox, at Piedmont Dragway here in North Carolina. It sat covered under a pecan tree from 1977 until 2010 when we had it restored back to stock. 51k miles.