Dec 29, 2017  •  Uncategorized  •  18 Comments

Rampside Delight: 1962 Chevrolet Corvair

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For the fraction of the cost of a Porsche, you can have this rear engine flat 6 pickup truck, which is ready to tote around whatever you please. Although lacking a bit of propulsion compared to the Porsche, this truck would look fantastic moving around classic motorcycles, as well as moving around mulch. Having been with the same family for 30 years, this Corvair is now seeking a new home. Bidding has risen to $3,600 with the reserve not yet met. Take a look at this pick up here on ebay out of Lakewood, New Jersey.

Inside the short cab is a very original appearing interior that is quite tidy. There are a few worn areas on the steering wheel, but the bench and carpet look quite nice. The dash is simple yet pleasantly balanced with a radio centrally mounted below the dash line. All in all this truck offers a very nice classic interior.

Despite some rust in the rocker areas on this pick up, the bed section is very solid with no rot, and no severe dents or dings. There is plenty of room to load of a riding lawnmower, or even a hoarders stash of bicycles. Although a dated design, this low belly ramp side truck is a really a genius design for the common everyday person. Easy to unload and load with no needs for a special ramp or a dock. Just roll, push, or drag whatever you have into the bed section, and you’re on your way.

Despite it’s good looks and original appearance there is some rust to contend with in this old truck. The rocker and quarter sections are a bit rough as there is some rot present, but the seller describes this truck as being structurally solid. The bed floor is rust free and the door jambs and foot well are solid as well.  The transmission, carbs, and starter have all been rebuilt and a fresh dual exhaust and new tires have been fitted as well. The seller describes the engine as an excellent runner, but that there is a minor valve train tap that goes away once the engine is warmed up. Also confident in its ability, the seller says this truck will go anywhere with care. Useful with great classic looks, are you a fan of these old ramp side pickup trucks?

Comments

  1. Scotty GilbertsonStaff
    Dec 29, 2017 at 2:16pm

    Mmm mmm.. that is ridiculously tempting. Nice one, Brian!

    Like 0
  2. Mark
    Dec 29, 2017 at 4:37pm

    She looks a little crispy around the edges but real straight. Would fix up real nice. That side ramp is brilliant. You can wheel you’re Grandma right up in there, strap her down and drive away.

    Like 1
  3. mark
    Dec 29, 2017 at 4:49pm

    Great find. Not sure what the reserve is but at current bid it looks like a good buy.

    Like 0
  4. John M.
    Dec 29, 2017 at 5:25pm

    The rust issue is no big deal and the repairs should be a piece of cake for a good body shop. All in all, a clean little rig.

    Like 0
  5. LAWRENCE
    Dec 29, 2017 at 8:05pm

    These are a little rare as most were crushed back in the day as not going to be collectible – ever – good to see a nice one.

    Like 0
  6. Frank M
    Dec 29, 2017 at 8:27pm

    Current bid is $3900 and looks like the reserve has been met.
    Nice truck for a good price.

    Like 0
  7. David
    Dec 30, 2017 at 12:21am

    Nice find. It’s good to see someone willing to sell for a reasonable price. It will be interesting to see what that price will be. This once I’ll join the “wish it was closer” chorus.

    Like 0
  8. Vince H
    Dec 30, 2017 at 8:23am

    These did not have carpet.

    Like 0
  9. DayDreamBeliever Alan (Michigan)
    Dec 30, 2017 at 1:51pm

    I owned a couple of van versions in the wayback…
    Although at first glance this little truck seems solid, be very careful in underestimating the amount of rust present. Without underside photos, it is difficult to assess the extent of serious structural issues. What can be seen easily in the photos presented is evidence of significant former body repair all along the lower edge. The ramp and door bottoms are all bound to have a lot of filler that rust is now making it’s way through, and the surrounding sheet metal appears to be even more affected with patches of some sort, large areas rather than small.
    What I see is a “Bondo and Spray” job from a number of years ago. This truck will look progressively worse as the corrosion eats it, unless a major intervention is undertaken!

    Like 0
    • xrotaryguy
      Dec 30, 2017 at 7:29pm

      You may be right about the body repair. A spot right behind the filler cap looks like rust under Bondo.

      The bottom edge on the bed side could just as easily be from dirt piled inside the panel.

      Like 0
  10. chad
    Dec 30, 2017 at 2:41pm

    never knew how a ramp, plopped onto the sidewalk, could come up w/o alot of ‘road rash’.
    Nice thing bout thee is no nose dive goin down hill w/heavy application of the brake. OTOH – less room for ur stash.

    Like 0
    • xrotaryguy
      Dec 30, 2017 at 7:31pm

      The ramp tends to be heavily damaged after 50 years of bashing on the ground. Mine had all the spot welds broken on the top edge and a crack running down the outer skin.

      Like 0
    • DayDreamBeliever Alan (Michigan)
      Dec 31, 2017 at 12:06am

      I have never owned one of these, but a couple I have seen had a fairly heavy vinyl or rubber edge material in the area which could take some hits or abrasion from the ground. When they were new, people probably weren’t too careful about letting the ramp down slowly. I’d think that current owners are a bit more careful?

      Like 0
  11. Maestro1
    Dec 30, 2017 at 4:44pm

    Well done Brian, someone should write the check on this one.

    Like 0
  12. JW
    Dec 30, 2017 at 4:52pm

    Nice Find.

    Like 0
  13. DayDreamBeliever Alan (Michigan)
    Dec 31, 2017 at 12:19am

    Can no one else see the area along the top of the tailgate that is missing a Bondo chunk, along with cracks and rust dribbles? Exposed is some pretty heavy “surface” rust! There are cracks and bubbles in the filler all over this one.
    Note in the rear shot that the seller has an early coupe and a station wagon as well. Not a Corvair novice….

    I’m telling you, this is an example of a repair done to make it look good for a while, done on a rust bucket! I have no idea how the bed remained in such decent shape; perhaps it had one of the uncommon campers in it? Wake up, this is a rolling slathered plastic mess!

    Like 0
  14. Little_Cars Alexander
    Jan 2, 2018 at 10:15am

    It has a Spyder glovebox and a later year radio surround. No biggie. I wonder how many Rampside owners took a cue from the horse trailer industry and retro-fitted hydraulics or heavy springs so that the ramp would drop delicately to the ground instead of with a bang? Did GM design any counter balance mechanism like the heavy hoods on ‘merican cars of the day?

    Like 0
  15. leiniedude leiniedudeMember
    Jan 4, 2018 at 11:06am

    Ended: Jan 03, 2018 , 7:16PM
    Winning bid:US $4,750.00
    [ 23 bids ]

    Like 0

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