The People You Will Meet On Your Corvair Journey

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so we are going to flatter Kyle Smith, Corvair owner and writer for Hagerty Media by putting a Corvair spin on his recent article, “6 People You Will Meet on Your DIY Journey”

While Corvair people and other “car people” overlap in some areas, we are really our own unique breed.

Good Enough Greg

We all know a Good Enough Greg. This is a universal “car guy” and a cut/paste from Kyle’s article. This is the guy who fixes things. Or, more accurately for some people, “fixes” things. Two wires twisted together with a loose wrap of electrical tape does technically complete a circuit, but it invites even more problems in the future. Good Enough Greg tends to solve problems as they pop up in a quick and simple manner, regardless of whether or not it makes for a lasting, effective repair.

While there are times to follow Good Enough Greg’s lead, like in making roadside repairs to get you back home, it’s important to be certain the repairs are, well, actually repairs, and not just a too-quick fix that will give you an even worse headache to deal with later.

NOS Nick

NOS (new old stock) Nick is the guy who knows the factory part number for that missing screw that holds in the sill plate. More importantly, if you need a NOS part, NOS Nick is going to either be the guy who has it or the guy who knows how to get it. NOS Nick is an invaluable member because their Corvairs can be used as reference to see what the car is supposed to have before it passed through Good Enough Greg’s hands at one point. NOS Nick also doubles as a historian as their stock Corvairs and knowledge are essential for telling the Corvair story to future generations.

NOS Nick’s parts shelf will usually have a very rare EM dash clock, remote side mirror and multi-plex still in the box!

Getting NOS Nick to sell or trade a NOS part or give up a source is a whole other story.

Service Manual Steve

When doing DIY work, it often boils down to taking a system apart, repairing or replacing something, then reassembling. With careful notes, it might be possible to perform such a task on simple things, but even 60-year-old cars are surprisingly interconnected and complicated, meaning that it is worth having an idea how bits and pieces are assembled before trying to take them apart. Often, that means referencing a service manual.

The thing is, a service manual is just one option for information, and there might be improved or easier methods of doing repairs than the way one of the OEM technical writers detailed with words and pictures. These days, the internet still has some die-hard forum users who often have advice about procedures on just about any common task, and a lot of uncommon ones as well, that rival service manuals in terms of photography and assembly breakdown. While it’s tempting to stick to the safest known source, branching out and taking other sources into consideration can sometimes save more than a little time and frustration.

Machine Shop Mike

Do enough DIY work, and eventually you will need to fix something that requires a trip to the machine shop. It might be a dusty, grimy metal building hidden at the edge of town, and when you walk through the door you are likely to meet Machine Shop Mike. His hands are scarred and checked from years of manipulating machines and tooling that even outdate him, and after you leave, you still aren’t quite sure exactly how old he is.

Really, Machine Shop Mike’s age doesn’t matter; his experience does. Most of these guys have been setting up hones and surface grinders for longer than a healthy percentage of car enthusiasts have even been eligible to get a driver’s license. These are the machinists who can look at an engine block or crankshaft from across the shop and guess with 95 percent accuracy what you came in for. Respect Machine Shop Mike and learn everything you can while there. He’s a dying breed.

Mysterious Manny

This is the club member that dutifully pays their dues every year. Sometimes they make an appearance at a club event. They’re usually the quiet observer off to the side. We rarely see or hear from them and no-one has ever seen their Corvair. Do they own one? Do they just like hanging out with us?

There’s a great story of a “Mysterious Manny” from one of the So-Cal chapters.

This member attended every meeting, always remained active with the club, but no-one ever saw his car. Some assumed he didn’t own a Corvair and was just a fan. Turns out, this Mysterious Manny had been taking notes and observing others Corvairs in his club for a decade and surprised everyone by driving out to a Corvair show with one of the most beautiful and mechanically perfect Corvairs at the event.

Checkbook Charlie

There are plenty of aftermarket parts on Checkbook Charlie’s Corvair, but if asked about them, they will give you the phone number to the shop that selected and installed the parts in question. Charlie is not a DIY enthusiast and doesn’t actually turn the wrenches. While it might not seem it, Checkbook Charlie is actually very helpful to DIY enthusiasts because they can provide an opportunity to teach a little DIY to if they are interested. Or you can use the contacts they offer up to assist if and when you get stuck doing your own DIY maintenance and upgrades. A helpful and knowledgeable shop is a great asset to have as both a backup plan and resource when getting into DIY work, and encountering people who choose not to DIY is a great way to find shops.

Junky Jim

Ok, this name was lifted from a real guy named “Junky Jim” who owns a wrecking yard in the East Bay and grew up with longtime SFBA member Herb Wimmer. For what it’s worth, the real life Jim also has a Spyder at his yard he has been tinkering on for years. In a broader sense, Junky Jim in the Corvair world is the guy who used to get cars for cheap… sometimes for free! He has a garage and backyard full of them.

“Don’t throw that out!” is the battle cry of Jim.

Junky Jim is a very important club member because, not unlike NOS Nick, Junky Jim will have the part you need, but it will likely be used. The part might even have some rust, dust, grime or bloodstains on it from when Jim pulled it out of a junkyard heap 23 years ago. Junky Jim has a shelf of steel cut coffee cans full of fasteners just above a shelf full of unknown condition 3 & 4 speed transmissions. You’ll also notice a line of core engines on furniture dollies along the opposite wall of Jim’s garage.

Junky Jim is a swell guy because he will either give you a part, trade or sell for cheap. Junky Jim wants to save them all and for that the Corvair Community is forever grateful for Junky Jim.

Trophy Hunter Terry

The only thing more important than the hardware sitting on 4 wheels in Terry’s garage is the trophy case in the corner full of various trophies, plaques and ribbons that their creampuff Corvair has won over the years. Trophy Hunter Terry may be in the NOS Nick camp with a very stock appearing Corvair or may have a customized marvel that draws onlookers like butterflies to flowers.

Trophy Hunter Terry may be a wiz with a wrench or may have a mechanic on retainer. One thing Terry will have is a trailer on the side of the house and a full size truck to tow their trophy hunter Corvair to claim its next pelt.

Trophy Hunter Terry will know exactly how many concourse points their Corvair has and will know exactly how many points the cars directly in front of and behind their Corvair have. Terry will spend quite a bit of time and money to hold that position or advance to the next level. If Terry’s position falls, look out!

Trophy Hunter Terry is a valuable member of the Corvair community for two reasons.

1. They will enter their Corvair in non-Corvair events. This is vital as it shows what an excellent example looks like to onlookers “in the wild”. An Ironstone Concourse or Goodguys event will have a hundred Mustangs, Camaros, Vettes and Tri-Five Chevy’s, but Terry’s Corvair will stand out and draw more attention than all of those others.
2. Terry can help you take your Corvair to the next level, if you so desire. They know what judges look for, what they give extra points for and take extra points away on. Terry also knows the best paint cleaners, waxes, polishes and other various potions to make your Corvair sparkle and stand out from the rest. Need to re-chrome a bumper or re-calibrate a speedometer? Terry has the numbers to those shops saved in their phone.

Racer X

Racer X will know what needs to be done to get your Corvair ready for the track. Racer X also knows everyone at the track and is likely a lifelong SCCA member. If you’re lucky, like we are, your Racer X member may have even written a book or two on the topic!

SFBA has had many Racer X’s on its membership rolls over the years. We still do! Racer X will tell you what you need to get the most out of your Corvair engine (hint: it’s money), and the rules and regulations for racing on the track and between the cones.

Racer X will also give warning that great track performance engines don’t always equal great street engines, so if you just like to drive your Corvair around, don’t over modify that engine.

Much like Trophy Hunter Terry, Racer X is a valuable member because on track day, they’ll be racing against different cars in their class. This can get fresh eyes and new people introduced to the Corvair while asking themselves, “Did I just get beaten by a Corvair?!”

DIY Donna

DIY Donna loves a challenge. That Corvair on marketplace with the wheels buried halfway in the mud for $800? Too good of a deal for DIY Donna to pass up on. DIY Donna may not know about classic cars or Corvairs, but their desire to preserve and restore things from the past will keep them focused and on task. The challenge of learning something new is also a strong draw for DIY Donna. DIY Donna will hit the forums, YouTube and ask members questions. DIY Donna isn’t looking for a creampuff Corvair but they will proudly drive their “patina princess” all around the Bay Area and beyond. This Corvair may even be DIY Donna’s daily driver. In the eyes of DIY Donna, dents, scratches, faded paint and rust give their Corvair character and tell its story.

While most of us are run of the mill enthusiasts who like to take our Corvairs out for a cars and coffee, club event or just a cruise through the hills, we wanted to point out the members in our group who really make our experience in the hobby special.

So which of the above are you? Do you know a member of the club who falls under any of these categories? Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments.