Nader killed the Corvair

[JohnnyRingo]

22. I had a '67 in high school.

It was the 140hp version with four single barrel carbs and a four speed. I put big 8.25X7 tires on the rear and baby moons all around. Looked nice in maroon and drove great.

Unfortunately, Chevy designed it with a shroud around the cylinders to draw cabin heat. When the push-rod seals began to leak it dripped oil on the hot cylinder jugs, pumping heavy blue smoke into the passenger compartment. By the time I got to school on a winter's day I looked like a Cheech & Chong promo with smoke pouring out the open window. I fixed it in the spring, one of my first experiences as a back yard mechanic.

Other than that, there was a weak link in the drive train. The engine was in the rear with the differential just ahead of it. The transmission was even in front of that, so the power went through the diff to the trans then back through a hollow shaft to the differential. Power shifts to 2nd gear would shatter the differential like a glass chandelier. Fortunately, the engine was easy to drop down onto a spare tire and the local junk yard had dozens in stock. I got so I could do it in a couple hours.

Loved that car. It had character.