Wide Body 356 Speedster with Corvair Engine

Vlad:  Is it on a VW pan?  Pull up the central tunnel carpet behind the seats - if it's a VW, it should have a VW VIN stamped into the metal on top of the tunnel and you can use THAT as the year of manufacture and model (assuming that the VIN pre-dates 1975) to avoid emissions testing.  I'll let the California SOC guys help with the rest, but trying to pass it off with an acquired Corvair title/vin might not be the best idea.

That's a cool looking car and should be a lot of fun when you get it sorted out.  That 2.7  was a really good engine giving lots of low/mid torque - I had one in a dune buggy and it was a brute.

Thanks Gordan, much appreciated.  I will look for that VIN #, but my title says 0000 SPCN.  If the # on the title doesn't match the # on top of the tunnel, am I going to have issues?  Also, another suspicious thing about the car; the ID plate from CMC speedsters (I assume that is the manufacturer of the body) has been removed.  I have a call in to the seller to try and locate that plate because I think he was trying to go with the process you suggested (Vin on top of tunnel).  The carpet arounf the tunnel is gorilla glued, so I will need to do a bit of research to locate exactly where that VIN is.

I don't think the seller was doing anything sneaky in removing the CMC plate, he gave me a stack of receipts (including paperwork from buying the car from the dealer, and also the receipts for the corvair conversion)

The VIN will be on top of the tunnel just before the back seat.

Cool, motor pics.

I know where you can get some red period correct speedster seats

The CMC plate was only used to tie the fiberglass body to the seller and the CMC Certificate of Origin.  Other than assessing taxes, I don't believe any DMV makes use of it.  Most are never installed (the builder was to install - not factory). Wow - that will be a monster!

Vlad;

The SPCN, means you never have to get the car smog, amongst other things. On the  document there are several numbers. In Calif. the CMC plate is meaningless. Most important is the verbiage and numbers on the document. 

On the left hand side of the certificate, second line down:

YR/MK/ENG SIZE: What appears here on yours?

On the bottom :

V.I.N. : What appears here on yours?

You are talking about your SPNC certificate, a little business card sized doc. Not the Title nor the DMV Registration doc?

I now see. You said Title.  California  title? I  can't check mine, to compare, it's in the safe deposit box at the bank. I am very curious though why your title says 0000 SPCN ? That is not enough digits and all 0's?

Art

Vlad,

I assume you live in California, and want to register the car with CA DMV.  I am optimistic, but I also urge caution.  You don't want to back yourself into a corner that could cause you grief, time, and money.  I suggest two things you may want to do first: 1) Google California Special Construction registration or something similar, so that you can familiarize yourself with relevant info on registration.  Be prepared to read lots of data, and 2) find the nearest car club to your home, and reach out to those guys.  Locals have had to deal with what you're going through, and will know which DMV office is the easiest to work with.  They sometimes suggest a particular employee who has become the local expert.

You CAN get the car registered, especially since it already has been registered with CA DMV as SPCNS.  BTW, I registered mine in 2013, and my certificate of title shows the same as yours: Yr Model 0000, Make SPCNS.  By talking to others before your first appearance, you will find out if there are any pitfalls that can be avoided by a careful presentation of your facts. 

In your research, concentrate on transfer of title and non-op issues.  it always helps to get information from several sources.  Please let the group know how it goes.  That's how we all learn, by sharing our experience.

Vlad posted:

Thanks Gordan, much appreciated.  I will look for that VIN #, but my title says 0000 SPCN.  If the # on the title doesn't match the # on top of the tunnel, am I going to have issues?  Also, another suspicious thing about the car; the ID plate from CMC speedsters (I assume that is the manufacturer of the body) has been removed.  I have a call in to the seller to try and locate that plate because I think he was trying to go with the process you suggested (Vin on top of tunnel).  The carpet arounf the tunnel is gorilla glued, so I will need to do a bit of research to locate exactly where that VIN is.

I don't think the seller was doing anything sneaky in removing the CMC plate, he gave me a stack of receipts (including paperwork from buying the car from the dealer, and also the receipts for the corvair conversion)

The vehicle has already been registered as SPCN and is no longer using the VW VIN#.  The easiest way to get the vehicle registered is to apply for one of the first 500 SPCN certificates issued each calendar year. If you don't make it as one of the first 500 then the DMV will assign the vehicle the current year the car is being registered. Previously registered cars can attempt to be re-registered in that first 500:

ath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/vr/spcns" target="_blank">https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/...tent_en/dmv/vr/spcns

Here's a local car club's directions on what to do:

http://www.replicarclub.com/Ne...ar_in_California.pdf

The other option is to just make an appointment at the local DMV and find the person who can answer all of your questions, then always have that person help you during the process.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information and encouragement.  I will definitely do the research and keep everyone updated.  My main concern is linking the car to the paperwork.  I'm hoping the vin on the car (on top of the tunnel) matches the pink slip.  I did feel around behind the seats, and felt a cut out section.  The seller said it was for access to the quaife differential, but I find that hard to believe.  I will keep everyone updated.  

Here are the pics of the engine bay.  Please excuse the beer bottle for the gas tank, as I need to drain and clean the tank of the 8 year old gas  

I would recommend you look up SB100 for California registration. I've heard they still have some of the 500 still available. The regulations say that you can re-register a previously registered SPCN car under SB100.  

Let's try to be more exact with our descriptions VLAD, that's an Angry Orchard bottle. Crisp Apple to be exact.

Vlad posted:

Sweet!

That mashes all my buttons: 6 cylinders of 'mericun love. Not for the purist, still wicked powerful.

That mill is small-town, mid-America approved.

Vlad,

One last warning: if you tell DMV folks that you want to register your car using the SB100 registration, you'll be met with blank looks.  That's how car guys refer to the registration process, but not the regulatory folks.  To them, it's Specialty Construction.  Best of luck as you move forward.

Well,  I think I have some good news to report.  There was a Vin # on the top central tunnel, and it does match the pink slip.   Looking on thesamba.com, the pan/chassis matches March 1970 (110272XXXX), so I'm way within the 1975 cut off for smog exempt.   Now I have to research the SB100 process to see if I can even change the 0000 SPCN back to 1970 VW.  The Corvair engine may bring a slight hicup to the process, but maybe not.

I'll check Roberts suggestion with the link to the local club tomorrow.  It was a busy day today; I got the windshield mounted right, and fabricated a windshield tension rod (since it was missing and windshield was loose).  I also got the tank out and cleaned it, but I did notice a bit of moisture, so I may either re-seal, or look into getting a new one.

Vlad:  DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE CENTER SUPPORT ROD ON THE WINDSHIELD!

There is a pretty complete article up under the Resource tab under knowledge base that tells how to install a windshield properly.  These windshields are particularly sensitive to over tightening the center strut.  You may not be able to see the article (you must be a donating member) so if not, let us know and we'll sneak you a copy.

Glad the VIN and paperwork match.  That's a HUGE step forward.

You've got the Monza Spyder Corvair engine in there.  They spool up a tad slow, but when the turbo builds boost and the power comes on and the exhaust note growls, they really, really cool.  The only issue with that engine is they have a nasty habit of rolling the fan belt off of the pulley (and that engine also has enough juice to shred the belt, too) but other than that, it is one righteous engine.

Enjoy!

Likin' this car a lot. The beer bottle temporary gas tank, Imho, ought to be incorporated into the build. Is there any way to make it into a fuel filter?

I know nothing about the 'vair engine, except that they turn the wrong way in stock form, and that the bottom end looks nice and stout. It seems like a slick way to get a 6 for pennies on the dollar.

How much do they weigh?

Instead of an Angry Orchard cider bottle - Detroit Iron calls for one of the new Budweiser red aluminum can "bottles" to encase a fuel filter (I know they are now a Dutch company that wants to ditch the Clydesdales!).  If gas tank is kaput,  go for a new larger capacity tank (12.5 gal) to increase range and weight in nose.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDe...uctCode=ACC-C10-2510

 A Corvair engine weighs about 320# so a good 100# more than a T1 (about 220#).

Gordon Nichols posted:

You've got the Monza Spyder Corvair engine in there.  They spool up a tad slow, but when the turbo builds boost and the power comes on and the exhaust note growls, they really, really cool.  The only issue with that engine is they have a nasty habit of rolling the fan belt off of the pulley (and that engine also has enough juice to shred the belt, too) but other than that, it is one righteous engine.

While in the USAF I had a '64 Corvair Monza Spider Convertible.  It came with 4-speed floor shift trans, a tach, and one fine 150hp + Turbo engine.  The only problem I ever had with the car was that people kept stealing the wire-wheel style hubcaps. 

Cliff

Cool car - I had a 62 & 63 Pontiac Tempest way back - about same size.  I really like the '65 Corvair body style still - again those wire wheels.

took my drivers test in corvair cabrio,,,nice car/engine but at higher RPMs the fan belt was asked to do too much,,as in break, thrown off.

Cliff Presley - Charlotte, NC posted:

Gordon Nichols posted:

You've got the Monza Spyder Corvair engine in there.  They spool up a tad slow, but when the turbo builds boost and the power comes on and the exhaust note growls, they really, really cool.  The only issue with that engine is they have a nasty habit of rolling the fan belt off of the pulley (and that engine also has enough juice to shred the belt, too) but other than that, it is one righteous engine.

While in the USAF I had a '64 Corvair Monza Spider Convertible.  It came with 4-speed floor shift trans, a tach, and one fine 150hp + Turbo engine.  The only problem I ever had with the car was that people kept stealing the wire-wheel style hubcaps. 

Cliff

My car through university was a convertible as above, but gold with tan interior.  Manual trans and fun to drive.

It was a real 'pick up chicks' car, to be sure.  Lots of good memories...

When my parents brought us to the US from Germany for my dad's last few years in the Air Force he bought a Corvair hardtop and a VW Bus. The Corvair stopped running eventually, not sure why, and he sold it for parts.  I've often thought about buying one to restore as a driver out of nostalgia. But it's not like millions were made and parts are abundant so I never have done it. It was the same color as this one:

Thanks for all the info on the corvair engine as well.  I knew it was reverse direction and the shop put all the go fast parts (and did the rebuild) to make the engine turn in reverse.

The previous owner did mention that the engine eats belts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  It was actually missing when I bought the car.   I was able to find a $5.99 belt that was 57.25" long that fit, but the width is 1 mm too small (so there is a little bit of belt squeak).  I do have the correct belt on order.  There were no belt guides (I think there are 2 normally) installed on this engine, but I think because it turns in reverse, the stock belt guides won't work.  The previous owner jerry rigged a wire (you can see it on the left side of the fan belt) that is supposed to guide the belt, but I'm going to look into a more permanent fix.  

I will also have to look into a "cider" filter bottle since I'm allergic to beer ��.

Back in the '70s I built a sand-rail dune buggy. It had a 1300cc VW motor and old crash-box (non-syncro 1st gear) out of a 59 bug. All our buddies had fancier doggies with various configuration of Corvair engines (NA to Turbo).

Running the dunes of Glamis and Pismo Beach, they would ROAR up the dunes and would wait for me to eventually catch up. But I ALWAYS made it to the top.

Back at camp, they would spend hours tweaking something that broke or otherwise failed on their Corvair-powered rigs. Some rigs needed more expensive fixes and were done for the duration of the trip. Me, in true MUSBJIM fashion, jumped in my 1300cc buggy, started on first bump of the ignition, and away I went to explore more dunes. 

Vlad posted:

 

I will also have to look into a "cider" filter bottle since I'm allergic to beer ��.

That is truly a pity.

Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Nowhere, USA posted:

Vlad posted:

 

I will also have to look into a "cider" filter bottle since I'm allergic to beer ��.

That is truly a pity.

I can drink just about anything else from the hard liquor cabinet  ��

"I will also have to look into a "cider" filter bottle since I'm allergic to beer."

I love me some ice cold hard cider. My favorites are Crispin and Strongbow. But I also like Angry Orchard and Red's Apple Ale. My taste for beer is limited which goes against my German and Scottish heritage but I do drink it.

Robert M posted:

"I will also have to look into a "cider" filter bottle since I'm allergic to beer."

I love me some ice cold hard cider. My favorites are Crispin and Strongbow. But I also like Angry Orchard and Red's Apple Ale. My taste for beer is limited which goes against my German and Scottish heritage but I do drink it.

Wyders Pear and Ace are my favorite, but for some reason the big grocery stores don't stick them anymore.  I end up settling for angry orchard or reds in green apple

Robert, what in beer are you allergic to?

My wife's gluten-intolerant so we drink gluten-free beer and have found some great ones, Omission by Widmer Brothers is one which seems to be readily available.

Boy, talk about drifting...

Yep, good 'ol SOC driftin'

Now, can we get back to cooking oils?

When installing a Speedster windshield, what cooking oil should be used to lubricate the rubber channels? 

What is the preferred beverage to celebrate the completion of the job, beer or hard cider?

OK! If you're Scottish, ever try "Thistly Cross"?

Coconut oil, Pina Colada! It's hot out...

BobG posted:

When installing a Speedster windshield, what cooking oil should be used to lubricate the rubber channels? 

What is the preferred beverage to celebrate the completion of the job, beer or hard cider?

Anything will alcohol will do the job...

"Duke,  Duke,  Duke, of Oil"

Alan Merklin posted:

"Duke,  Duke,  Duke, of Oil"

 

Memories of Gene Chandler....don't want to know what year though.  :-)