New project

[redone76]

Picked up a new project today. Cost me nothing but a trip to 29 palms and back. Corvair powered sand rail. Been sitting for about 5 years but was running at the time. I can turn the engine over by hand. It’s pretty sun rotten but all the systems are there to rebuild and get running again. Gonna have fun with this one. Anyone have any experience with something like this?

And a t-trailer to carry it

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[rvrrun]

I kid you not, that very similar to my first rail. Corvair power and that trailer are a dead giveaway.

If it turns over, it's gonna start.

 

[redone76]

I kid you not, that very similar to my first rail. Corvair power and that trailer are a dead giveaway.

If it turns over, it's gonna start.

I hope so! Just gotta change the fluids and clean the dirt out of the carb. And pull the top fan cover to clear out the lizard nest under it! I’ve been told they’re pretty quick for being so ass heavy


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[redone76]

BUMP...
Anyone else have any history playing with these old rails?

 

[LazyLavey]

Contact coolchange. Corvair family nut

 

[RiverDave]

Neighbor used to have one. We had a VW deal that was similar to a high jumper back in the days.

 

[redone76]

Contact coolchange. Corvair family nut

Coolchange has helped me a ton on my other corvair Greenbrier project. I'm more looking into the history of these old sand rails

 

[redone76]

Neighbor used to have one. We had a VW deal that was similar to a high jumper back in the days.

So high jumper was a brand name of these rails?

 

[coolchange]

Love the sound of a 6-cylinder boxer!
I have an old school what I call a Pismo car but it's Volkswagen.
A couple of things that I see right off, it would probably run better if you put the two stock carbs back on it. Don't forget to hook up the equalizing tube between the intake manifold. You can modify a 6 cylinder GM distributor to go in the Corvair hole and you'll have HEI ignition. What's that distributor there that it's in there now looks like some old school hyperf setup? See if it has a late model magnesium non-directional fan that's worth few horsepower.
Looks like stock VW Beam with stock tie rods get some 1 inch tubing and slip it over those and weld them up cuz they'll snap in no time. Those old frames wound up with negative caster. Especially when you add in the big and little effect. Get another beam clamp loosen the Front Bottom clamps and stack it in behind the Clamp thats already there. If it works then just weld in place. Should make a big difference. Even the small Corvair motors made 200 foot pounds of torque. Should be a lot of fun.
Is that a 4-speed?

 

[coolchange]

High jumper was a popular brand back in the day but that is not a high jumper frame.

 

[wsuwrhr]

I think you are nuts.

I am down with a corvair motor, but that chassis? Cereal?

 

[redone76]

Love the sound of a 6-cylinder boxer!
I have an old school what I call a Pismo car but it's Volkswagen.
A couple of things that I see right off, it would probably run better if you put the two stock carbs back on it. Don't forget to hook up the equalizing tube between the intake manifold. You can modify a 6 cylinder GM distributor to go in the Corvair hole and you'll have HEI ignition. What's that distributor there that it's in there now looks like some old school hyperf setup? See if it has a late model magnesium non-directional fan that's worth few horsepower.
Looks like stock VW Beam with stock tie rods get some 1 inch tubing and slip it over those and weld them up cuz they'll snap in no time. Those old frames wound up with negative caster. Especially when you add in the big and little effect. Get another beam clamp loosen the Front Bottom clamps and stack it in behind the Clamp thats already there. If it works then just weld in place. Should make a big difference. Even the small Corvair motors made 200 foot pounds of torque. Should be a lot of fun.
Is that a 4-speed?

I was thinking the same on the carbs. I have a set that needs to be rebuilt. I may toss them on. Distributor is an old school Mallory dual point setup! Not sure what I'm gonna do with it yet. Just want to get it running. Its got an early steel fan on it so I'm gonna pick up a magnesium one for sure. Good idea on the tie rods. And yep its a 4-speed. What the heck is the beam clamp???

 

[redone76]

I think you are nuts.

I am down with a corvair motor, but that chassis? Cereal?

Come on dood!!! It was free so I cant complain! Why am I nuts and what about the chassis don't you like? And I'm not trying to be a dick by asking! Just want your opinion bud

 

[HB2Havasu]

That looks like a Bankruptcy Starter Kit, lol.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Come on dood!!! It was free so I cant complain! Why am I nuts and what about the chassis don't you like?

Passenger compartment is very tall. The A pillar needs to be farther forward and more rake, rear of cage should be farther back with some type of drop, 45 deg or something other than the straight down deal.....

 

[redone76]

That looks like a Bankruptcy Starter Kit, lol.

Haha! No shit! I have a ton of parts laying around I can use and it didn't cost me anything up front. Take my time and don't blow a wad of cash on it!

 

[redone76]

Passenger compartment is very tall. The A pillar needs to be farther forward and more rake, rear of cage should be farther back with some type of drop, 45 deg or something other than the straight down deal.....

All very true...after I get it up and running those modifications may come into play

 

[Cole Trickle]

That looks like a Bankruptcy Starter Kit, lol.

I was thinking the same thing...The $10,000 free dune buggy that will be worth $2000 hahahha

 

[wsuwrhr]

All very true...after I get it up and running those modifications may come into play

By the time you are done gangster, you could have your own modern chassis built. Scoop out the powertrain and other parts and use those as donor parts on a modern chassis. Now THAT I am on board with.

 

[redone76]

I was thinking the same thing...The $10,000 free dune buggy that will be worth $2000 hahahha

Hey it’s winter time...who doesn’t like a snowball project!


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[redone76]

By the time you are done gangster, you could have your own modern chassis built. Scoop out the powertrain and other parts and use those as donor parts on a modern chassis. No THAT I am on board with.

That’s a dang good idea. I’ll keep an eye out for a more modern chassis. For now I just plan cruise around in the desert with my son


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[coolchange]

That car is what it is. Your son will think he's BJ Baldwin in it though. With a Corvair motor it has potential to be way faster than it should be.
Beam clamps.
The front Volkswagen beam suspension has clamps that hold it to the frame. It probably tilts forward now. That will put lead in the front suspension and make the car want to turn instead of want to go straight. Sand will move the contact patch of the tire even farther forward and amplify the situation. In certain situations they could actually rip the wheel out of your hand and turn the car 2 full lock. If you take the clamps off the lower beam and pull it back you can increase the Castor. A simple mod that will cost virtually no money and make it easier and safer to drive. I would look at the seating position in the seat belt and shoulder harness positions. Make sure that the shoulder harness gets mounted hi so you don't have compression upon impact. Maybe add a sissy bar for the passenger so they have something to hang onto. The only real expense I see is put a set of paddles on it and it will go anywhere in Glamis.

 

[redone76]

Cool! I’ll take a look at the front end tomorrow. Good call on the belts and sissy bar! Once again you’re a wealth of knowledge! Thanks


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[Rajobigguy]

The Last corvair motor that I built I milled the intake manifold portion of the head and adapted a set of Holley /Weber two barrel cars from a Pinto. My buddy Jerry built a right angle drive for the the fan that elinated the tortured belt arrangement, which worked really well but I always thought that adapting a high capacity electric fan would have been a better set up. There is quite a bit of parts still available from Clarks Corvair, I believe they are located in Torrance.

 

[wsuwrhr]

The Last corvair motor that I built I milled the intake manifold portion of the head and adapted a set of Holley /Weber two barrel cars from a Pinto. My buddy Jerry built a right angle drive for the the fan that elinated the tortured belt arrangement, which worked really well but I always thought that adapting a high capacity electric fan would have been a better set up. There is quite a bit of parts still available from Clarks Corvair, I believe they are located in Torrance.

PMO may still make a manifold and carburators for the triple throat duals. I have built a few sets of air cleaner assemblies over the years for them.

 

[wsuwrhr]

http://www.pmocarb.com/products.htm

 

[redone76]

The Last corvair motor that I built I milled the intake manifold portion of the head and adapted a set of Holley /Weber two barrel cars from a Pinto. My buddy Jerry built a right angle drive for the the fan that elinated the tortured belt arrangement, which worked really well but I always thought that adapting a high capacity electric fan would have been a better set up. There is quite a bit of parts still available from Clarks Corvair, I believe they are located in Torrance.

That’s pretty cool but may be a little overkill for what I’m trying to do. Clark’s is on the east coast. You may be thinking of California Corvairs? He’s in Chino.


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[redone76]

http://www.pmocarb.com/products.htm

That’s a sweet setup with a sweeter price tag!!!


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[redone76]

@coolchange
Dug around in the parts stash and boom!!! Instant horsepower upgrade!

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[coolchange]

@coolchange
Dug around in the parts stash and boom!!! Instant horsepower upgrade! View attachment 611463


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Cool. But also a reliability upgrade.
Tons of useless knowledge that's me.

 

[cofooter]

That's cool! Got an old school buggy from my Parker neighbor for $500. Looked like that when I got it. Old Johnny's Speed and Chrome frame. VW engine came in pieces but with new barrels, pistons, bearings, etc. My BIL and I rebuilt the motor, rattle canned the frame, got some donated Centerlines for the back, new tires, little bit of duct tape for the padding. All in I'm way less than $1000 and the thing is fun as hell. You'll have a blast running around in that!

 

[redone76]

Cool. But also a reliability upgrade.
Tons of useless knowledge that's me.

True!!!

Now I need to clean the crap outta the fins


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[redone76]

View attachment 611471 That's cool! Got an old school buggy from my Parker neighbor for $500. Looked like that when I got it. Old Johnny's Speed and Chrome frame. VW engine came in pieces but with new barrels, pistons, bearings, etc. My BIL and I rebuilt the motor, rattle canned the frame, got some donated Centerlines for the back, new tires, little bit of duct tape for the padding. All in I'm way less than $1000 and the thing is fun as hell. You'll have a blast running around in that!

That’s awesome!! Exactly what I plan on doing. Throw in a few safety upgrades and I’m ready to hit the desert bar road!


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[WYRD]

Buy a case or two of belts yore gunna need em

 

[cofooter]

I have a brand new Weber progressive carb if you want to go that route. $200, located in Parker.

43-0634-0 PROGRESSIVE WEBER, DELUXE KIT, TYPE 3

 

[redone76]

Buy a case or two of belts yore gunna need em

With the magnesium fan I should be less likely to toss belts. But I’ll roll with a spare for sure!


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[redone76]

I have a brand new Weber progressive carb if you want to go that route. $200, located in Parker.

43-0634-0 PROGRESSIVE WEBER, DELUXE KIT, TYPE 3

Not sure if that’ll work on my corvair setup. Lemme look into it!


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[rvrrun]

True!!! View attachment 611472
Now I need to clean the crap outta the fins


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Looks like a clogged radiator.

 

[redone76]

Looks like a clogged radiator.

Something made a home in there! Gonna hit it with the shop vac and pressure washer tomorrow


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[wsuwrhr]

That’s a sweet setup with a sweeter price tag!!!

It sounds even sweeter.

 

[coolchange]

Damn this thread is going to make me pull my old junk out and put it back together.

 

[LazyLavey]

Coolchange has helped me a ton on my other corvair Greenbrier project. I'm more looking into the history of these old sand rails

Pretty knowledgeable there too

 

[redone76]

First past with the pressure washer knocked a ton of dirt and crap out of the fins. Time for a beer and hit it again tomorrow


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[redone76]

Pretty knowledgeable there too

If you’re talking about me I appreciate it it bud!


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[redone76]

Damn this thread is going to make me pull my old junk out and put it back together.

I say you do it!


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[HydroSkreamin]

Found this on corvaircenter.com

It's pretty proven that electric fans don't have enough pressure to fulfill the needs of the Corvair at speed. Stock fans do fine, the Porsche vertical fan is a good upgrade if you're nervous about flinging belts. Normally, the belt toss happens at gear shift from the decel, as there is no active belt tensioner, so the Corvair mag fan is the simplest upgrade. Corvair Underground sells an active tensioner, but they are soon closing their doors. Don't forget, this engine spins "backwards".

By looking at your fan and generator, I'd say your engine is pre-64. What did coolchange say it was?

Never, ever, ever take Corvair engines too seriously. They are reliable and fun, but at the bottom of the food chain. I've been messing with my wife's '68 for a few years now and I said up front, it would be simpler and cheaper to build a V6 or V8 Chev. A top notch Corvair engine with all the bells and whistles can add up to $10k if you're not careful.

After watching this vid, it looks like an affordable way to have some fun.

Good luck, have fun, enjoy the time with your son, be safe! Memories are waiting to be had....

 

[redone76]

Found this on corvaircenter.com

It's pretty proven that electric fans don't have enough pressure to fulfill the needs of the Corvair at speed. Stock fans do fine, the Porsche vertical fan is a good upgrade if you're nervous about flinging belts. Normally, the belt toss happens at gear shift from the decel, as there is no active belt tensioner, so the Corvair mag fan is the simplest upgrade. Corvair Underground sells an active tensioner, but they are soon closing their doors. Don't forget, this engine spins "backwards".

By looking at your fan and generator, I'd say your engine is pre-64. What did coolchange say it was?

Never, ever, ever take Corvair engines too seriously. They are reliable and fun, but at the bottom of the food chain. I've been messing with my wife's '68 for a few years now and I said up front, it would be simpler and cheaper to build a V6 or V8 Chev. A top notch Corvair engine with all the bells and whistles can add up to $10k if you're not careful.

After watching this vid, it looks like an affordable way to have some fun.

Good luck, have fun, enjoy the time with your son, be safe! Memories are waiting to be had....

First off thanks for that video! Pretty badass right there. I’ve been all over covaircenter.com and have learned a ton. You’re correct on the engine. According to the serial numbers and fan it’s a ‘61 80hp powertrain. Im gonna baby this one once I bring it back to life! What do you mean by this engine spins “backwards”???
Looking forward to some adventures in it! Thanks again!


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[coolchange]

Most engines are regarded as turning clockwise. Depending if you're looking at the flywheel or the balancer. Corvairs and some Honda's turn the opposite direction. Meaning if you took the Corvair engine out and put a conventional say small block Chevy in it turns the wrong way. If you want to put a Corvair engine on a Volkswagen transmission you need to reverse the rotation of the Corvair engine.

 

[redone76]

Most engines are regarded as turning clockwise. Depending if you're looking at the flywheel or the balancer. Corvairs and some Honda's turn the opposite direction. Meaning if you took the Corvair engine out and put a conventional say small block Chevy in it turns the wrong way. If you want to put a Corvair engine on a Volkswagen transmission you need to reverse the rotation of the Corvair engine.

So if I turn the crank bolt counter clockwise I’m going in the correct direction?


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[redone76]

I’m a dumbass...just cranked over my van and looked at the rotation


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