1963 Corvair Spyder
Description
This is a private seller auction not a third party trying to sell the vehicle. I have owned this vehicle for 15 years. I will not bore you with listing all of the features of a stock 1963 Corvair Spyder, you can look that up yourselves. This is not a completely stock vehicle, it is a custom. However, I kept much of the stock look during completion. I can assure you, this custom classic is very well done and gets a ton of attention. I will do my best to fully describe the vehicle good and bad.
I kept this vehicle covered in my garage the entire time I owned it. I did not drive the vehicle much, maybe 1500 miles after completion. The rebuilt engine is still breaking in. The vehicle was professionally appraised for $33,400 after completion. The full appraisal will be included with the vehicle.
This is an original Spyder (Turbo) vehicle with a functioning hydro-electric top.
I have included a photo from the appraisal that shows the condition report on the vehicle.
It's easiest if I describe all the work done by bullet points:
Metal Work:
- The vehicle was completely stripped down to bare metal. Very little rust was removed. All body work was done by a local professional.
- Rear quarter panels were cut out an replaced with wagon quarters, which gave it a "lowered" sleek look.
- Rocker panels were replaced with heavier gauge steel re-makes.
- All badging (minus the Spyder emblem on the rear lid) were removed.
- Door handles and mirrors were shaved.
- All seams were filled.
- Front license plate fascia was cut out and filled.
- The gas door was relocated from the front quarter to a hidden door in the front trunk.
- The center speaker was removed and filled
Engine:
- Complete engine rebuild. Everything was replaced, crank, cam, pistons, rods, lifters, etc. The block was bored to 30 over.
- The tins were all powder coated.
- The engine bay was sprayed by a bed liner company while the engine was removed. It looks fantastic.
- I Recently shipped the vehicle to California Corvairs to have the carburetor and turbo rebuilt and a correct turbo distributor installed.
- California Corvairs also recently replaced the transmission with a new re-built system. The vehicle shifts smooth and flawlessly.
- The generator was replaced with a chrome alternator. The charging system works great.
- New turbo exhaust system. Sounds great. Deeper sound than a stock Corvair.
- New OTTO parts oil and valve covers.
- And yes, it still drips a little oil. It's a Corvair.
Interior:
- All seats and floor carpet replaced with re-makes.
- The door panels were recently replaced by a local professional. New non-cardboard panels were installed. They are perfect and look great with the carpet on the bottom.
- The electro-hydraulic motor was completely replaced with a new unit from Clarks Corvairs. Pricey, but it works great.
- Gold leaf was applied to the Spyder dash and glove box.
- The dash received professional pinstripping where the dash speaker once was.
- A pull cable replaces the cigarette lighter to open the front hood.
- All door and window rubber was replaced.
- New windshield installed.
Paint:
- The best part of the vehicle has to be the body work and paint. The vehicle was stripped down to bare metal before all body work done. The paint work was done by a local professional who is also a high level paint rep for House of Kolor. The vehicle is black and the panels are very straight. The paint work alone would cost you 20k plus today.
- After the body work the vehicle was primed and sealed before the base coat, then pearl, and finally the clear coat. The paint was then sanded and polished to a beautiful finish.
- The paint is a PPG black with Ember glow pearl. The vehicle reflects a green to brown pearl depending on the light. The paint is truly amazing and probably grabs the most attention.
- Both sides are professionally pinstripped with gold leaf applied.
- The undercarriage was coated as well as the front trunk.
Wheels and suspension:
- The entire front suspension was removed and painted before installing all new rubber and hardware.
- Rear suspension parts were replaced.
- The hubs were changed from four lug to five lug GM to accommodate taller wheels.
- Brakes and lines were replaced. The vehicle was not converted to disc brakes.
- The wheels are aluminum polished 17 inch American Racing Salt Flat Specials
- Nitto radial tires.
In full disclosure; Now what I consider the bad of the vehicle:
- The starter sometimes acts up and the ignition key has to be turned a few times to get the starter to turn over. It is probably a bad solenoid, but it happens so infrequently, I have not replaced it. Also, there is a secondary hidden bump start switch in the rear trunk area next to the battery.
- I never installed the electric door poppers. I guess I found it too easy to reach in the vehicle and open the door. I have the electric door pops in a box I will include with the vehicle.
- The top is a little tired. It was one of the things I never replaced because it was in pretty good shape. I happen to drive the vehicle during a heavy shower and some rain leaked through the top bow. The top could certainly use some new rubber. The rear window is clear and in good condition.
- Sometimes upon starting the vehicle if it sits for a while, I hear a sticky lifter or valve out of adjustment. After a few minutes the knock goes away. As I said, the engine is still being broken in. I have only put approximately 1500 miles on it.
- I recently noticed the speedometer was not working. I assume it is a broken speedometer cable that needs to be replaced.
- Opening the front hood is a little cumbersome. It can be done by one person but it requires pulling the cable at the cigarette lighter while lifting the front hood. Its easy once you figure it out, but it was not my best idea.
Overall, the vehicle is very nice. I have fully described the vehicle good and bad. I am confident this vehicle will not leave you stranded, although I don't think I would be making a cross country trip in any rear engine air cooled non air conditioned vehicle. I can help with shipping at the buyers expense. I am also open to an overseas sell. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for reading my ad.
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