1961 Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside

55C150

55C150

Well-Known Member
OK yesterday my girlfriend, my daughter and me did a 21 hours trip to the netherlands and back to pick up a 1961 Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside Truck.
The truck has a V8 middle engine conversion. It is a 300 cui Buick engine with an unknown auto trans. Rear end is a 55-64 with leaf springs, like my 55 150 chevy, but without the Posi Trac.
It is my girlfriends truck, she felt in love the first minute she saw the truck in the Internet.
It is a project truck. The body is in good condition, but the V8 conversion was build not so good.
The truck needs new suspension, electric, steering parts, side windows.
We want to get the truck 1 or 2" lower, I want the engine / trans hanging a bit lower.
I have to rework the engine and trans mounts, emergency brake, brake lines, stiffen the chassis and welding some small holes.
Maybe I do a disc brake conversion in the front. For safety issues I will put a two circuit master cylinder in it.
My girlfriend dont want the monster shifter in it, she wants a shorter version.

tumblr_pcu1xb6BQ61sqsxtho1_540.jpg


tumblr_pctgk1CvLs1sqsxtho2_1280.jpg


tumblr_pctgk1CvLs1sqsxtho3_1280.jpg


tumblr_pctgk1CvLs1sqsxtho1_1280.jpg


tumblr_pcu10vovQC1sqsxtho4_540.jpg


tumblr_pcu10vovQC1sqsxtho3_1280.jpg


tumblr_pcu10vovQC1sqsxtho1_1280.jpg
 
I have not seen one, driving on the road, for almost 30 years, so you surely have a rare project
 
That is in damn fine condition!

I do hope you will post lots of pics of the build! What do you have in mind for the engine....stock or maybe alittle something???

I fully agree, that shifter has to go, I never understood the attraction. I still see them even today.
 
They should call California “Toyland” You can find anything rare there.

I would love to have that Truck, ah, who am I kidding! I need a project like I need a hole in my head!
 
Thank you guys.

tumblr_pcxcfzk7D91sqsxtho1_540.jpg


It looks like a 1958 non Posi when I see those numbers. There is an AA on the otherside, it indicates a 3.55 gear ratio.

tumblr_pcxcfzk7D91sqsxtho2_540.jpg


"Cal Tracs" do it yourself the easy way.

tumblr_pcxcfzk7D91sqsxtho3_540.jpg


The engine mounts are no great engineering.

tumblr_pcxcfzk7D91sqsxtho4_540.jpg


tumblr_pcxcfzk7D91sqsxtho5_540.jpg
 
Last edited:
Guy out here has 3 of them used to wonder what they were. That shifter gotta go not a fan looks good in a rat rod but looks out of place there. Awesome project!!
 
The new garage door is in and the 55 is in it's new home. The 55 has now a straight starting line.
tumblr_pg8q9pmHFD1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pg8qbsl1kP1rlk30e_540.jpg


So the Corvair is in the bigger garage to work on it.

tumblr_pg8qgmTT7f1rlk30e_540.jpg


I showed my girlfriend how to handle rust and this is the result

tumblr_pg8q7j2VLE1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pg8q7j4XRS1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pg8q7kv2eg1rlk30e_1280.jpg
 
thats one great reason , on an endless list of reasons to own,
and know how to use a a decent quality MIG or TIG welder,
I don,t see how anyone in this hobby can function,
without a decent welder , drill press and a decent tool chest

we have a whole welding section
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?forums/welding-tips-and-welders.60/

http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/tig201.html

https://www.eastwood.com/welders/mig-welders.html

https://store.cyberweld.com/millerw...MI5IS68_L23QIVHbjACh3lSA4REAAYASAAEgI64_D_BwE

https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/Pages/welders.aspx

https://www.weldersupply.com/C/42/TigMachines
 
Last edited:
I own these tools. I welded the last 10" of the trunk, quarter panels and much more in my 55.
This one on the Corvair is an easy task
 
I assumed you owned most of the tools ,and have the skills and knowledge
,to do the sheet metal repair work.
but I also assume most of the people reading the thread either don,t yet own the tools,
or may not have your experience and skills and might need to read,
a few links to catch up to your level of expertise.
when I answer post I assume that months or years from now,
the info, and related links,
might be useful to readers looking for related info.
I'm sure if you post detailed, pictures of the sheet metal repairs it will help others for years to come!
 
Last edited:
You're right with that

Here is another task for me. The gauge panel is lose, every time I pull the light switch the whole panel came out.

tumblr_pgaj62DC2f1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pgaj63KvtY1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pgaj63IdsD1rlk30e_1280.jpg



I got the hint to find some screw holes in the bottom lip of the panel.
 
It had spring clips that held the dash in that went over those long studs. Kinda like a clothes pin /Conibear trap with a hole in the middle that you had to squeeze to open. Been a while since I worked on those cars/trucks.
 
It was easy, there are two angled holes in the bottom lip and after a short search I found the screws in the Ash Tray ;) So the gauge panel is fixed now.

tumblr_pgcfrkFDKx1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pgcfrkLrIi1rlk30e_1280.jpg


I also converted the head lights to H4 and H1 units. It is a must have here in Germany to get the car street legal.

tumblr_pgcfr3pAS51rlk30e_540.jpg
 
I worked on the body, not my best body work but it is ok. My girlfriend don't know if she want paint the spots only or the complete truck.

tumblr_pgjl98QRDg1rlk30e_1280.jpg


tumblr_pgjl99Fgci1rlk30e_1280.jpg



tumblr_pgjl99P6Eo1rlk30e_1280.jpg


primered

tumblr_pgjmyrnles1rlk30e_1280.jpg
 
welding and grinding sheet metal auto body to make a good strong repair takes experience and the correct equipment,
this is the one area where a small 120 volt MIG can provide surprisingly effective repair work.
Ive used several MIGS and my 252 miller works reasonably well, but a buddy of mine has a lincoln mig that he raves about on this type of body repair sheet metal work.
After using both my miller and his lincon
I don,t see why hes thrilled with the Lincoln, other than it cost him a GREAT DEAL less cash, than my miller.
but I will instantly admit it works just fine for thin sheet metal body repairs
BTW use the correct shield gas and wire diam.
the surface to be welded must be pre-cleaned with a wire brush,
down to clean rust free,
degreased, paint free, bare metal,must be well grounded and securely clamped
.030 wire is FAR better than, .035 in my opinion

diagram4.gif

ssgauge.png

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-dial-caliper-66541.html
wirethicknesschart.jpg

https://www.eastwood.com/easy-mig-1...MIvJiYoOyD3gIVB73sCh3pxwVJEAQYASABEgKIvPD_BwE

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/teaching-yourself-to-weld.8086/#post-75757

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/mig-wire-selection.1283/
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top