corvairproject.com - Chevrolet Corvair

Jan 31, 2007 20:22:30
It's Fun To Dream
By: Russell H

Most car collectors also collect literature about their favorite antique car. I'm no different, I love to buy printed items related to my cars, especially Chevrolet dealer items. The dealer albums and other salesman's items give you a wonderful glimpse into what was available for your car when it was new. They're also great tools to aid in determining what options and colors are correct for a given car.

While skimming through a copy of the Chevrolet 1964 Finger-Tip Facts manual, I thought, if I was buying one of these cars new, what options would I choose? It's fun to dream about these things. I was two years old when the 1964 models came out, so I had no opinion then. Now, having reviewed the Finger-Tip Facts, I know exactly how I'd equip my 1964 Corvair if I could buy it new from the dealer.

For the uninitiated, Finger-Tips Facts were small or medium size manuals that the salesmen kept at their desks. These manuals list the specifications, dimensions, colors, and optional equipment for each car line. The salesmen would refer to these books to answer customers' questions or to refresh their memories.

I own a Goldwood Yellow 1964 Monza convertible. Black was the only available color interior for Goldwood Yellow cars. I bought this car because it's in great condition and it's a cool color. I think if I was buying new, I'd choose Lagoon Aqua. The Aqua interior was the only choice for this body color, but I'll bet Aqua seats don't get as hot as black seats when you drive with the top down.

AM was the only radio choice available for 1964 Corvairs. You could choose between the manual tuned radio or the pushbutton version. They sound exactly the same, but I'd choose the pushbutton version because you could preset your favorite stations. My Monza has the manual radio, which still plays great. Manual tuning is a minor inconvenience, but I enjoyed the pushbutton radio in my recently sold 1963 Nova SS.

I have powerglide in my Monza and I'd get it if ordering new. I don't like stick shifts. My car has the standard 95 horsepower engine, I think I'd order the 110 horsepower engine if buying new. I'd get positraction as well.

I'd pass on air conditioning, mostly because I think it's silly on a convertible. If you own or have seen an early Corvair with air conditioning, you'll know how much space the condensor takes up in the engine compartment. I wouldn't choose the heater and defroster delete option either.

I like the comfort and convenience equipment which includes outside rearview mirror (remote or manual control), non-glare inside rearview mirror, 2 speed electric windshield wipers with pushbutton washer (Monza and Spyder only), and glove compartment light. This equipment included back-up lights on Corvair 500 and 700 models. I'd order a tinted windshield too.

I'd skip the power top, you can open and close manual Corvair convertible tops with one hand. I'd definitely get whitewall tires and simulated wire wheel covers. Last but not least, I'd choose seat belts, which were optional in 1964.

The items I've listed so far are factory options. From the dealer installed custom feature accessories I'd choose floor mats to match the interior, a locking gas cap, a litter container, a tissue dispenser, and a tool kit.

When we buy the cars now, we take them as equipped. Sometimes you can add options if you can find them on ebay or at a swap meet. In our dreams, we can equip them exactly as we wish.

By the way, if anyone knows of a nice 1960 - 1964 Monza coupe for sale within 300 miles of Long Island, please let me know. I want one with powerglide and any color except red. Thanks.