1/25 AMT '69 Chevrolet Corvair

[unclescott58]

I love the Rampside above. Someone from Europe posted a built up Premeir Rampside one time on YouTube I believe. I don't know if it's still there or not. But, I surprised how good the thing actually looked. I would love to see a model of a Rampside or Greenbriar van someday. But, this is another one I will not be holding my breather for.

Scott

Edited February 12, 2015 by unclescott58

[Bob Ellis]

The biggest deal about the '65-'69 Corvairs is the four wheel independent suspension. The detail on the SMP/AMT '60-'64 Corvair chassis is very simple. Not sure anybody would see those details very well.

[rasafyff]

Does anyone know which Corvair model had the (MONZA MIA) decals?

[mnwildpunk]

Only seen one rampside ever at a carshow many yrs ago I thought it was sort of funny that the engine was under the hump in the middle of the truck bed but I did think it was cooooool

[ToyLvr]

Only seen one rampside ever at a carshow many yrs ago I thought it was sort of funny that the engine was under the hump in the middle of the truck bed but I did think it was cooooool

I knew a fellow who installed an Olds Toronado engine and drivetrain into his Rampside. It was super fast, but lacking in cargo capacity. ;-)

[MrObsessive]

Bill,

As far as the real car go the early 1960 - 1964 are completely different than the 1965 - 1969. No underside sheet metal is the same and floor pans do not interchange. For the models the 1965 - 1969 with engines just basically have a hole in the chassis to fit the powertrain in and the rear suspension parts added. The engine compartment on the 1965 - 1969 models is close but not accurate. To add an engine to the 1960 - 1964 models it would be just as easy to modify the original chassis than fitting the later one. The hard part is the early engine compartments were very different than the later ones. The early cars had inner fenders more like wheel wells where the late cars were flat side

panels close to the kit.

These ads have good shots of the early car engine compartment :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Corvair-Monza-1962-chevy-corvair-monza-coupe-recent-restoration-rust-free-show-stopper-wow-/301341517801?forcerrptr=true&hash=item46295aa7e9&item=301341517801&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Corvair-Spyder-1963-corvair-monza-spyder-convertible-power-top-/181567514931?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a46446933&item=181567514931&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

And a couple of the late engine compartment like the 65 - 69 kit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Corvair-Corvair-1965-chevy-corvair-convertible-great-driving-car-just-4995-/141448264365?forcerrptr=true&hash=item20eef93aad&item=141448264365&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Corvair-Monza-1965-classic-chevy-corvair-monza-2-d-coupe-w-huge-genuine-chevrolet-parts-/121467734733?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c480a8acd&item=121467734733&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

Thanks so much for the info Jeff! I saved a lot of those pics in the links and they'll come in quite handy in the future! I can scratchbuild the needed structures in the engine compartment for the early cars, and yes, it would probably be easier to modify the existing chassis than to modify the '65-69 one.

I was literally surrounded by Corvairs as a kid growing up in the '60's and '70's as I had relatives that either owned one, or they had friends that had them.

Thanks again!

[dimaxion]

AMT did not have the prior to Production for many Kits for the '68 MY . The Impala is a good example of one of them . It was similar to a bash of a '67 & '68 . No back window . The Camero / Firebird were close but no Cigar . MPC got the nod instead of AMT . The MPC kit was accurate . The '65 - '69 MY Corvairs did not change much . As AMT lacked the forward information , this kit was produced . GM Bean Counters had declared the only changes to the Corvair were restricted to updates to keep it inline with the Regulations for (then new Government) MY Mandates . The Corvair would get the Axe when Costs were amortized . This decision was made in the Summer of '65 and not publicized outside the Corporation . Most dealers did not know this especially the Independent Dealers . Look at the Option list over the ensuing years and how it shrank . Corvair RPO's became impossible to obtain . When this point was achieved in 1969 , these were deleted . All on order with Customers waiting did without or took what was in the Inventory period . The Dealerships were given 6 weeks to return all parts or eat the Cost . Anyone having one being repaired and the parts suddenly not available .. were just out of luck . The general did it it's MO . Offered large discounts and Huge Trade in Value . The Dealership I worked in at that time had one in the Body Shop . When this came to pass , the Customer took the Sucker Bait . The Wrecked Corvair was scrapped .

Tha '60 MY Corvair had not only a Gasoline Heater . It was available with the Hot Air from the manifolds as did the VW . All later models had the Heat Box only . Both worked poorly until around the '63 MY . I did get the opportunity to fix both types . My '60 had the non-functional Gasoline . While trying to diagnose the problem , I had wished for the HOT BOX . A changeover was next to impossible BTW .

I have a Slush Cast Corvan . It is workable , not shake - remove contents and there is a build . PM me for contact information . I am not aware if he is or is not still selling these . I do not think it is Fair to give free advertisement here on the site . Only game in town as far as I know .

I did contact Modelhaus about a '6O MY Coupe . I have the available to me necessary parts to make one for a Master . Rampsides were only limited production due to slow consumer response . Not many people wanted one for many reasons related to Corvairs . Many customers walked away from the first Chevy Vans for the same reasons . Sitting on the Driver's seat and turning the key to view Corvair Idiot Lights was such a turn off . Many ran away actually .. I witnessed this on a Used Unit . Gotta Love the Bean Counters .

I do collect Corvairs . I just don't want to be near a 1:1 . My neighbor of recant years past bought one . I did "admire it from afar" as I am a survivor of a Killer Corvair . BTW , keeping the tire pressure at 15 # in the rear did not negate the danger . Thanx ..

Edited October 27, 2014 by dimaxion

[Mike Chernecki]

I have one of these in my stash somewhere, been a while since I seen it. I remember it was missing either a taillight or headlight, but I could never find a replacement, Modelhaus doesn't reproduce the lights. Anyone know what year this one was? How does it differ from the '69 kit?

[ToyLvr]

I have one of these in my stash somewhere, been a while since I seen it. I remember it was missing either a taillight or headlight, but I could never find a replacement, Modelhaus doesn't reproduce the lights. Anyone know what year this one was? How does it differ from the '69 kit?

Mike:

I don't recall what model year AMT intended for that kit to replicate, but the box art would indicate a '66 or '67. The '68 and '69 would both have side marker lights, and certain other minor differences.

The headlights and tail lights from any AMT '65 -'69 Corvair kit (including the upcoming '69 kit reissue) will fit your kit.

[Mike Chernecki]

Mike:

I don't recall what model year AMT intended for that kit to replicate, but the box art would indicate a '66 or '67. The '68 and '69 would both have side marker lights, and certain other minor differences.

The headlights and tail lights from any AMT '65 -'69 Corvair kit (including the upcoming '69 kit reissue) will fit your kit.

Duh! I didn't even think to look at the side marker lights. Good to know all the lights will fit.

Always wanted to do a Corvair. When I was a couple years old my parents had a turbo-charged convertible and a 4-carb hardtop, I think both were '65s.

There is also a turbo-charged convertible sitting in the field down the road from me, owner will never sell it, it will rot away to nothing ... so sad.

[High octane]

MANY years ago before Model Cars Magazine, Dean Milano scratch built a Corvair Rampside and it was gorgeous. Don't recall which magazine it was in, and if I even have it anymore. Too bad nobody casted that beauty.

[Bob Ellis]

Mike, this yellow Corvair was a $2.25 kit about 1971. I bought one new. Just a re-issue of the 1969.

[Mike Chernecki]

Mike, this yellow Corvair was a $2.25 kit about 1971. I bought one new. Just a re-issue of the 1969.

Thanks Bob!

[Aaronw]

20141024_135907~2.jpg

Neat, I have a neighbor down the street who has one on these but metallic green and white.

[Snake45]

I have one of these in my stash somewhere, been a while since I seen it. I remember it was missing either a taillight or headlight, but I could never find a replacement, Modelhaus doesn't reproduce the lights. Anyone know what year this one was? How does it differ from the '69 kit?

IIRC the stock headlight buckets were molded integrally with the bumper on those Corvair kits. That's a major piece you'd prolly remember. Maybe it's a custom headlight you're missing. If it's a taillight, that's easily enough cloned with silicone and epoxy. Dig that puppy out and wrestle it to the ground!

[Jon Cole]

One of these days, I'm going to dig this out of storage, and have a go at it. It needs a lot of work... it's a mess.

[Edsel-Dan]

I remember that "Replica Stock' article. He did not show full details of the build, but did

show how he altered a Rev VW Vanagon into the Rampside.

[ToyLvr]

MANY years ago before Model Cars Magazine, Dean Milano scratch built a Corvair Rampside and it was gorgeous. Don't recall which magazine it was in, and if I even have it anymore. Too bad nobody casted that beauty.

I sure wish it had been casted!

I had the pleasure of meeting Dean years ago when he had his "museum" in Elmhurst. Truly a fascinating individual.

[250 Testa Rossa]

I can't wait for this to be released! There's some parts I hope they include, like the steel wheels from the old annuals from '65-'68, better tires, and that they retool the cooling fan. A Powerglide option would also be great.

[mnwildpunk]

Was going to post a pick of a corvair I've been trying to buy from my uncle for yrs but p.b. is down atm. Not sure exactly what it is I do know someone at one time sadly took a amgle grinder to it and ruined the body a bit (nothing that can't be fixed. How can you tell a monza from a corsra from a spyder etc etc. I do know it has four one barrel carbs and it has to be of a later make post pics soon

Edited October 28, 2014 by mnwildpunk

[ToyLvr]

Was going to post a pick of a corvair I've been trying to buy from my uncle for yrs but p.b. is down atm. Not sure exactly what it is I do know someone at one time sadly took a amgle grinder to it and ruined the body a bit (nothing that can't be fixed. How can you tell a monza from a corsra from a spyder etc etc. I do know it has four one barrel carbs and it has to be of a later make post pics soon

OMG, here we go.

Corvairs had two (2) distinct body designs, 1960-64 and 1965-69, commonly referred to as "Early" and "Late".

The easiest way to tell them apart, at a glance, is that the Early has louvers in the hood for air intake, whereas the Late has its air intake in a grill area just below the rear windshield.

For many model years, there were several trim levels; the "500", "700", "900". "Monza" was an upgrade that was available from the Spring of '60 until the last unit rolled off the line in May of '69. As you might guess, the "500" was a no-frills stripper, the "700" a bit nicer, and the 900 was the group with the Monza trim, etc.

"Spyder" was a performance upgrade available from '62-'64 model years. Easily distinguished by the addition of a turbo to the engine. The option also included a nicer instrument cluster which contained a Tachometer and pressure gauge. There were also some fancier badges on the body. The turbo, BTW, raised the horsepower to 150. All Spyders were manual transmission; no Powerglide available with the turbo. The AMT '64 Corvair "Craftsman" kit depicts a Spyder upgrade. This kit was a curbside, so there's no engine (other than small detail seen on the chassis).

The "CORSA" was the performance option available on the "Late" Corvairs. Things get a bit more complicated here. The buyer had two engine choices, the 140 horsepower with 4 single-barrel carburetors, and the 180 HP with a turbo. As in the case of the earlier "Spyder", there was a nicer instrument cluster and some other badge upgrades, etc. Likewise, all CORSA units were manual transmission. Most of the AMT kits for the "Late" depicted the Vair as a "CORSA" with the 4-carb engine, IIRC. These AMT kts had an oening hood with engine and engine compartment detail. I don't recall the turbo being an option in the kit, but I'd have to go pull a couple from my stash and have a look to refresh my aging memory. The AMT "Parts Pack" Corvair engine did include a turbo, so it's possible for you to add that to your Late engine if you like.

To further complicate model year choices, there were "Early" Corvairs that modified by "Finch" and known as the Finch Sprint. For the Late, there were a bunch modified by the legendary Don Yenko, and known as the Yenko Corvair. In both cases, the Corvair had engine performance upgrades, and various trim and badge upgrades.

This is a brief "thumbnail" sketch of the Corvair mods, and not intended to address every little detail. Then of course, there were the Vans and trucks....

Hope this helps.

Edited October 28, 2014 by ToyLvr

[unclescott58]

Very good info above Mike. Except one thing. Corsa was not an option. It was listed as seperate model in the Corvair line, like the 500 and the Monza, in '65 and '66. Plus, a quick way to tell a Corsa from the lower level Corvairs. The 500s and Monzas have a body colored painted back panel around the taillights. Corsa has what I believe to be an anodized aluminum panel in same area.

Scott

Edited October 29, 2014 by unclescott58

[Snake45]

I don't recall the turbo being an option in the kit, but I'd have to go pull a couple from my stash and have a look to refresh my aging memory. The AMT "Parts Pack" Corvair engine did include a turbo, so it's possible for you to add that to your Late engine if you like.

To further complicate model year choices, there were "Early" Corvairs that modified by "Finch" and known as the Finch Sprint. For the Late, there were a bunch modified by the legendary Don Yenko, and known as the Yenko Corvair. In both cases, the Corvair had engine performance upgrades, and various trim and badge upgrades.

The '66 annual at least had turbo option, which hasn't been in any of the reissues.

http://public.fotki.com/drasticplasticsmcc/mkiba-build-under-c/amt-instructions/automotive-cars--pi/chevrolet/1961-1970/amt-1966-corvair-co/57261506.html

And the man's name was John Fitch, not Finch.

[ToyLvr]

The '66 annual at least had turbo option, which hasn't been in any of the reissues.

http://public.fotki.com/drasticplasticsmcc/mkiba-build-under-c/amt-instructions/automotive-cars--pi/chevrolet/1961-1970/amt-1966-corvair-co/57261506.html

And the man's name was John Fitch, not Finch.

Thanks for catching my typo, Snake. My "chemo brain" not working well this AM....

Fitch was a great car guy! I remember reading some old car mags that had articles about the Corvair "Sprint" and how he converted the engine to 4-carb. Interesting how Chevy soon had the 4-carb as an option...... ;-)

[vairnut]

The turbo option was in the 1965 Corsa kit as well as the 1966 Corsa kit. All of the turbo parts may still have been in the 1967 kit - I would need to dig out a kit to check. The turbo parts that were not chromed have remained in all Corvair kits since the 1966 annual - only the chromed parts - turbo air cleaner, the induction pipe between cylinder banks, and the spare tire heat shield - have been missing.

The Corvair engine offered in the engine parts packs comes from the 1962 annual kit. It was included and fully chromed but there was no means to install it in the model. This 1962 kit engine is all different tooling than the 1965 and later kit engine. It includes the 1961 - 1963 non turbo air cleaner set up as well as the turbo parts.

Real 1965 and 1966 Corsaa all have the rear taillight panel above the rear bumper painted Chevy argent silver. The non Corsas all had body color rear panels. Corsas and Monzas have stainless trim surrounding the rear panel - 500's models have it body color. Also some slight differences in the lower grill below the rr bumper between the different models.