A line of 1960 Corvairs - from 1960. Testdrive by Chevy engineers? Looks like aChevrolet support truck bringing up the rear.

Prairie Capital Corvair Association

P.O. Box 954Springfield, Illinois 62705

The Flat SixJanuary 2020

2020 Officers President -Sandy Myers (217) 624-4000 Vice-President Larry Jahn (217) 283-7365Secretary-Tim Mahler (217) 793-3824 Treasurer-Jim Allen (309) 361-5351Membership-Chris Hall (217) 691-6529 Historian/InventoryFlatSix Editor Tim Mahler (217) 793-3824 Email P rairieCapital@corvair.org

Board of DirectorsMike Hall (2020) (217) 494-7105 Allen Monts (2020) (309) 243-7477Jim Glen Rittenhouse (2020) (217) 875-5841 Brian Nicholson (2021) (217) 891-0808

From the Prez

Hi everyone!

December 2019 is rolling to a close, and I hopeeveryone had a good Christmas with family andfriends. I really enjoyed seeing everyone at the PCCA Christmas party. It's good to break bread and havelively conversations with great friends.

Steve and I got to spend some time with his familyChristmas eve, but I caught a bug and spent most ofChristmas day bundled up.

I'm looking forward to our January meeting at the newmuseum location. We have a lot of great eventscoming up in 2020.

Sandy

Calendar of Events - 2020 PCCA Home Page may be found at http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter627

Directions to the CPF Corvair Museum near Glenarm Illinois. Take exit 88 from I-55, from eitherdirection, head west – turn right if you are traveling south on I-55, left if traveling north. Follow the road as itcurves to the left, south. Go straight at the stop light (turning right takes you to Chatham). The Museum is 1.3miles from the stop light on the right hand side – just past the Double J campgrounds. The building was thelocation of Elite Classic Cars a few years ago.

January 11, 2020 - Saturday PCCA General Meeting 2:00-4:00 pm. Board meeting, officer transfer of knowledge - 1:00pm.

LOCATION: CPF Corvair Museum (exit 88 off I-55).Program: tour of the New Corvair locationDiscussion – Meeting location – Time of day. Option to meet for Breakfast/brunch raised at Christmas Get-together just down the road from museum

PCCA 2020 Calendar Following dates are yet to be determined – January meeting will help determine ifTuesday or Saturdays will be PCCA meeting dates for 2020 and perhaps beyond. Listing both for use asplaceholders to help with planning/scheduling.

PCCA General Meeting Tuesdays February 18, 2020, March 17, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 19, 2020.PCCA General Meeting Saturdays February 8,2020, March 9, 2020, April 11, 2020, May 9, 2020.

June 17-20, 2020 CORSA Sanctioned Mini Convention to benefit the CPF and CPF Museum

2020: Mini Convention for CPF & CPF Museum Third weekend in June, 2020. A working committee has been formed and has met 3 times already. Contact Mike Hall if you want to

volunteer or be part of the committee - the more the merrier – and the easier the work is for each individual. Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield Illinois. When: June 17-20, 2020Tentative Schedule : Wednesday - Welcome Party - Cruise-in at the Motor

Heads restruarant - a old car themed location with regularly scheduled cruise-ins. Local classics with Corvairs from the mini with great food available in the restaurant. Thursday: Concours (late morning start) evening activity TBD, thinking Drive-inMovie. Friday - tour/road rally to Decatur to be part of a (Corvair) powered aircraftshow then rally to the Corvair Musuem - Dinner at the Museum. Saturday - CarDisplay - maybe a Funkhana. Awards Banquet that evening. Springfield hosted the2016 CORSA international convention at this same location. Springfield is known asthe hometown of Abraham Lincoln with many historic sites related to him. PLUS,Historic RT66 runs through town and will be part of the mini-convention theme.

More information and details to come as they develop.

July 6-11, 2020 CORSA International Convention, San Diego CaliforniaSponsored by San Diego, Host hotel is the Crowne Plaza San Diego in Mission Valley

Making reservations: A dedicated website is available for CORSA members to book their hotel rooms online. https://book.passkey.com/e/49961642

If you prefer to make your reservations over the phone, call 1-888-233-9527Please ask for the “CORSA National Convention” rate or Group Code “CNC” when calling.

For more Corvair Events Check the calendar on the CORSA Web site: www.corvair.org

Brian Nicholson took this photo and posted itto the CPF facebook site. It seemed fitting toinclude it here.

2019 PCCA Christmas PartyThe editor once again got too caught up in the festivities to remember to take pictures. The day

was pleasant, especially considering how cold it had been through November and the first half ofDecember. The temps became almost springlike by Christmasday. Now that the new year is here, the temps are returning tonormal – for January. Spring will be here soon. I hope.

Despite the warm temperatures, there was only oneCorvair in the parking lot, the editor’s 1966 Corvair CorsaFitch Sprint. I am sure this had a lot to do with all the snow,more specifically all the salt put onto the roads because of thesnow, that fell in central Illinois just prior to the meeting. Therewas still snow in places, shadows on north side of hills even onSaturday after 3 days of temps in the 40s.

The clear roads and warming temperatures did result ina good turnout for the get-together. I counted 24 headsincluding Chris and Kayla Hall’s daughter. This is the latestChristmas get-together that I can remember – just 4 days andthe last weekend before Christmas. Many PCCA members hadalready “flown south” for the winter and others were travelingfor the holidays or expecting/hosting travelers. The late datealso meant that the Toys-for-Tots campaign for 2019 wasclosing - the last toy pickup being the Friday before we met.Members were encouraged to drop toys off at the drop boxesbefore the meeting.

We did get to see several members who have not madeit up to Springfield in quite some time. Joan and John Cavagnaattended plus David Wilson and Doti Williamson all dualmembers with PCCA and SMCC. Good to see them all again.

Plus visiting with all other PCCA members was great – most attend meetings regularly, whenschedules permit. Outgoing President Brian Nicholson and wife Aleta, 2020 President Sandy Myers,Larry and Gloria Jahn, Glen and Rita Rittenhouse, Jim and Bernie Allen, Allen Monts, PCCAenthusiasts of the Year (male and female, respectfully) Jim and Beulah Collier, Bill and Shelby Bertaand Tim Mahler. Plus the aforementioned younger Halls, Chris, Kayla and.

Brian and Aleta Nicholson needed to depart early to attend Brian’s daughter’s college graduationceremony – if I heard correctly, one of two graduating this year. Aunt Sandy stayed a while longer butsoon also departed for the same ceremony.

Before leaving, 2019 President Brian presented the PCCA enthusiasts of the year awards – anaward given to the male and female PCCA member who shows their Corvair and Club enthusiasm byattending meetings, wearing their name badge, wearing Corvair/Club apparel and arriving at the clubmeetng in a Corvair. Points are also given for giving a program or providing refreshments - things thatmake the meeting better. The male Enthusiasts of the year was awarded to Jim Collier and the femaleEnthusiast to Beulah Collier. The pair arrived in their 1965 maroon Corvair coupe to many of the PCCAmeetings and functions. Congratualations Jim and Beulah.

Before Brian could sneak away, Secretary Tim presented him with a gift card from the club inappreciation for serving as President for the past two years. Thanks Brian.

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After the rest of the crew finished lunch, the traditional fun and low key gift exchangecommenced. Since the president had left, secretary Tim was volunteered to be Santa. Participants were allowed to pick a number from a box numbered 1 to 25. Each participant was then allowed to select agift amongst the male and female gifts available in numerical order. To switch things up a little bit, thenumerical order was done in decreasing order vs the usual increasing order. A little elf suggested thischange to Santa and it seemed like a good idea. A quick, “what did you get” was done and then thegroup went back to jolly good conversation.

Twas a good time, with good food and great friends. See everyone at the January Meeting.

CPF Raffle 1965 CorvairThe Corvair Preservation Foundation is holding

a raffle and the lucky winner will receive afreshly-restored 1965 Corvair Monza Sport Coupe! Thedrawing for this car will be held May 15, 2020 in theGreat State of Minnesota, USA. MN Lic.#GA19-000002. You need not be present for thedrawing. The proceeds from the raffle will support thenew Corvair Museum in Decatur, Illinois.

• 1965 Corvair Monza Sport Coupe.• 140 hp 4-carb Super Turbo-Aire engine. Powerglide

automatic transmission.• Thoroughly reconditioned throughout with new paint,

upholstery and many NOS parts• Ready to drive!

$10 per ticket – Help support the CPF

Tickets available online at the CORSA web site –www.corvair.org Direct link ishttps://www.corvair.org/index.php/corvair-raffle

There is also a paper version available.PCCA member and CPF President Mike Hall also has tickets.

CPF PostingsFrom Eva "Corvair Lady" McGuire

CPF Historian and Publicist

1960 Corvair air-cooled engine without theshrouding to show off the air-cooling fins with thegenerator and air cleaner painted white (perhaps forengineering or publicity photo).This photo is from the personal collection of HenryAustin Clark Jr. (1917-1991), an avid car enthusiast,museum owner, and collector of photographs,magazine clippings related to the history of theautomobile. (Courtesy of the Benson Ford Research Library at The Henry Ford Museum).

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Winter months has most mid-westerners in the duldrums, especially has January meanders along. So withthat in mind, Sunny California and the 2020 CORSA Convention comes to mind. It is a long drive, but you couldalways fly into town and visit all your CORSA friends – maybe even borrow/ride in their Corvair while you’rethere?

50th Annual CORSA Convention in San DiegoHosted by the San Diego Corvair Club.

The dates are: July 6-11, 2020. Location: 2270 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108

Now is the time to make your plans to attend and bookthose flights soon as the pricing right now is very favorable fortravel next summer. The Crown Plaza Hotel is a wonderful venuefor our convention activities. If you have not yet taken theopportunity to do so, please check out www.sandiego.com to get afeel for everything there is to see and do in this great coastal city. OR Visit the host chapter website: www.sandiegocorvair.com

Making reservations: A dedicated website is available forCORSA members to book their hotel rooms online. https://book.passkey.com/e/49961642 If you prefer to make yourreservations over the phone, call 1-888-233-9527 Please ask for the“CORSA National Convention” rate or Group Code “CNC” whencalling. The special room rate for CORSA members will expire06/06/2020. All individual reservations are subject to a 48-hour cancellation policy.

Chapter contact: Steve Lubliner stephenlubliner@compuserve.com.

Besides the usual Corvair related events, tech sessions and convention activities; San Diego offers a hostof other attractions – The San Diego Zoo, Sea World, The USS Midway Museum are three of the big items. Plus,there is the historic old towne San Diego & dining, wineries, breweries, and other museums to visit. And beaches. Sunny beaches.

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Note: This article appeared in the VairCor - I found it on the Heart of America Corvair Owners Association web site underMike Dawson Technical articles. This product review was pasted to the HACOA webside in November 2019. I downloadedthe tech session paper and slides - -both well done and a good read but may be long for the newsletter. Having an option tothe stock Corvair head temp guage is good as those are both fragile and increasingly hard to find. Thanks Mike Dawson. I really enjoy your articles.

The Preventive Maintenance Series Mike Dawson

Product Review: Cylinder Head Temperature Gauge

After spending the time researching Corvair engine cooling for theNational Convention tech session, I started making plans for the installation ofa temperature gauge in both my Lakewood and Greenbrier. They both have a140 with Powerglide. I had previously installed temperature gauges in ourtwo air conditioned Powerglide cars and have been satisfied with thesummertime A/C operation results. However, neither of the A/C cars have a140 engine, and after reviewing the cooling slot issue I wanted to see whattemperature a 140 operates at under the same conditions. My first installationwas on my Lakewood which has a 140 with four primary carburetors mildlymodified and attached to a 3.55 Powerglide differential. The heads have beencarefully de-flashed and have received a Noland’s valve job.

Unfortunately, neither the Stewart Warner gauge nor the VDO gauge is still available new so I did someshopping and found a site that has a selection of temperature gauges, mostly analog, from which I chose a dualgauge. Since the installation of the engine-to-dash wiring harness is the biggest time consumer, I decidedinstalling a sensor on each head would be a good experiment and the extra sensor was only $16. The installationtime would be close to the same for installing one or two sensors so I chose the gauge with dual indictors on astandard 2” round face. You can choose the size of the “eye” for installing and I used the existing 3/8” holes thatthe original GM temperature switches fit into. The sensor leads were 48” which worked fine since I wanted tokeep my made-up four wire harness on just one side as it exited the tunnel.

The whole installation takes longer than you would think if you are keeping the wiring neat and tidy andconcealed like the original car wiring. I picked up a single gauge panel at O’Reilly’s for $6 and 40 feet of 20gauge wiring. I had to make splices on both ends since special pin connectors are used and a patch harness abouta foot long is supplied (cut it in the middle and solder in my added 4 wire section that runs front to back). Thewebsite also lists extension harnesses but I felt the price was a little high ($34.50 for a 2-wire, meaning $69 formy installation).

After completion, I took test runs on two different days and washappy with the results. Ambient temperature was close to 90 degrees andrunning at 65-70 the left head was at 320 and the right head at 300 whichjust confirms that the left head should be hotter due to the longer exhaustmanifold and the oilcooler. Full throttle runs from 60-80 moved the needles only slightly andthey quickly dropped back.

Drawbacks:1. The gauge is not lighted.2. The numbers and needles are small and it is difficult to readthem at a quick glance until you get used to the placement, which in my case is just left of the steeringcolumn.

Parts Ordered From AircraftSpruce:Swift 2” Round Dual CHT 100-700 Part Number 10-00486 $68.75Swift 10mm CHT Sender Part Number 10-01438 $16.50 Each

There are other choices and accessories around the website: www.AircraftSpruce.com

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Note: This article appeared recently in the VairCor in the spring/summer time frame - I found it on the Heart of AmericaCorvair Owners Association web site under Mike Dawson Technical articles. Checking fan belts is a recurring theme. Thanks Mike Dawson. I really enjoy your articles.

The Preventive Maintenance Series Mike Dawson

Fan Belts Revisited

The Corvair was assigned a specifically designed belt that G.M. used only after rejecting at least fourdifferent designs. Since G.M. discontinued the original belt years ago, no other company has duplicated it exactly– I kept an original and compared all of the reproductions. Some are close but not exact. Anybody can have goodluck with a belt, but if you want one close to the original, use a 3V560 wrapped, industrial belt. The original beltwas 55 ¾” X 3/8” (P&A Catalog). The 3V560 belts are sold by most Corvair vendors as “super belts”, and theGates, Bando, MVP, BESTORQ, etc., belts all seem to work well on any Corvair with the correct items as notedhere.

Installation Checks:Drive pulley or balancer should be checked for installation and bolt

torque, rust, wobble or separation, and the timing notch on a rebuildchecked for a sharp edge that can wear the belt.

Idler pulley should be checked for rust, wobble and dents causedby pry bars. The big washer on the slide end of the bracket must bebetween the nut and the slide, not between the slide and the casting.

Check fan pulley for rust, wobble and dents and most important forproper height. On the car reference: lay a straight edge across the top of thepulley, measure down to the shroud next to the choke rod (intake flange)on the left side. It should measure exactly 6” for 62-69 and 6 5/32” onoriginal 60-61. This dimension will be wrong if your fan bearing was installed incorrectly or if it has moved inthe top cover where it should be an interference fit.

Alternator/generator checks: The pulley must be exactly 3” O.D. Rebuilders change them and even a ¼”size difference will change belt alignment. Look for a loose generator mount on the left end, check for the properalternator/generator adapter. As with other pulleys, check for rust, dents, wobble, wear and check that the bladesare not backwards.

Belt Tension: There should be a 3/8” deflection with a 15# load between the idler and the fan (the bookcalls for 55# if you have a strand tension gauge). You can barely turn the alt/gen fan with your thumb whencorrectly tensioned. Tension must be checked after a break in period as belts will stretch. I have found that asyour speed passes the 70 mph number the stretching can be significant with a new belt so be aware of that. Withbelt prices hovering in the $10 range it would be wise to change them anytime the edges show wear (see pulleychecks above) or you have to adjust it often, or if you notice theidler pulley is pulled back far enough that the belt no longer lines up perfectly vertical with the balancer.

Belt Guides: The rear guide can easily be installed on any year; the top guide should be in place on anythat have the mount holes in the top shroud. Clearance between belt & guide is 1/16”.

Spare Belt: Obviously it is wise to carry a spare belt and the tools necessary to change it on the road.Keep the belt stored flat, not coiled.

And finally: Always check your two warning lights for function every time before you drive:with the engine off and key on, you should see two red lights. If the GEN/FAN light comes on, stop ASAP. Determine if the belt is working or not. If it is, you candrive the car but have the charging system checked as soon as possible. If the belt is off, replace it with a new onebefore driving. Once a belt comes off, the cords are bent and it will continue to flip.

If you must drive, follow the owners’ guide instructions for operation with out a belt. (Short drives withthe heater fan on high) NEVER drive a Corvair with the TEMP/PRESS light on; you are already at 550+ degrees.Remember, if you ruin an engine by overheating, it probably cannot be rebuilt due to softened aluminum in theheads and crankcase. A tow charge is much quicker and cheaper than a replacement engine.

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Prairie Capital Corvair Association, PCCA, is upping its game. The Corvair next generation for 2020 will be aCORSA-sanctioned Mini Convention, June 17-20, 2020. The event is being held again, to support the CPF andthe CPF Museum. All proceeds after expenses will be donated to the CPF for the continued operation of theCorvair Museum. The museum has moved to a new location just south of Springfield Illinois near Glenarm.Being a sanctioned mini means that CORSA judges will be used for the Concours on Thursday. A road rally onFriday, car display and Funkhana on Saturday, a Cruise-in Wednesday night, drive-in movie Thursday, night atmuseum Friday and self-guided tours to Lincoln Sites and Historic RT66 sites being scheduled for each eveningshould provide something to do for everyone. The host hotel is the car hobby friendly Crowne Plaza inSpringfield IL. Three days, four nights, so much to do, so little time you may want to come early and stay late.

This is an excellent opportunity for you and your car if your prepping for a National Concours or a meansto help maintain your current Seniors status—or just to see how your Corvair stacks up in a CORSA judgedevent. The museum will be open and ready for your visit.

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Prairie Capital Corvair Association (PCCA) Membership Form

March 1, 2020 thru February 28, 2021Type of Membership Individual ___ $17

Family ___ $20 (2 adults at one address plus children under 18)___ Apply a $5 discount for receiving the electronic version of the newsletter and other correspondence.

If joining after August 31, dues are: Individual $8.50, Family $10.00. If applicable, the discount is $2.50.

Name _______________________________ Spouse/ 2nd Adult _______________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________________________________City, ST ZIP _________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone ____________________________ CORSA Membership ID _______________________Cell Phone(s) ____________________________ Spouse/ 2nd Adult ____________________________

e-Mail Address(es) __________________________ Spouse/ 2nd Adult ___________________________

Cars, Corvair and other _________________________________________________________________

Other interests ________________________________________________________________________PCCA strongly encourages membership in CORSA. Do you want/need information about CORSA? Y / NReturn the completed form and dues to:Glen Rittenhouse, PCCA Treasurer 1804 Columbus Dr, Pekin IL 61554

Please make checks payable to Prairie Capital Corvair Association or PCCA

PCCA Questionnaire – Meeting Location, Day of Week, Time of Day.

Preliminary results from the latest PCCA Survey has suggested PCCA return to Saturdaymeetings. The results also suggest meeting at the new CPF Corvair Museum location near Glenarm. PCCA board and General meeting for JANUARY will be the 2nd Saturday of the month at the CorvairMuseum. A general discussion of the meeting location, time, day of week is expected to be held. If youhaven’t returned your survey, PLEASE send it to Secretary Tim Mahler before or at the January meeting.

Minutes of the General Meeting - December 21, 2019 PRAIRIE CAPITAL CORVAIR ASSOCIATION

Technically, PCCA did not hold a meeting at the Christmas get-together, which is tradition. However,President Brian Nicholson did make a few announcements which the secretary will try to recap here.

First: The Corvair Musuem has been successfully moved from its Decatur location to its new home justsouth of Springfield (Glenarm, IL). Mike, Brian and others have been working to get the exhibits back in orderfor viewing. This task is mostly complete with just a few items left to be completed.

Brian announced the 2019 PCCA Enthuiasts of the year – Jim Collier and Beulah Collier.Tim Mahler presented outgoing President with gift certificate from the club in appreciation of his

leadership over the last two years.The treasurer’s report was not read but the secretary was given a copy. The overall be beginning balance

was $4,117.64 with $100 of expenses for year end awards for an overall ending balance of $4,017.64 in allaccounts.

After the announcements, and lunch, the traditional gift exchange was held.Next meeting is January 11 at the Corvair Museum in Glenarm. 1pm board, 2pm general meeting.

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Prairie CapitalCorvair AssociationP.O. Box 954Springfield, IL 62705