Ep 8. 1963 Covair

In this episode of Wheeler Dealers, the dynamic duo of Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead take on a challenging project - a 1963 Chevrolet Corvair. This unique car is a rear-engine, air-cooled vehicle that was launched as an economy car to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle. However, it was plagued with controversy due to its handling and safety issues, which resulted in a negative reputation that stuck with it for years.

The guys start by searching for the perfect car to fit their budget, and finally find one that's been neglected for decades. It's in a sorry state, with rust and corrosion all over its body and mechanical components, but they see a glimmer of potential in it. To breathe life into this aging ride, Mike and Ant have to work hard to bring it back to its former glory.

The first order of business is to assess the damages and put together a plan for restoration. The Corvair has a few issues with its engine, suspension, and steering, so they spend the next few days in the shop, dismantling it part by part and assessing the damages. Once they've identified the problem areas, they start repairing or replacing them with parts sourced from Big Al's in California.

As work continues, the team faces a few unexpected challenges that test their expertise and push them to their limits. One of the biggest problems they face is with the engine, which has a serious oil leak that's affecting its performance. Mike and Ant work together to come up with a solution that involves removing the engine and replacing the gaskets and seals.

Another challenge they face relates to the air-cooled system, which has been damaged by rust and corrosion. The guys have to modify it to make it more efficient, which involves adding ducting to route fresh air to the engine to ensure that it stays cool during operation.

After several weeks of hard work, the guys finally unveil the restored Corvair. It looks like a brand new car, with a gleaming red paintjob and sparkling chrome accents. Mike takes it for a test drive, and the difference is night and day - the car handles beautifully on the road, with no more issues with its suspension or steering. Even the air-cooled system works perfectly, keeping the engine cool and running smoothly.

Overall, this episode of Wheeler Dealers is a testament to the art of auto restoration and the passion that drives the team to restore classic cars to their former glory. Fans of the show will love the attention to detail and the expertise that Ant and Mike bring to each project, as well as the challenges they face and the solutions they come up with to overcome them.