As I continue to read and digest the information in my conversion manual, the more I realize I've got a ton to learn.  But that's what I'm here for (see Motivation).

One of the main items that the conversion manual refers to is the original General Motors (parent of Chevrolet) "green shop manual".  This is the manual issued to dealer service centres and covers pretty much everything bumper to bumper on how to service and repair a Chevrolet Corvair.  It contains bolt sizes, torque values and disassembly / assembly procedures.

Of course for my project, I'm interested in the sections of the shop manual that apply specifically to the engine assembly and perhaps some of the chassis stuff where the engine is attached.  This will be a huge help if I obtain an engine still in a chassis or attached to a transmission.

I did some research online and these manuals are actually still available from Corvair parts suppliers and on EBay.  

Further Googling (if that's a word) led me to a PDF copy.

Print, punch and put in a binder.  Not green like the original but perfect otherwise! More reference material for the build in my shop.

The conversion manual I ordered is finally in my hands!

254 pages of information, knowledge and wisdom on converting a Chevrolet Corvair automobile engine into a reliable, powerful and economic to operate aircraft powerplant.  Manual #801.  I'm entering the arena!

Much to read and digest, but so far the instructions don't seem that complicated.  I can do this!

I really like how the author William Wynne thinks and writes.  Lots of motivational anecdotes and examples that speak to simplicity without compromising goals.  Very cool!

Back to work on cleaning up the shop.... :)

Merry Christmas everyone!

My conversion manual arrives in my hands this week!

If I'm going to be working on this project (or any other one that comes up) I'm going to need to make some space.  Wait, I have space.  So I guess what I'm saying is I'm going to need to make better use of the space I have.

Well past time to tidy up!  Here is a somewhat embarrassing photo from a couple of weeks ago:

What a mess.  Unfortunately I've been using my shop as a dumping ground for stuff that either should be thrown out long ago or put away properly,  but it's a personal fault I am working on. 

I started today cleaning up and purging some of the crap I've gathered over the past 15 years we've been here.  A good portion of it will be going to thrift stores, some to recycling and a bunch to the dump or burn pile.  The stuff I'm keeping must meet two strict rules..... either it's needed or I will actually use it.  Everything else is on it's way out.

More learning I guess 😊 And more pictures to come of my clean workshop.  Stay tuned.

My conversion manual made it to Ann Arbor and was picked up by my Aunt.  Hope to have it in my hands in a couple of weeks when we go south to visit with family for Christmas.

On another note, one of the skills I intend on learning as part of this project is basic welding.

It's something I've always wanted to learn, not for employment necessarily (although I did work in structural steel for a couple of years), but for general around the shop/home use.  I've tried it a few times, but never really did a enough of it to say I can weld.

Along with being fun, there will be numerous uses and times I'll need welding skills for.

I came across a wild internet instructable on how to build your own welder.  It involves salvaging the transformers out of a couple of old microwaves and wiring them in a way to produce the current required for stick welding.

Homemade-Stick-Welder-From-Microwave-Parts

Sounds like my kind of project!  Microwaves are cheap and easy to find, I enjoy wiring things and it gives me another tool for the build.

This project is getting more and more mad scientist like every week..... and I love it :)