6000 Commander

[Fritz Maurer]

I was wondering what the common failing point was in the 6000 transmission. Was it broken hard parts or was it failed seals leading to burnt clutches? If it were the latter, the transmission durability would be improved simply by today's technological advancements in plastic and rubber. I have a Chevy-loving machinist who swears that the Corvair would still be built today if RTV had been invented way back then. Were the last 6000s reliable?
 

[Bern]

RTV would not have saved the Corvair!
 

[wisbaker]

EPA and emission controls eventually killed all US Air Cooled cars. I have seen some discussions that Nader actually prolonged the life of the Corvair because giving it up would be admitting defeat. Notice other manufacturers that made rear engined cars like Renault, Volkswagen, Hillman, Fiat, Subaru, Isetta and even Porsche abandoned or diversified into front engine water cooled cars. Other manufacturers of Air Cooled cars like Citroen, DAF, Porsche, and NSU all switched to water cooled Even Honda, who in the late 60's was ahead of everyone else in combustion technology gave up Air Cooled cars with engineers having heated debates with Mr Honda over his reluctance to switch to water cooled technology. What killed the Corvair was they became unpopular with the consumer, partially because of Nader's expose, I hear GM had considered using the Corvair name on the Vega but chose not to. The Corvair as was designed had a limited life, they choose engine types and chassis layouts that were outdated or at least on the way out. This at a time when GM tried to be innovative, something they weren't good at of their innovations of the 60's only the Toronado and it's unique front drive lasted through the 70's. GM innovations I am referring to are the OHC 6, the Corvair opposed 6, the Tempest rope drive shaft, turbo charging, the V6, the Aluminium V8 and even the Vega's sleeveless aluminium 4 cylinder. Had GM been more innovative and observant they would've made a new Corvair with a transverse water cooled front engine.