1963 Corvair Spyder First Car - Richard McCuistian - VW Expert Turned YouTube Mechanic Teacher
About this episode
Richard McCuistian, a former mechanic turned YouTube educator, shares his fascinating journey from working on cars to teaching automotive mechanics and creating engaging online content. He discusses his early experiences with cars, including his first vehicle, a 1963 Corvair Spyder, and how he transitioned to YouTube to help students who missed classes. With over 19,000 subscribers and nearly 8 million views, Richard emphasizes the importance of knowledge transfer and explains how his diverse background has shaped his teaching style. His stories are both humorous and insightful, making for an engaging conversation.
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Richard McCuistian brings 60+ years of automotive expertise to this episode, from learning in his father's foreign car garage to becoming a YouTube educator with 7.5 million views. His automotive journey started at 16 with a 1963 Corvair Spyder - the same car Ralph Nader called "unsafe" - which Richard drove with 8 teenagers packed inside, using shared clutch and steering duties. From there, his path led through countless VW Bugs, including a hopped-up 1958 sleeper that embarrassed a Jaguar on the interstate.
Episode Highlights:
- Growing up in dad's foreign car garage - fixing 28 different foreign brands with no manuals
- First car: 1963 Corvair Spyder with turbocharged engine and dash-mounted tachometer
- Eight teenagers in a Corvair - passenger operating clutch while Richard steered
- Building a VW dune buggy at age 14 from junkyard parts
- The 1958 VW Bug hot rod with shaved heads and raised compression
- Type 3 Squareback and early Bosch fuel injection systems
- Teaching college auto mechanics for 23 years (2001-2019)
- Writing for Motor Age Magazine for 21 years
- YouTube channel success: 19,000+ subscribers, 1,500+ videos, 7.5M+ views
- Currently editing 10 technical articles weekly for CarParts.com
Richard shares how he started his YouTube channel to help absent students catch up on lectures, never expecting it to become a resource for thousands of mechanics worldwide. His philosophy: "If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself." From Corvair adventures to creating educational content that's helped millions, this episode showcases how passion for teaching and automobiles creates lasting impact.
Richard's favorite episode is the Weber State student/instructor duo episode, "From Mustang GT Builds to Pontiac GTO Restorations: Weber State Automotive Tech & Education" https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16548659-from-mustang-gt-builds-to-pontiac-gto-restorations-weber-state-automotive-tech-education
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foreign cars
"...because we were next to a military base and nobody wanted to work on the foreign cars, everybody wanted to work on the domestics in 1960."
Foreign cars are vehicles made by companies that are based in other countries. For example, a car made in Germany or Japan would be considered a foreign car in the United States.
Foreign cars refer to vehicles that are manufactured outside of the country where they are sold. In the context of the U.S., this typically means cars made by manufacturers based in other countries, such as Japan or Germany.
Volkswagen
"...he decided he was just going to specialize in Volkswagens because he didn't have to have a lot of tools."
Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many popular cars. They are known for models like the Beetle and the Golf.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and Golf. The brand has a strong reputation for reliability and engineering.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...take the body off of that 64 model over there because it was sitting in the weeds. And I says, okay, and this would have been probably in about 1970 or something like that."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that many people recognize by its unique shape. The 1964 model is one of the classic versions that people often restore or modify.
The Volkswagen Beetle, originally known as the VW Bug, is a compact car that was produced from the late 1930s until 2003. The 1964 model is part of the classic generation that is well-known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout.
steering column
"...you got to take the steering column loose and all this. And boom, I had the pen sitting there."
The steering column is a metal tube that connects the steering wheel to the part of the car that turns the wheels. It helps you steer the car in the direction you want to go.
The steering column is the part of a vehicle that connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. It allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle by turning the wheel.
transaxle
"And he says get that transaxle that's laying in the weeds over there and drag it up and bolt it into this thing. And I was so into that that whenever I got through with it he says now let's put these tires on it..."
A transaxle is a part of a car that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels. It combines several functions into one piece, making it easier to fit in smaller cars.
A transaxle is a type of transmission that combines the functions of the transmission, differential, and drive axle into a single unit. It's commonly found in front-wheel drive vehicles, allowing for a more compact design.
Chevrolet 55 Pickup
"And then I had a 55 Chevy pickup that had belonged to him. That he didn't drive much. I drove all over town with no license and never got stopped..."
The Chevrolet 55 Pickup is an old-style truck from 1955. It's known for its strong construction and classic look, making it popular among people who like vintage vehicles.
The Chevrolet 55 Pickup is a classic truck known for its sturdy build and vintage styling. It's part of the Advance Design series, which was popular in the mid-20th century and is often sought after by collectors.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...he parked two cars out there in the driveway and one of them was a blue 63 Corvair Spyder and this one had the tack on the dash and everything. It was a beautiful car and there was a VW Beetle that he had."
The Chevrolet Corvair Spyder is a special version of the Corvair car that had a turbocharged engine, making it sportier. It was popular in the 1960s and is known for its distinctive look.
The Chevrolet Corvair Spyder is a variant of the Corvair, known for its turbocharged engine and sporty design. It was produced in the early 1960s and is often remembered for its unique styling and handling characteristics.
crankshaft
"...I drove that car until the crankshaft broke and then I had to get something else."
The crankshaft is a part of the engine that helps turn the energy from the fuel into movement. If it breaks, the engine won't work properly anymore.
The crankshaft is a key component in an engine that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which ultimately powers the vehicle. A broken crankshaft can lead to significant engine failure.
bell housing
"...that had jumped a railroad track and busted the bell housing on the transmission and he bought it for nearly nothing and he fixed that and I drove that car until the crankshaft broke..."
The bell housing is a part of the car's transmission that holds important pieces together. It connects the engine to the transmission and helps everything work smoothly.
The bell housing is a component of a vehicle's transmission that encases the flywheel and connects the transmission to the engine. It plays a crucial role in housing the components necessary for the transmission to function properly.
fish tail
"...every time we'd go around a corner a little too fast it would try to fish tail a little because the engine's in the back and it's heavy..."
Fish tailing is when the back of a car slides out while turning, making it feel like the car is swaying. It can happen if you go around a corner too fast.
Fish tailing refers to a situation where the rear end of a vehicle slides out during a turn, often due to loss of traction. This can happen when a car corners too quickly, especially if it has a rear-engine layout like the Corvair.
oversteer
"It didn't have that momentous oversteer breakaway that many from the dirt road stuff I did on the buggy. I had already learned which way to turn the wheel to recover you know I mean a lot of people have no idea how to recover from a skid because they didn't learn how to drive on dirt road and in the mud."
Oversteer happens when a car turns too much, causing the back of the car to slide out. It can make the car feel like it's spinning, and drivers need to know how to steer to regain control.
Oversteer is a handling characteristic of a vehicle where the rear wheels lose grip before the front wheels, causing the car to turn more sharply than intended. This can lead to a loss of control if not managed properly.
Volkswagen Bug
"My next favorite car and I had a whole bunch of VW Bugs was Dad got this 58 Volkswagen Bug that he got from somewhere and he says I think we're going to play with this one a little bit."
The Volkswagen Bug is a famous small car with a unique round shape. It was very popular and is often associated with the 1960s and 70s. Many people love it for its quirky design and history.
The Volkswagen Bug, also known as the Volkswagen Beetle, is an iconic compact car that was originally produced from the late 1930s until 2003. It is known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, making it a symbol of the 1960s counterculture.
compression
"And we raised the compression on that thing and boy, it was a boss."
Compression is when the engine squeezes the air and fuel mixture before it burns. More compression can make the engine stronger, but it might need special fuel to work well.
Compression in an engine refers to the process of compressing the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber before ignition. Higher compression can lead to more power but may require higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking.
oil pressure gauge
"...and I put an oil pressure gauge and an amp meter on the dash."
An oil pressure gauge tells you how well the oil is flowing in the engine. If the pressure is too low, it can mean there’s a problem that could hurt the engine.
An oil pressure gauge measures the oil pressure in an engine, which is crucial for ensuring proper lubrication and preventing engine damage. Low oil pressure can indicate a problem with the oil pump or a leak.
sleeper
"...he didn't realize that little bug was a sleeper. That was a little bug that I also did possum hunting on it..."
A 'sleeper' is a car that looks normal but is actually very fast. It's like a surprise because it doesn't look like a race car, but it can beat one.
A 'sleeper' is a car that has a modest or unassuming appearance but possesses significant performance capabilities, often surprising other drivers. This term is commonly used in car culture to describe vehicles that can outperform their more flashy counterparts.
mud grips
"...because I had mud grips on the back. I was working at a gas station then so I could change the tires out at will..."
Mud grips are special tires made for driving in mud and rough places. They have deep patterns that help the car grip the ground better so it doesn't get stuck.
Mud grips refer to specialized tires designed for off-road conditions, particularly in muddy or slippery environments. These tires have deeper treads and more aggressive patterns to provide better traction in challenging terrains.
Ford F150
"I got a 74 F-150 for $2,000 used. It had air conditioning on it and I drove it for years."
The Ford F-150 is a popular truck known for its strength and ability to carry heavy loads. The 1974 version is an older model that many people still appreciate for its durability.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for decades. The 1974 model is part of the sixth generation of the F-Series, known for its ruggedness and utility.
Volkswagen Type 3
"Yeah, I've seen some squarebacks and I think they're also called the type three."
The Volkswagen Type 3 is a series of cars made by Volkswagen that includes different body styles, like the Squareback. It's known for being practical and was popular in its time.
The Volkswagen Type 3 is a range of vehicles produced by Volkswagen from the 1960s to the 1970s, including models like the Squareback, Notchback, and Fastback. It was designed as a more modern alternative to the Beetle.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
"So it kind of is like a looks like a carmen guia station wagon ish sort of the carmen guia. I had one of those one time too."
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a classic car that looks like a sporty coupe. It was made by Volkswagen and is known for its stylish design and fun driving experience.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a two-door sports coupe and convertible that was produced from 1955 to 1974. It combines the chassis and mechanical components of the Volkswagen Beetle with a stylish body designed by Ghia.
fuel injection
"in 68 that was the first widely produced car that had fuel injection on it and it basically had Bosch fuel injections and basically the board."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into a car's engine. It helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently compared to older methods like carburetors.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine, improving efficiency and performance compared to carburetors. The 1968 model was notable for being one of the first widely produced cars to feature this technology.
Bosch
"in 68 that was the first widely produced car that had fuel injection on it and it basically had Bosch fuel injections and basically the board."
Bosch is a big company that makes parts for cars, including systems that help deliver fuel to the engine more effectively.
Bosch is a multinational engineering and technology company known for its automotive components, including fuel injection systems. Their products are widely used in various vehicles for improved performance.
carburetors
"most people didn't like the fuel injection because of problems that would develop and it had dual carburetors on it."
Carburetors are parts of older car engines that mix air and fuel together to help the engine run. They were used a lot before fuel injection became popular.
Carburetors are devices in internal combustion engines that mix air with fuel for combustion. They were commonly used before the widespread adoption of fuel injection systems.
DeLorean DMC-12
"I mean a DeLorean with Bosch KJ Tronic fuel injection."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique sports car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being in the 'Back to the Future' movies.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famous for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It is also known for its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
DeLorean
"I also worked on a DeLorean that belonged to the guy that owned the dealership I worked at..."
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being in movies and has a special place in car culture.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famous for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status from its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
Renault R25 Renault
"...e Eagle Premier was actually just an Americanized R25 Renault. Yes, I remember the DeLorean and that car had th..."
The Renault 25 is a big car made by a French company called Renault, and it was sold in the 1980s and early 1990s. It was known for being comfortable and having some cool features that were new back then, which made it popular in Europe.
The Renault 25 is a large family car produced by the French automaker Renault from 1984 to 1992. It was notable for its innovative design and features, including a spacious interior and advanced technology for its time, making it a significant model in Renault's lineup and a competitor in the European market.
Eagle Premier
"But DeLorean, the fact that DeLorean chose to use that and you remember the Eagle Premier yes..."
The Eagle Premier is a car made by the Eagle brand, which was part of Chrysler. It was designed to combine American and European styles and was produced in the late 80s and early 90s.
The Eagle Premier is a mid-size car produced by the Eagle brand, a division of Chrysler, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was based on the Renault 25 and offered a blend of American and European styling.
Chevy LS
"In fact, for what it's worth, in my DeLorean club there are people that have put Chevy LSs in it. I've actually met the guy who kind of created the kit."
The Chevy LS is a type of V8 engine made by Chevrolet that many people like to use in different cars because it has a lot of power and is easy to find.
The Chevy LS is a series of V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their performance and versatility. They are popular among car enthusiasts for engine swaps due to their power and availability.
V8 engine
"His name's Josh Shatternick. He created the kit for bolting in a Chevy V8 into a DeLorean."
A V8 engine is a powerful type of engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's often used in sports cars and trucks because it provides a lot of power.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration arranged in a V shape. This design is known for delivering high power and torque, making it popular in performance and muscle cars.
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