Chevrolet 1960 Corvair User manual

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Tim/Desktop/carburetor-manual-welcome/index.htm[4/25/2009 11:42:20 AM]
www.carburetor-manual.com
Would you like some Free Manuals?
http://carburetor-manual.com/free-shop-manual-club-t-13.html
Also visit http://freeshopmanual.com for more Free Manuals
Also Visit my website for 7 FREE Download Manuals starting
with this one.
"The ABC's of Carburetion"
Click Here Now

.... . -"
1960
OWNERS
GUIDE

to
Your 1960 Chevrolet Corvair is a completely new automobile, both in
concept and in design. It will fit into your plans as a second car, an only car,
an "errand" car, a "transportation" car or a car for vacation and travel. It
combines "small" car size and economy with "big" American car performance
and comfort. We at Chevrolet know you will enjoy owning and operating your
Corvair for years to come.
Your Chevrolet dealer is well trained and equipped to inspect and service
your Corvair and keep it ready to provide new car service and performance.
Have him inspect and service your car at regular intervals.
The
information and suggestions found in this own.er's manual can help you
enjoy to the fullest, all of the advantages and features built into your Corvair.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing
Chevrolet-and to assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring pleasure
and satisfaction.

Page
Operating Instructions 2
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Controls .
.. .. ... ... . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8
Cleaning Hints
.. . ...... ... ...... . ....... . ........ . .... .. .... 14
Maintenance and lubrication . ... . ................. . .... . ...... 16
Service Accessories ... .. .... .. . . . .. .. . ..... . .......... ..... . . 29
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27
Index ... . ... . ... .. . .. . . ..... . . .. .. . .. . ...... .. ............ 30
Owner Protection Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32
All inform!'tion contained in this booklet is bosed on the latest product information available at the
lime of printing. The ri ght ;s r ese r ved to make changes at any time without notice .
PART NO. 6257133 • SECOND EDITION

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BREAKING-IN PERIOD
Sound design and precision manufacturing methods
will permit you to operate your new Corvair in a normal
manner from its very first mile without adhering to a
formal "break-in" schedule . However, during the first
few hundred miles of driving you can, by observing a
few simple precautions, add to the future performance
and economy of your car .
It is recommended that your speed during the first
500 miles be confined to a maximum of 60 M.P.H., but
do not drive for extended periods at anyone constant
speed, either fast or slow. During this period, avoid full
throttle "jack-rabbit" starts and quick, abrupt stops.
Gentle braking during the first few hundred miles of
operation will result in longer brake life and better
future performance. Avoid hard stops especially during
the first 200 miles of operation since brake misuse during
this period will destroy much future brake efficiency.
Always drive at a moderate speed until the engine
has completely warmed up.
2
STARTING THE ENGINE
LOCK OFF ON START
IGNITION SWITCH
START-Used only when starting engine . When released,
switch returns to ON.
ON-For normal operation after engine has been
started.
OFF-Turns off engine and accessories.
LOCK-Same as "OFF" except that switch cannot be
moved into or out of this position without ignition
key. Always switch to LOCK when leaving your car
unattended.

STARTING
1. POWERGLIDE-Place control lever in N position. The
engine will not start in any other position.
THREE-SPEED-Place gearshift control lever in Neu-
tral.
2. INITIAL START -Depress accelerator to floor and
release. This presets the automatic choke.
ENGINE WARM-Hold accelerator pedal about half
open.
3. Turn ignition switch to START and release as soon
as
engine starts.
4.
"FLOODED" ENGINE-Depress accelerator to floor
and hold while cranking engine. Never "pump"
accelerator.
3
WARM-UP
Never race the engine or drive at high speeds until
the engine has had a chance to warm up. Always let
the engine idle for a minute or two after starting and
drive at moderate speeds for several miles, especially in
cold weather. Failure to allow sufficient warm-up time
causes much unnecessary wear to the engine. Also,
excessive speeds before axle and transmission lubricant
becomes warmed up can cause harm to these parts.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMY
Proper maintenance and wise operation will com-
bine to help you achieve maximum fuel economy with
your Corvair. Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can
properly tune and maintain your car but wise operation
is your responsibility. Give the car sufficient warm-up
time, do not make "jack rabbit" starts or skidding stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and as steady as traffic
permits to gain the benefits of all the economy built into
yourCorvair.

1st GEAR (lOW}-Depress clutch pedal, shiff into 1st
gear, slowly release clutch pedal while pressing on
accelerator . As car gains speed, depress clutch pedal,
release accelerator and move gearshift into 2nd gear.
2nd GEAR-Release clutch pedal and depress accelerator
as above as car gains speed, then, in same manner
as before, move gearshift lever into 3rd gear.
3rd GEAR (HIGH}-Slowly release clutch pedal and de-
press accelerator pedal. This is the cruising gear for
all normal driving.
TO STOP-Release the accelerator and depress the
brake pedal. As car slows down, depress the clutch
pedal and move the gearshift lever into Neutral.
NEUTRAL-For use when starting or idling car.
REVERSE-Operate as for 1st Gear but always at a
slow
speed.
4
PUSHING TO START
• Turn on key and depress clutch pedal.
• Place gearshift lever in Neutral position until car
speed reaches 15 MPH.
• Move shift lever to 3rd position and slowly release
clutch pedal.

After starting engine with the lever in "N" (NEU-
TRAL) position, merely select the range desired and
depress the accelerator. The Powerglide transmission
will do the rest.
The Powerglide may
be automatically shifted into
LOW range for extra acceleration at speeds below 45
MPH by "stepping down" hard on the accelerator pedal.
OPERATING YOUR POWERGLIDE
POSITION OPERATION USES
R-REVERSE
For Backing Car (From Stopped Position)
N-NEUTRAL For Starting Engine (Brakes Applied)
NORMAL
DRIVING
D-DRIVE For all Forward Driving. Step
hard on
RANGE
accelerator for extra acceleration
below
45 MPH.
L-LOW For Hard Pulling at Low Speeds, Climb- SAND, SNOW,
ing, or Descending Steep Grades and for MUD OR ON
add i tional engine braking below 40 MPH.
STEEP GRADES
5

POWERGlIDE
PUSHING TO START
• Turn on key and move selector lever to Neutral. At
20 to 25 MPH move lever to "L."
• When engine starts, move selector lever to "D."
NOTE: Never tow to start.
TOWING
• Place selector lever in Neutral.
• If transmission or axle are malfunctioning, tow with
rear wheels raised.
• Never tow faster than 30 MPH.
ROCKING CAR
When stuck in mud, sand or snow, you may rock
the car forward and back by depressing the accelerator
slightly and shifting the selector lever between" R" and
"D ." Avoid excessive engine speed while performing
this operation.
~
-'.
6
SPEEDOMETER
Shows speed in miles per hour . The odometer below
the speedometer registers accumulated mileage.
FUEL GAUGE
This gauge indicates fuel quantity in the tank only
when the ignition switch is in the "ON" p')sition . When
the ignition is "OFF, " the indicator pointer will not
necessarily return to the EMPTY mark, but may stop at
any po i nt on the gauge .
"TEMP-PRESS" AND "GEN-FAN" INDICATORS
These indicators are extremely important since they
provide a constant check on the operating condition of
the air cooled engine and the generator of your Corvair .
Both
indicator lights should light with the ignition switch
"ON " and before starting the engine. Indicator lights
will go out shortly after engine is , started and during
normal operation of the car. Flickering of the "Gen - Fan"
light while engine is idling is a normal condition.
Engine cooling depends on operation of the fan
driven by the Gen-Fan belt. A broken or slipping fan
belt will cause the Gen-Fan indicator to remain lighted
during normal operation and continued engine opera-
tion can result in serious damage.

LIGHT
SWITCH
LEFT TURN
INDICATOR BRIGHT BEAM
INDICATOR RIGHT TURN
INDICATOR
INSTRUMENTS
RADIO
SPEAKER
GLOVE BOX
LOCK
~~"-fHIf-- RADIO
~~~~~~~&J CONTROLS
U:a~II--- HEATER
CONTROLS
INDICATOR REMAIN-
ING LlGHT~D DURING
NORMAL OPERATION
TEMP - PRESS Indicator
PROBABLE
CAUSE
Low Oil Pressure
Excessive Engi ne Oil Tem p.
GEN-FAN Indicator
Generator Not Charging
Fan Not Operating
IMPORTANT:
ITEMS
TO BE
CHECKED
Engine Oil
Level
Oil Level
and Fan Belt
Generator
Fan Belt
If either of the indicators light during normal operation ,
STOP CAR IMMEDIATELY and turn off ign i tion . Check
for a broken or slipping fan belt or low engine oil level.
NEVER DRIVE CAR UNTIL BROKEN FAN BELT IS
REPLACED. Never drive car when "Temp-Press" indicator
is lighted . Car can be driven at slow speeds if only "Gen-
Fan" indicator is I ighted and fan belt is not broken, however,
generator must be checked and serviced as soon as possi ble.
7

CONTROLS
LIGHT CONTROL KNOB
The three-position light switch is operated as shown.
Turn the
knob to vary the brightness of the instrument
lights. Turn fully counter-clockwise past the "detent" to
turn on the dome light.
TURN SIGNAL
The turn signal lever should be moved UP to signal
a right turn or DOWN to signal a left turn. The indicator
lights in the instrument panel will signal the direction as
will the parking and tail lights. When the turn is com-
pleted, the lever will automatically return to neutral
position.
8
FULLY COUNTER CLOCKWISE TURN TO VARY
OFF@ORDOMELIGHTSBRIGHTNESSOF
~ ~ /INSTRUMENT
___ - ." , PANEL
~~~
/,;--- - ;; .... , ~ LIGHTS
J -1'- I' ...... ' // ..- .... ~,
/)~/,.~ .. ·,' ~ /1 / -'
I II I" J/::::,'/·~ " ·I;'·""\
1\1-~.P~ ~ \11 I" I'
/
-'-"'~\\ ,,/
~ ... "., ~~ - , ..... '1'
~~ .... "-'--
INSTRUMENT ~-""-
PARKING AND TAIL "-
LIGHTS LIGHTS HEADLIGHTS
DIMMER SWITCH
The foot button located near your left foot switches
the
headlights between "high" and "low" beam. The
"high" beam indicator, located in the center of the
speedometer dial, will be lighted when the headlights
are on "high" beam. Always dim the lights when ap-
proaching oncoming cars.
. I CLUTCH PEDAL
,,~~:U

BRAKES
The brake pedal is of the pendant type, providing
ample footroom and extra leverage for easy safe stops.
PARKING BRAKE
Pull the parking brake lever to engage the brake. The
lever will remain in the applied position until released
by means of the "trigger" on the handle . To release,
pull the
handle toward the steering wheel, depress the
unlocking trigger and allow the handle to return to the
releas. ed position. Always engage the parking brake
when parked .
PARKING BRAKE
APPLYING HANDLE
9
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The parallel acting wipers are operated by means
of the wiper control knob on the dash.
Pressing
once on the accessory windshield washer
button will cause the washer to squirt a measured
amount of water or other cleaning agent onto the glass,
and will at the same time turn on the wiper motor. You
will have to turn off the wiper manually at the switch.
Keep the washer jar filled to a level 2 inches below
the top of the jar with a suitable solvent. G. M. Part No .
988299, Windshield Washer Anti-Freeze and Solvent ,
is recommended for use in the Corvair windshield washer
jar . NEVER USE ANY SOLVENT OR ANTI-FREEZE SOLU-
TION WHICH CONTAINS METHANOL Fill the washer
jar only % full to allow for expansion if the solution
freezes. In freezing weather, pre-warm the windshield
using the heater defrosters before using the washers.

HEATER
Three control levers provide full control of the
optional Corvair gasoline heater.
FAN-this is the AIR-ON control and the blower control.
This lever must be pushed down before the unit will
operate .
DEF-diverts heated air to the defroster ducts for
defogging or deicing windows.
HEAT-Allows for selecting degree of heat desired.
Heater will begin to supply heat in a minimum of
30 seconds. For efficient heating and heat distribu-
tion, keep all windows closed.
NOTE: When heater or ignition switch is shut off,
the combustion blower will continue to operate
for 30 to 40 seconds to remove unburned fuel
and vapor from the system. This is normal for this
type of heater .
10
RADIO
The optional Corvair radio control knobs are shown
below . For best reception the antenna should be extended
to at least the height of the car roof. For long distance
reception, extend the antenna to its full length.
ON-OFF SWITCH
AND VOLUME
CONTROl
TONE
CONTROl
HEATER~---1!m~!d
CONTROLS
TUNING
KNOB

KEYS AND LOCKS
A single key operates all locks on your Corvair;
front doors, ignition, glove box and luggage compart-
ment.
Doors
may be locked from the inside by pushing
forward on the opening handle.
Record the serial number of your keys and then
remove the
knockout plug to prevent duplication by
unauthorized persons.
11
GLOVE BOX
The glove box may be locked and unlocked with
the ignition key.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND ASH TRAY
Press in on the optional cigarette lighter to heat.
When ready for use, it will .. pop" out. The ash tray
cover slides toward the front of the car to open. The
ash
receptacle lifts out for cleaning.
AIR VENTS
Additional summer ventilation is provided through
vent inlets in each side of the front passenger compart-
ment. The vents may be opened or closed by means of
the control knobs beneath each end of the instrument
panel.
AIR
INTAKE
INTO CAR

FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENT
The front seat may be adjusted forward and back-
ward. Lift up on the locking lever at the left end of the
seat,
adjust the seat as desired and release the lever.
Your
Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can make additional
adiustments to tailor the front seat positioning to your
particular comfort requirements.
FOLDING REAR SEAT
The optional folding rear seat, in models so
equipped, may be used to convert the rear of the
12
Corvair into more than 10 cu. ft. of cargo space. To
operate:
• Puff on each end of the seatback to unlock.
• Swing seatback forward and down.
• Press down on front edge of seatback with one hand
while "snapping" the folding panel into place with
the other hand.
Replace the seatback in the same manner, after first
releasing the folding panel at the rear of the seat back.

LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
The front luggage compartment has a capacity of
more than 10 cu. ft. with the spare tire in place.
• To open the luggage compartment, insert the ignition
key and, holding the lid down to relieve the tension on
the lock, turn
fully clockwise and allow the counter-
bdlanced lid to open.
• To close, slam the lid firmly.
A second luggage space is located behind the rear
seat, for parcels or luggage which would otherwise take
up seat or floor space.
13
GAS CAP
The gas cap is concealed beneath the spring loaded
door on the left front fender.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
• To open: Push up the release while lifting the lid. Lift
the
lid . all the way up, then release.
• To close: Lift up on lid, unlock the support arm catch
lock, then lower the lid carefully. Slam firmly to assure
that the lid lock mechanism is engaged.
For proper engine cooling keep the engine compart-
ment lid vents free of ice, snow or leaves.

CLEANING HINTS
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
WASHING YOUR CORVAIR
The best way to preserve the original beauty of the
finish
of your Corvair is to keep it clean. Calcium
chloride and other salts, road tar, excretion from insects,
tree sap, chemicals from factory chimneys and other
foreign matter may permanently damage both paint and
bright metal parts. Regular, frequent washings and a
thorough cleaning after exposure to any of the above is
recommended. Wash the car in either warm or cold
(never hot) water; never in the direct rays of the sun;
and always wait until the sheet metal surfaces have
cooled before beginning. Never wipe off dust and dirt
when surfaces are dry because this may scratch the
finish.
POLISHING YOUR CORVAIR
Your Corvair is finished with Magic Mirror Acrylic
Lacquer. A thorough washing is generally all that is
required to maintain a "new car" appearance. How-
ever, if the car is to be polished make certain that the
label of the cleaner or polish used states that the product
is suitable for use on acrylic lacquer finishes. Any of the
14
approved cleaners or polishes listed on Page 27 of this
book may be used. Any tar or road oil remover used
should indicate on the label that it is harmless to Acrylic
finishes. G. M. Tar and Road Oil Remover has been
especially compounded for this purpose.
PROTECTION OF EXTERIOR BRIGHT METAL
PARTS
All bright metal parts of the car-should be regularly
cleaned and protected against the same substances
harmful to the painted surfaces. Normally, washing with
water is all that is required . However, G. M. Chrome
Polish may be used on CHROME or STAINLESS STEEL
trim if necessary. Use special care with ALUMINUM trim.
Never use auto or chrome polish, steam or any caustic
soap to clean aluminum. Wash only with lukewarm water,
and if necessary, a mild soap. Rinse well and dry
thoroughly.

It is recommended that all bright metal parts of your
Corvair, after being thoroughly cleaned, be given a
coating of wax and rubbed to a high polish. This will
serve to keep corrosive agents away from these surfaces,
and should be repeated as often as required.
CLEANING WHITE SIDEWALL TIRES
Use soap, warm water or a tire cleaner such as
G. M. Whitewall Tire Cleaner and a stiff brush to remove
road grime and dirt from white sidewall tires. A fine
grade of steel wool will remove severe curb scrapes.
Do
not use gasoline, kerosene or any oil product which
would discolor or deteriorate the rubber.
CAUTION: Some white sidewall cleaners will cause
serious damage to aluminum trim. Use caution
when cleaning tires with this type of cleaner.
G. M. Whitewall Tire Cleaner is safe to use
around aluminum trim.
15
INTERIOR APPEARANCE
DUST AND DIRT
Clean the interior of your car frequently, using a
broom or vacuum cleaner . A damp cloth will wipe dust
from hard surfaces. G. M. leather Cleaner is available
from your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer to clean any
imitation leather, vinyl or coated trim fabric on seats
or door panels.
SPOTS AND STAINS
Remove upholstery stains as soon as possible or
they may become "set" and difficult or impossible to
remove . First determine the type and age of the stain
and the kind of upholstery material. Kar Kleen Uphol-
stery Cleaner or Kar Kleen Upholstery Spot Cleaner,
available from your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer, will
remove most stains. For oil, grease and road grime stains
not removed by these cleaners the use of a volatile type
cleaner such as G. M.Upholstery Spot Remover is recom-
mended. Do not use alkaline cleaners · for they may
damage the color or finish of the materials. Other solu-
tions such as hot or cold water, ammonia water, soap ,
ink eradicator, etc., will probably discolor and disturb
the material.

AINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
16
OCTANE REQUIREMENTS
The Corvair six-cylinder engine is designed to deliver
peak performance on what is designated as Regular
grade fuel in the continental United States and Canada.
Regular gasoline may, however, vary in octane between
manufacturers or between different sections of the
country. If unfavorable performance is encountered be-
cause of either or both of the above factors, any Author-
ized Chevrolet Dealer can make ignition adjustments
which
will restore your car to normal operation.
Before taking your car to foreign countries (except
Canadal, where fuel available generally does not meas-

ure up to U. S. standards, it is desirable to' obtain
detailed information as to availability of fuels in a given
area and service and adjustments n~cessary to adapt
your car to the fuels available. Such information may be
obtained by writing :
General Motors Overseas Operations
Service Department, Room 9-164
General Motors Building
Detroit 2, Michigan
Include with your request the area to which you
plan to take your car and the vehicle type and serial
number.
COOLING SYSTEM CARE
The Corvair engine, being an air cooled engine, is
entirely dependent on the fan belt and blower to supply
sufficient volume of air for cooling purposes. The engine
fan belt should be checked for tightness at regu l ar
intervals and replaced when necessary. Watch the
"Temp-Press" and " Gen - Fan" indicator lights on the
instrument panel for signs of engine overheating.
O IiIOJl~ll!I[olro lin!
...... ~'-~ ............ , ' .,./ ../ ... A/