Chevrolet CHEVY II 1963 User manual

www.PlandeGraissage.org

Your 1963 Chevy II is one of a complete line of models developed by Chevrolet
in its constant effort to provide you with the finest in transportation. It will fill a wide
range of transportation requirements, from an errand car to a car for vacation
and travel, while combining small car size and economy with big car performance.
The information
and suggestions found in this owners guide can help you enjoy,
to the fullest, all the
advantages and features built in your Chevy II.
Your Chevrolet dealer is well trained and equipped to inspect and service your
Chevy II
and keep it ready to provide new car service and performance. Have
him inspect and service your car at regular intervals.
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.
CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION
• GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
DETROIT 2, MICHIGAN
www.PlandeGraissage.org

-,
Page
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Breaking - in Period. . . .. .... .. ... .. ... 5
Driving for Economy . ..... ........ 5
Starting the Engine ... .... ................. 6
Ignition Switch.. ... .... .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. 6
Starting .......... .. .... ............... .. 6
Warm-Up ........ ... .. ............. 7
Driving with the Three Speed Transmission.. 7
Driving with the Powerglide Automatic
Transmission. . . 8
INSTRUMENTS
Generator Indicator . .. .. .. ... .. .. .. lO
Oil Pressure Indicator ..... .... ... .... ....... 10
Speedometer.. .. ... ... .............. ..... .. 11
Fuel Gauge. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. •. .. .. .. .. ... 11
Temperature Indicator. .. .... .. .. .. . .. . .. .. 11
Brake Indicator. .... ... .. . 11
Headlight Beam Indicator 11
CONTROLS
Light Switch 12
Headlight Beam Switch. 13
Turn Signal .. . 13
Brakes. 14
Power Brakes .. .. .. .. 14
Parking Brakes .... .... 14
Windshield Wipers and Washers .. 15
Wipers ...... .......... .. ... 15
Washers....... .. ....... .. .. .. .. 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Radio.
Power Steering ,. . ..... . .. .. .
Positraction Rear Axle .. .. ... .... .. . .. .
Heater .
Page
16
17
17
18
Air Conditioning
.. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. ... 20
OTHER FEATURES
Seat Adjustment .... ........ .
Keys and Locks. . .......... .
Ash Tray and Cigarette Lighter .
Glove Box ...
Air Vents ..
Hood Release . ..... .
Rear Compartment ........ .. .. . .... . .... .
Gas Cap ... .... , ......... . . . ....... . ... .
STATION WAGON
...20
21
22
.. 22
22
23
23
23
Lowering the Tailgate . 24
Manually Operated Tail Gate Window . 24
Electrically Operated Tail Gate Window .. . 24
Operating the Folding Seats. . . ..... .. 25
Two Seat Style Rear Seat.. .. .•. .•... . 25
Three Seat Style Seats. . . 25
Spare Tire and Jack Stowage. 26
CONVERTI BLE. .. . .. . .. .. .. 26
CLEANING HINTS
Exterior Appearance .... . .. . .. .. . .. .... ... 27
Page
Washing Your Car . . . ...... ......... 27
Polishing Your Car .. . .... 27
Protection of Exterior Bright Metal Parts .. 28
Clea n ing White Sidewall Tires ... . .. 28
Interior Appearance . . . .. 28
Dust and Dirt . 28
Spots and Stain .. .. .. .. . .. 28
MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
Gasoline and Engine Oil .. . ... .. . ... ..
Gasoline ... ... .. .. .......... .
Operation in Foreign Countries.
Engine Lubrication ... ..
Oil Viscosity Number ..
29
29
29
30
30
Checking Oil Level. ........ .. .. 30
Cooling System Care ... 30
Tire Care .. ... .. . .. .. .. .. .. .... .... 32
Tire Inflation Pressures . 32
Changing Tires .. . . .. . .. .. . .. 32
For Maximum Tire Life ..... .. ..... . 33
Periodic Maintenance and Lubrication .. . . 34
SPECIFICATIONS . 38
II:1INOR TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE. 41
TROUBLE SHOOTI NG PROCEDURES ..... . ..... 42
OWNER PROTECTION PLAN .... 49
All information contained in this booklet is the latest product information available at
the time of printing. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
Port No. 3793133 Second Edition
3
www.PlandeGraissage.org

CHEVROLET OWNER PROTECTION PLAN
The Chevrolet Motor Division considers it a most important obligation to offer
each owner a suggested maintenance service which will relieve him of any
anxiety and insure that his vehicle is regularly inspected and maintained.
Your Chevrolet dealer has presented you with a Chevrolet Owner Protection
Plan Booklet. The Approved Maintenance and Lubrication Service items
in this Booklet have been worked out by Chevrolet service personnel and
cover items which are the owners responsibility to have checked, inspected,
adjusted and lubricated at recommended mileage intervals. All maintenance
operations which are necessary at the varying mileages on a vehicle operating
under normal conditions are included.
If the services are carried out at the prescribed mileage intervals, wear and
owner expense will be kept to a minimum. Further services may become neces-
sary as mileage accrues, however, the regular visit that you make to your
Chevrolet dealer in following this Plan will point out desirable services as they
become necessary.
4
www.PlandeGraissage.org

Sound design and precision manufacturing methods
will permit you to operate your new Chevy II in a nor-
mal 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
Proper
maintenance and wise operation will com-
bine to help you achieve maximum fuel economy with
your Chevy II. Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can
properly tune and maintain your car but wise operation
is your responsibility. Give the car sufficient warm-up
5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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
your Chevy II.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

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 the igni-
tion key. Always switch to LOCK when leaving your
car unattended.
6
STARTING
1. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION-Place control lever in
N
or P position. The engine will not start in any
other position.
SYNCHROMESH TRANSMISSION -Place gearshift
control lever in Neutral and depress clutch pedal to
the floor.
2. (a) CQLD ENGINE -Depress accelerator pedal to
floor (if equipped with manual choke, pull choke
knob
all the way out while holding pedal down) ·
then,
if temperature is above O° F., release pedal.
If temperature is below O° F., hold pedal about half-
way down.
(b) ENGINE WARM -Depress accelerator pedal
and hold about half-way down.
3. Turn ignition switch to START and release as soon
as engine starts. If manual choke equipped model,
adjust choke position to obtain smooth engine opera-
www.PlandeGraissage.org

tion. As soon as engine will run smoothly without the
choke, push the choke knob fully in.
4. "FLOODED" ENGINE-Depress accelerator to floor
and hold while cranking engine. Never "pump"
accelerator.
WARM-UP
Always let the engine idle for a moment or two after
starting and drive at moderate speeds for several miles,
especially during cold weather, to prevent unnecessary
wear to the engine, axle and transmission.
1st GEAR (LOWl-Depress clutch, shift into 1st gear,
slowly release clutch pedal while pressing on accel-
erator. As speed increases, depress clutch pedal, re-
lease accelerator and move gearshift into 2nd gear.
2nd GEAR-Release clutch pedal and depress acceler-
ator as above, allowing car to gain speed, then, in
same manner as before, move gearshift lever into
3rd gear.
3rd GEAR (HIGHl-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.
7
MANUAL , CHOKE
The Chevy II with the Super-Thrift 4-cylinder engine
is equipped with a manual choke . Since the choke oper-
ates to enrich the fuel mixture delivered to the carbu-
retor, its improper use can result in excessive fuel
consumption. Use the choke, as outlined under "Start-
ing," only until the engine warms up. Then if the choke
is still necessary to provide smooth engine operation
your Chevrolet dealer should be called upon to perform
such
engine adjustments as may be necessary.
NEUTRAL-For use when starting or idling engine.
REVERSE-Operate as for 1st Gear but always at a slow
speed.
PUSHING TO START
• Turn on key and de-
press clutch pedal.
• Place gearshift lever in
Neutral position until
car speed reaches 15
MPH .
• Move shift lever to 3rd '
position and slowly re-
lease clutch pedal.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

The Powerglide transmission is a completely auto-
matic transmission which replaces the standard clutch
and transmission. After starting the engine with the
selector lever in "N" (Neutral) position, merely select
the range desired and depress the accelerator. The
transmission will do the rest. A gradual start with a
steady, gradual increase of pressure on the accelerator
pedal will enable the transmission to shift into the more
economical cruising gear in the shortest possible time.
Hard acceleration for fast starts will cause the trans-
mission to remain in low gear for a considerably longer
period with resultant higher fuel consumption.
The following chart will help you to become better
and more quickly acquainted with the driving advantages
and enjoyment built into your Powerglide automatic
transmission .
OPERATING YOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
P-PARK
Use only when car isstopped. CAR PARKED
- ' LlFT
R-REVERSE For backing car-from stop .
-*LlFT
N-NEUTRAL For standing (Brakes Applied).
NORMAL
DRIVING
D-DRIVE For Forward Driving. Step hard on accel-
RANGE
erator for extra acceleration below 40 mph
- * LIFT
L-LOW
L-for
hard
pulling at
low speeds and SAND, SNOW,
(Powerglide) climbing or descending steep grades.
MUD AND
Shift to L only below 40 mph. STEEP GRADES
* Lifting clears stops that prevent unintentional shifts to Reverse, Park or Low.
8
www.PlandeGraissage.org

ROCKING CAR
"ROCK" car to escape from mud, sand or snow,
by holding down the accelerator a small amount and
moving the selector lever between "D" and "R". With
a little practice the selector lever movements may be
coordinated with the forward and backward motion of
the car.
PUSHING TO START
• Turn off all electrical loads such as headlights, radio,
heater, etc., until after engine is started.
• Turn on key, place the selector lever in "N" until car
reaches 25 to 30 miles per hour and move the lever
to "l" position.
• When engine starts, move the selector lever to "D"
and proceed in a normal manner.
NOTE: It is best never to tow the car to start.
TOWING
When the engine starts, the car may ac-
celerate into the tow car.
• Place selector lever in "N" and do not exceed 30
miles per hour.
• If transmission is not operating properly, tow with
rear wheels raised or drive shaft disconnected.
9
• If towing at speeds above thirty miles per hour, drive
shaft must be disconnected.
WHEN PARKING YOUR CAR
To be double safe, always engage the parking
brake (see page 14) and place the transmission selector
lever in "Park" position when leaving your car unat-
tended.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

INSTRUMENTS
ODOMETER
LEFT TURN
SIGNAL
INDICATOR
BRIGHT
BEAM
INDICATOR
GENERATOR INDICATOR
This indicator is a check on generator output. Nor-
mally the light appears when the ignition is turned on,
may remain on or flicker on and off while the engine is
idling, and goes out as engine speed increases. If the
red light remains on at normal driving speeds the charg-
ing circuit is not functioning properly. See your Authorized
Chevrolet dealer immediately.
10
OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR LIGHT
FUEL
GAUGE
GENERATOR
INDICATOR
LIGHT
OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
LIGHT
If this indicator remains on during normal operation
it is an indication that the oil pressure in the engine is
low and the engine should be stopped until the cause of
the low pressure is found and corrected. Driving the car
while this light is on can quickly result in severe engine
damage.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer, located directly in front of the
driver, indicates the speed of the car in miles per hour.
The
odometer, which operates in conjunction with the
speedometer, registers accumulated mileage.
FUEL GAUGE
This electrically operated gauge indicates the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank. It is operative only when
the ignition switch is in the "ON" position. When the
ignition switch is turned "OFF" the needle will not neces-
sarily return to the
EMPTY mark but may stop at any
point on the dial.
TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LIGHT
Should the temperature of the engine coolant reach
the point where there is danger of engine damage, this
red indicator light
will come on. If this occurs, stop the
11
engine until the cooling system is thoroughly checked
and the cause of the overheating is found and cor-
rected. As a check on the condition of the bulb and
circuit of this indicator light, it will come on when the
ignition key is in "START" position but before the engine
is started. The light should go out when the engine starts.
BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT
This indicator light, when installed, will flash when
the ignition key is turned "ON" if the parking brake
is engaged, warning you to release the brake before
proceeding. See "Parking Brake" on page 14.
HEADLIGHT BEAM INDICATOR LIGHT
This indicator light will be on whenever the high
beam, or "brights," of your headlights are in use.
Always
"dim" your headlights when approaching on-
coming cars.
See "Headlight Beam Switch" on page 13.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

LIGHT
AIR
CONTROL
CONTROLS
(4 CYLINDER ENGINE)
BRAKE
12
GLOVE BOX
I
TRAY
HEATER CONTROLS
LIGHT SWITCH
The three position light control switch controls the
headlights, taillights, parking lights, instrument lights
and dome lights as shown. The headlight and parking
light circuits
are protected by a circuit breaker in the
light switch.
An overload will cause the lights to "flicker"
on and off. If this condition ex ists, have your Chevrolet
Dealer check your headlight and parking light wiring
immediately.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

HEADLIGHT BEAM SWITCH
"High" and "low" headlight beams are controlled
by the floor button at your left foot. The Headlight Beam
Indicator, located below the speedometer dial, will
be lighted when the high beams are in use. Always use
"low beam" when approaching oncoming cars.
13
TURN SIGNAL
Move the lever:up or down to indi cate a right or a
left turn respectively. As the parking lights and stoplights
flash to indicate the direction of the turn, the instrument
panel indicator flashes. When
the turn is completed the
lever will return to neutral.
Remember to turn on the
signal well in advance of
your turn.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

Foot Controls
Clutch
and Brake Pedals
Both the brake and the clutch pedals are of the
pendant type which provides ample footroom on the
floor as well as extra leverage for easier, more positive
pedal application.
Power Brakes
Optional power brakes make use of engine vacuum
to
help you bring your car to a stop with much less
braking effort than needed with regular brakes. It may
be wise to make several trial stops to familiarize your-
self with their easier operation.
A built-in vacuum reserve supplies one power as-
14
sis ted stop should the engine stall, after which additional
foot pressure will be needed for brake response.
Parking Brake
The hand operated parking brake is conveniently
located just to the right of the steering column.
• Pull the cane type handle toward you to engage the
parking brake. This mechanically sets the rear wheel
brakes. The handle will remain in the extended posi-
tion while the parking brakes are applied.
• To release the parking brake, turn the handle clock.
wise and allow it to return to its original position.
The brake indicator light, if installed, is illuminated,
when the brake is applied, by a flashing red light.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
Wipers
Turn the single speed
wiper control knob clockwise
to start, counterclockwise to
stop.
The
optional two speed
wiper is operated in a like
manner, but has three switch
positions, OFF,SLOW and
FAST.
Washers
Windshield washers are optional with the single
speed wiper while the optional two speed wiper is
equipped with an integral washer mechanism.
Operate the washers by pressing the button in the
center of the wiper control knob. This will send a meas-
ured amount of water or other cleaning agent onto the
windshield and also will cause the wiper knob to turn,
thus starting the wiper motor : The wiper will then continue
to operate . until manually turned off at the wiper knob .
Keep the wafer container under the hood filled at all
times. Avoid operating the washer when jar is empty.
15
G. M. Windshield Washer Solvent added to the water
aids in cutting road film and grease from the windshield
and is recommended for use at all times except when the
temperature falls below freezing.
Cold Weather Washer Operation
During periods when temperatures of freezing or
below can be expected, use G. . M. Windshield Washer
Anti-freeze and prewarm the
windshield using the heater
defrosters before attempting
to use the washers.
Fill the washer jar only
3,4 full in winter to allow ex-
pansion if the temperature
should fall low enough to
freeze the solution.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

CHEVY II RADIOS
Each of the optional "all transistor" Chevy II Radios
will give you the same powerful, undistorted reception.
The radios differ mainly in their operating controls which
are reviewed here.
Manually Tuned Radio
LEFT HAND KNOB-The outer knob turns the set on and
off and controls the volume.
The inner "wing knob" may be moved to change
the tone from treble (extreme clockwise) to bass
(extreme counterclockwise).
RIGHT HAND KNOB-The outer knob manually selects
radio stations.
16
Push Button Radio
The push button radio has the manual tuning con-
trol knobs plus push buttons which automatically select
preset stations when pushed in.
To preset the push buttons:
1. Warm up the radio for 10 minutes (20 minutes in
freezing temperatures).
2. Pull the push button straight out as far as it will go.
3. Tune the desired station manually.
4. Push the button all the way in.
5. Check operation of push button and repeat Steps 1
through 4 if tuning is not accurate.
6. Repeat this procedure for each push button.
www.PlandeGraissage.org

17
POWER STEERING
Chevy II optional Power Steering is designed to
reduce steering effort · without losing the so-called "feel"
of manual steering. Power steering assistance is zero up
to a pull of about three pounds at the rim of the steer-
ing wheel. At the three pound load the Power Steering
unit will begin to gradually take over, until, at a pull of
about eight pounds or more on the steering wheel, it
will supply about 80 % of the effort needed to turn the
front wheels.
POSITRACTION REAR AXLE
The Positraction Rear Axle gives you constant driv-
ing force on both rear wheels; especially helpful in the
winter and during other slippery driving conditions.
In normal use, light throttle application will supply
maximum traction. When starting with one rear wheel
on an excessively slippery surface, slight application of
the parking brake may be necessary to gain maximum
traction .
www.PlandeGraissage.org

DELUXE HEATER
The Chevy II Deluxe Heater draws outside air
through the air inlet just ahead of the windshield and
posses it through the heater core and i nto the passen-
ger comportment in such a manner as to provide just
the
desired comfort level within the cor . Listed on the
following page are the heater operating controls. The
suggested
operating procedure shown in the table below
and the operating tips on the following page will help
you
to become more quickly familiarized with heater
control operations .
tTo reduce rear seat drafts, close all windows and vents .
18
www.PlandeGraissage.org

Heater Controls
Three control knobs comprise the control center of
your Deluxe Heater, the AIR-FAN knob, TEMP knob and
DEF knob.
AIR-This is the air ON or OFF control. Pull the knob
fully OUT to direct outside air through the heater,
push
IN to completely shut OFF the air flow. DO
NOT ATIEMPTTO OPERATE THE HEATER UNLESS
THIS KNOB IS PULLED FULLY OUT.
TEMP-Pull this knob fully OUT to provide maximum
heqt output from the heater. Push in the knob as
desired to permit an almost infinite degree of tem-
perature regulation.
DEF-Pull this knob fully OUT to divert the entire air
flow to the defroster outlets. Intermediate settings
may be used to divide the air flow between these
defroster outlets and the floor distributor duct.
FAN
CONTROL-Turn the AIR knob to operate the three-
speed
blower motor. Never operate the blower in
any speed unless the AIR knob is pulled fully OUT.
19
www.PlandeGraissage.org

DELUXE AIR CONDITIONING
The Chevy II Deluxe Air Conditioning System oper-
ates in conjunction with the heater to provide condi-
tioned air for maximum passenger comfort during every
season of the year. Air flow may be directed through
the two side louvers, two ball outlet~ and the front
louver. Air conditioning controls are:
AIR CONDITIONING "ON" KNOB-left front of the ' air
conditioning unit-pull knob fully out to divert air
flow through the air conditioning unit and turn on
the system.
COOLING CONTROL KNOB-right front of the air con-
SEATS
The front seat may be quickly and easily adjusted
forward or rearward to provide maximum driving com-
fort. (Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can make addi-
tional adjustments to further tailor the seat to your
p.articl,llar comfort requirements.)
20
ditioning unit-turn knob clockwise to provide de-
gree of cooling desired.
AIR-FAN KNOB-left knob of the three heater control
knobs on the dash panel-pull knob fully "out" for
100 % outside air, push fully "in" for 1 00 % inside
air. During air conditioning operations it is recom-
mended that this knob be pulled out about '/4 inch.
Turn the knob for the desired blower speed.
AIR CONDITIONING OPERATING HINTS
• For operation during marginal weather, use" 2-level"
control: move the AIR CONDo ON knob partially out
to divide air flow between heater distributor and the
air conditioner outlets. Adjust the heater HEAT con-
trol knob and the air conditioner cooling control knob
to provide desired heat af floor level and cooled air
at the breathing level.
• Close all
windows and vents when operating ,system
except for the first few minutes of operation when
the car interior is very hot. Close the windows as
soon as the excessively
heated air has escaped.
Work the seat adjuster lever, located on outboard
side of the front seat, to unlock the seat and allow ad-
justment to the front or rear. As the seat slides for-
ward, it tilts also to provide best posture and increased
driving ease. Release the lever to lock the seat in the
desired position.
www.PlandeGraissage.org