Chevrolet Corvette 1953 User manual

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It warm welcome to a new form of motoring
pleasure
is extended to you as a Corvette owner. This is your introduction to
an all new and distinctive design in which Chevrolet com'bines many of the
desirable features
of the passenger car into a truly fine and beautiful sports car.
Tbis manual has been prepared to provide you with necessary inforlDation
on features. driving. care and maintenance of your new Corvette. Read the
information
contained herein carefully and keep it as a handy reference.
Your Chevrolet dealer, who
is equipped to perform complete maintenance
on the Corvette, will he glad to assist you in any prohlems concerning the
operation and servicing of your car. Do not besitate to consult hiro.
All information. illustrations and specifications contained in this literature
are based on the latest product information available at the time ofpublication
approval.
The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
C HE V R0 LET MOT 0 R 0 I V I S ION • G ENE RA L MOT 0 RS COR P0 RAT ION • 0 ET R0 I T 2. M I C H.

A GUIDE TO THE IMPORTANT FEATURES OF YOUR NEW CORVmE
CORvm£ RADIO - P"'G~ 21 '
HEATER AND DffIIOSTER -PAGE. 3
cORVffiE FEATURES -PAGE 7
OpERATING INSTRUCTIONS - 'AGE 9 LUBRICATION -PAGE
23
"
CARE OF THE FINISH -PAGE 14
aREAKING-IN PE.IOD - ~AG~ 12
DESIGN AND MINOR MAINTENANCE INFORMATION - PAGE 29
MANUFACTU~'S WARRANTY - PAGE 66
CARE OF THE TIRES - 'AGE 15
TIRE AND BATTERY WARRANnES - 'AGE 66
GENERAL INFORMAnON - PAGE 12
MAINTENANCE SCHEDU.E - PAGE 26
Tf(HNICAL DATA -PAGE 64
OWNER SERVICE POUCY -PAGE 67
"
•
r,

LIGHT
CONTROL ACCESSORY
HEATER
DEFROSTER CONTROL
Fig. 1- 1 nsl,"mLnlS and ControlS'

Fil. 2-SpmJomtltt and
Parhng Brak~ .. lIarm
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
•
SI'EEDO \I ETE R
The Spcc.:domcLcr located
on the instrument panel
above the stccrin~ column
(fi~. 2) registcrs both spced
and accumulated milea,{c.
A hood over [he upper por-
tion of lhe speedometer re-
duces reflections during
night driving.
FUE L GAUGE
The fuci gauge (fig. 3) is
operated electrically to in-
dicate the amount of fuel
ill the 17 gallon fuel tank
with the ignition switcb
turned on. When the igni-
tion is lurned off, the
pointer returns to the
empty mark.
TEM I 'E R ATU UE
GAUGE
The tempel'ature gauge
Ftg . l- rtrllprralurt Gaugt
(fi~. 4) 'hn'" engine cool-
ant temperature in lhe cyl-
inder head. Temperature
indications will vary with
thermostat ran~e, outside
air temperature and oper-
ating conditions of the
vehicle. Lon~ hard drives
or prolonged idling in very
hot weather may produce
above normal temperature
indications.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer located in
the lower
center of the in·
strument panel (fig. 5) in-
dicatcs the speed of the
engine in revolutions per
minute. Incorporated into
the tachometer is a rcvo--
lulion counter which indi·
.4 cates. the cumuJativc tOlal
of engine I"evoJUt1ons.
J

AMMETER
The ammeter (fig. 6) shows the rate at which the battery is
being charged or discharged. The generator is equipped
with a regulator which
controls the charge accord·
ing to battery requirements.
~~
When the generator is sup-
~ plying more than the cur-
I rent deman.d, the ammeter
:~:h:W !:~~~~a~
shown if the demand of the
eq!Jipment switched on is
greater than the generator
output. When battery is
fully charged, the charging
rate will be low, thus giving an indication of the condition
of the battery.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The oil pressure gauge (fig. 7) is installed primarily as an
indi.cator to show wheth.er or not the oil pump is working
and does not necessarily indicate the condition or quantity
ofoil in the crankcase. The oil pressure gauge should always
indicate pressure when the engine is running. If no pressure
2
is indicated, stop the en·
gine immediately and bave
the cause corrected. When
starting a cold engine, i
will
be noted that the oi
pressure gauge will register
a higb oil pressure.
As the
engine warms up, the p~
sure will drop until it
reaches a point where
changes to higber speech
will raise the pressure very
little if at all. If oil pres-
sure registers abnorma1Jy
high after the engine is
thoroughly warmed up, it
may indicate the possibility
of plugged oil lines
and
passages and should be in-
spected to determine the
cause.
CLOCK
Fi,. B-Clock An illuminated electric
clock (fig. 8) is located [0
the right of the oil pressure gauge. The clock is se t by pull-
ing out and turning the knob at the bOllom of the dial.

P'I_ 9-Ll,hl aM CII D Ie, Controls
LIGHT CONTROL
KNOB
The light control knob (lig.
9) is located at the extreme
left of
the lower instrument
panel and controls a two
position push-pull switch.
Pull knob to Ii"'t position
for parking, tail, license
and instrument panelligh" .
In the second position,
headlight beams replace
parking ligh" . Instrument
panel ligh" may be regulated by rotating the knob.
CHOKE
The choke, located adjacent to the light control knob
(fig. 9), is wed to provide a richer fuel mixture to assist in
starting a cold engine. Pull choke knob out part way or all
the way depending upon climatic conditions.
This auto-
matically opens
the throttle to provide for smooth engine
operation when choking
is required.
CAUTION : Excessive use of tbe choke will provide a fuel
mixture tOO rich to bum . Some of this
unburned fuel will leak past the pistons and
dilute the engine oil, resulting in improper
lubrication, excessive engine wear and poor
performance. When it is necessary to use the
choke for starting, it sbould be pushed part
way in as soon 3.! the engine starts and all
the way in as soon as the engine will run
smoothly without
its we .
LO~\N
~s,..~
Frg. 10-K!)I Slarler nnd
1,1ll1um SWitch
KEY STARTER AND
IGNITION SWITCH
The four p06itions of the
key starter (fig. 10)
are:
LOCK, OFF, ON and
START . To operate, turn
switch to START. As soon
as the engine
start', release
switch, which will return
to ON p06ition. The key is
required only when turn-
ing to or from LOCK
position.
JIEATER AND DEFROSTER CONTROL
The Corvette recirculating beater and defroster, which is
available as a factory installed optional accessory, has a
single control knob (fig. 11) located above
tbe ignition
switch and adjaceot to the speedometer.
3

Tocontro i the healer, push
knob rull),
"In" and rotate
[0 desired "LO" or "III"
blower operation. \\'arm
air from heater is deflected
down towards the floor To
turn off rotate index mark
on knob to the \'ertical
position.
To operate defroster, pull
knoh OUI
or partially out
rmd rolate 10 desired blower
FIg. I1 - H~at~r ond f)tjrosld COf/IMl velocity as dcscril>cd above.
The warm air is divided between the heater and defroster
in
proport i on to the amount of contro l k.nob pull-out.
4
FIg . lZ- It'" ulrh"IJ H ·' lp"
fUld IVmllt'r C01/trnl
WI NDS III ELD WII 'E R
AN D WASHER
CON TROL
\Vilh the engine runninf{,
the windshield wiper and
washer control knob (fig.
12)
may be rOlated to reg-
ulate wiper action, while
pressing
and then releasing
the
button in the center
I-',/:. 1 3-Radlo elmtro/r
of lbe knob will operate
the washer.
RADIO CONT lt OLS
The Corvelle ,iqnal 5tcl<-
iog radio is available as a
faclOry inslalled oplional
accessory.
When installed, the radio controls (fig. 13) are
located in the upper center or the instrument panel and
consist of left and right inner and outer control knobs,
push bUltOn comrols, a ravoJ'ite stauon selectOr, and an
automatic tuning bar. A complete description of the
operation of the Corvette radio is contained on pages 21
and 22.
CIGAR ETTE
LI GH TE R
The cigarelle lighter (fig.
14) is located on the upper
face of lhe instrument pan -
el above lbe oil prosurc
gauge and is operated by
pushing in and releasing.
When heated, it automat-
icaUy clicks
OUl for use.

Fi" IS-ParAm , '! 8raA t und
Hood I A< * Co ntr olJ
PARKING BlIAKE
AND ALAlIM LI G HT
The parking brake oper-
ates independently of the
service brakes and
is applied
by pulling
slrai~ht back
on the T-handle (fig. 15).
To release, simply tum the
handleslightly and push in
to
normal position. A park.
ing brake alarm light, lo-
cated below the speedom-
eter (fig. 2). operates only
with ignition switch on to indicate by means of a Aashinq
red light when the parking brake is applied.
nOOD LOCK CONTlIOL
The hood lock is released by pulling out the contro l knob
located under the left side of the instrument panel, ncar the
parking brake T-handle (6g. 15). This releases the hood to
enable it to be raised
manually to the open position. The
hood is hinged at its forward end to supports at the sides
of
the radiator. A telescoping hood support, which locks
when
the hood reaches the open position, is provided. To
lower the hood, it must first be raised to disengage the
hold-open support and then lowered fully to engage the
hood lock.
DllIECTION SIGNAL
The direction signal lever is located on the left side of the
slcerin~ column forward of the ste ering wheel. Moving this
levcr downward for a left turn and upward for a right tum
will impart a flashing signal through the parking and SlOp
li~hls LO indicate direction of turn . The lever will auto-
ll'ladcaJl~ ' relOnl to Ihe "oW' position upon completion of
turn . The signal direction is indicated to tbe driver by a
flashing arrow in the speedometer.
HOllN lIING
A Ilorn ring is provided on the steering wheel to control
the
operation of tbe horn . Finger tip pressure at any point
on this ring will provide the electrical contact necessary
fig . J6 - Cou :1 """IIol or nnd
Foal COl/trols
to blow the horns.
COWL VF..NTlLATOR
CONTROL
The cowl ventilator is
openedandcJosed bymeans
of the control handle lo-
cated below the instrument
panel (fig. 16). A rachet
mechanism provides sev-
eraJ positions for the regu-
lation of the air admitted.
5

HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH
Beam selection for high or low headlight beams may
be made by exerting foot pressure on the dimmer
switch located at the left side of the Boor toe board
(fig. 16). A
headlamp beam indicator i. provided in th e
speedometer
and a small opening beneath the 70 mile
mark is illuminated when the high beams are on.
BRAKE PEDAL
Depressing the foot operated pendant type brake pedal (fig.
16), which is supporled from the master cylinder attached to
the dash panel, applies the hydraulic service brakes at all
four wheels
in proportion to the pressure applied on the pedal.
Fig . 17-Power g bdt Sdtctor Le/J"
6
ACCELERATOR
The accelerator pedal (fig.
16) controls engine speed
and is designed LO provide
the proper "feei'\ neither
too li ght nor too firm,
for smooth control.
POWER GLIDE
SELECTOR LEVER
The selector lever for the
transmission (fig. 17) is
mounted on the side of
floor tunnel within con
venient reach of the driver
Lever positions are indi-
cated on the top of the
lever knob . More detail
information on selector
lever positions can be faun
on page 9.
SEAT ADJUSTER
Fig. 1 B-Seat AdjuJtfr Control Ul!tT The seat adjuster control
lever
is located on the
front of driver's seat frame near the left corner (fig.
18), and when pulled upward allows the seat to be
Fig . 79 - Door L«k I nSide Handle
adjusted forward or back-
ward.
DOOR LOCK
INSID .E HANDLE
To open the door, the lock
is released from either in-
side or outside the car by
grasping the balJ handle at
the front of the door inner
panel (
fig. 19) and pull.
ing rearward.

Flg.2D-
K9
CORVETTE
KEYS AND LOCKS
A single key operates both
the ignition switch and
luggage compartment lid
lock. Record the key
number upon delivery of
the car. The "knockout"
plug (fig. 20) upon which
the Dumber
is stamped should be removed so that un-
authorized persons cannot obtain the key number and have
Fig. 21-Par./ct1gt Compartmt:nl
and Ash Tray
a duplicate made.
PACKAGE
COMPARTMENTS
A package compartmenc is
provided in the interior
paneling
of each door. The
compartment has a hinged
cover
that may be easily
lifted with a footman strap.
ASH TRAY
An ash tray is provided in
each door forward of the
package compartment. To empty, lift ash tTay and remove.
FE A TUR ES
FOLDING TOP COMPARTMENT
The folding top, when lowered, is stowed in a compartment
belUnd the driver and passenger seats. A hinged lid, whicb
is secured by a push button lock between the seat backs
covers
the LOp compartment and also serves to anchor the
rear of the tOp, when raised, by means of cwo bushings in
the lid, into which are inserted the ratchet-type spring
loaded clamps on the tOP rear bow. See pages 17-19 for
folding
top operaling instructions.
DOOR VENTILATOR AND WINDOW
For protecdon against inclement weather, attachable plexi-
glass side window
and venti pane assemblies (fig. 22), are
provided which may be quickly and easily installed
Fit. 22-Door Vcn1Jlafor
and W'ndow
to or removed from each
door. The ventipancs are
friction type and without
handles, requiring direct
hand pressure for opening
and closing. When not in
use
lhe side \'llindows are
stored in the luggage com-
partment. For installation
instruction
s, see page 16 .
7

FIg . 23-lUar !lmu Afmpt
-,
FIg . U-CC1urltS; Lamp
REAIl VIEW
MInROHS
Two rear view mirrors, onc
mounted on the
tOP center
of the instrument panel
(fig. 23) and the olher
mounled on the left door
outer panel are adjustable
to accommodate all driv-
ing positions.
COllHTESY LAMPS
Courtesy lamps are located
under the bottom flange of
the instrumem panel near
each end of the panel (fig.
24). These lamps illumi-
oate the floor area and are
automatically lighted by
means of a switch 00 the
body pillar when either
door is opened.
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT
A spacious lugga ge slOrage area is provided at the rear of
the body (fig. 25). Access to lhi' storage area, as well as to
8
F, g. 25-'LlIggagL Compartmtllt
the spare tire stowed beneath the luggage
Rapr is gained by inserting the key imo the lock below
rear bumper and IUmjng until the lid is released from
lock. Then insert fingers under lid edge and raise to
position. Thc lid hinges arc spring loaded for ease in
iog and counterbalanced La remain in the open ","utiCln l
without support.
NOTE: The wheel wrench, scisso", jack and handle,
arc provided as tools, as weB as the door wi', Idow l
and ventilator assemh li es, are slored in the
gage compartment when not in use.

FIg . 26-SeltctQr Leva POflilOrlJ
OPERATING
POWERGLLDE
SELECTOR LEVER
POSITIONS
Conlrol of the Powerglide
transmission
is provided by
five different positions of a
seJecLOT lever which is
mounted on th e side of the
Roor tunnel within con-
venient reach of the driver.
The l ever posiLions, which
are deSCT\bed below, are
indicaled on lOp of lhe seleclor lever knob (fig. 26).
R -
REVERSE For backing up. Bring car to a com-
plele stop before selecting lhis
L-LOW
D - DRIVE
position.
Use only when pulling through deep
snow
or sand, climbing or descending
very
steep hills, and for additional en-
gioe braking below 40 M.P.H.
F'oT all normal driving. Transmission
automatically selects the range best
suited to every driving situation.
INSTRUCTIONS
N - NEUTRAL Allows engine [0 be operated with car
standing still.
P - PARK Holds the car immovable, even on
steep grades.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Rtmunbr.r, carbon mono.'(idt: is a poisonous gas. }{tVf!t start or ron
the engine in a closed garage.
1. The engine can be started in either Ifpl1 or UN" posi.
tion. The starter is inoperative in any other position,
since a safety switch
is provided to prevent starting
the engine with the lransmission in gear . IT engine is
very cold or car is on hill, uP" position is prererable.
2. Pull choke knob out parl way or all tbe way depend-
ing on climatic conditions. H the engine is warm or in
summer weather, it is not generally necessary to use
the choke at all. In extremely cold weather the cboke
should be pulled all the way out.
3.
Hold accelerator pedal down halfway and turn key
starter to START ( fig . 10). Release as soon as engine
starts. Key starter will automatically return to ON.
NOTE: Do oot pump tbe accelerator pedal before
or during the use of the starter as this will
cause difficult
slarting .
9

4. A1l sooo as the engioe starts, push the choke knob in
part way until engine idles smoothly. Afler engine has
warmed
up, push cboke knob in all lhe way.
NOTE: When Slarting a cold engine, it will be ooted
that the oil pressure gauge will register a
high pressure. Do not accelerate tbe engine
excessively until the oil is sufficiently warm
to permit a lower pressure. If the gauge does
not show any pressure, stop the engine im·
mediately and determine the cause.
5. 10 case the engine becomes overcboked or Hooded at
any time, be sure. the choke button is all the way in,
then press the foot accelerator down fully and.operate
starter continuously until engine starts. This will
eliminate further choking. IT it becomes desirable or
necessary to again choke the carburetor for starting,
follow the procedure io steps 2·5.
NOTE: Excessive use of the choke will provide a fuel
mixture tOO rich to bum. Some of this un·
burned fuel will leak past the pistons and
dilute the engine oil, resulting in i.mproper
lubrication, excessive engine wear and poor
performance.
DRIVING WITH POWER GLIDE
Place the selector lever in D and press the accelerator for
smooth, effortless driving in city or country. Powerglide
10
automatically selects tbe range most suited to.your dri
needs. Starting, the car moves forward in automatic low
changing to cruising range between 10 and 52 M.P .H. d
pending on accelerator position. While cruising at !
below 48 M.P.H., PowergJide will change automatically
low
range when accelerator is full y depressed for maximulII
acceleration. At low speeds above 10 M . P.H ., this chan
may occur before accelerator is fully depressed. A1l the
slows to a stop. Powerglide changes
to low range at 9 M.P.
in readiness for the next stan.
NOTE: The above road speed. are approximate and rna
vary with individual C3r1!.
L position should be used when climbing very steep grad
at reduced speed, or when pulling lhrough deep sand
.now . At speeds below 10 M: P.H . this range may be used t
provide
additional engine braking for descending It
grades or slowing down on slippery pavement .
R position reverses Powerglide for backing. Bring car to
complete stop aDd move selector lever to R position wi
engine idling.
Remember that Powerglide is completely automatic. Sim
move the selector lever to the desired position and p
accelerator to go. Do not attempt to force a change
low tC!t cruising range by releasing the accelerator. In \lri
open acceleration, Powerglidc will change from low

cruising range at 52 M . P.H . During moderate acceleration,
this change may occur as low as 10 M.P.H. Because Power-
glide automatically selects the range best suited to any
driving condition, maximum performance and economy
is assured.
DRIV ING CAUTIONS
A few driving cautions should be observed:
• Do n,at accelerate engine for over ten seconds lD 0,
L, or R when car is held with brakes.
o When napped on an upgrade, do oat bold car by
accelerating engine except very briefly. Use service
brake.
• Move selector lever to L for extremely hard pulls at
low road speed.
• Do not move: selector from D to L at speeds over
40M.P.H.
• Never move selector [0 R when car is moving forward.
o Engage parking P anJy when car is completely
stopped.
TOWING AND PUSHING CAUTIONS
• Pusbing the Corvette is nOt recommended.
• If your Corvette must be towed, place selector le ver
ia N. Do not exceed 48 M.P.H. If the transmission
is not aperatiag properly , the propeller sbaft should
be disconnected from the rear axle or the rear wheels
raised before any towing is attempted .
o Should it ever be necessary to start the engine by tow-
ing the car, place the selector lever in N until the car
reacbes a minimum speed of 15 M.P. H. on a dry sur-
face or 20 M.P.H. on a slippery road. Turn key
starter to ON and move selector to L. Wben engine
starts ~ move selector to .D .
NOTE: Use extreme care to prevent car from accel~
erating into tow car when engine starts.
Avoid using too short a tow line to minimize
this possibility.
• Using the Corvette to push or pull other vehicles is
not recommended.
11

BREAKIN(j-IN PERIOD
To maintain the high standard of performance and effi-
ciency of your Corvette, special
attention should be given
for
the first two thousand miles to lubrication and the speed
at which the car is driven. The crankcase of the engine is
filled with a light body "breaking-in" oil. USE THIS OIL
ONLY DURING THE FIRST 500 MILES OF DRIVING.
Check the oil frequently during the first 500 miles. At the
end of 500 miles, drain the crankcase while hot and refill
with the grade of oil reco=ended on page 23. Check
level
each time gas is purchased and change at reeo
mended drain periods.
To break-in the moving parts of the engine properly, do not
dri've faster than:
40 miles per hour for the first 100 miles.
50 milts po hour for tht next 71XJ miles.
(j() miles per hour for the next 200 miles.
(jENERAL INFORMATION
GASOLINE AND ENGINE OIL
The engine is designed to deliver maximum performance
with "Premium" gt'adcs of gasoline. Usc of th e proper en-
gine oil is also of great importanc e in assuring maximum
perfonnance and economy. See recommendations on pages
23
and 26.
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
The gasoline filler cap is located under the lid in the
left rear fender to the rear of the door opening (fig. 27).
This cap is designed with a built-in spr ing loaded
12
Fig. 27-Gasoline Filler Cap
valve to prevent pressure:
build-up and surging
gasoline
out of the lank
on turns.
COOLING SYSTEM
FILLER CAP
A pressure type radiator
auxiliary tank filler cap ~
provided on the lOp fear

Pig. Z8-Engltu 0.1 alld Goo/ing
SJ'Stl'm Fill" Caps
portion of the auxiliary
tank located on the right
side of the engine. When
removing, rotate left to
first stop to relieve pres-
sure in system, then turn
cap again to remove.
ENGINE OIL FILLER
CAP
The oil filler cap for the
engine lubrication system
is located at the top front
of the rocker cover (fig. 28) and is rotated to the
left to re.move.
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
ROD
The engine oil level rod,
located on the right side
of
the crankcase (fig. 29) is
marked FULL and ADD
OIL . Check oil frequently
and maintain level be-
tween these twO lines .
Avoid overfilling.
TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL ROD
The Powerglide transmission oil level rod on the right side
of the engine (fig. 29) is marked
FU LL and ADD 1 QT .
Check every 1000 miles with transmission in Neutral.
engine warm and idling. Avoid overfilling.
USE OF THE JACK
Flf- JO-POIi,ion tif lad Jar
Fronl TiTt Change
Fig . 31-Po~,tr01t oj lack/ctr
!Uor
Tm Change
1. Set parking brake, move selector lever to park posi_
tion, and block diagonaJJy opposite wheel.
1.0

2. To remove wheels, position jack on the ground under
car at following locations:
a. At front wheel place jack under the front sus-
pension lower con tr ol arm near OUler end
(fig. 30).
b. At rear wheel place jack under rear axle housing
near rebound strap (fig. 31).
3. Rotating jack handle clockwise, raise ca r until [ire
clears ground.
4. To lower, turn handle counterclockwise.
CAUTION: Do not get und erneath car when it is
on jac k.
SPARE TIRE STORAGE
The spare tire is SLOwed in a \vell in the floor of the luggage
compartment. A plywood cover retained by a boh and sta-
tionary
nut, overlaps th e floor surrounding the well (see
fig. 25). To gain access to the tire, lift up floor mat, remove
cover retaining bolt
and remove cover.
CARE OF THE FIN1SH
To preserve the original beauty and value of the Duco
finish, keep it as clean as possible. When washing the car,
always use clear cold water. Never wash in
the direct rays
14
of the sun. Maintain [he original gloss by application
mild liquid polish. Abrasive polishes
and cleaners may d
the job quicker, but may also remove some of tbe good finis
All chrome parts can besl be maintained by frequent wash
ing and occasional waxing. The wax used for polishing ca
is very satisractory. To apply, first wash with water, th
dry with a chamois and app ly wax with a clean soft do
Finish by polishing with another cloth.
For chrome plaled surfaces already damaged by rUSl cl
with a cleaning compound which your dealer can supp l
and then apply a protective wax coating.
CARE OF THE COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system should be kept clean. The use of a
inhibitor in the cooling system when plain water is used
a coolant will malerially aid in keeping the system cle
Also use only rust~inhibiting ami-freeze solution, follow'
the manufacturer's specificalions. To insure uniform .
tribution of the anti-freeze throughout the cooling syst
it is recommended that the anti-freeze be mixed to pro
proportions before adding to the system through lhe a .
iary tank. The vapor line connecting the radiator auxili
,ank with the top of the radiator should be checked
lady to see that it does not bend or sag between ends

accumulate a pocket of water or vapor thal would prevent
a
tr ansfer of air.
To drain the coolin~ system, open drains at the bottom
of the radiator and lower left rear side of eo~ne block.
CUiE OF THE TIRES
lnder lnHation
Runs H OI
Loosens Cords
Uneven Wear
Blow outs
Fig. J2- Ti,t Injlntlon
Proper Inflation Over Innotion
Good Ride H ard Ride
Good Traction
Even \-Vear
More Mileage
Poor Traction
Bruises
Fabric Breaks
To enjoy rnaXlmum service from your tires-maintain these
rt'COmmended pressures during normal operation of your
Corvcue:
Starting- (lr('ss lIrt> -22 Ibs. when car has been st anding
three hours or driven less than a mile.
C ity I'rl 'Ss ur e
-25 lbs. after drivin~ a car three mil es
or more below 40 miles per hour.
lIi~hwuy Pressure -27 Ibs . after driving car three miles
or more above 40 miles per hour.
For mstaintd Iligh spud optTallon oj your Corvrttt, mam/aln front
and r(Of startmg prtSsurt of 28 fbs.
Hard driving normally increases lire pressures. Do not
"bleed" Lires to reduce this higher pl'es.-;ure. Valve caps
should always be installed and lighlened firmly
10 prevenl
dus[
and watcr from entcrin~ and damaging valve seal!.
The caps also act as an air seal.
fig. 33- T,,~ RotatIon DIO,(TQm
To help prevent uneven
wear of front tires a nd to
distribute wear evenly over
all five lires, lhey should
be changed as shown in
Fig. 33 every 5,000 miles.
Your Corvello is equipped
wilh 6.70xI5-4 ply raling
whitc·wall tires wbic h
should be
maintained at
the above recommended
prcssurrs for maximum
service. It is int ended that
these tircs be us('d only f or
nonnal operation of your
15