Chevrolet Corvette 1953 User manual

CJjour

cehevrotet

ceorvette

Operator's o

ftanuat

www.PlandeGraissage.org

INTRODUCTION

A

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

dis-

tinctive

design

in which

Chevrolet

combines

many

of

the

desirable

features

of

the

passenger

car

in-

to a

truly

fine and

beautiful

sports

car.

This

temporary

pamphlet

has

been

prepared

to

provide

you with

necessary

information

on

fea-

tures,

driving

,

qre

and

maintenance

of

your

new

Corvette

pending

publication

of the

illustrated

and

more

comprehensive

Maintenance

Manual.

The

attached

stamped

and

self-addressed

post

card

has

been

provided

for

your

convenience

in

obtain-

ing

your

copy of

the

Maintenance

Manual when

it

becomes

available.

Read

the

information

contained

herein

carefully

and keep

It

as

a handy

reference.

Your

Chevrolet

dealer,

who

is

equipped

to

perform

complete

main-

tenance

on the

Corvette,

will

be

glad

to

assist

you

in

any

problems

concerning

the

operation

and

servicing

of

your

car.

Do not

hesitate

to

consult

him.

All

information

and

specifications

contained

in

this

literature

are

based

on

the

latest

product

informa-

tion

available

at

the

time

of

publication

approval.

The

right

Is

reserved

to

make

changes

at

any

time

without notice.

www.PlandeGraissage.org

CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCT

ION

INSTRUMENTS

AND

CONTROLS

Speedometer. . . . . . S

Fuel

Gauge.

. . . . . S

Temperature Gauge. S

Tachometer.

. . . . . . . . . S

Ammeter.

. . . . . . . . . . . 5

Oil

Pressure

Gauge. . . . . 6

Clock

. . . . . . . . . . 6

Light Control Knob. 6

Windshield Wiper

Control. . . . . . . . 6

Heater and

Defroster

Comrol. . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Key Starter and Ignition

Switc

h.

. . . . 7

Choke.

. . . . . . 7

Radio

Controls.

7

Lighter.

. . . . . 8

Hood

Lock Controls 8

Parking Brake and

Alarm

Light.

. . 8

Directional Signal . 8

Horn

Ring.

. . . . . 8

Airscoop Control 9

Headlight

Dimmer

Switch.

. . . . . . . . . . • 9

Windshield Washer

Control.

..

.

Brake Pedal ..

.....

..

.

Accelerator

.

......

.

Powerglide

Selector

Lever.

.........

.

Seat Adjuster .. .'

...

.

Door Lock I

nside

Handle .

....

.

.....

.

CORVETTE

FEATURES

Keys

and

Locks .

....

.

Pa

ckage Compartments .

Ash

Trays

.

....

Folding Top

Compartment. .

Door Ventilator and

Window

.

.....

.

Rear View

Mirror

.....

Courtesy

Lamps.

Luggage Locker .

..

.•

9

10

11

Page

OPERATING

I

NSTRUCT

IONS

Powergllde

Selector

Lever Positions .

..

...

12

Starting the Engine .

....

12-13

Driving with Powerglide.. 13-14

Driving Cautions.

.....

. 1

4-

15

Towing

and

Pushing'

Cautions .

.......

..

15

BREAKI

NG-

IN

PER

IOD

...

16

GENERAL

I

NFORMATION

Gasoline

and

Engine Oil

16

Gasoline

Filler

Cap

.

...

16

Cooling System

Filler

Cap

..............

16

Engine Oil

Filler

Cap .

..

17

Engine Oil Level

Rod

..

.

17

Transmi

ssion Oil Level

Rod

.....

.

.. ..

17

Use

of

the J

ack:

...

17

Spare

Tire

Storage.

18

The Corvette

Body

.

18

Care of the

Finish.

18

Care of the Cooling

System .

....

.

..

19

Care of the Tir

es

..

19

-

20

Use of

Tire

Chains.

20

Installation

of

Door

Ventilator and

Window

.

20

Operation

and

Care

of

the

Fo

lding Top.. .

21

Headlight

Screens

.. 21-22

License

Pl

ate

Compartment.

...

22

The Corvette Radio.

23

-

24

PERIODIC

LUBRI

CATION

AND

MAINTENANCE

Engine Lubrication

First

500 Miles. . . . . . . . . .

24

Engine Lubrication After

SOO

Miles

..

....

.

Grades of Oil. . . . . .

Types

of Oil

.....

.

Lubrication Points.. .

Maintenance Schedule

TECHN

I

CAL

DATA

...

OWNER

SERVICE

POUCY

MANUF

ACTURERS

WARRANTY

....

TIRE

AND

BATTERY

WARRANTIES .

..

25

28

26-27

28-31

32-34

35

35-36

36

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INSTRUMENTS

AND

CONTROLS

SPEEDOMETER

The

speedometer

located on

the

instrument

panel

above the

steering

column

registers

both

speed

and

accumulated

mile-

age. A hood

over

the

upper

portion

of

the

speedometer

re-

duces

reflections

during

night

driving

.

FUEL

GAUGE

The

fuel

gauge

located

adjacent

to

the

ignition

switch

is

oper-

ated

electrically

to

Indicate

the

amount of fuel In

the

18

gallon

fuel

tank

with the ignition

switch

turned

on. When

the

ignition

is

turned

off,

the

pointer

returns

to the

empty

marlc

TEMPERATURE

GAUGE

The

electrically

operated

temperature

gauge

located

to the

left

of

the

tachometer

shows

engine

coolant

temperature

in

the

cylinder

head.

Temperature

indications will

vary

with

thermostat

range,

outside

air

temperature

and

operating

con-

ditions

of

the

vehicle.

Long

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

instrument

panel

Indicates

the

speed

of

the

engine In

revolutions

per

minute.

Incorporated

into

the

tachometer

Is

a

revolution

counter

which

Indicates

the

cumulative

total

of engine

revo-

lutions.

AMMETER

This

Instrument,

located to

the

rightofthetachometer,

shows

the

rate

at

which

the

battery

is

being

charged

or

discharged.

The

generator

Is

equipped with a

regulator

which

controls

the

charge

according

to

battery

requirements.

When

the

generator

is

supplying

more

than

the

current

demand

,

the

ammeter

will

show the

charging

rate

, while a

discharge

will

be

shown

if

the

demandof

the

equipment

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

con-

dition

of the

battery.

5

www.PlandeGraissage.org

OIL

PRESSURE

GAUGE

This

gauge on

the

instrument

panel

is

installed

primarily

as

an

indicator

to

show

whether

or

not the

oil

pump

is

working

and

does

not

necessarily

indicate

the condition

or

quantity of

oil

in the

crankcase.

The

oil

pressure

gauge should

always

indicate

pressure

when

the

engine

is

running. If no

pressure

is

indicated,

stop

the

engine

immediately

and

have

the

cause

corrected.

When

starting

a

cold

engine,

it

will

be

noted

that

the

oil

pressure

gauge

will

register

a high

oil

pressure.

As

the

engine

warms

up,

the

pressure

wi

ll

drop

until

it

reaches

a

point

where

changes

to

higher

speeds

will

raise

the

pressure

very

little

if

at

all.

if

oil

pressure

registers

abnormally

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

An

illuminated

electric

clock

is

located

to the

right

of

the

oil

pressure

gauge

.

The

clock

is

set

by pushing in and

turning

the knob

at

the

bottom

of

the

dial.

LIGHT CONTROL

KNOB

The

light

co

nt

rol

knob

is

located

at

the

extreme

l

eft

of

the

lower

instrument

panel

and

controls

a two

positio

n

push

-p

ull

switch.

Pull

knob

to

first

position

for

parking,

tail,

license

and

instrument

pane

l

lights.

In the second

positio

n,

headlight

beams

replace

parking

lights.

Instrument

panel

lights

may

be

regulated

by

rotating

the

knob.

WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL

The

windshield

wiper

control

knob, which

is

rotated

to

reg-

ulate

wiper

action,

is

located

adjacent

to the light

co

nt

ro

l

knob

at

the

lower

left

side

of

the

instrument

panel.

HEATER

AND

DEFROSTER

CONTROL

The

Corvette

recirculating

heater

and

defroster,

which

is

available

as

a

factory

installed

optional

accessory,

has

a

single

control

knob l

ocated

above the ignition swi

tc

h and

ad-

jacent

to

the

speedome

t

er.

6

www.PlandeGraissage.org

To

control

the

heater,

push knob fully

"In"

and

turn

clockwise

to

desired

blower

operation.

Warm

air

from

heater

is

de-

flected

down

towards

the

floor.

To

turn

off

rotate

counter

-

clockwise

to

the

stop.

To

operate

defroster,

pull

knob

out

or

partially

out

and

turn

clockwise

to

desired

blower

velocity.

The

warm

air

Is

divided between the

heater

and

defroster

in

proportion

to

the

amount of

control

knob

pull-out.

KEY

STARTER

AND IGNITION SWITCH

The

four

positions

of the key

starter

(reading

clockwise)

are:

LOCK,

OFF,

ON and START.

To

operate,

turn

switch

to

START.

As

soon

as

the

engine

starts,

release

switch, which

will

return

to

ON

position.

The

key

is

required

only when

turning

to

or

from

LOCK

position,

CHOKE

The

choke,

located

on the

instrument

panel

above

the

fuel

gauge,

is

used

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

condiions.

This

automa-

tiCally

opens

the

throttle

to

provide

for

smooth

engine

oper

-

ation

when choking

is

required.

CAUTION:

Excessive

use

of

the

choke will

provide

a fuel

mixture

too

rich

to

burn.

Some of

this

un-

burned

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

start

-

ing,

it

should be

pushed

part

way

in

as

soon

as

the

engine

starts

and

all

the way

in

as

soon

as

the

engine

will

run

smoothly

without

its

use.

RADIO CONTROLS

The

Corvette

signal

seeking

radio

is

available

as

a

factory

installed

optional

accessory.

When

installed,

the

radio

con-

trols

are

located

in the

upper

center

of the

instrument

panel

and

consist

of

left

and

right

Inner

and

outer

control

knobs,

push

button

controls,

a

favorite

station

selector,

and an

auto-

matic

tuning

bar.

A

complete

description

of the

operation

of

the

Corvette

radio

is

contained on

pages

23

and 24.

7

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LIGHTER

The

lighter

is

located

on

the

upper

face

of

the

instrument

panel

above the

oil

pressure

gauge

and

is

operated

by

pushing

in

and

releasing.

When

heated,

it

automatically

clicks

out

for

use.

HOOD

LOCK

CONTROLS

The

hood lock

is

operated

by two

controls

l

ocated

under

each

side

of

the

instrument

panel.

The

hood l

ock

is

released

by

pulling

out

the

control

knobs.

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

and

is

spring

loaded

to

assist

in

the

manual

raising

of

the hood. 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

lo

wered

fully to engage the hood lock.

PARKING

BRAKE

AND

ALARM

LIGHT

The

parking

brake

, which

is

located

und

er

the

instrument

panel

to

the

left

of

the

steering

column,

operates

independently

of

the

se

rvice

brakes

and

is

applied

by

pulling

straight

back

on

the

T

-h

andle

.

To

release,

simp

ly

turn

the

handle

slightly

and

push

in

to

normal

position.

A

parking

brake

alarm

light,

located

below

the

speedometer,

operates

only with

ignition

switch

on to

indicate

by

means

of

a

flashing

red

light

when

the

parking

brak"

is

applied.

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL

A

directional

signal

lever

is

located

on

the

left

side

of

the

steering

column

forward

of

the

steering

wheel. Moving

this

lever

downward

for

a l

eft

turn

and upward

for

a

right

turn

will

impart

a

flashing

signal

through

the

parking

and

stop

lights

to

indicate

direction

of

turn.

The

signa

l

direction

is

indicated

to

the

driver

by a

flashing

arrow

in

the

speedometer.

HORN RING

A

horn

ring

is

provided

on

the

steering

wheel

to

control

the

operation

of

the

horn.

Finger

tip

pressure

at

any

point

on

this

ring

will

provide

the

electrical

contact

necessary

to

blow

the

horns.

8

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AIRSCOOP

CONTROL

The

air

scoop

is

opened and

closed

by

means

of

the

control

handle

located

below

the

instrument

panel.

A

rachet

mecha-

nism

provides

several

positions

for

the

regulation

of

the

air

admitted.

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

'

floor

toe

board.

A

head

lamp

beam

indi-

cator

is

provided

in

the

speedometer

and a

small

opening

beneath

the

70

mile

mark

is

illuminated

when

the

high

beams

are on.

WINDSHIELD

WASHER

CONTROL

The

foot

operated

windshield

washer

control

is

located

at

the

left

side

of

the

floor

toe

board

to

the

right

of

the

headlight

dimmer

switch

.

Depressing

the

was

her

control

with

the

en-

gine

running

operates

both

the

washer

and

the

windshield

wiper.

BRAKE

PEDAL

Depressing

the

foot

operated

pendent

type

brake

pedal,

which

is

supp

orted

from

the

master

cylinder

attached

to

the

dash

panel,

applies

the

hydr

a

ulic

service

brakes

at

all

four

wheels

in

proportion

to

the

pres

s

ure

applied

on

the

pedal.

ACCELERATOR

The

accelerator

pedal

controls

engine

speed

and

is

designed

to

provide

the

proper

"feel",

neither

too

light

nor

too

firm,

for

smoot

h

control.

POWERGLIDE

SELECTOR

LEVER

The

selector

lever

for

the

transmission

is

mounted

on

the

side

of

the

floor

tunnel within

convenient

reach

of

the

driver.

Lever

positions

are

indicated

on

the

top of

the

lever

knob.

More

detailed

information

on

selector

lever

positions

can

be

found on

page

12.

9

www.PlandeGraissage.org

SEAT

ADJUSTER

The

scat

adjuster

control

lever

is

located

on

the

front

of

driver's

seat

frame

near

the

left

corner

and when

pulled

up-

ward

allows

the

seat

to

be

adjusted

forward

or

backward.

DOOR

LOCK

INSIDE HANDLE

To

open

the

door,

the

lock

is

released

from

either

inside

or

outside

the

car

by

grasping

the

ball

handle on

the

door

inner

panel

and

pulling

rearward.

CORVETTE FEATURES

KEYS

AND

LOCKS

A

single

key

operates

both

the

ignition

switch

and luggage

locker

lid

lock.

Record

the

key

number

upon

delivery

of

the

car.

PACKAGE COMPARTMENTS

A

package

compartment

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 TRAYS

An

ash

tray

is

provided

in

each

door

forward

of

the

package

compartment.

To

emtpy,

simply

lift

ash

tray

and

remove.

FOLDING TOP COMPARTMENT

The

folding top, when

lowered,

is

stowed in a

compartment

behind

the

driver

and

passenger

seats.

A hing

ed

lid, which

is

secured

by a

push

button

lock between

the

seat

backs,

covers

the

top

compartment

and

also

serves

to

anchor

the

rear

of

the

top, when

raised,

by

means

of

twO

bushings

in

the

lid,

into

which

are

inserted

the

ratchet-type

spring

loaded

clamps

on

the

top

rear

bow. See

Operation

of

The

Folding

Top,

page

21.

10

www.PlandeGraissage.org

DOOR VENTILATOR

AND

WINDOW

For

protection

against

incle

ment

weathe

r,

snap-on

type

plexi-

glass

side

window and

ventipane

assemb

lie

s

are

provided

which

may

be

quickly

and

easily

installed

to

or

removed

from

each

door.

The

venti

panes

are

friction

type

and without

handles,

requiring

direct

hand

pressure

for

opening and

clos

ing. When not in

use

they

are

stored

in

a bag in the

luggage l

ocker

.

For

in

stallat

ion

instructions,

see

page

20 .

REAR

VIEW MIRROR

The

rear

view

mirror

is

mounted

on

the top

center

of

th

e

instrument

pane

l and

is

adj

ust

able

to

accom

mod

ate

all

driving

pos

iti

ons.

COURTESY

LAMPS

Courtesy

l

amps

are

located

under

the bo

ttom

flange

of

the

instrument

panel

near

each

end

of

the

panel.

These

l

amps

illuminate

the floor

area

and

are

automatically

lighted by

means

of

a

switch

on the body

pillar

when

either

door

is

opened.

LUGGAGE

LOCKER

A

spacious

lu

ggage

storage

area

is

provided

at

the

rear

of

the body.

Access

to this

storage

area,

as

well

as

to the

spare

tire

stowed

beneath

the lu

ggage

locker

floor

is

gained

by

in-

serting

the key into the l

ock

below the

rear

bumper

and

turn-

ing

until

the

lid

is

released

from

the l

ock.

Then

in

sert

fingers

und

er

lid

edge and

raise

to

open

position.

The

lid

hinges

are

spr

in

g loaded

for

ease

in

ope

ning and

cou

nt

e

r-

balanced

to

remain

in the open

position

witho

ut

supp

ort.

NaTE:

The

wheel

wrench,

sc

i

ssors

jack

and handle, which

ar e

provided

as

tools,

as

well

as

the

door

window

and

ventilator

assemblies,

are

stored

in

the

luggage

locker

when not

in

use.

11

www.PlandeGraissage.org

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

POWERGLIDE

SELECTOR

LEVER

POSITIONS

Control

of the

Powerglide

transmission

is

provided

by five

different

positions

of a

selector

lever

which is mounted on

the

side

of

the

floor tunnel within convenient

reach

of the

driver.

R - REVERSE

For

backing

up. Bring

car

to a

complete

stop

before

selecting

this

position.

L -

LOW

Use

only when pulling through deep snow

or

sand,

climbing

or

descending

very

steep

hills,

and for

additional

engine

braking

below 40 M.P.H.

D - DRIVE

For

all

normal

driving.

Transmission

automatically

selects

the

range

best

suited

to

every

driving

situation

.

N - NEUTRAL Allows engine to be

operated

with

car

standing

still.

P - PARK Holds the

car

immovable,

even

on

steep

grades.

STARTING

THE

ENGINE

Remember,

carbon

monoxide

is

a poisonous

gas.

Never

start

or

run

the

engine

in a

closed

garage.

1.

The

engine

can

be

started

in

either

"P"

or

"N"

po-

sition.

The

starter

is

inoperative

in any

other

posi-

tion,

since

a

safety

switch

is

providedto

prevent

start-

ing the

engine

with

the

transmission

in

gear

.

If

en-

gine

is

very

cold

or

car

is

on

hill,

"P"

position

is

preferable.

,

2. Pull

choke

knob

out

part

way

or

all

the way depending

on

climatic

conditions.

If

the engine

is

warm

or

in

s

umm

er

weather

,

it

is

not

generally

necessary

to

use

the

choke

at

all.

In

extremely

cold

weather

the choke

should

be

pulled

all

the

way out.

12

www.PlandeGraissage.org

3. Hold

accelerator

pedal

down halfway and

turn

key

starter

to START.

Release

as

soon

as

engine

starts.

Key

starter

will

automatically

return

to ON.

NOTE: Do not pump

the

accelerator

pedal

before

or

during

the

use

of

the

starter

as

this

will

cause

difficult

starting.

4.

As

soon

as

the engine

starts,

push

the

choke

knob

in

part

way until

engine

idles

smoothly.

After

engine

has

warmed

up,

push

choke

knob in

all

the way.

NOTE: When

starting

a

cold

engine,

it

will

be

noted

that the

oil

pressure

gauge

will

register

a

high

pressure.

Do not

accelerate

the

engine

excessively

until

the

oil

is

sufficiently

warll)

to

permit

a

lower

pressure.

If

the

gauge

does

not show any

pressure,

stop

the

engine

im-

mediately

and

determine

the

cause.

5. In

case

the engine

becomes

overchoked

or

flooded

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.

If

it

becomes

desirable

Or

necessary

to again

choke

the

carburetor

for

starting,

follow

the

procedure

in

steps

2-5.

NOTE:

Excessive

use

of

the

choke will

provide

a fuel

mixture

too

rich

to

burn.

Some of

this

un-

burned fuel will

leak

past

the

pistons

and

dilute

the engine

oil,

resulting

in

improper

lubrication,

excessive

engine

wear

and

poor

performance.

DRIVING WITH

POWERGLIDE

Place

the

selector

lever

in

'D"

and

press

the

accelerator

for

smooth,

effortless

driving

in

city

or

country.

Powerglide

automatically

selects

_

the

range

most

suited

to

your

driving

needs.

Starting,

the

car

moves

forward

in

automatic

low,

changing to

cruising

range

between

10 and

52

M.P.H.

de-

pending on

accelerator

position.

While

cruising

at

speeds

below 45 M.P.H., Powerglide will

change

automatically

to low

13

www.PlandeGraissage.org

range

when

accelerator

is

fully

depressed

for

maximum

acceleration.

At low

speeds

above

10

M.P.H.,

this

change

may

occur

before

accelerator

is

fully

depressed.

As

the

car

slows to a stop, Powerglide

changes

to low

range

at

9 M.P.H.

in

readiness

for

the

NaTE

:

The

above

road

speeds

are

approximate

and

may

vary

w

ith

individual

cars.

"L"position

should

be

used

when climbing

very

steep

grades

at

reduced

speed

,

or

whenpullingthroughdeep sand and snow.

At

speeds

below 40 M.P.H.

this

range

may

be

used

to

provide

additional

engine

braking

for

descending

steep

grades

or

slow-

ing down on

slippery

pavement.

"R"

position

reverses

Powerglide

for

baclcing. Bring

car

to a

complete

stop and

move

selector

lever

to

"R"

position

with

engine idling.

Remember

that

Powerglide

is

completely

automatic.

Simply

move the

selector

lever

to the

desired

position

and

press

accelerator

to go.

Do

not

attempt

to

force

a

change

from

low

to

cruising

range

by

releasing

the

accelerator.

In

wide open

acceleration,

Powerglide

will

change

from

low to

cruising

range

at

52

M.P.H.

During

moderate

acceleration,

this

change

may

occur

as

low

as

10

M.P.H. Because Powerglide

auto-

matically

selects

the

range

best

suited

to

any

driving

con-

dition,

maximum

performance

and economy

is

assured.

DRIVING CAUTIONS

A few

driving

cautions

should be

observed:

Do not

accelerate

engine for

over

ten

seconds

in ''0'',

"L",

or

"RI!

~hen

car

is

held with brakes.

When

stopped

on an upgrade, do

nOt

hold

car

by

accelerating

engine

except

very

briefly.

Use

service

brake.

Move

selector

lever

to

"L"

for

extremely

hard

pulls

at low

road

speed.

14

www.PlandeGraissage.org

Do not move

selector

from

"0"

to

"L"

at

speeds

over

40 M.P.H.

Never

move

selector

to

"R"

when

car

is

moving

for-

ward.

Engage

parking

"P" only when

car

is

completely

stopped.

TOWING AND

PUSHING

CAUTIONS

Do not

push

the

Corvette

.

Do not

lift

the

Corvette,

front

or

rear

, to tow.

If

your

Corvette

must

be

towed,

place

selector

lever

in

"N".

Do not

exceed

45 M.P.H.

The

tow

rope

should

be

sec

ured

to

the

front

suspension.

If

the

trans-

mission

is

not

operating

proper

ly,

the

propeller

shaft

should

be

disconnected

from

the

rear

axle

before

any

towing

is

attempted.

Should

it

ever

be

necessary

to

start

the

engine

by

tow-

ing

the

car,

place

the

selector

l

ever

in

"N" until

the

car

reaches

15

M.P.H. on a

dry

surface

or

20 M.P.H.

on a

slippery

road.

Turn

key

starter

to

ON

and move

"

selector

to

ilL".

When

engine

starts,

move

selector

to ''0''.

NOTE: Use

extreme

care

to

prevent

car

from

ac

-

celerating

into tow

car

wh

en engine

starts.

Avoid using too

short

a tow line to

minimize

this

possibility.

Using

the

Corvette

to

push

or

pull

other

vehicles

is

n

ot

recommended.

15

www.PlandeGraissage.org

BREAKING-IN

PERIOD

To

maintain

the

high

standard

of

performance

and

efficiency

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

whilehot and

refill

with the

grade

of

oil

recommended

on page

25.

Check

oil

level

each

time

gas

is

purchased

and

change

at

recommended

drain

periods.

To

properly

break-in

the moving

parts

of the engine do not

drive

faster

than:

40

miles

per

hour

for

the

first

100

miles.

50

miles

per

hour

for

the

miles.

60

miles

per

hour

for

the next 200

miles

GENERAL

INFORMATION

GASOLINE

AND

ENGINE OIL

The

engine

is

designed

to

delivery

maximum

performance

with

"Premium"

grades

of

gasoline.

Use of the

proper

engine

oil

is

also

of

great

importance

in

assuring

maximum

perform-

ance

and economy.

See

recommendations

on

pages

25 and 28.

GASOLINE

FILLER

CAP

The

gasoline

filler

cap

is

located

under

the lid

in

the

left

rear

fender

to the

rear

of

the

door

opening.

This

cap

is

designed

with a

built-in

spring

loaded

valve

to

prevent

pressure

build-

up and

surging

of

gasoline

out

of the tank on

turn

s.

COOLING

SYSTEM

FILLER

CAP

A

pressure

type

radiator

auxiliary

tank

filler

cap

is

pro-

vided on

the

top

rear

portion

of

the

auxiliary

tank

located

on

the

right

side

of

the

engine.

When removing,

rotate

left

to

first

stop to

relieve

pressure

in

system,

then

turn

cap

again

to

remove.

16

www.PlandeGraissage.org

ENGINE OIL

FILLER

CAP

The

oil

filler

cap

for

the

engine

lubrication

system

is

located

at

the top

center

portion

of

the

rocker

arm

cover

and

is

ro-

tated

to the

left

to

remove.

CAUTION: Do not

confuse

the

oil

filler

cap

with the

adjacent

cooling

system

filler

cap

on the

radiator

auxilary

tank.

ENGINE OIL

LEVEL

ROD

The

engine

oil

level

rod,

located

on

the

right

side

of

the

crank-

case,

is

marked

FULL

and

ADD

OIL. Check

oil

frequently

and

maintain

level

between

these

two

lines.

Avoid

overfilling.

TRANSMISSION OIL

LEVEL

ROD

The

powerglide

transmission

oil

level

rod

on

the

right

side

of

the eng

ine

is

marked

FULL

and

ADD

1 QT.

Check

every

1000

mil

es with

transmission

in

Neutral,

engine

warm

and

idling. Avoid

overfilling.

USE

OF

THE

JACK

1.

Set

parking

brake,

move

selector

lever

to

park

po-

sition,

and block

diagonally

opposite

wheel.

2.

To

remove

wheels,

position

jack

on the

ground

under

car

at

following

locations:

a. At

front

wheel

place

jackunderthefrontsuspension

lower

control

arm

near

outer

end.

b.

At"

rear

wheel

place

jack

under

rear

ax

le housing

near

rebound

strap.

3.

Rotating

jack

handle

clockwise,

raise

car

until

tire

clears

ground.

4.

To

lower,

turn

handle

counterclockwise.

CAUTION: Do not

get

underneath

car

when

it

on

jack

17

www.PlandeGraissage.org

SPARE

TIRE

STORAGE

The

spare

tire

is

stowed

in

a well in the

floor

of the luggage

locker.

A plywood

cover

retained

by a bolt and

stationary

nut,

overlaps

the

floor

surrounding

the

well.

To

gain

access

to

the

tire,

lift

up

floor

mat

,

remove

cover

retaining

bolt

and

remove cover.

THE

CORVEnE

BODY

The

Corvette

body

is

composed

of

plastic

glass

fiber

material

molded into

one

compact

unit and

covered

with a Duco finish.

The

glass

fiber

material

is

light

weight,

has

excellent

strength

properties,

and

will

not

corrode

or

be affected by oil,

grease,

weathering,

or

most

chemicals.

It

will not

dent

but

may

be

punctured,

cracked,

tom,

or

otherwise

damaged by

very

large

forces

such

as

produced

by sudden

impact

or

shock

contact.

See

your

Chevrolet

Dealer

in

the

event

of

damage

to the body

of

your

Corvette.

CARE OF

THE

FINISH

To

preserve

the

original

beauty and value of the

finish,

keep

it

as

clean

as

possible

. When washing

the

car,

always

use

clear

cold

water.

Never

wash in the

direct

rays

of

the

sun.

Maintain the

original

gloss

by application of a

mild

liquid

polish.

Abrasive

polishes

and

cleaners

may

do the job

quick-

er,

but

may

also

remove

some

of the good

finish.

All

chrome

parts

can

best

be

maintained

by

frequent

washing

and

occasional

waxing.

Since

a

protective

clear

finish

has

been baked on

chrome

parts,

abrasives

or

strong

cleaning

agents

are

harmful.

Therefore,

scouring

methods

of

chrome

cleaning

MUST

BE

AVOIDED.

Repairs

to

scratches

or

abrasions

that

occur

on

parts

having

this

protective

coating

must

be

performed

within a

reasonably

short

time

,

to

prevent

further

deterioration

of the

finish.

It

is

recommended

that

repairs

be

made

only by

those

who

are

familiar

with the

proper

procedures

and who

use

approved

refinishing

materials.

18

www.PlandeGraissage.org

,

I

CARE

OF

THE

COOLING

SYSTEM

The

cooling

system

should

be

kept

clean.

The

use

of

a

rust-

inhibitor

in

the

cooling

system

when

plain

water

is

used

as

a

coolant

will

materially

aid in keeping

the

system

clean.

Also

use

only

rust-inhibiting

anti-freeze

solution, following the

manufacturer's

specifications.

To

insure

uniform

distribution

of

the

anti-freeze

throughout

the

cooling

system,

it

is

recom-

mended

that

the

anti-freeze

be

mixed

to

proper

proportions

before

adding

to

the

system

through

the

auxiliary

tank.

The

vapor

line

connecting the

radiator

auxiliary

tank

with

the

top

of

the

radiator

should

be

checked

regularly

to

see

that

it

does

not bend

or

sag

between

ends

and

accumulate

a

pocket

of

water

or

vapor

that

would

prevent

a

transfer

of

air.

To

drain

the

complete

cooling

system

less

auxiliary

tank, open

drains

at

the

bottom of

the

radiator

and

lower

left

rear

side

of

engine

block.

CARE

OF

THE

TIRES

Under

Inflation

Proper

Inflation

Over

Inflation

Runs Hot Good

Ride

Hard

Ride

Loosens

Cords

Good

Traction

Poor

Traction

Uneven

Wear

Even

Wear

Bruises

Blowouts

More

Mileage

Fabric

Breaks

To

enjoy

maximum

service

from

your

tires

-

maintain

these

recommended

pressures:

Starting

Pressure

-24

Lbs.

when

car

has

been

standing

three

hours

or

driven

less

than a

mile.

City

Pressure

-27

Lbs.

after

driving

a

car

three

miles

or

more

below 40

miles

per

h0l!!.

Highway

Pressure

-29

Lbs.

after

driving

car

three

miles

or

more

above 40

miles

per

hour.

19

www.PlandeGraissage.org

Hard

driving

normally

increases

tire

pressures.

Do

nOt

"bleed"

tires

to

reduce

this

higher

pressure.

Valve

caps

should

always

be

installed

and

tightened

firmly

to

prevent

dust

and

water

from

entering

and

damaging

valve

seats.

The

caps

also

act

as

an

air

seal.

To

help

prevent

uneven

wear

of

front

tires

and

to

distribute

wear

evenly

over

all

five

tires

they should

be

changed

as

follows

every

5000

miles.

Spare

to

right

rear,

right

rear

to

left

front,

left

front

to

left

rear,

left

rear

to

right

front,

and

right

front

to

spare.

Your

Corvette

is

equipped

with6.70x15

-

4ply

rating

white-

wall

tires

which should

be

maintained

at

the

above

recom-

mended

pressures

for

maximum

service.

It

is

intended

that

these

tires

be

used

only

for

normal

operation

of

your

car

such

as

experienced

in

average

passenger

car

usage.

For

reasons

of

safety,

it

is

recommended

that

these

tires

not be

used

for

extreme

vehicle

operation

such

as

racing.

NOTE:

The

simulated

knock-aff

type of hub

caps

installed

on

some

Corvette

wheels

are

to be

removed

by

pry

-

ing off in

the

manner

of

conventional

hub

caps

. DO

NOT ATTEMPT

TO

KNOCK

OFFI

USE

OF

TIRE

CHAINS

Do not

use

tire

chains

on

your

Corvette

rear

wheels

as

clear

-

ance

between

tires

and

wheelhouse

is

insufficient

to

permit

operation

with

chains

installed.

INSTALLATION OF DOOR VENTILATOR

AND

WINDOW

To

install,

open

door

and

insert

offset

extension

on

front

bottom

edge

of window

frame

into

slot

in

upper

forward

door

area,

then

lower

serrated

extension

on

bottom

edge

of

assembly

into

slot

in

top

of

door

to

secure

window

at

rear.

Turn

thumbscrew

on

brace

at

ventilator

division

strip

into

bracket

in

door

trim

rail

to

complete

the

installation.

To

remove,

loosen

thumbscrew,

pull

on

lever

at

rear

of

door

to

release,

lift

up

rear

of

assembly

and

remove

by

with-

drawing

offset

extension

from

front

of

door.

20

www.PlandeGraissage.org

OPERATION OF

THE

FOLDING TOP

To

raise

the

top,

push

button

between

seat

backs

to

release

top

compartment

lid

lock. Open

lid

and

lift

folding top

out

of

compartment,

then

close

lid

to

locked

position.

Insert

top

rear

bow

clamps

in lid

bushings,

then

lift

top

to

raised

po-

sition

and

secure

front

latches

to

windshield

header

by

hook-

ing

latches

in

the

latch

holes

provided

in

windshield

header

and locking.

To

lower

the

top

reverse

this

procedure.

The

rear

clamps

are

released

from

the top

compartment

lid

by

depressing

the

release

on

each

clamp

and

lifting

up on

the

grip.

NOTE:

To

prevent

damage

to

paint

finish,

the

folding top

compartment

lid

and

the

luggage

locker

lid

are

hinged

so

that both

can

not

be

fully

opened

at

the

same

time.

CARE

OF

THE

FOLDING TOP

To

avoid

water

stains,

mildew,

or

possible

shrinkage

of

the

top

material,

do

not keep

the

top folded

for

extended

periods

of

time

if

it

is

damp

or

water

soaked.

Permit

top

to

dry

out

in a

raised

position

before

stowing.

Also

avoid

pasting

ad-

vertising

stickers

,

gummed

labels

or

masking

tape

on

the

plastic

back

window. In

addition

to

being

difficult

to

remove,

the

adhesive

on

these

stickers

may

al

so

be

injurious

to

the

plastic

composition

of

the

window.

To

clean

the

back

window,

use

cold

or

warm

water

and

a

mild

soap

solution.

After

washing,

rinse

with

clear

water

and

wipe with a

slightly

mois-

tened

clean

soft

cloth.

When

removing

road

dust,

do

not

use

a

dry

cloth.

Use

a soft

cotton

cloth

moistened

with

water

and

wipe

cross-wise

of the window

co

remove

superficial

dust.

Never

use

solvents

or

cleaners

of

alcoholic

or

other

chemical

content.

These

liquids

may

possibly

have

deteriorating

effect

on

the

plastic

and

also

on

the

lacquer

finish

below

the

window

if

spilled.

HEADLIGHT

SCREENS

A

wire

protector

screen

is

provided

to

cover

each

h

eadlight

opening.

Since

some

State

Laws

prohibit

the

use

of

such

screens,

it

may

be

necessary

to

remove

them

in

cases

where

21

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Chevrolet Corvette 1953 User manual

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