GM Chevrolet 1953 User manual

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~ ~ '. WELCOME to the l arge and happy family of Chev-
\ C ~ -;. :- t .. j. rolet owners!
Your new 1953 Chevrolet is by far the finest and
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~ ·· .. l~ Si: 'n eautiful Chevrolet ever built ... designed to
: , ',_ . ~ ... senfe · .y ou faithfully and economically over many
, ' . ."
thousands of miles . The information and suggestions
in this m anual can help you enjoy to the fullest all
' ~ ":) ' the advantages of your new car .
.,. - .. \. We should also like to take this opportunity to
,: ~ , ~ ~! ~ . t ha n'k 'ou for chC?os~ng <;hevrolet .... and to ass~re
\\ you 0 our continuIng Jnterest In yo ur motoring
pleasure and satisfaction.
,
; (.
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
Detroit 2, Michigan
..
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1. KEY STARTER
The key starter has four pOSitIOns:
LOCK , OFF, ON and START. To
operate, turn switch (0 START. As
soon as the engine starts, release
switch, which will return to ON posi-
tion. The key is required only when
turning to or from LOCK position.
2. LIGHT CONTROL KNOB
Pull knob to first position for park-
ing. tail, license, and instrument
panel lights. Regulate lattcr by
rotating knob . In second position,
driving lights replace parking lights.
Beam selection is by foot switch. Red
warniog light on speedometer indi.
cates upper beam.
3. PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake, which operates
independently of the service brakes,
is applied by pulling straight back
on the T-handle. To release, simply
turo the handle slightly and push in
to normal position.
4. WIPER AND WASHER
The windshield wiper is regulated by
turning knob. The Chevrolet wind.
shield washer, an accessory, is oper .
ated by pressing and then releasing
button in the center of the knob.
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5. VENT KNOB
The all weather ventilating system is
controlled by two knobs. Each venti-
Jator is opened by pulling the knob
out to control the flow of air.
AI limes, it may be advisable 10 shut
oj] tbe flow oj air to keep Ollt offensive
odors or exhaust gases of other traffic.
6. ASH TRAY
A tilt type ash tray is located at the
left end of the radio grille of all Bel
Air and "Two-Ten" models. To re-
move the ash teay for emptying. de-
press the circular snuffer at top of tray .
7. LIGHTER
The cigarette lighter on all Bel Air
and "Two-Ten" models is o{>eraced
by pushing in. When heated , it auto-
matically clicks out for use .
8. GLOVE COMPARTMENT
The glove compartment may be
opened by the push button on the
doo: . To lock, insert key and turn
one quarter turn. Bel Air and "Two-
Ten" models have an automatic light
operated by the companment door.
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9. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
The attractive instrument cluster is
conveniently arranged for quick, easy
reading. Plastic arrows serve as indi-
cators when the direction signal, an
accessory. is installed.
10. TEMPERATURE GAUGE
This gauge shows engine coolant
temperature . Normally needle regis-
ters near the center except during
very hot weathec , when long, hard
drives or prolonged idling may cause
it to register close to the "H" mark.
11. FUEL GAUGE
The fuel jauge is operated elec-
tricallv an indicates the amount of
fuel in' the tank only when the igni-
tion is turned on. \'(Ihen the ignition
is turned off, the pointer returns to
the empty mark.
12. CHARGE INDICATOR
This gau$e shows whether the bat-
tery is beIng charged or discharged.
The generator is equipped with a
regulator which controls the charge
according to battery requirements.
13. OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The oil pressure gauge should always
indicate pressure when the engine is
running. If no pressure is indicated,
SlOp engine immediately and have
the cause corrected .
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14. SPEEDOMETER
The circular type speedometer regis-
ters both speed and accumulated
mileage. A hood and special edge-
lighting reduce reflections during
night deiving.
15. HEATER CONTROLS
In a car equi pped with the Chevrolet
Air Flow heater, the heater controls
are installed to the ri$ht of the key
starter, replacing the rIght hand vent
control knob.
16. RADIO
The radio dial and controls are
installed in the space provided below
the radio grille. Two radios are
available. one with manual tuning.
and the other having selector buttons
for automatic station tuning.
17. CLOCK
An illuminated stem wind clock is
located at the right of the instrument
cluster in all Bel Air and "Two-Teo"
models. The dock is set by pulling
out and turning the stem Wind knob
at the left of the dial.
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FEATURES
1. FOOT FORM PEDAL
Chevrolet square-shaped pedals are
scientifically designed for maximum
comfort while providing the proper
"feel" of clutch and brake control.
2. ACCELERATOR
The accelerator pedal controls engine
speed, anc:! is designed to provide the
proper "feel," neither tOO light nor
toO firm, for smooth control.
3. SEAT ADJUSTER
The front seat adjuster is on the left
side of the seat frame, and when
pressed down allows the seat to be
adjusted forward or backward.
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4. DOOR HINGE
Door hinges arc of the concealed
type, and require no service other
than periodic lubrication . A hold
open device is iacorporated in each
door to facilitate entering or leaving
the car.
5. DOOR VENTIPANES
Front door venti panes have a crank
type control. A latch at the lower
edge locks the venti pane.
6. SUN VISOR
The sun visors, two on Bel Air and
"Two-Ten" models , one on "One-
Fifty" models. are designed (Q pro-
vide a wide range of positions to
shU( off glare from the sun.
7. REAR VIEW MIRROR
The rear view mirror is adjustable to
accommodate all driving positions ,
and may be rotated one half turn to
provide a higher or lower position .
8. INTERIOR LIGHTING
Bel Air and "Two-Ten" models fea-
ture automatic interior light switches
on both front doors in addition to
the regular manual switch . The Con-
vertible dome light operates onl y
when parking or head lamps are on.
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INFORMATION
GASOLINE AND ENGINE OIL
The efficient high compression Chev-
rolet engine is designed (0 deliver
its performance and economy with
"Regular" grades of gasoline . Use of
(he proper engine oil is of great
importance in assuring maximum
performance and economy . See rec-
ommendations on pages 2 1 and 22 .
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
The gasoline filler cap is located
under the lid in the left rear fender on
all , models but the Station Wagons.
which have ao exposed cap. For extra
precaution against fuel theft, a lock.
lng cap is available for all models
from your Dealer.
HOOD LOCK
The hood rel e ase lever is under the
top grille bar, slightly left of cemer.
Lifting the lever releases first the
hood lock and then the safety catch.
The hood can now be opened. Spring
loaded hood supports assist in rais-
ing and holding the hood open.
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ENGINE OIL LEVEL ROD
The oil level rod, located on the right side of
the crankcase, is marked "Full" and "Add Oil."
Check oil frequently and maintain level
between these two lines . Avoid overfilling.
POWERGLIDE TRANSMISSION
OIL LEVEL ROD
The Powerglide transmission oil level rod, on
the right side of the engine, is marked "Full"
and " Add 1 Qt ." Check every 1, 000 miles with
transmission in Neutral, engine warm and
idling. Avoid overfilling.
RADIATOR FILLER CAP
A pressure type radiator filler cap reduces
coolant loss. When removing, rotate left to
first stop to relieve pressure in system. Turn
cap agam to remove.
KEYS AND LOCKS
A single key operates any lock on your car.
Record key number upon delivery of car.
To lock the doors from inside, push down
locking button on each door. From outside,
doors may be locked in either of two ways:
1. Push inside locking button down and dose
door while holding in push button on outside
handle . 2. With door closed, turn front door
lock a quarter turn toward rear of car. Return
key to vertical position and remove.
A special safety feature is provided in the
rear door locks of all four-door sedans for
owners who wish this feature. Your Chevrolet
dealer will adjust these locks so that the door
cannot be opened unless the inside locking
button is up.
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DRIVING
A new experience in mocoring pleasur e will be y ours the
moment you take the whee l of your new Power~lide Chev -
rolet. The new , moce powerful high compression engine
and new automatic transmission provide flashing perform-
ance, improved operating economy. and even greater
driving convenience.
THE POWERGLIDE QUADRANT
Fingertip control of the Powerglide transmission is provided by five
different posit i ons:
- p- PARK . Holds the car immovable, even on steep grades.
- N- NEUTRAL Allows engine to be oper a ted with car standing still.
- D- DRIVE. For aJi normal driving . Transmis s ion automati cally sele cts
the range be$[ suited (0 every driving situation .
- L-
LOW. Use only when pulling through de ep snow or sand , climbin g
or descending very steep hills, and for additional engine brakin g
below 40 M.P.H .
- R-
REVERSE. For backing up. Bring car to a complete stop before
selecting this position.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. ]n a Chevrolet, you can · start the engine in either "P" or "N"
position. Starter is inoperative in any other positi o n. If engine is very
c old or car is on hill, " P" position is preferable .
2. Press accelerator to floor once and rele ase. This sets autom atic
choke and fast idle accordi ng to temperature conditions.
3. Turn key starter to START . Release as soon as engine starts. Key
starter will automatically return to ON.
When starting a warm engine, hold accelerator halfway down. Should
engine flood, depress accelerator fully to open choke while starting. Do
not pump accelerator.
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NORMAL DRIVING
WITH POWERGLIDE
Place selector in "n" and press the accelerator for smoOth, effortl e ss
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 42 M.P.H.,
depending on accelerator position . \X'hile cruising at speeds below 37
M.P .H ., Powerglide will change automatically to low range when
accelerator is fully depressed for maximum acceleration. At low speeds
above 10 M.P . H. , t his change may occur before accelerator is fully
depressed. As the car slows to a stop, Powerglide change to low range
at 9 M.P.H. in readiness for the next start.
"L" position should be used
when climbing very steep grades
at reduced speed, or when
pulling through deep sand and
;, now . At speeds below 40 M.P.H .
this range may be used to pro-
vide additional engine braking
for descending steep grades or
slowing down on slippery pave-
ment.
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"R" pOSItiOn reverses Power-
glide for backi ng. Sri ng car to a
complete stOp, raise control lever
slightly and move to "R" posi-
tion with engine idling.
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FOR MAXIMUM PLEASURE
PERF~NCE FROM
YO ~~
AND
Remember that Powerglide is completely automatic. Simply move the
selector to the desired position and press accelerator (0 go . Do not
attern pt 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 42 M.P.H. During moderate acceler-
ation, 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.
DRIVING CAUTIONS
A few driving cautions should he observed:
• Do not accelerate engine for over ten seconds in "0", "L",
or "R" when 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 to "L" for extremely hard pulls at low road
speed.
• Do not move selector from "D" to "L" or "L" to "D" over
40 M.P.H.
• Never move selector to "R" when car is moving forward.
• Engage parking lock ("P") only when car is completely
stopped.
• If car must be towed, place selector in "N." Do not exceed
45 M.P.H . Tow with rear wheels raised if transmission is
not operating properly.
PUSH START
Should it ever be necessary to start the engine by pushing car, place
selector in "N" until car reaches 15 M.P.H ., or 20 M. P.H. on a
slippery road. Turn key starter to ON and move selector to "L."
When engine starts, move selector to "D."
NOTE: Towing is 110t recommended Jor this operatiou, as car may
accelerate imo tow car when c11gine starts.
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DRIVING
Chevrole t 's exclusive combination of easy.shifting Synchro.
Mesh transmission and light action diaphragm spring
clutch provides greater motoring pleasure for those who
prefer conventional driving. A host of new mechanical
features assure even greater operating economy, depend-
ability, and convenience.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Place shift levee in Neutral and depress clutch.
2. Press accelerator to floor once and release . This sets auto-
matic choke and fast idle according to temperature conditions.
3. Turn key starter to START. Release as soon as engine starts.
Key starter wiLl automatically return to ON.
When starting a warm engine, hold accelerator halfway down.
Should engine flood, depress accelerator fully to open choke
while starting. Do not pump accelerator.
THE CHEVROLET SYNCHRO-MESH TRANSMISSION
Any of the three forward speeds or reverse may be selected from
the neutral position as follows :
PUSH START
FIRST SPEED
Depress clutch. Raise shift lever
and move fully down. Engage
clutch gradually.
SECOND SPEED
Depress clutch. Push shift lever up
and away from steering wheel.
Engage clutch.
THIRD SPEED
Depress dutch. Pull shift lever
down and away from steering
wheel. Engage dutch.
REVERSE
With car at a standstill, depress
clucch. Raise shift lever and push
fully upward. Engage clutch
gradually.
Should it ever be necessary to start the engine by pushing or
towing car, place lever in Neutral until car reaches 15 M.P.H.
Depress clutch, tuen key narter to ON, and place shif t lever in
THIRD speed. Engage clutch gradually to start engine .
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PERIOD
To MAINTAIN the high stand-
ard of performance and efficiency
of your new Chevrolet, special
attention should be given for the
first two thousand miles to lubri-
cation 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.
Ch eck the oilfrequently dllrillg /be
first 500 miles. At the end oj 500
miles, drain the craukcase while
hot arid refill with the grade oj oil
recom11lellded 011 page 21. Check
oille 'llel each time gas ;S pllrchased
and change at recommended draill
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
SO miles per hour for the next
200 miles
60 miles per hour for the next
200 miles
Remember, carhon m0110xide is a poisonous gas.
Never start or run the engine in a closed garage.
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USE OF THE JACK
• Set parking brake, and block
diagonall y opposite wheel.
• Place jack on ground under
bumper as illustrated .
• With handle in place and lever
in UP position, raise car until
tire dears ground.
• To lower , place l ever in DOWN
position.
REAR WHEEL SHIELD
To remove shield, raise lever
enough to clear flange and pull
straight down. To in~tallJ place
handle straight down and engage
lug at lower rear corner. Position
shield and move handle up and in,
locking it behind flange.
COOLING SYSTEM CARE
Cooling system shou ld be kept
clean. Use only rust-inhibiting
anti-freeze solutions, following the
manufacturer's specification. To
drain the cooling system com-
pletely , open drains on radiator
and lower left rear side of engine
block as illustrated.
Before installing anti.freeze solu·
tion , the cooling system should be
inspected and serviced for winter
operation. The system shou ld be
thoroughly cleaned, checked for
leaks, and the cylinder head bolts
properly tightened . After the anti.
freeze solution has been installed,
the entire system should be in.
spected regula ely to insure that
th ere are no leaks.
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TO KEEP YOUR NEW CHEVROLET
LOOKING NEW
To preserve {he original beauty of the Chevrolet 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
origina l gloss hy application of a mild liquid polish. Abrasive
polishes and cleaners may do the job quicker, 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 abrasion := that occur on parts having
this protective coating must be performed within a reasonably
short time to prevent further deteriorarion oethl' finish. It is reCOm-
mended that repairs be made only by those who are familiar with
the proper procedures and who use approved refinishing materials.
CONVERTIBLE TOP
AND REAR WINDOW
Before operating the folding top,
be sure to read the convertible
[OP instructions booklet, which
also includes hints on the care
of the top fabric and plastic rear
window.
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Runs Hot
Loosens Cords
Uneven Wear
Blowouts
Good Ride
Good Traction
Even Wear
More Mileage
Hard Ride
Poor Traction
Bruises
Fabric Breaks
Enjoy maximum service from your tires-maintain these recom-
mended pressures:
Starting Plessure-24 lbs. when car has been standing three
hours or driven less than a mile .
City Pressure-27 lbs. after dri v ing car three miles or more
below 40 miles per hour.
Highway Pressure - 29 lbs. after driving car three miles or
more above 40 miles per hour.
NOTE : The Eight-Passenger Station Wagon requires other tire
pressures. See Page 30.
Hard driving normally increases tire pressures. Do not " bleed"
tires to reduce this higher pressure .
VALVE CAPS
Valve caps should always be installed
and tightened firmly to prevent dust and
water entering and damaging valve seats.
The caps also act as an air seal.
CHANGE TIRES AS SHOWN IN
DIAGRAM EVERY 5000 MILES
This helps prevent uneven front
tires and distributes wear over all
five tires.
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CHEVROLE ~
Two ceJ,dios are available, one with five push buttons Jor
automatic tuning of pre-selected stations and the other
having manual control only . Location of the manual set
control knobs is opposite to that of the push button con -
trol model described below.
SWITCH AND VOLUME CONTROL
Rotate left knob clockwise to turn on radio and control
volume.
TUNING CONTROL KNOB
Turn right knob for manual tuning of any station.
TONE CONTROL
Rotate eared knob behind volume control [0 provide the
desired tonal quality.
JJJJJJ]JJJJJJJ111 UJJJJJJJ
55 70 901120 140 16 '0
EIEIt=IEIE
PUSH BUTTON TUNING
Automatic tuning is accomplished by pushing the desired
button. Stations may be pre-selected by this procedure:
A. Warm up radio at least ten
minutes. In sub-zero weather
allow thirty minutes or more .
B. Choose five stations and
arrange so that the lowest ·
frequency will be selected by
the left push button.
C. Move button slightly to the
right and pull out approxi-
mately one - half inch.
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D. With manual control knob.
tune desired station to best
reception.
E. Firmly push button in to the
full extent of its travel.
F. Repeat procedure for remain-
ing buttons or to change sta-
tiODS at any time.
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AUTOMATIC
The Chevrolet Air Flow Heater provides all-year comfort re~a;d
less of weather. ]n winter, the desired temperature is automaucally
maintained, using
either outside or
inside air. In sum-
mer, maximum
ventilation is as-
sured by large. un-
restricted air inlets.
HEATING
"Temp" Knob-
Move to position
that maintains de-
sired car temper-
ature.
"Blower-Air" Knoh-Move to "Outside Air." Use "Inside Air" in
congested traffic. In either location, blower automatically starts,
and may be regulated or stopped by turning upper portion of knob.
DEFROSTING
"DeC" Knob - With heater oper-
ating, move "DeC' knob to right JUSt
enough to keep windshield clear.
SUMMER VENTILATION
"Blower-Air" Knoh-Move to
"Summer Vent" position. Be sure
"Temp" knob is at extreme left.
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