Segment:
Luxury Sports Car / Performance Automobile
Era:
Late 1950s American Automotive Design
Key Competitors:
Ford Thunderbird, Cadillac Eldorado, Imported sports cars like Jaguar XK series.
Design Philosophy:
Pioneering American sports car, focus on styling, performance, and European influence.
Iconic Status:
First generation Corvette, establishing the nameplate's legacy.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system (generator), fuel pump operation, lighting indicators.
Lighting System:
Headlights (sealed beam), parking lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals (front and rear), interior courtesy lights, license plate light.
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, ammeter (charge indicator), warning lights (e.g., oil pressure, generator charge).
Accessory Electrical:
Wiper motor, washer pump (if equipped), heater blower motor, radio wiring, power windows (if equipped, though rare for '58), power antenna (if equipped).
Chassis Electrical:
Horn circuit, hazard warning lights (if equipped), stoplight switch, neutral safety switch (automatic transmission).
Wiring Harnesses:
Diagrams detailing routing and connections for main engine harness, dash harness, lighting harnesses, and accessory harnesses.
Troubleshooting:
Fault finding for common electrical issues, circuit testing, diagnosing voltage drops, identifying short circuits and open circuits.
Component Testing:
Guidance on testing specific electrical components such as ignition coils, voltage regulators, starter solenoids, and bulb sockets.
Wiring Repair:
Methods for splicing, crimping, and soldering wires; insulation repair; connector cleaning and repair.
Fuse And Relay Identification:
Location and function of all fuses, circuit breakers (if any), and relay terminals.
Ground Point Identification:
Location and importance of chassis ground points for electrical system integrity.
Wiring Color Codes:
Detailed identification of wire colors used throughout the vehicle's electrical system, crucial for accurate identification and repair.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Detailed circuit diagrams, component locations, wire colors, connector pinouts, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using basic electrical testing tools such as multimeters, test lights, and jumper wires.
Diagram Type:
Schematic diagrams illustrating electrical circuits, layout diagrams showing component placement and wire routing.
File Format Quality:
High-resolution scans, ensuring clarity of small text and intricate lines. Searchable PDF functionality if digitally reproduced.
Print Quality:
Professionally printed on durable paper stock, suitable for workshop environments. Clear, sharp lines and legible text.
Binding Type:
Professional binding (e.g., perfect binding, spiral binding) for ease of use and durability.
Paper Type:
Heavyweight, matte-finish paper to reduce glare and withstand frequent handling.
Engine Code:
Various V8s (e.g., 283 cu in OHV V8)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Overhead Valve (OHV) V8
Horsepower:
Ranges from 230 hp to 290 hp (depending on carburetor and cam specification, e.g., Rochester 2-barrel, 4-barrel, or Fuel Injection)
Torque:
Ranges from approximately 275 lb-ft to 305 lb-ft
Carburetion:
Single Rochester 2-barrel carburetor, dual Rochester 4-barrel carburetors, or Rochester Ramjet Fuel Injection (RPO 575).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating of 91+ recommended for optimal performance)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era). Refer to specific manual for exact recommendation.
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Includes spark plug replacement, distributor points and condenser adjustment/replacement, carburetor adjustment.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40, API Service Classification SG or higher (or equivalent for modern oils).
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Capacity approx. 16-18 quarts.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III/Mercon ATF. Capacity approx. 6-8 quarts.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Electrical Challenges:
Degradation of original wiring insulation, brittle connectors, corrosion in fuse blocks and relays, voltage regulator issues, grounding problems leading to intermittent faults.
Engine Challenges:
Carburetor tuning and rebuilding, fuel injection system maintenance (if equipped), oil leaks from seals and gaskets, potential overheating in heavy traffic.
Corrosion Areas:
Frame rails, floor pans, rear axle housing, and body mounts due to age and exposure.
Founding Year:
1911 (General Motors)
Iconic Models:
Bel Air, Camaro, Corvette, Impala, Silverado, Suburban.
First Generation Dates:
1953-1962
1958 Updates:
Significant facelift: quad headlights, new grille, fender louvers, revised interior, optional aluminum trim panels.
Manufacturing Plant:
Flint, Michigan, USA; later St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Production Volume 1958:
9,173 units
