Vehicle Segment:
Compact car, rear-engine, air-cooled.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Falcon, Plymouth Valiant.
Unique Selling Proposition:
American-designed, rear-engine, independent suspension all around, offering a unique driving experience and innovative design for its era.
Design Philosophy:
Compact, economical, and advanced engineering for its time.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, parking lights, interior lighting, dome light, dashboard illumination.
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plug wiring, ignition switch, starter motor circuit.
Charging System:
Generator, voltage regulator, wiring to battery and dashboard warning light.
Starting System:
Starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch, neutral safety switch (if applicable), battery connections.
Instrument Panel:
Fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, ammeter (or voltmeter), speedometer, odometer, warning lights (oil, generator, brake).
Accessories:
Wiper motor, washer system (if equipped), horn, radio wiring, heater blower motor.
Chassis Electrical:
Wiring harnesses, fuse box (or circuit breakers), grounding points, battery cables.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common electrical faults (e.g., no crank, no lights, charging issues).
Component Identification:
Identification of electrical components and their corresponding wire colors and terminal designations.
Wiring Harness Routing:
Diagrams showing the layout and routing of major wiring harnesses throughout the vehicle.
Detail Level:
High-level schematic diagrams with detailed wire color codes, terminal designations, and component locations.
Diagnostic Focus:
Primarily focused on diagnosing and repairing electrical system issues, not mechanical repairs.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, clear diagrams suitable for printing and reference.
Paper Type:
Durable, potentially coated paper for shop environment use (if original print).
Binding:
Typically bound with staples or stitching for ease of use and lay-flat capability.
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test data available from modern agencies for this era of vehicle.
Braking System:
Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Seat Belts:
Optional front seat belts, no standard rear seat belts.
Body Structure:
Unibody construction with integrated safety features typical for the era.
Radio:
AM radio, optional. Often vacuum tube based.
Speakers:
Single dash speaker typically.
Features:
None by modern standards. Features like power steering and power brakes were optional on some trims.
Features:
No electronic connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for era).
Tune Up:
Every 6,000-12,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor timing).
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-30 or SAE 20W-50 (depending on climate). Refer to specific manual for exact API service classification.
Transmission Fluid:
For Powerglide: DEXRON-III (or equivalent for era, like Type A Suffix A).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine Cooling:
Overheating in hot climates or heavy traffic due to air-cooling limitations. Proper fan belt tension and airflow are critical.
Rear Suspension:
Corvair's unique rear swing-axle suspension can be prone to 'jacking' under certain cornering conditions. Tire pressure and alignment are crucial.
Electrical System:
Aging wiring, corrosion, and component failure are common in vintage vehicles. This manual is essential for diagnosing these.
Carburetor:
Potential for vacuum leaks, sticking throttle, and synchronization issues with the single-barrel carburetor.
Manufacturer:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM).
Generation Start:
First generation (1960-1963).
Designers:
Clare MacPherson, Robert Cumberford, Chuck Jordan (under Bill Mitchell).
Production Years:
1960-1969 (all generations).
Manufacturing Location:
Willow Run, Michigan, USA.
Initial Reception:
Divisive. Praised for innovation and handling, criticized for perceived reliability issues and air-cooling. Initially sold well but sales declined over time.
