🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1960

Generation Code:

C1 (Second Generation)

Vin Prefix:

1000001 (Corvette Specific)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

American Luxury Sports Car

Competitors:

Ford Thunderbird (in its early two-seater phase), European sports cars like Jaguar XK series, Mercedes-Benz 300SL.

Vehicle Highlight:

Iconic American sports car, fiberglass body, distinct styling, powerful V8 engine options, convertible body style.

Purpose:

Essential for restoring, maintaining, or diagnosing electrical issues on the 1960 Corvette. Provides the definitive guide to the vehicle's electrical architecture.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Electrical Systems and Wiring Diagrams

Secondary Coverage:

Component location, diagnostic troubleshooting for electrical faults

Total Pages:

Approximately 50-75 pages (estimate based on typical wiring diagram manuals of the era)

Type:

Wiring Diagram Manual / Electrical Service Manual

Primary Language:

English

Format Type:

Digital (likely PDF for modern reproduction), Original print

📖 Manual Coverage

Electrical Systems:

Ignition, Starting, Charging, Lighting (headlights, taillights, parking lights, interior), Instrumentation, Gauges, Horn, Wiper System, Heater/Defroster Blower Motor, Radio, Power Antenna (if equipped), Seat Belt Warning Buzzer (if equipped), Fuel Gauge Sending Unit, Temperature Gauge Sending Unit, Oil Pressure Sending Unit.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of electrical faults, circuit testing, continuity checks, voltage drop testing, identifying short circuits and open circuits.

Repair Procedures:

Wire repair techniques, connector servicing, component replacement guidance based on electrical schematics.

Component Identification:

Locating electrical components, switches, relays, fuses, and their corresponding wiring.

Depth:

Detailed schematics illustrating every wire, connector, and component. Clear identification of wire colors and functions. Diagnostic trees for common electrical issues. Component location diagrams for electrical parts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Searchable, Printable)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original diagrams, ensuring clarity of lines, text, and symbols.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; traditionally saddle-stitched or comb-bound for print.

Paper:

Not applicable for digital format; original manuals used standard newsprint or offset paper for diagrams.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Std:

283ci (4.6L) V8

Base Engine Description:

Rochester 2-barrel carburetor

Base Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4600 rpm

Base Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Engine Code Opt1:

283ci (4.6L) V8 'Blue Flame' Special

Opt1 Description:

Rochester 4-barrel carburetor

Opt1 Horsepower:

270 hp @ 5000 rpm

Opt1 Torque:

305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code Opt2:

283ci (4.6L) V8 'Fuel Injection'

Opt2 Description:

Rochester-GM Ramjet Fuel Injection

Opt2 Horsepower:

315 hp @ 6200 rpm

Opt2 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (2-bbl or 4-bbl) or Mechanical Fuel Injection

Ignition Type:

Single Point Distributor, Coil and Points System

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

3-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

2-speed Powerglide Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Opt 2:

4-speed Manual Transmission (RPO 685)

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate (Manual Transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.2 inches (4247 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

50.0 inches (1270 mm)

Wheelbase:

102.0 inches (2591 mm)

Front Track:

57.0 inches (1448 mm)

Rear Track:

58.0 inches (1473 mm)

Curb Weight Std:

Approx. 2,800 - 3,000 lbs (1270 - 1360 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically published in detail for this era of sports cars

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not applicable (NHTSA ratings did not exist in 1960)

Braking System:

Four-wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

Steering System:

Recirculating Ball, Manual Steering

Seat Belts:

Optional lap belts were available

Windshield:

Laminated Safety Glass

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM Radio (optional), often with a single speaker.

Instrumentation:

Speedometer, Tachometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel Gauge, Water Temperature Gauge, Clock.

Features:

None (modern driver assistance systems were not available).

Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 2,000 - 3,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 6,000 - 10,000 miles (points, plugs, condenser).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API Service Class SC or SD recommended (check original specs for precise recommendation).

Coolant Type:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water.

Transmission Fluid Std:

GM Synchromesh (Manual Transmission)

Transmission Fluid Opt:

Dexron-III/Mercon (Powerglide Automatic Transmission) - check manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Hydraulic Drum Brakes)

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion in wiring harness connectors, aging insulation, failing voltage regulators, worn distributor points, and alternator output issues are common, all of which this manual directly addresses.

Fuel System Issues:

Clogged fuel filters, worn fuel pump diaphragms, and issues with fuel injection metering units (for the 315hp model) can occur.

Cooling System Issues:

Radiator leaks, worn water pump seals, and blocked heater cores are prevalent due to age.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, became a major player in the American automotive market, known for its V8 engines and performance models.

Corvette C1 Evolution:

The 1960 model represented the final iteration of the C1 generation, building on earlier designs. Key changes for 1960 included revised fender coves, a cleaner grille, and increased engine power options, including the introduction of the 315 hp fuel-injected engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Flint, Michigan, USA (Chevrolet-Fisher Body plants)

Production Volume 1960:

10,261 units

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

Considered a significant American sports car icon, a benchmark for American performance and design of its era.

Collectibility Index:

Highly collectible and sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.