
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BREAKING-IN PERIOD
Sound design and precision manufacturing methods
will permit you to operate your new Corvair in a normal
manner from its very first mile without adhering to a
formal "break-in" schedule. However, during the first
few hundred miles of driving you can, by observing a
few simple precautions, add to the future performance
and economy of your car.
It is recommended that your speed during the first
500 miles be confined to a maximum of 60 M.P.H., but
do not drive for extended periods at anyone constant
speed, either fast or slow. During this period, avoid full
throttle "jack-rabbit" starts and quick, abrupt stops.
Gentle braking during the first few hundred miles of
operation will result in longer brake life and better
future performance. Avoid hard stops especially during
the first 200 miles of operation since brake misuse during
this period will destroy much future brake efficiency.
Always drive at a moderate speed until the engine
has completely warmed up.
2
STARTING THE ENGINE
LOCK OFF ON START
IGNITION SWITCH
START-Used only when starting engine. When released,
switch returns to ON.
ON-For normal operation after engine has been
started.
OFF-Turns off engine and accessories.
LOCK-Same as "OFF" except that switch cannot be
moved into or out of this position without ignition
key. Always switch to LOCK when leaving your car
unattended.

STARTING
1. POWERGLIDE-Place control lever in N position. The
engine will not start in any other position.
THREE-SPEED-Place gearshift control lever in Neu
tral.
2. INITIAL START -Depress accelerator to floor and
release. This presets the automatic choke.
ENGINE WARM-Hold accelerator pedal about half
open.
3. Turn ignition switch to START and release as soon
as
engine starts.
4.
"FLOODED" ENGINE-Depress accelerator to floor
and hold while cranking engine. Never "pump"
accelerator.
3 WARM-UP
Never race the engine or drive at high speeds until
the engine has had a chance to warm up. Always let
the engine idle for a minute or two after starting and
drive at moderate speeds for several
miles, especially in
cold weather. Failure to allow sufficient warm-up time
causes much unnecessary wear to the engine. Also,
excessive speeds before axle and transmission lubricant
becomes warmed up can cause harm to these parts.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMY
Proper maintenance and wise operation will com
bine to help you achieve maximum fuel economy with
your Corvair. Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can
properly tune and maintain your car but wise operation
is your responsibility. Give the car sufficient warm-up
time, do not make "jack rabbit" starts or skidding stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and as steady as traffic
permits to gain the benefits of all the economy built into
yourCorvair.

CLEANING HINTS
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
WASHING YOUR CORVAIR
The best way to preserve the original beauty of the
finish
of your Corvair is to keep it clean. Calcium
chloride and other salts, road tar, excretion from insects,
tree sap, chemicals from factory chimneys and other
foreign matter may permanently damage both paint and
bright metal parts. Regular, frequent washings and a
thorough cleaning after exposure to any of the above is
recommended. Wash the car in either warm or cold
(never hot) water; never in the direct rays of the sun;
and always wait until the sheet metal surfaces have
cooled before beginning. Never wipe off dust and dirt
when surfaces are dry because this may scratch the
finish.
POLISHING YOUR CORVAIR
Your Corvair is finished with Magic Mirror Acrylic
Lacquer. A thorough washing is generally all that is
required to maintain a "new car" appearance. How
ever, if the car is to be polished ma ke certain that the
label of the cleaner or polish used states that the product
is suitable for use on acrylic lacquer finishes. Any of the
14
approved cleaners or polishes listed on Page 27 of this
book may be used. Any tar or road oil remover used
should indicate on the label that it is harmless to Acrylic
finishes. G. M. Tar and Road Oil Remover has been
especially compounded for this purpose.
PROTECTION OF EXTERIOR BRIGHT METAL
PARTS
All bright metal parts of the car-should be regularly
cleaned and protected against the same substances
harmful to the painted surfaces . Normally, washing with
water is all that is required. However, G. M. Chrome
Polish may be used on CHROME or STAINLESS STEEL
trim if necessary. Use special care with ALUMINUM trim.
Never use auto or chrome polish, steam or any caustic
soap to clean aluminum. Wash only with lukewarm water,
and if necessary, a mild soap. Rinse well and dry
thoroughly.

the car for lowering the car or removing the wheel nuts.
When jacking the car, set the hand brake, block diagonal
wheel, and, if changing wheels, remove the hub cap and
loosen wheel nuts. Place the jack under the side of the
car located as shown.
Spare Tire
The tire is mounted in the luggage compartment.
Switching Tires
Switching tires every 5000 miles as shown will pro
mote more even tire wear and longer tire life. After
switch ing tires readjust tire pressure to correspond to
table on page 18.
CAUTION: Never attempt to raise the Corvair by
placing any kind of jack under the bumper.
FRONT
JACKING CAR SWITCHING TIRES 19
CHASSIS LUBRICATION
------
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Your Corvair deserves the best care you can give it.
Regular maintenance will guarantee you more, depend
able, trouble free miles of enjoyable driving. The
following pages are devoted to maintenance and lubri
cation items which should be performed at regular inter
vals
. Each item is numbered to correspond to the items
shown on the Lubrication Diagram on page 26. The
Lubrication and Maintenance Guide on pages 24 and
25 provides an easy way of checking on necessary
maintenance at any given mileage or seasonal interval.

ammonia or soda solution and flush with clear
water. Check state of charge regularly, espe
cially in freezing weather, for an undercharged
battery may freeze and break.
16. FUEL FILTER
Every 15,000 miles-Replace filters, located in each
carburetor inlet. If flooding occurs, replace more
often.
17. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Check frequently and maintain fluid level at mark
inside reservoir below filler opening, using G. M.
Hydraulic Brake Fluid, Super No. 11. If addition
of fluid is required more often than ·every 1000
miles the entire system should be checked for
leaks.
18. PARKING BRAKE & CLUTCH PULLEYS
AND CABLES
Every 10,000 miles-Lubric.ate pulleys under dash.
Remove the
tunnel cover under vehicle and lubri
cate pulleys and cable bearing points with lub
riplate. lubricate gearshift lever ball and socket
and shift rod universal joint at transmission con
nection with lubriplate.
BODY LUBRICATION POINTS
Most body lube points do not need frequent, heavy
23
lubrication as does the chassis. However, periodic checks
of certain points on the Corvair body, and lubrication
when needed will eliminate annoying squeaks and
noises . Be careful not to over-lubricate. Wipe off all
surplus lubricant.
The following items should be lubricated periodically:
1. DQQr Hinges-Wipe off dirt and apply Lubriplate.
2 . Door Lock
Striker-Wipe off dirt and apply stick type lubricant.
3. Door Bottom Drain Hole Sealing Strip-Apply silicone rub-
ber lubricant.
4. Door Jamb Switch-Apply Lubriplate.
5 .
Rear Door Weatherstrip-Apply silicone rubber, lubricant.
6 . Front
and Rear Compartment Lid Lock-Apply Lubriplate.
7. Front Compartment Lid Torque Rods-Apply dripless oil to bearing points.
8. Gas Tank Filler Door Hinge-Apply dripless oil. 9. Glove Box Door Hinge-Apply dripless oil. 10. Rear Folding Seat Back Support Link Assembly & Filler Panel Hinge-Apply dripless Qil to bearing points.
The following items moy be lubricated whenever
access to the item is availoble:
11. Door Outsi.de Handle Lock Cylinder Shaft-Apply Lubri-
plate. 12. Door Window Regulator and Cams-Apply Lubriplate .
13. Door Lock Parts-Apply Lubriplate . 14. Door Locking Mechanism-Apply Lubriplate .
15. Front and Rear Compartment Hinges-Apply Lubriplate.

Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer carries a com
plete stock of Chevrolet Service Accessories, especially
developed for use in keeping your Corvair, or any
Chevrolet, looking and feeling like new for years to come.
Many of these accessories are available for "do-it
yourself" work on your Corvair, or, if you desire, your
Chevrolet Dealer has many cleaning and polishing serv
ices
to offer.
EXTERIOR CAR CARE
All cleaners, polishes and tor removers in the fol
lowing list have been especially compounded for use on
Chevrolet Magic Mirror Acrylic Finishes.
*
lustur Seal
* Porcelainize
Triple
Action Polish
Liquid Gloze
Tor and Road Oil Remover
Chrome
Polish
Chrome Gard
White Wall Tire Cleaner
Angora Washing Mitt
Polishing Cloth
Touch -up Paint in
Chevrolet Colors
* Undercoating
*-Dealer Applied.
27
SERVICE ACCESSORIES
INTERIOR CAR CARE
Use the following accessories to keep the interior of
the car in new cor condition.
Kar-K)een
Cleaner
Spot Remover
leather Cleaner
MISCELLAN EOUS
Designed to assure proper operation of various
components
of your Corvair, the following accessories
will help to rid your car of all annoying squeaks and
rattles.
No. 988299 Windshield Washer Anti-freeze and
Solvent
Door Ease Stick lubricant
Spray-a-squeak Silicone Lubricant
Lock Ease Lubricant
Ruglyde Rubber Lubricant
and Cleaner
Seal zit Gloss Cleaner
Penetrating Oil, Dripless
Lubriplate