1960 CHEVROLET CORVAIR transmission

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.

After starting engine with the lever in "N" (NEU­
TRAL) position, merely select the range desired and
depress the accelerator. The Powerglide transmission
will do the rest. The
Powerglide may be automatically
shifted into
LOW range for extra acceleration at speeds below 45
MPH by "stepping down" hard on the accelerator pedal.
OPERATING YOUR POWERGLIDE
POSITION OPERATION USES
R-REVERSE For Backing Car (From Stopped Position)
N-NEUTRAL For Starting Engine (Brakes Applied) NORMAL DRIVING D-DRIVE For all Forward Driving. Step hard on RANGE accelerator for extra acceleration below 45 MPH.
L-LOW For Hard Pulling at Low Speeds, Climb-SAND, SNOW, ing, or Descending Steep Grades and for MUD OR ON additional engine braking below 40 MPH. STEEP GRADES
5

POWERGlIDE
PUSHING TO START
• Turn on key and move selector lever to Neutral. At
20 to 25 MPH move lever to "L."
• When engine starts, move selector lever to "D."
NOTE: Never tow to start.
TOWING
• Place selector lever in Neutral.
• If transmission or axle are malfunctioning, tow with
rear wheels raised.
• Never tow faster than 30 MPH.
ROCKING CAR
When stuck in mud, sand or snow, you may rock
the car forward and back by depressing the accelerator
slightly and shifting the selector lever between" R" and
"D." Avoid excessive engine speed while performing
this operation.
~ -'.
6
SPEEDOMETER
Shows speed in miles per hour. The odometer below
the speedometer registers accumulated mileage.
FUEL GAUGE
This gauge indicates fuel quantity in the tank only
when the ignition switch is in the "ON" p')sition. When
the ignition is "OFF," the indicator pointer will not
necessarily return to the EMPTY mark, but may stop at
any point on the gauge.
"TEMP-PRESS" AND "GEN-FAN" INDICATORS
These indicators are extremely important since they
provide a constant check on the operating condition of
the air cooled engine and the generator of your Corvair.
Both
indicator lights should light with the ignition switch
"ON" and before starting the engine. Indicator lights
will go out shortly after engine is, started and during
normal operation of the car. Flickering of the "Gen-Fan"
light while engine is idling is a normal condition.
Engine cooling depends on operation of the fan
driven by the Gen-Fan belt. A broken or slipping fan
belt will cause the Gen-Fan indicator to remain lighted
during normal operation and continued engine opera­
tion can result in serious damage.

13. TRANSMISSION
3-Speed (Transmission and Rear Axle)
First 1'000 miles-Drain and refill with lubricant spe­
cified
below.
Every 1000 miles-Check at operating temperature
and keep lubricant at level of the filler plug.
Add SAE-80 multipurpose gear lubricant (G. M.
Part No. 3772661) as required.
Powerglide (Transmission only)
Every 1000 miles-Check fluid level on dipstick with
engine idling, selector lever in NEUTRAL posi­
tion,
parking brake set and transmission at
operating temperature. Add Automatic Trans­
mission
Fluid Type "A" with an AQ-ATF-A num­
ber to full mark on dipstick . Check with engine
idling. DO NOT OVERFILL. Correct oil level must
be established by dipstick measurement.
NOTE: From the "Add Oil" mark to the "Full"
mark
on the dipstick indicates a difference of
only 1 pint of fluid.
22
14. REAR AXLE
First 1000 miles-Drain rear axle and refill with
lubricant specified
below.
Every 1000 miles-Check rear axle at operating tem­
perature and keep lubricant at level of filler
plug.
Every 10,000 miles or seasonally-Drain rear axle
and refill with lubricant specified below.
With Powerglide Transmission
Add G. M. No. 3772661 (SAE-80 Multipurpose Gear
Lubricant) or equivalent to rear axle as required.
With 3-Speed Transmission
Add G. M. Part No. 3772661 (SAE-80 Multipurpose
Gear Lubricant) or equivalent to rear axle as
required.
NOTE: if rear axle requires additional lubricant,
be sure that 3-speed transmission is also checked.
Low lubricant in the axle indicates that the trans­
mission
may also be low .
15. BATTERY
Every 1000 miles-Check fluid level. Keep filled with
distilled
water to level of the split ring in the
vent tube. Oil battery terminal washer with engine
oil. Clean top of battery regularly with diluted

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.

3
o EVERY 1000 MitES
o EVERY 2000 MILES
o EVERY 4000 MILES
o EVERY 5000 MILES
11 18
o EVERY 10000 MILES
~ EVERY 15000 MILES
o EVERY 25000 MILES
5
(0
AUTOMATIC 13
ae L 3.SPEED-.J 13
Gl -Multi-purpose or Universal Gear Lubricant*
BB -Delco 8011 8earing and Cam lubricant
W8
-Wheel Bearing lubricant Cl -Chassis Lubricant
26
~18
B
9
EO -Engine Oil AT -Automatic Transmission Fluid (Type A)
Sl -Steering Gear lubricant LP -lubriplate
BF -GM Hydrauli ,c Brake Fluid, Super No. 11

SPECIFICATIONS
SERIAL AND UNIT NUMBERS
Serial Number . Stamped on plate attached to left center body pillar. Body Number .. Stamped on a plate attached to the left rear wheel well, within the engine compartment.
Engine Number. Stamped on the engine block behind and to
left of the fuel pump.
DIMENSIONS
Overall length ............................. 180.0 in.
Height
(loaded) .......... ................. 51.3 in.
Width
............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 66.4 in.
Wheelbase ...........•................... 108.0 in.
Turning
diameter ................. ............ 39 ft.
CAPACITIES
Gasoline Tank .........................•.... 11 gal.
Crankcase Refill ............................... 4 qt.
Add for Filter .......... , ... : ............... 1 pt.
Transmission
3-Speed .................................. 2 pt.
Powerglide
(Refill) ...... 4% to 8 pts . (depending on drain period) Differential .................. ............ 3 pt.
Air Cleaner ..................... . Polyurethane Element
Cooling System ...
.................. Air Cooled Engine
28
TIRE INFORMATION
Type .................................... Tubeless
Size .............................. 6.50 x 13-4 ply
Inflation COLD HOT
Front ............................ 15 18
Rear ......................•..... 26 30
Spare Tire-Inflate to 26 Ibs. Deflate to 15 Ibs. when using as front wheel.
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Horsepower .•..............................
Compression Ratio ........................... 8.0:1
Displacement ....... ....................• 140 cu. in.
Bore
................... ' ............ ' ....... 3.375
Stroke ...................................... 2.60
Firing Order .............. .............. 1-4-5-2-3-6
Spark Plugs .............•. AC-4.4FF (Gap: .033-.038")
Idle Speed
3-Speed .................. 450-500 RPM (in Neutral)
Powerglide
................ .. 475-500 RPM (In Drive)
Ignition Timing .......................... 40 B.T.D.C.
Axle Ratio
(Std.) ......... ................... 3.55:1
(Opl.) ............................ 3.89:1

Page
Light Control Knob ........................ 8
locks ................................... 11
lubrication Diagram .. ....... . .......... .. . 26
lubrication & Maintenance Guide ............ 24-25
luggage Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
Maintenance and Lubrication ....... ......... 16
Octane Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16
Oil Filter ................................ 20
Owner Protection Policy ............ '. . . . . . . .. 30
Parking Brake
Operation ............................ 9
Service .
............................. 23
Polishing Your Corvair ...................... 14
Pushing to Start
Three-Speed ................. ......... 4
Powerglide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Radio
............. ..................... 10
Rear Axle .................. ............. 22
Rear Seat-Folding ....................... .
Rocking
Car-Powerglide . .................. .
Seats
12
6
Front Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Rea r Seat-Folding ..................... 1 2
Service Accessories
....................... .
Serv ice Brakes ........................... .
27
9
31
Page
Serial and Unit Numbers . . , ............... " 28
Spare Tire ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28
Speedometer ... .. ........ .......... ...... 6
Starting the Engine . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Steering Linkage ............. ;............ 20
Steering Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20
Switching Tires ........................... 19
Temp-Press-Indicator ........ ............... 6-7
Tire Care ............................... 18
Tire Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28
Towing-Powerglide ....................... 6
Transmission
Three-Speed
Operation ................... ...... 4
Service ........................... 22
Powerglide
Operation .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-6
Service .............. ............. 22
Turn Signal .............................. 8
Universal Joints ........................... 21
Warm-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Washing your Corvair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14
White Sidewall Tires .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15
Windshield Wipers and Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9