First edition owner's manual question

[John S.]

Was just the first edition series put in the car's at the factory? Was second edition bought threw Helm? Thanks john

[William C.]

Re: First edition owner's manual question

Generally the second and subsequent editions were all factory-installed items with the subsequent editions reflecting revisions to something in the manual, examples might be an engine added or deleted, or a description that was just in error on the first printing. Some of the Judging Guides might have a range of VIN's where a particular edition would appear.

[Jack H.]

Re: First edition owner's manual question

I've seen little rhyme/reason to what edition of owner's manual came with what cars over the years except, I've NEVER seen a car built BEFORE a given edition went to press having that book with 'er....

As far as changes getting incorporated with revision change, HAH!!! Take the '65 cars. The 396 and 327/350 engines were introduced mid-model year and the 2nd edition owner's manual bears a Jan '65 release date. Guess what? The 2nd edition owner's manual make NO MENTION of these new engines!!!!

The proof of the pudding is in the PN. I've yet to see a 2nd edition owner's manual (in the era of cars we judge) have a different GM PN from the 1st edition. Therefore, it would have been binned in the same location with 1st edition books, all intermixed.

We have five chapter members with '65 L78 cars all built in the April-June, '65 timeframe. Each car has it's factory original owner's manual and two are 1st edition books while three are 2nd edition books.

My opinion is; any judge who thinks he/she can time the changeover of editions of owner's manuals to a given VIN is smokin' wacky tabaccay....