1978 Corvette Owners Manual

[Barry L.]

I always read there is an early and late edition owners manuals. So up to what VINs get an early owners manual? And BTY what is the difference between an early and late owners manual for the 1978?

[Dave S.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

I always read there is an early and late edition owners manuals. So up to what VINs get an early owners manual? And BTY what is the difference between an early and late owners manual for the 1978?

Barry, The only two 1978 OM's I have seen are #460294B for the Standard Corvette and the #14006820 for the Limited Edition Corvette. Neither say first or second edition and neither have dates. I haven't seen them all so other editions are possible.

[Barry L.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

Thanks Dave for the response.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

agree with Mr. Strickland

[Barry L.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

I have found some light on the mystery of 1st and 2nd owners manuals. On back cover of the owners manual, in the lower left hand corner there is the P/N 460294 followed by the letter A or B. A being the first edition and B the second edition. The Pace Car has a complete difference P/N for its owners manual. Both manuals appear to be the same on the outside. I reviewed the 1978-1979 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, 3rd Edition, and surprised it is not noted in the Judging manual. I have seen the two different owners manuals. What is different in the inside, I don't know. I would suggest the lead judge for these years would look into this finding and shed some light on it.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

well why don't you as an owner look into it and shed some lite.........you could start a poll for instance of ALL pace car owners and determine which of the A or B manual they have..........just saying

[Reba W.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

Usually a second edition was issued when something changed on the car. For 1972, a seat belt buzzer was added to the warning light on the dash in December 1971. The second edition owner's manual added an explanation of its operation. Was there some change during 1978 production?

Maybe Dave Strickland can elaborate here.

[Barry L.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

As I mentioned in my beginning post I am not referring to the Pace Car manual because it is different. I don't think there is an early and late owners manual for 78 Pace cars because the vehicles were only built for 3 months March, April and May, which is after the first of the year. My post is referring to the regular 78 owners manual, which is orange color. As I stated in my earlier, what is the difference?, I don't know. But I am sure there was a change for some reason. Thanks Reba and everyone for your responses. I appreciate the input.
Merry Christmas

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

I have found some light on the mystery of 1st and 2nd owners manuals. On back cover of the owners manual, in the lower left hand corner there is the P/N 460294 followed by the letter A or B. A being the first edition and B the second edition. The Pace Car has a complete difference P/N for its owners manual. Both manuals appear to be the same on the outside. I reviewed the 1978-1979 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, 3rd Edition, and surprised it is not noted in the Judging manual. I have seen the two different owners manuals. What is different in the inside, I don't know. I would suggest the lead judge for these years would look into this finding and shed some light on it.

Look at the date on that NCRS 1978 TIMJG 3rd edition...it's dated!

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

I always read there is an early and late edition owners manuals.

I've been around judging field with 78s for some twenty-five years and have yet to hear of a discussion regarding early and late base coup Owner Manuals...which is not to say it doesn't exist.

So up to what VINs get an early owner's manual? And BTW what is the difference between an early and late owner's manual for the 1978?

After reading Reba's post, it occurred to me that an A and B would not have been used to note a production change. I check the newly revised 70-72 manual and it serves as an example for the Chevrolet division format:

1971 had two editions: First edition, #3991062, dated Sept. 1970; Second edition, #3991062, dated Feb. 1971.

1972 had two editions: First edition, #6263135, dated Sept. 1971. Second edition, #328789, dated Jan. 1972.

The use of an A or B seems out of place for a production change but then, I'm not sure why an A or B was used. Speculating, it could have been a reference for two different suppliers for the same part number. They were building close to 50,000 units and multiple suppliers had become commonplace during the 70s.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

I've been around judging field with 78s for some twenty-five years and have yet to hear of a discussion regarding early and late base coup Owner Manuals...which is not to say it doesn't exist.



After reading Reba's post, it occurred to me that an A and B would not have been used to note a production change. I check the newly revised 70-72 manual and it serves as an example for the Chevrolet division format:



The use of an A or B seems out of place for a production change but then, I'm not sure why an A or B was used. Speculating, it could have been a reference for two different suppliers for the same part number. They were building close to 50,000 units and multiple suppliers had become commonplace during the 70s.

Tom,
To my knowledge Chevrolet only had one supplier of Owners Manuals from 53 into at least the 80's. That company was Helm, Inc. I can't specifically comment on the meaning of the use of A or B. We need some 78 owners to assist with some research. Should be several out there with original glovebox paperwork.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

Tom,
To my knowledge Chevrolet only had one supplier of Owners Manuals from 53 into at least the 80's. That company was Helm, Inc. I can't specifically comment on the meaning of the use of A or B. We need some 78 owners to assist with some research. Should be several out there with original glovebox paperwork.

Regardless...as a student of 70-72 era, the fact remains that month/year was used to distinguish production year shifts so the overture to 78 owners to research A...B is rather useless. Frankly, they would not have a clue. Unless you can offer some tidbit of significance, let's stick with that which is known...that being.

As posted previously, your 70-72 revised manual was quite clear that month/year was the changed format

1971 had two editions: First edition, #3991062, dated Sept. 1970; Second edition, #3991062, dated Feb. 1971.

1972 had two editions: First edition, #6263135, dated Sept. 1971. Second edition, #328789, dated Jan. 1972.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

Regardless...as a student of 70-72 era, the fact remains that month/year was used to distinguish production year shifts so the overture to 78 owners to research A...B is rather useless. Frankly, they would not have a clue. Unless you can offer some tidbit of significance, let's stick with that which is known...that being.

As posted previously, your 70-72 revised manual was quite clear that month/year was the changed format

Tom,
My only point was there was not two suppliers of Owners Manuals. It's well documented that month/year was used into the 70's. Beyond that I do not know. It would be helpful to have mid 70's Owners help here.

[Sal C.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

The owners may not have a clue, but I think that what Dave is referring to is that we need them to provide info on which manual they received for the time of build of their vehicle. Simple, its been done a million times. It's called research.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Owners Manual

uhm, see post #6 - research was suggested in having a poll performed