Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

[Jeff B.]

What is/are best indicator(s) to differentiate an original from reproduction 2nd edition 1967 manual?

[Dave S.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

What is/are best indicator(s) to differentiate an original from reproduction 2nd edition 1967 manual?

Reproduction Owners Manuals will have a disclaimer printed on them.
Helm Inc. re-issue Owners Manuals are where the confusion/ misunderstanding begins. Helm re-issued their OM's to Chevrolet for sale in the Dealer Parts Departments just like any other part. Those re-issue OM's are distinguishable from assembly line OM's is various ways but the most obvious difference is in the quality of the photography. Hold them side by side and you will quickly see the difference. Many OM's are sold a NOS because they have the Corvette News Card. Most re-issue OM's have cards too. OK to buy re-issue manuals - just don't pay top dollar thinking it's an original.

[Jeff B.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

Thanks for the info.
I bought my 67 (built Jan 23rd) in 1978. Just recently noticed the owners manual is a 2nd edition; but car should have a first edition. I know the manual is not original to my car, but curious if it might be an original second edition. The Corvette News Card is still intact. Been looking for a first edition (not cheap), and wonder if there are reproductions or re-issues of the first editions out there to be wary of.

[Steve B.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

Jeff, your manual sounds like an original and is correct for a later built 67s.

[Dave S.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

Thanks for the info.
I bought my 67 (built Jan 23rd) in 1978. Just recently noticed the owners manual is a 2nd edition; but car should have a first edition. I know the manual is not original to my car, but curious if it might be an original second edition. The Corvette News Card is still intact. Been looking for a first edition (not cheap), and wonder if there are reproductions or re-issues of the first editions out there to be wary of.

Jeff,
There are lots of Corvette Owners Manuals out there to be wary of. If the condition is to good be careful. Most original OM's have some patina. I like the 1/2 card OM's. They are much more likely to be original.

[Jeff B.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

Dave, thanks again for your insight.
Since I am now searching for a first edition, do you know if Helm ever "reproduced" a parts counter version of the first edition, or if any "modern" reproductions exist of the first edition to watch out for?

[Dave S.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

Dave, thanks again for your insight.
Since I am now searching for a first edition, do you know if Helm ever "reproduced" a parts counter version of the first edition, or if any "modern" reproductions exist of the first edition to watch out for?

Jeff,
I have only seen second edition re-issue OM's if my memory serves me correctly. There may have been some first editions but I don't recall seeing them. Original first editions are out there.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

Don't think Helm reissued or anyone else repo's the first edition 67 manual.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Original or Reproduction 1967 Owners Manual

What is/are best indicator(s) to differentiate an original from reproduction 2nd edition 1967 manual?

smell the paper. 51 year old paper has a patina and a smell that can not be duplicated.