63 owners manual

[Michael G.]

I have my original owners manual, but its cover is slightly stained. I have found that the repop manuals from several vendors have an identical cover, but the inside pages are black and white rather than the color in the original. I'm considering taking the original apart and putting a repop cover on it, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of a source for a properly printed manual?

Thanks,

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Michael,

Just a thought FWIW, why not just use the repro manual and leave the original with the patina of age and stains..

[Chuck G.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Mike, I agree with Tim.

I'd leave the old original alone and buy a repro to use.

OR....start looking for a "better" 63 manual. EBAY is a good place to start.

Chuck

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 owners manual

I agree too. Keep the original as is. If you don't want to carry it in your glove box, get a repo.

My original is in good shape and I carry it in the original envelope. Have done that since new, and it wasn't even stolen by the shop that took my parts back in the 90's.

Stu Fox

[Jeff A.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Or keep a look for another original in better condition? - they are out there and not too pricey. You will never lose with original parts.

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Or keep a look for another original in better condition? - they are out there and not too pricey. You will never lose with original parts.

Assuming it is an original OM and not a Helm re-issue you have a very scarce piece. Lots of re-issues out there but very few originals even though most people selling then think they are original. I'll second the advice given above. I'd use is and enjoy it. Once you have an original why would you display a repop in your car.??? Just about all originals have some sort of condition issues which is why "patina" comes into play.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Thanks for the advice guys.

Coffee (or maybe beer?) stains are a bit more than normal "patina", but I agree that I shouldn't mess with an original, if possible.

Since I posted, I looked at the manual in my "driver" car and it's much better, so I'll switch.

[Steven B.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Thanks for the advice guys.

Coffee (or maybe beer?) stains are a bit more than normal "patina", but I agree that I shouldn't mess with an original, if possible.

Since I posted, I looked at the manual in my "driver" car and it's much better, so I'll switch.

Mike, it is a long shot but possibly wall paper cleaner (similiar to a ball of putty) may work to remove some stains. (dating myself)

Steve

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Upon further investigation, it appears that one of my manuals is a reprint of the original and, like the original, it does have color (red) on the pages. Its obvious, when you see them together, that the reprint is not quite of the same quality as the original. The red on the interior pages is less well-defined, as is some of the shading on pics and graphics. The cover is also not as well done. I assume this is the "Helm" reissue?

Interestingly, a new repo I ordered has a cover that is much better, very close to the original in definition and color.

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Upon further investigation, it appears that one of my manuals is a reprint of the original and, like the original, it does have color (red) on the pages. Its obvious, when you see them together, that the reprint is not quite of the same quality as the original. The red on the interior pages is less well-defined, as is some of the shading on pics and graphics. The cover is also not as well done. I assume this is the "Helm" reissue?

Interestingly, a new repo I ordered has a cover that is much better, very close to the original in definition and color.

Michael,
As Paul Harvey used to say........Now you know the rest of the story.
If you look at the inside of the repro I believe you will see more low quality photography.

[John D.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Michael, The size of the paper used in the repros is not the same as the originals. JD

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Yes, Dave, the photos are much worse.

John, the older repro is slightly longer than the original (about 3/32") and a bit wider (1/16". Additionally, the order-card for the "Corvette Owners Kit" is much wider than the original.

The new repro is the correct size, but it doesn't even have an order-card page!!

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 owners manual

As I recall on one of the pictures of the dash area on an original, you can see the clutch and brake pedal. The pedals can not be seen on any of the reproductions.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 owners manual

You're right, Harry, on page 27 there is a dash picture where you can just make out the pedals on the original book, but the other manuals have no trace of pedals.

There is one other very obvious difference that sets the original apart and you don't have to even open the book to see it -- anybody know what that is?

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 owners manual

Mike, a favor. Can you look at the back of the manual and let me know what spark plugs are suggested for town and country driving. I'm away.

Thanks