If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You must be an NCRS member
before you can post: click the Join NCRS link above to join. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Maybe it's my eyes or the way the photos were taken. I compared them to my original first edition owners guide. They all look the same. Just by looking at the digital pics, I'd say they are original. I am missing the red tear out, it's interesting to see it still there.
B E W A R E!! I've purchased and returned four 63 owners manuals off of eBay. In every case, they were absolutely SWORN to be originals, and I paid accordingly. In every case, I asked a lot of questions prior to purchasing, and in every case, there was some new tipoff that I spotted after receiving them that they were repros. I am AMAZED at how many different 63 repro O/M's there are out there. I finally bid on a worn O/M with the mail-in insert torn out of it. THAT was a real one! And when you think about it, anything that's spent 40 years in a glove box, even unopened, will look pretty worn. And what new Vette owner WOULDN'T have torn out and sent in that card to obtain such neat freebies?
My advice, RUN the other way on both. If it looks new, it is.
Pete,
I couldn't agree with you more. Most of the Owners manuals out there with full cards are what I call reissue manuals as opposed to reproduction. They were printed by the original manufacturer, Helm, Inc., but done for service use. The printing and photo reproduction on the reissue manuals is of slightly poorer quality than the originals. When compared side to side closely the difference will become evident.
I have a reproduction manual and compaired it to an original they are very close. I don't know that you can spot the difference on an ebay auction. The most noticable thing on the reproduction was some of the printing that was red on the original was black on the reproduction.
I guess you will have to check the sellers feedback and make sure your dealing with someone who will give you back your money if it's not original.
Could you explain the "Second Edition" 63 Manual? When did they come out, was it OEM or NOS? One thing about the repros the front cover artwork is very light in color, almost washed out compared to an orginal. I do have an original in EXCELLENT condition, as it was part of a reference library of one of the GM Manual writers, have the authentication letter with it. But I have always been curious about the "Second Edition" manuals. I would believe they were produced after the production year of 1963, as a shelf replacement for the original ones...somebody enlighten us on this? One other thing, you want to talk about luck. As I was restoring my glove box I found tucked up outside and under the both the original plastic envelope a little dirty, but no tears and I have flattened it out and its in great shape....now if I could find the warrenty book tucked under the carpet....
Bob,
You are right. It is very difficult if not impossible to determine the difference in an ebay auction. The only true way is to see it in person. Beware especially of full card manuals and manuals that are in perfect condition. Those need plenty of scrutiny. There are lots of high quality sellers on ebay that don't know the various nuiances that we are speaking of here. As always, Buyer beware.
Collin,
Many years have dates on second and even third, fourth edition owners manuals. For example, in 67 a second edition is dated April 1967 and in 65 a second edition is dated Dec. 1964. There are other years with dates and some years where second editions have no dates. Once you get to the mid seventies your theory may apply, but I believe second edition manuals were part of original issue in most years. An exception may be 1970 where all I have seen are first editions. That may be due to the short production run in 1970.
Irby, You live in a great place, but I imagine there are few Corvette swap meets in the area. Depending on where you are in the restoration process, I'll assume early on, I suggest you locate an inexpensive repro book for around $9.00 and save your dollars for hard parts and labor. Many of us have learned that there are some parts that you just don't buy on Ebay, we need to see, feel and smell them. If you have planned to make the long voyage to Carlisle someday, add the owners manual to a buy-it-there list. You will get plenty of assistance there from NCRS members, Vendors and a rather knowledgeable group of fun loving Corvette owners that have their own tent and balloon. Email me on this one.
Thanks that's really nice to know, as I came across a second edition of all places a flea market last year. The pages were yellowed, card still in tack and overall it looked like an original, I have a couple reproductions, and it looks nothing like the repros...so I bought it for a very low price, as I did not have one for my 63 (except the repros I bought at LIC).... So its nice to know about these second editions....Many thanks.
Here is a little secret on the original versus repro. The card on the original would not have a zip code to send in. The repro comes with a zip code. The staples are wider on the repros. And if you look on the page, with the lights buckets, the original is crsip and the image is clear. The repro do not give a good picture.
Hi, I think I can shed a little light on the Helm manuals. In 1971 I had a 62 Corvette. I went to order an owners manual for it from Helm. There was form in the back of my Novas owners manual if I remember right. 62 was not available so I ordered the ones that were. I got 4 from each year from 60 to 67 [minus 62]. The 63's are first edition but contain no front page with the Corvette New cards. The pictures of the headlight bucket and the rear convertable window appear to me as good as the known orginal I have that came in my sister-in-laws new coupe. I have read that these pictures are not nearly as clear in repos but have not personally looked. All the other years came with Corvette News cards. The 60 and 61 have no zip code on the address. The 65 through 67 do have a zip. Don't know if that is different from know originals but somebody will. Can't find a 64 to look at. Have them somewhere. Do not know why the 63's came first edition and without cards. I think the other years are second editions but would have to look to be sure. I don't know how any of these would judge and have no way to compare them with the original except for the 63. Just know that they came from Helm corp.
We use cookies to deliver our services, and to analyze site activity. We do not share or sell any personal information about our users. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment