C1 Workshop Manual

[Mark Radin]

Hi - Can someone tell me what is the best workshop manual for restoring/maintaining a C1? Oh - any tips on reinstalling the upper inner shaft (above the front spring). I can't get the new one back in! Thanks - really appreciate it.

[Dave Suesz]

How about

Corvette V8 Owner's Handbook, Clymer Publications 1961. An excellent book, dates back to before the C2 was introduced. Dunno if still in print, but quite findable. A few minor gaps, easily filled by, of all things, Chilton's.

[William C.]

Re: C1 Workshop Manual

GM ST12 is a good book, but the top shaft is an interference fit, and replacements are ALWAYS oversize to account for wear on the crossmember. The issue is How much oversize, as depending on the source, I have measured as much as .025 difference between different shafts. The replacement technique is simple, put an old nut on the shaft on the front, and use a breaker bar to thread it in to the required dimension specified in the ST-12 (or any '49-54 Chevrolet service manual) If your new shaft is too much oversize, I'd look for a smaller replacement. Just remember to specify you are looking for a shaft for a 1954 Chevy, the parts are less expensive that way.

[Michael L.]

Re: C1 Workshop Manual

Mark,is this a new shaft? Have you tried cleaning up both sets of threads and using some grease? I used a small wire wheel brush to clean the crossmember threads and a bench grinder with a wire brush to clean the shaft well.As mentioned, using a nut or bushing to thread in the shaft is what you will need to do. Both the Clymer book and the ST12 have good info, I'm also picking up a Chilton's to see if it has any good info the others don't.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 Workshop Manual

I've got the Clymer book, and I don't think it's all that great. Most of the stuff in there seems to be a copy of the factory shop manual - the ST-12.

I'd say the ST-12 and the AIM are essential for maintenance. The JG and Noland's book are very helpful for restoration.

There's been lots of reports that the upper inners are a bear to replace and that the new ones are too big. The ST-12 tells you how to get it out and the new one in. You double nut it. Make the second nut be cutting the top off one of the bushing nuts. Only go in one way - from the front, I believe. Better check the ST-12 to be sure.

Have you removed the shaft yet? If not, see if you can get by without removing the shaft and only replacing the bushings.