1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

[Jack M.]

At the beginning of each new model year, Chevrolet would often publish various training booklets.
Reviewing the C2 brochures, 1963 was the only year with a dedicated chapter for the Corvette.
(other years had bits and pieces scattered throughout the many chapters)
If interested, I've scanned the 1963 material for you... then converted it to a searchable PDF.

Enjoy for your PERSONAL usage,
Jack

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Jack, great article.

Thank you.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Interesting enough in the Optional Wheels section it reverences this on pg 121 (printed on the page) Or page 30 of the pdf document:

The large spinner nut used to attach the wheel to the spindle has three wings spaced 120 deg apart.
I was under the impression the really early wheels had only two spinners/wings.

Thanks for sharing.
The information was appreciated very much.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Thanks Jack, great information here.

[Jack M.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Interesting enough in the Optional Wheels section it reverences this on pg 121 (printed on the page) Or page 30 of the pdf document:

The large spinner nut used to attach the wheel to the spindle has three wings spaced 120 deg apart.
I was under the impression the really early wheels had only two spinners/wings.

Exactly why I included the back cover... to also show the date (JULY,1962)

[Thomas N.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

On page 96 in the body general section
"The double panel, hinged at the front edges, can be rotated forward 90 degrees to become a backstop for luggage thus protecting the seatbackrests and containing the luggage. A fastener arrangement on each side positions the panel vertically. When not in use, the panel
folds rearward and is part of the luggage compartment floor."

A great idea, but not implemented.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

You beat me to it... first time I've ever heard of this. Apparently the design change to the removable cover and riveted steel luggage stop must have been very late. I wonder if the 25 pilot jobs had this design as explained.

Duke

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Page 99, Fig 5-10 door hinge adjustment, it may just be me and my lack of '63 experience but I've never come across the V shaped shim pictured. Comments?

[Thomas N.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Or what they should of said in the description "Built in Cooler. Remove the jack and handle from the storage tub, remove the two capplugs in the bottom of the tubs, add ice and your favorite liquid beverage". I know I've done that with both of my midyears!

But in all seriousness, Jack, thanks for posting this insightful publication!

And if the cover pivoted forward to act a luggage stop, it would be very difficult to look up and over it to see/grab the jack and contents, especially in a convertible.

On page 96 in the body general section
"The double panel, hinged at the front edges, can be rotated forward 90 degrees to become a backstop for luggage thus protecting the seatbackrests and containing the luggage. A fastener arrangement on each side positions the panel vertically. When not in use, the panel
folds rearward and is part of the luggage compartment floor."

A great idea, but not implemented.

[Jack M.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

As you are aware, there were TONS of running changes during 1963... so early documents could easily be different than later production.
Here's a luggage image and text excerpt from the 1963 Finger-Tip Facts... perhaps a simpler/less expensive solution was decided upon.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Thanks for posting that photo. I have Finger Tip Facts. The photo is grainy, but appears to not have the production type luggage stop, but the description sounds like the production design... ??????

I think the final production design is better. I put small items, like a grocery bag, on top of the tool well cover, and the luggage stop keeps them in place and prevents them from banging into the back of the seats on braking, and the final design probably saved a buck or so production cost.

Duke

[James G.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Exactly why I included the back cover... to also show the date (JULY,1962)

Thanks Jack. Great history.

My research with BOB BONDURANT, and JERRY GRANT [ two new Stingray drivers of these 63 Z0-6 cars at RIVERSIDE RACEWAY October 21, 1962 and Sherry MacDonald ] all told me and other race friends that when they inspected the cars the day of arrival at the Chevy dealership across from the plant to ''DRIVE'' the cars back to their home dealership sponsor, all cars were on flat tires when first inspected. The Knock off rims were replaced with steel rims for the drive home the next day. This is why the wheels were on hold. Kelsey Hayes, who was the knock off supplier, had a porosity problem with the castings, and the rims all leaked air. Not until January 1964, were rims and wheels finally released to the public.

TWO-BAR knock offs were used on early, early pilot line test cars is what I know. Those ''who were there'' can add corrections.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Yes, must have been a great day, here is the video of that day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RN6wqaZFTY

[James G.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Thanks Mike, more great history. I have been blessed in knowing these people since the 60's. Dave was killed at Indy in 64 and I never met him. We lost Jerry in 2013. Bob is i his early 80's, and still having fun with his Driving School.

Jerry's Z0-6 ALLan Green car and the MacDonald Z0-6 car are in private collections.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 New Product Information - Training Program Booklet

Yes, but Bob has fallen into hard times with his driving school now:

https://kinja.com/api/profile/getsession?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjalopnik.com%2Fsetsession%3Fr%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fjalopnik.com%252Fthe-bob-bondurant-racing-school-is-back-open-after-fili-1830739925