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GM Chevrolet Corvette 1969 Owner's Manual

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  • Page 2 Effectiveness of these safety features can best be continued through regular vehicle inspection and maintenance. IMP0RTANT: For maximum performance and economy keep your GM car or truck all GM. Specify General Motors parts identified by one or these trademarks. Chevrolet Motor Division...
  • Page 3 Congratulations ! You are now the owner YOURS… of America's finest sports car. To help you get full enjoyment out of your 1969 AS THE OWNER Corvette, please accept with our compliments a free subscription to the OF A NEW Corvette News, a special bi-monthly publication chock-full of news and photos about Corvettes and their owners.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    1969 CORVETTE OWNER'S MANUAL OPERATION & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANT CONTENTS SAFETY Page Operating Instructions ...………………………………….. 6 ANTI-THEFT Instruments and Controls ...………………………..……… 13 IN FORMATION Guardian Maintenance For Owner Protection TO HELP Owner’s Responsibilities ...……………………..……….. 30 Maintenance and Lubrication ...…………………...…….. 47 Minor Trouble Shooting ..………….…………………….…...
  • Page 6 SAFE DRIVER CHECK LIST Highway Safety BRAKES PERSONAL CONDITION - Pedal travel - Physical depends on . . . - Fluid level - Mental LIGHTS DRIVING CONDITIONS - Burned out/broken -Weather 1. You, the Driver - Headlamp aim - Road - Traffic SIGNAL DEVICES 2.
  • Page 7 Don't invite car theft! An unlocked car with the key still in the Ignition is an open invitation to theft. REMEMBER! LOCK the ignition, LOCK all doors, TAKE the key-ALWAYS Anti-Theft Ignition, Steering and Transmission Lock Your 1969 Chevrolet product has the latest advancement in theft protection-the new Anti-Theft Ignition, Steering and Transmission Lock.
  • Page 8 A WORD FROM CHEVROLET . . . This Owner’s Manual contains important information regarding the operation and maintenance of your Corvette. In order to obtain maximum enjoyment and usage from your car, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the contents of this booklet and follow the recommendations outlined.
  • Page 9 The First During your first thousand miles of driving, you can, by observ- ing a few simple precautions, contribute greatly to a longer life 1000 Miles for your Corvette and add much to its future performance and economy of operation. It is recommended that your speed during these first one thousand miles be confined to a maximum of 60 mph.

  • Page 10: Operating Instructions

    OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Anti-Theft Ignition, Steering and Transmission Lock Keys Two separate keys are provided for your car. Each key has a different transmission models, or reverse on The anti-theft lock, located on cross section so that it can be inserted standard transmission models, before the right side of the steering column, only in certain locks.

  • Page 11: Starting The Engine

    The code number of each key is CAUTION: Avoid inhaling exhaust gases, especially in an enclosed area such as a stamped on a "knock-out', plug in the garage. Exhaust gases contain a percentage of carbon monoxide which is a potentially key head.
  • Page 12 2 and 1 to facilitate manual shifting Automatic transmission shift quad- ING PRACTICE: Before descending when desired. rants of all GM cars continue the a steep or long grade, down a moun- CAUTION: When parking or leaving the uniform sequence of selector posi-...
  • Page 13 floor. Use your brakes rather than the Turbo Hydra- Driving with clutch to hold your Corvette on a hill. Matic 4OO Manual Driving Cautions Transmissions NOTE: Use- second gear at slow speeds (less than 3.0 mph) when driving in' stop- and-go traffic, for improved vehicle per- Do not accelerate engine in l, 2, 3 Corvette manual shift transmissions...
  • Page 14 accelerate with a minimum loss of en- were selected to keep the engine oper- engine speed within safe limits. gine rpm at the shift points. Since all ating in its high output range as After you become familiar with consistently as possible and permit forward speeds are synchronized the your Corvette you'll know at what upshifting and downshifting in all for-...

  • Page 15: Emergency Starting

    Pushing and the auxiliary battery to prevent pos- as the ignition system, special pro- sible damage to the electrical system. visions are necessary for towing a Towing Tips vehicle when the switch is in "lock,' Towing (With Ignition Key position. Normally it will be neces- sary to place a dolly under the rear Emergency Starting Available)

  • Page 16: Power Brakes

    Driving with Rocking the Car Power Steering Positraction If it becomes necessary to rock the Power steering assist is provided by a car to free it from sand, mud or hydraulic pump driven by the engine. The optional Positraction provides snow, move the selector lever from When the engine is not running or if additional traction on snow, ice, mud,...

  • Page 17: Instruments And Controls

    INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS GOOD DRIVING PRACTICE: A good driver familiarizes himself with the controls of any automobile BEFORE operating it. BRIGHT SPEEDOMETER TACHOMETER BRAKE SEAT BELTS WIPER & WASHER FUEL TEMPERATURE DOOR AJAR HEADLAMP POSITION INDICATOR BATTERY OIL PRESSURE AIR OUTLET AND CONTROL KNOB WIPER COVER...
  • Page 18 Tachometer Yellow Zone Red Zone Four different tachometers are used Engine H.P. -RPM -RPM Base 5000-5300 5300-7000 in the Corvette depending upon the RPO L-46 5700-6000 6000-7000 engine option installed in the vehi- RPO LT1 6300-6500 6500-7000 cle. Never permit the dial pointer to RPO L-36 5300-5600 5600-7000...
  • Page 19 the pressure at which oil is being de- sistently high or low under these Ammeter livered to the various parts of the conditions may indicate lubrication The ammeter indicates the rate at engine requiring lubrication. Pres- system and/or engine malfunctions. which the battery is being charged sures registered by the gauge may vary or discharged.

  • Page 20: Fuel Gauge

    Windshield Wiper and Washer The windshield wiper lever located in the top center of the instrument cluster opens the vacuum operated doors containing the wiper blades and simultaneously starts the electrical To operate the cover panel manu- motor. The windshield wiping system ally: pull down on the wiper access Fuel Gauge operates at 2 speeds and is designed to...

  • Page 21: Light Switch

    opens fully and the linkage contacts CAUTION: Have the fluid level in the wind- the wiper microswitch. The wiper shield washer reservoir checked regularly, control will now operate the wiper with special attention keeping blades. See your Authorized Chev- reservoir filled during periods of heavy rolet Dealer as soon as possible to use.
  • Page 22 Headlamp Operation turning them pull down GOOD DRIVING PRACTICE: A on the manual control knob located good driver turns on his headlamps beneath the steering column. The at early dusk, and during bad weather headlamps will remain up until the the open position.
  • Page 23 indicators, three each side, are located directional signal indicators, fail to Headlamp position above the heater control and ash tray. flash. Indicator Light Three colored lenses for each side A warning light located to the right indicate any malfunction in the front Headlamp Washers of the temperature gauge in the cen- left or right lighting.
  • Page 24 Four-way Hazard Warning Flasher NOTE: The hazard warning flasher will operate with the ignition in the lock posi- tion and the key removed, allowing the car to be locked while help is sought. In the event your car is disabled or you stop for any reason on the high- Turn Signals and Lane ing maneuvers such as changing lanes...
  • Page 25 Courtesy Lights Braking Systems or near the roadway, or otherwise con- The service brake system is designed The courtesy lights beneath the stitutes a traffic hazard. The hazard for braking performance under a wide outer ends of the dash panel and the warning flasher may be canceled by range of driving conditions even when rear compartment light will come on...
  • Page 26 lines. If this happens, it may mean that owners. Your Chevrolet Dealer is best CAUTION: Brake linings should be peri- braking effectiveness is impaired. In qualified to advise you as to how often odically inspected for wear by a qualified any case, the cause should be deter- this inspection...
  • Page 27 Tilt-Telescoping Wheel the locking lever clockwise to make the adjustment secure. The TILT mechanism is operated by Both the TILT and TELESCOPE lifting up on the small control lever on mechanisms can be changed while the left side of the steering column driving.
  • Page 28 Heater and Defroster System on the left side of the control panel blower should not be operated unless The Corvette heater controls are of controls the opening of the air door the air door is open. a thumb wheel design and are located supplying outside air to the system.
  • Page 29 Four-Season Air De-Ice-All air flow is directed to Conditioner Operation the defroster outlets. If the control The heater and air conditioning con- is positioned at the arrow between trols are located on the floor console "HTR" and "De-Ice", air flow is di- and consist of two thumb-wheels and vided between floor and defroster a fan lever.
  • Page 30 The louvers may be rotated either left or right to direct air flow as desired, AIR CONDITIONING OPERATING TIPS or closed to prevent air flow' In addi- tion, a lever located to the left and and minimize rapid logging of the glass CAUTION: Operate the system for 30 sec- under the housing may be used to which can occur it humid air is blown into...
  • Page 31 Ventilation Cowl kick pad vents provide "low "one-way" check valves, level" independently mounted in the vertical wall of the plenum air. Lever type controls On Corvettes not equipped with air- luggage compartment assist positive located on either side of the center conditioning, outside air entering air flow by reducing internal vehicle console admit outside air through...
  • Page 32 Radio Operation -To select AM or then push the button all the way in. AM-FM Selection The optional fully transistorized ra- FM reception, move the slide bar, Set each push button in the same dios provide both standard AM recep- located above the dial, horizontally manner.
  • Page 33 Occupant Restraint Belts Lap and shoulder belts provide added security and comfort for you and your passengers. Proper use and kneel on the seat. Child Restraint care of these belts will assure continu- 2. Infants unable to sit up by them- Children in automobiles should be ance of this security.
  • Page 34 type retractor controls are designed to permit free, slow rate forward body movement allowing the driver to reach essential operating controls, but pre- vent sudden, hard forward body mo- tion such as might occur in an impact. No adjustment of the shoulder belt is required.
  • Page 35 The shoulder belt will not extract Head Restraints cushion and install the rectangular from the retractor under a sudden, The head restraints may be adjusted spacer under the seat cushion lock hard pulling effort. Release the to either an UP or DOWN Position by catch assembly.
  • Page 36 Operation of the Corvette Tops Rear Compartment Tilt the seatbacks forward to reach the luggage space. In the convertible Folding Top style Corvette the folding top is also : The rear compart- : Unlock the header To raise the top To lower the top carried in this area, but it may be ment lid unlocking handle is located...
  • Page 37 sideways until the locking studs are free of the retainers in the center strut. Place the panels in the rear stowage compartment against the sides and secure them with the retain- ing straps. When re-installing the roof panels, be sure all attaching parts are secure.

  • Page 38: Rear View Mirrors

    Sport Coupe Rear Window To store the window' open the com- The rear window may be removed partment beneath the rear deck and and stored in a compartment under slide the window onto the tray until the rear deck inside the vehicle. Un- it engages the rear retaining clip.

  • Page 39: Door Locks

    Door Locks CAUTION: Always lock the doors when driving tor greater security in the event The doors can be locked from the of an accident and tor security against inside by rotating clockwise the lock- unauthorized entries, Do not close the ing knob located on the lower door vehicle door by applying pressure on the panel.

  • Page 40: Guardian Maintenance For Owner Protection

    GUARDIAN MAINTENANCE FOR OWNER PROTECTION new car receives is as important as the ice information. No one else has more Your 1969 Chevrolet product has been regularity with which it is serviced. knowledge of servicing your Chevro- engineered to provide maximum ser- The "Guardian Maintenance Service"...

  • Page 41: Transmission Oil Change

    This check involves the ventilation PCV valve resulting in GM parts. adjustment of engine idle speed, idle an increase of crankcase emissions fuel mixture, ignition timing and an...

  • Page 42: Wiper Blades

    ditions. Regular replacement of the performance. Adding of refrigerant periodically and replaced if neces- PCV valve is recommended at 12- may be necessary from time to time. sary for maximum engine perform- month or 12,000-mile intervals. Al- ance and economy. For maximum ways specify an AC PCV valve at performance and economy for your Paint, Chrome, Convertible Top...

  • Page 43: Background Information

    facts you should know: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: During the combustion process in an automotive engine, certain hydrocarbons in the fuel fail to burn completely and are discharged into the engine crankcase or exhaust system. Some carbon mon- oxide is also formed during the combustion process. This is also discharged into the exhaust system.
  • Page 44 What you should know about Air-Pollution Control S positive OPERATION: General Motors vehicles are equipped with crankcase Positive Crankcase Ventilation-a system which permits no crankcase emission to be discharged into the ambient air. To function properly, the system depends on the PCV ventilation (pcv) Valve (smog valve) which recirculates and burns blow-by gases inside the engine.
  • Page 45 ystems on your vehicle, and the service they require Note: See carbon monoxide warning elsewhere in this manual. NOTE: See carbon monoxide warning elsewhere in this manual. OPERATION: The Air Injection Reactor system is designed to reduce air pollution caused by exhaust emissions. It is *air entirely separate from the Positive Crankcase Ventilating system.
  • Page 46 *controlled combustion system (ccs) OPERATION: The Controlled Combustion System is entirely separate from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation system and is designed to reduce exhaust air pollution by altering the combustion process. CCS includes a special heated air to the carburetor, a special calibrated carbu- retor and distributor and related components.
  • Page 47 OWNER PROTECTION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Interval Service To Be Performed Interval Service To Be Performed Every 6,000 Change engine oil (normal passenger car At first oil Change engine oil filter. Miles or 4 service.). Not to exceed 6,000 miles. change and months, which- every second ever occurs...
  • Page 48 OWNER PROTECTION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Interval Service To Be Performed Interval Service To Be Performed Replace PCV valve. Every 12 Every 2 years Drain radiator coolant, flush and refill sys- Months or tem. Engine tune-up. 12,000 miles Replace fuel filter element. Every 36,000 Check steering gear lubricant.

  • Page 49: Maintenance And Lubrication

    MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION have proven of real value in main- move road grime and dirt from white Cleaning the taining a good paint finish. When sidewall tires. Exterior using a tar and road oil remover be Interior certain it is safe for use on acrylic painted surfaces.
  • Page 50 Vinyl and Folding Tops Plastic Window Care top generously to remove all traces of cleanser. Wash Your Corvette folding top Keep the large plastic rear windows Don't keep the top folded for ex- frequently with neutral type soap in the Corvette folding top in good tended periods of time if it is damp suds, lukewarm water and a soft bris- condition as follows:...

  • Page 51: Tire Traction

    Tread Wear Indicators The original equipment tires on your Corvette incorporate built-in tread wear indicators to assist you in deter- Tires mining when your tires have been worn to the point of needing replace- When driving on wet or slushy roads, The factory installed tires on your ment.
  • Page 52 Inflation Pressure range of normal driving conditions. To ensure the Proper tire inflation pressures for your particular require- Tire Rotation ments, follow the recommendations in To equalize wear it is recommended the tire inflation pressure table. Keep that the tires be rotated every 4,000 tires properly inflated and check in- miles.
  • Page 53 Corvette Jack Stowage over the jack and jacking wrench pre- vents them from bouncing or rattling. The Corvette jack is located be- To gain access to the jack, open the neath, the storage tray in the right compartment and lift the tray from the. hand rear compartment just behind opening using the finger holes in the passenger's seat.
  • Page 54 Changing Your Corvette's mesh transmission shift lever in 7. Lower car until the tire just Wheels “Reverse”. touches ground, then tighten nuts fully. 1. Remove the hub cap by prying off 4. Position the jack under the car as 8. Lower the car fully, replace hub with the finger provided on the shown in the illustration above.
  • Page 55 Operation in a Foreign considered misuse of the engine for ENGINE FUEL Country which the Chevrolet Division is not REQUIREMENTS responsible under terms of the Man- Your Corvette is designed to operate If you plan to operate your Corvette ufacturer's New Vehicle Warranty. efficiently on "Premium"...

  • Page 56: Engine Oil Recommendations

    NOTE: The oil gauge rod is also marked "Use GM 6041-M Quality MS oil” as a Checking Oil Level -The engine oil NOTE: Non-detergent and other low qual- reminder to use only high quality oils as should be maintained at proper level.
  • Page 57 miles are driven in a 4-month period, The above recommendations apply However, in cases of specific problems change oil each 6,000 miles. to the first change as well as subse- which may arise under certain condi- In certain types of service including quent oil changes.

  • Page 58: Drive Belts

    Engine Tune-Up, Emission replacement of the PCV Valve is rec- erate thumb pressure midway be- Control and Electrical ommended at 12-month or 12,000- tween pulleys. If the center to center System Checks mile intervals. distance between pulleys is 13 to 16 Fuel and electrical systems are sub- inches, the belt should deflect ½...
  • Page 59 The inhibited year-around engine quality inhibited glycol base cool- replacement time. coolant, used to fill the cooling system ant meeting GM Specification at the factory is a high quality solu- 1899-M to provide the required Heat Control Valve tion that meets General Motors Spe-...

  • Page 60: Radiator Pressure Cap

    -20°F., a sufficient amount of an ethy- maintain proper level. Recheck must be installed tightly, otherwise lene glycol base coolant meeting GM when cool and fill to normal level. coolant may be lost and damage to Specification 1899-M should be used.

  • Page 61: Transmission And Clutch

    TRANSMISSION and fill. If fluid level is below full mark measure (6 pints Imperial measure) CLUTCH on dipstick, add small amount of of fresh fluid to return level to prop- er automatic transmission fluid. mark dipstick. Operate General Motors DEXRON® Auto- transmission through all ranges and Manual Transmissions matic Transmission Fluid part num-...
  • Page 62 ends of the upper and lower Push rods. CHASSIS Steering Linkage Every 6,000 miles or 4 months-lu- bricate fittings shown below with lu- bricant specified in Note 1, page 57. -Fitting at each tie rod end Manual and at relay rod (5 fittings). -Fitting at each tie rod end Power and at power steering valve adapter...
  • Page 63 Check fluid level in each reservoir and maintain ¼" below lowest edge Power Steering Pump of each filler opening with GM Hy- Check fluid level in pump reservoir draulic Brake Fluid, Supreme No. 11. every 6,000 miles or 4 months. Fill as required with G.M.
  • Page 64 should be required. If different front- cell. remove two retaining ring attaching DO NOT OVERFILL to-rear proportioning is desired it Clean the battery terminals and oil screws per lamp indicated below. may be obtained as follows: With the the felt washer at each regular oil Don't disturb the large head adjust- large jam nut loosened, turning the change.

  • Page 65: Fusible Links

    Fusible Links Air Conditioning Extended Vehicle Storage Have your Chevrolet Dealer check If you plan to store your Corvette Fusible links are incorporated into your Air Conditioning system at some over an extended period of time, cer- the wiring system. These are wires time during the winter months to be tain steps should be taken to give of such a gauge that they will fuse (or...

  • Page 66: Minor Trouble Shooting

    Oil Pres. Ind. On Zero or Low Ammeter on Zero or “Neg” Reading *See Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer IMP0RTANT: For maximum performance and economy, keep your GM car all GM. Specify General Motors parts identified by one of these trademarks.

  • Page 67: Minor Trouble Shooting Procedures

    MINOR TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCEDURES The chart on the previous page, and the information on (B) If the fuel tank is not empty, you may check further the pages which follow, contains information designed to to see whether the fuel is reaching the carburetor. Discon- aid the average driver to discover, and possibly correct, nect the fuel line at the carburetor.

  • Page 68: Electrical System

    battery to operation. Occasionally, however, a long drive (E) If the car will start but stalls when hot or has a rough will recharge the battery. idle, you can suspect a faulty IDLE ADJUSTMENT, a malfunctioning AUTOMATIC CHOKE or an extremely POOR BATTERY CONNECTIONS may be suspected if dirty and blocked AIR CLEANER ELEMENT, Replace the car has operated properly a short time before and now...

  • Page 69: Cooling System

    rubber cup at the end of the (M) Low COOLANT LEVEL will, of course, cause spark plug wire and the engine overheating. Determine the cause of the low tubular metal connector in- coolant level and have it corrected if necessary. side of it.

  • Page 70: Technical Data And Specifications

    TECHNICAL DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS SERIAL AND UNIT NUMBERS - Stamped on ENGINE IDENTIFICATION - Stamped on right identification plate located on left windshield pillar. front engine boss next to water pump. Bore Comp. Disp. Fuel Torque Horsepower Engine Cyls. Ratio (Cu.

  • Page 71: Specifications

    Hydraulic Litter Adjustment With engine idling, back off adjusting nut until Engine Timing and Idle Speeds: tappet begins to click lightly; then turn nut down slowly until clicking stops. Tighten one full addi- tional turn at both intake and exhaust. Idle Speed - RPM Engine Timing BTDC...

  • Page 72: Wheel Alignment

    Four Speed Positraction: RATIOS: 3-Speed ......3.08:l, 3.36:1 Reg- Close ular Ratio 4-Speed (Standard) ..3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.56:1 First Speed Forward .
  • Page 73 Camber ....Neg ° ± ½° 8 ⁄ Rear Cooling System Toe In (Per Wheel**) ..” to ” ⁄...
  • Page 74 FUSE AND CIRCUIT BREAKER DATA The wiring circuits in your Corvette are protected from short circuits by a Application Candle Power Trade Number combination of fuses, circuit breakers, and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself. This greatly reduces the hazard of electrically caused fires in the auto- Headlamp-0uter-high .
  • Page 75 CHEVROLET ZONE OFFICE ADDRESSES Charlotte, N. C. Seattle, Washington 701 Interstate 85 233 Sixth, North Louisville, Kentucky Irondale, Ala. (Birmingham) Fargo, N. D. 4501 Indian Trail 2300 Crestwood Blvd. Green Bay, Wisconsin 701 Fourth Ave., N. 1901 S. Webster Ave. Harahan, La.

  • Page 76: Index

    Page INDEX Page Fuel Requirements ..Courtesy Lights ... . 21 Fuse Panel ....56 Defroster .
  • Page 77 INDEX (continued) Page Page Page Positraction ....12 Steering Gear ....55 Jacking Instructions .
  • Page 78 OPERATING RECORD DATE MILEAGE GASOLINE REPAIRS DATE MILEAGE GASOLINE REPAIRS...
  • Page 79 OPERATING RECORD DATE MILEAGE GASOLINE REPAIRS DATE MILEAGE GASOLINE REPAIRS...
  • Page 80 OPERATING RECORD DATE MILEAGE GASOLINE REPAIRS DATE MILEAGE GASOLINE REPAIRS...

  • Page 85: Warranty

    WARRANTY When purchased new, your Chevrolet vehicle is covered by the Chevrolet New Vehicle Warranty and the Policy on Chev- rolet Owner Service given to you by your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer at the time of delivery.

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