1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible.Immaculate condition.V-8 283CI.Numbers matching.3 Speed Manual.Custom Blue with White Cones.Jewel Blue Interior.Comes with painted hardtop and white soft top.Beautiful paint. Soft Top Pad Installation 1963-1967 Willcox Corvette, Inc. 853 × 596 - 120k - jpg tech.corvettecentral.com 1986-96 Corvette Convertible Top Installation CC Tech 1024 × 768 - 228k - jpg corvetteforum.com C1 convertible top installation without video - Page 2. Soft Top Pad Installation 1958-1962. Soft top Pad locator data 09152007. Corvette Convertible Top Install, Rear window falling out, new soft top install, Convertible top rear window replacement, Convertible top specialist located.
SECTION 1 BODY | ||||
INDEX | ||||
Page | Page | |||
| General Description | 1-2 | Underbody Rocker Molding, Body Sill - | ||
| Service Operations | 1-2 | - Molding and Sill Plate | 1-20 | |
| Cleaning Soft Trim | 1-2 | Rear End | 1-20 | |
| Front End | 1-4 | Folding Top Compartment Lid and Deck Lid - | ||
| Windshield | 1-4 | - Adjustments | 1-20 | |
| Removal | 1-4 | Deck Lid | 1-20 | |
| Disassembly | 1-4 | Removal | 1-21 | |
| Assembly | 1-4 | Installation | 1-21 | |
| Installation | 1-5 | Deck Lid Trim | 1-21 | |
| Instrument Panel 1958 - 1962 | 1-6 | Lock Assembly 1961 - 1962 Models | 1-21 | |
| 1954 - 1957 Radio Speaker Grill | 1-7 | Removal | 1-21 | |
| Assist Rail | 1-7 | Installation | 1-22 | |
| Instrument Panel Cove Trim Plate | 1-8 | Lock Assembly 1953 - 1960 Models | 1-22 | |
| Instrument Panel Tray | 1-8 | Division Panel | 1-22 | |
| Cowl Trim Panel | 1-8 | Hinge Assembly | 1-22 | |
| Rear View Mirror | 1-8 | Removal | 1-22 | |
| Body Heating and Ventilation | 1-9 | Repairs | 1-23 | |
| Cowl Ventilator | 1-9 | Installation | 1-23 | |
| Heater and Controls | 1-10 | Folding Top Compartment Lid | 1-23 | |
| Description | 1-10 | Removal | 1-23 | |
| Service Diagnosis | 1-11 | Installation | 1-23 | |
| Service Operations | 1-11 | Folding Top Compartment Lid Lock | 1-24 | |
| Doors | 1-13 | Adjustment | 1-24 | |
| Adjustments | 1-13 | Removal | 1-24 | |
| Lock Striker | 1-13 | Installation | 1-24 | |
| Door Window and Post | 1-14 | Hinge - Top Compartment Lid | 1-24 | |
| Door Hinges | 1-15 | Seats | 1-24 | |
| Weatherstrip, Arm Rest and Trim Panel | 1-16 | Seat Separator | 1-24 | |
| Window Assembly | 1-16 | Removal | 1-24 | |
| Removal | 1-16 | Disassembly | 1-24 | |
| Installation | 1-16 | Installation | 1-24 | |
| Rear Glass Run Channel | 1-17 | Folding Top | 1-25 | |
| Forward Post Assembly and Sash Channel | Operation - 1956 - 1962 Models | 1-25 | ||
| - Guide | 1-17 | Operation - 1953 - 1955 Models | 1-26 | |
| Window Regulator - Manual | 1-17 | Adjustments | 1-29 | |
| Removal | 1-17 | Care of Folding Top | 1-30 | |
| Installation | 1-17 | Folding Top Linkage | 1-30 | |
| Window Regulator - Power | 1-18 | Removal | 1-31 | |
| Door Lock | 1-18 | Disassembly and Assembly | 1-31 | |
| Removal | 1-18 | Installation | 1-31 | |
| Installation | 1-18 | Folding Top Trim | 1-31 | |
| Door Lock | 1-18 | Sealing | 1-31 | |
| Removal | 1-18 | General Construction | 1-33 | |
| Installation | 1-18 | Hydraulic - Electric System | 1-36 | |
| Door Outer Handle | 1-18 | Electrical System | 1-36 | |
| Removal | 1-18 | Sequence of Operation | 1-36 | |
| Installation | 1-18 | Trouble Diagnosis | 1-36 | |
| Door Lock Cylinder | 1-19 | Filling Hydraulic System | 1-38 | |
| Removal | 1-19 | Hydraulic Pump | 1-39 | |
| Installation | 1-19 | Removal | 1-39 | |
| Door Hinges | 1-19 | Installation | 1-39 | |
| Removal | 1-19 | Hydraulic Top Cylinders | 1-39 | |
| Repair | 1-19 | Removal | 1-39 | |
| Installation | 1-19 | Installation | 1-39 | |
| 1953 - 1955 Hinge Assembly | 1-20 | |||
| Rear Quarter | 1-20 | |||
| Gas Filler Door | 1-20 | |||
A freshened rear design was the most pronounced externalchange for the 1961 Corvette, a kind of 'ducktail' design that hadbeen lifted virtually intact from Mitchell's Stingray racer and also used onhis XP-700 show car. Besides improved aesthetics, the new posterior brought apractical bonus: luggage space (such as it was) increased by around 20 percent.The new tail also sported a pair of small round taillamps on each side of thecentral license-plate recess, plus a modest longitudinal trunklid creaselinerunning through the traditional, big, round Corvette medallion. Simple chromebumperettes bracketed the license plate, which itself gained a small'arch' bumper. And for the first time, the dual exhausts exited belowthe body rather than through it or the bumper guards.
The 1961 Corvette had a shapely new 'ducktail' that mated nicely with the existing four-lamp front. |
Carrying a base price of $3,934, standard features nowincluded windshield washers, sunvisors, a thermostatically controlled radiatorfan, and a parking-brake warning light. A heater was still optional for 1961,however, priced at $102.25. While air conditioning, power steering, and powerbrakes still weren't offered, the 'Wonder Bar' signal-seeking AMradio remained available, as did the Positraction limited-slip differential,'wide' whitewall tires, electric windows, and the power-operated top.Nearly three-quarters of all Corvette customers that year gladly paid $188.30for the four-speed manual transmission, which was now clad in aluminum,trimming 15 pounds from the car's heft.
Within the two-seat cockpit, the only change for 1961 was anarrower transmission tunnel that afforded a bit more interior room. Fourinterior color schemes were available: black, red, fawn, and blue.
The 1961 Corvette had a cleaner look that was appreciated by buyers -- sales rose to nearly 11,000 for the model year. |
Even with the mildest 283 and Powerglide, the 1961 Corvettewas quick by any standard: Magazine testers recorded 0-60-mph accelerationbetween 6.7 and 7.7 seconds. Top speed with the automatic was listed at 109 mphand was limited mainly by gearing. The four speed lacked the long-leggedoverdrive ratio of most modern five-speed manuals, yet many of thefuel-injected and twin four-barrel models could reach in excess of 130 mph.
Although Corvette didn't yet have an independent rearsuspension like some costlier European models, this didn't seem to hurt thevehicle on either the street or the track. Testers sang the praises of the 1961's handling virtues, and almost none of them discerned any particulardeficiencies. By the standards of that day, the Corvette was now one of themost roadworthy cars in the world.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1953 Corvette | 1954 Corvette | 1955 Corvette |
| 1956 Corvette | 1957 Corvette | 1958 Corvette |
| 1959 Corvette | 1960 Corvette | 1961 Corvette |
| 1962 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
Corvette Of The Week: Welcome To The GS Club - CorvetteForum
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get keyspecifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and productiontotals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
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Small changes gave the 1961 Corvette a cleaner look and reduced weight. It was quick and powerful, with an official top speed of 109 mph (though many could reach in excess of 130 mph). Here are the specifications for the 1961 Corvette:
The three-speed manual gearbox was standard on the 1961 Corvette, but was offered with a wider choice of axle ratios. |
| Vehicle Specifications | Convertible |
| Wheelbase, inches | 102.0 |
| Length, inches | 176.7 |
| Width, inches | 70.4 |
| Track, inches | front: 57.0 rear: 59.0 |
| Height, inches | 52.9 |
| Curb Weight, pounds | 3,108 |
Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)
Suspension
front:Independent; upper and lower A-arms, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
rear: Live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, trailing radius rods
Wheels/Tires
6.70x15
Brakes
front: 11-inch drum
rear: 11-inch drum
Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
4-speed manual (opt)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)
Standard axle ratio
3.70:1
Engine Specifications
| Type | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 |
| Displacement, liters/cu inch | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 |
| Bore x stroke, inches | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 |
| Fuel Management | 1 x 4-bbl. | 2 x 4-bbl. | 2 x 4-bbl. | fuel injection | fuel injection |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 230 @ 4800 | 245 @ 5000 | 270 @ 6000 | 275 @ 5200 | 315 @ 6200 |
| Torque @ rpm, pound-foot | 300 @ 3000 | 300 @ 3800 | 285 @ 4200 | 290 @ 4200 | 295 @ 5100 |
Published Performance Numbers
| Acceleration | 230 hp, 4-sp man. | 315 hp, 4-sp man. |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 8.3 | 6.0 |
| 0-100 mph, sec | NA | 14.2 |
| 1/4-mile, sec @ mph | NA | 15.5 @ 106 |
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
| Car Type | Production | Price |
| 2-door convertible | 10,934 | $3,934.00 |
C6 Corvette: How To Replace Convertible Top | Corvetteforum
Options and Production
| Option | Production | Price |
| Heater | 10,671 | $102.25 |
| AM Radio, signal seeking | 9,316 | 137.75 |
| Positive Crankcase Ventilation | NA | 5.40 |
| Wheels, 15 x 5.5 | 337 | 0.00 |
| Whitewall Tires, 6.70 x 15 | 9,780 | 31.55 |
| Powerglide Automatic Transmission | 1,458 | 199.10 |
| Auxiliary Hardtop | 5,680 | 236.75 |
| Power Windows | 698 | 59.20 |
| Two-Tone Paint | 3,351 | 16.15 |
| 245 hp Engine | 1,175 | 150.65 |
| 270 hp Engine | 2,827 | 182.95 |
| 275 hp Engine Fl | 118 | 484.20 |
| 315 hp Engine Fl | 1,462 | 484.20 |
| Power Operated Folding Top | 442 | 161.40 |
| Positraction Rear Axle | 6,915 | 43.05 |
| 4-speed Manual Transmission | 7,013 | 188.30 |
| Metallic Brakes | 1,402 | 37.70 |
| Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension | 233 | 333.60 |
| Blackwall Tires, 6.70 x 15 nylon | NA | 15.75 |
| 24 Gallon Fuel Tank | NA | 161.40 |
Color Choices and Production
| Color Choice | Production | Color Choice | Production |
| Tuxedo Black | 1,340 | Fawn Beige | 1,363 |
| Honduras Maroon | 1,645 | Roman Red | 1,794 |
| Ermine White | 3,178 | Sateen Silver | 747 |
| Jewel Blue | 855 |
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1953 Corvette | 1954 Corvette | 1955 Corvette |
| 1956 Corvette | 1957 Corvette | 1958 Corvette |
| 1959 Corvette | 1960 Corvette | 1961 Corvette |
| 1962 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get keyspecifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and productiontotals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
Advertisement
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