I just bought a "Original" owners manual, well what was stated to be an original owners manual with the key punch envelope unused for $14.00. The manual and envelope are unused and dated as 1967 and look brand new. How do I tell if its a original or a reproduction ? Do the repop books have the same dates and everything else printed in them? If what I bought is a real owners manual then boy did I score!!

Kev

to me, a 40 year old manual would just look, feel and smell different than something new...even imitating something old. got pictures?

Here is the ebay link that I bought it from showing a cover photo. They sell alot of manuals and antiques.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140040903647

they say its original.. when you get it, post pics, id like to see what you actually get... but looks like a nice find...

Here is another one...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1968-CHEVY-CHEVROLET-II-CHEVELLE-CAMARO-OWNERS-MANUAL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6760QQihZ004QQit emZ140061042380

Sorry gang..
I could not resist thinking another perfect original manual was out there for $14.95 ...I bought that one also. I did get the other in and it sure looks original. I will post photos of it later on.

Kev

Here are the pics of the one I just got in from them..
Kev


Pc080005.jpg (68.4 KB)

Pc080006.jpg (64.7 KB)

Pc080007.jpg (73.0 KB)

Pc080008.jpg (64.5 KB)

Funny, my original owners manual came back to me in the glovebox when I bought my car back in '81 or '82 or so and you talk about an old manual!!

Smell, wear, etc., etc......

It's in with my title and other order and purchase/contract papers in my bedroom drawer now...

pdq67

PS., I didn't get my POP back tho...

Wow Paul..
Thats great. I put this one in a zip bag and its now in the safe with other important papers. I picked up an old manual in decent condition for my glove box. :)


Kev

The pictures are the way to tell.
The original pictures are crisper, lighter, and show more detail.
Post a picture of one of the illustrations.
Although might be hard to tell with a picture of a picture.
In person when you compare them it is very easy to see.

But that was before - maybe there is a better repro out there now?
Wouldn't surprise me.

The reprints dont have the stamping on the back cover- so it could very well be real.

$7.95 from Classic Industries...

I have my orginal 69 manual, staples have come loose on the cover, and protecto plate
The protecto plate ..the part that is metal like a credit card and flips up at the back, is imprinted on the back page of the manual, like they used to do with credit cards and the zip zap hand machines....

Would not an orginal handbook have this in the back?

$7.95 from Classic Industries...

They are reproduction manuals....
Kev


OWNERS MANUAL Camaro Camaro Owner's Manuals

1967-73 manuals are excellent reprints of the originals using exact colors, paper, and printing techniques. The 1974-2002 manuals are printed by the same manufacturer GM uses. You’ll find all the information which was included in each manual for all years listed. Replace your missing or worn out manual with a fresh copy for your year!

Not sure about 67s, but the 69s had a thicker buff colored insert about the emissions. On the Repro one, those pages are the same white stock.

Steptoe,

I believe the manuals were all printed up and in boxes. When it was being put together with the other paperwork, the POP was stapled in. I'm not 100% on this however its what I have read..


Kev

They have a few more 68 manuals left also a few 69s and 1 fair condition 67 manual. The 68s are First Edition dated August 67 which CRG doesn't even show the part number. If you want one contact them a orders@ greenfieldgallery.net
CRG info below
Kev.. BTW my First Edition 68 has part number 3927528

· 1968 Owner's Manual, PN 3xxxxxx
Camaro, Chevelle, Chevy II
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
first edition, Aug 1967

· 1968 Owner's Manual, PN 3940153
Camaro, Chevelle, Chevy II
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
second edition, Nov 1967

· 1968 Owner's Manual, P/N 3955532
Camaro, Chevelle, Chevy II
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
third edition, May 68

Steptoe,

I believe the manuals were all printed up and in boxes. When it was being put together with the other paperwork, the POP was stapled in. I'm not 100% on this however its what I have read..
Kev

My POP/Owners Manual doesnt have any staple or any marks that could show it was attached by some means...that practice could vary between dealers???

but the 69s had a thicker buff colored insert about the emissions. On the Repro one, those pages are the same white stock.
You mean the center pages? more a yellow in colour and made of a very light non semi gloss cardboard, very different to the white semi gloss lighter weight paper of the rest of the manual.

I have the orginal owners manual and protecto plate and also the booklet that explains the ignition switch in the column since that was something new for the camaros that year. The car I have was bought in the same town I grew up in and it is also where she lived. Small world...

I have the orginal owners manual and protecto plate and also the booklet that explains the ignition switch in the column since that was something new for the camaros that year. The car I have was bought in the same town I grew up in and it is also where she lived. Small world...
Wow Garry...
Have you ever tried to look her up for more info on the car? Atleast you know where it has been :)

Kev

No,I never have tried looking her up. I've thought about it from time to time but have never went through with it. A buddy of mine bought an orginal 1970 LS6 chevelle and he found the orginal owner and the day he bought the car he hauled it to this guys house so he could see his car once again. He was pretty excited to say the least. I may try it one day.

I Got hold of the dearship a few yrs back, after all these yrs they didnr have many records...thu they where able to tell me it was a ex show room/demo car, and ordered with a few custom options...hence explaining some issues I had in this area.
I have tried to find the orginal owner, Harison lee Fisher, who imported it to NZ in '72
The next owner I came across about a month ago..lives about a mile away!!!
He sold it to his brother who I purchased of...didnt get the chance to meet him, car was sold on behalf, he passed away about 12 months later, I did meet his wife serval times...nice ppl.

Steptoe,
Its a wonder how many of these cars where in our area for years before we bought them. I can track my car back to about 10 years prior to my owning it and would love to go back even further. It would be nice to talk to them and see if other photos and paperwork is available. :)

Kev

I Got hold of the dearship a few yrs back, after all these yrs they didnr have many records...thu they where able to tell me it was a ex show room/demo car, and ordered with a few custom options...hence explaining some issues I had in this area.

What were these unusual options?

The easest way to explain
If u took a Z28 an thru a 350 and turbo 350 into it. with The Al tappet covers
And full style trim.
I wish so often it wa just and ordinary 69 Camaro!!!
In the begining 20 odd yrs the camaro 'experts' kept on saying thats not right etc etc..Thu 1 guy..and he realy knows 1st gens stood back scratched his head, pionted stuff out and comment "well thats ex factory but shouldnt be there"
I have sort of varified with the dealer, as far as the 2nd owner knew, nothing had been changed in 1 1/2 yrs before he got it, and he just drove it and towed his boat, then I got it...
So when the Camaro 'experts' come up now I just tell them they are talking thu the wrong hole....Im too old to put up with idiots

Not sure I understand, but sounds interesting.
I would like to hear more. :thumbsup: