I Doubt you could find another "FOR SALE"
This is a Super-Scarce Authentic Original 1956 Chevrolet Product Data Book which was only distributed to Chevrolet Central Office, Zone and Regional Office Service Managers and Field Service Representatives. Much of the very detailed service letters, bulletins, updates & specifications in the book was restricted to factory use only and these books were never sent to dealers. It goes far beyond the info sent to dealers. Just about every '56 product change, procedure or problem is addressed in this book, which came from the estate of a Chevy field engineer.
This huge book has over 700 pages in a locking post-bound black leatherette covered binder measuring 10 x 11.5" and 2 1/2" thick and weighing nearly 7 pounds. Each section is divided by plastic tabbed pages. All models of 1956 cars and trucks are covered: Bel Airs, 210s, 150s, Corvette, Sedan Delivery, Station Wagons, Pickups, Suburban Carryall, Panel, COEs and all other trucks. This was the 1956 Chevy factory bible!
Two-thirds of this book are divided into the basic UPC Groups: Body; Frame; Front Axle & Suspension; Rear Axle and Suspension; Brakes; Engine; Carburetor and Fuel Pump; Clutch; Engine Electrical; Transmission; Fuel Tank and Exhaust System; Steering; Wheels and Tires; Chassis Sheet Metal; Electric and Instruments; Radiator and Grille, Service News and Miscellaneous.
All car and truck bulletins, letters, diagrams, technical information etc. were filed in these sections by the owner and keeper of each book. Each section, subdivided into three sub-sections, contains some or all of these items (unless nothing in that section was issued in '56 and that section's empty):
1) Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs, goldenrod) which didn't go to dealers, such as TSB 393 “Second & Third Rough Schift - Hydramatic– 1956 Trucks” and TSB 406 "Powermatic Transmission – Transfer Plate, New Type”.
2) TSBs with DR numbers (TSB-DRs goldenrod) (These did go to Dealers) such as DR 265 “New Weather Strip Seals – 1956 Corvette” - DR 267 “Instability Above 60 MPH – 1956 Corvette (serial numbers listed)”. DR 232 “Oil Level Gauge Accuracy 1956 V-8 Car Engines”
3) Technical Information Pages (Blue) which covered less frequent (but often more interesting) problems and changes not rating a TSB, like “Shock Absorber Reinforcement 1956 3100 Trucks” – Lower Control Arm Stud – 1955 – 1956 Passenger Car”
No two Product Data Books were kept exactly the same, depending on the interests, problems and astuteness of the Service executive or Rep that owned the book. SOME OTHER HIGHLIGHTS include:
Index pages to all Bulletins and Service News in the beginning of each section.
Towards the back of the book there's a set of ten "Chevrolet Service News" monthly booklets for the 1956 model year which are loaded with service methods, product changes, problems etc. The '56 new model introduction issue (November 55) is included, which covers everything that was new for '56 with many photos and charts along with exterior paint formula numbers for trucks.
The last section of the book contains the complete 1956 Chevrolet Passenger Car and Truck Engineering Specifications which are the most detailed specs printed by Chevy each year and were not issued to dealers or the public. This also includes the Corvette. The regular car & truck detail is incredible, including:
Complete Car & Truck
Serial, Engine & Transmission Number Information
Car & Truck Weight and Dimension Charts
Car & truck Exterior & Interior Color Combination Charts with descriptions of the various materials used.
Car & Truck Accessory Listings (with model applications).
Engine Specifications including Horsepower/Torque curves, component dimensions and specs (even for the valves & ports, with drawings), materials used for various components, carburetor part numbers etc. some of the photos are of 4 pages ZOOM IN TO SEE.
There's equally detailed coverage of the frame, front & rear suspension, steering, transmission, clutch, driveline, rear axle, lights (including a bulb number chart), with lots of diagrams.
This is truly the most interesting '56 book that Chevy published!
Condition of all the pages is excellent. It has a little musty smell, (no mold) There are no smudges, greasy fingerprints or tears and only possibly some personal notes added on bulletins. The plastic laminated tabs are in excellent condition and have not separated. The binder is in very good condition with some very light wear on the edges of the spine and corners. The cover lettering is Great with only a some fading on the spine. There is a scratch on the upper part of the cover. (photo). The post binding locking plates have some rust, but not terrible and doesn’t effect how they work.
This book is exceptionally complete and is in great condition, It will be a valuable resource and an essential addition to any Chevy library. Or will be great displayed with your 1956 car or truck!
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