Chilton's or '66 - '82 Shop Manual

[Stallion]

Okay I'm about to order one of two books. I can't decide of whether I should order Chilton's '63 - '82 repair guide or the '66 - '82 Shop Manual, which is also for repair and maintainance.

They're both around the same price, but I can't decide because I don't know the details about each of them. Which would you recommend I get?

 

[c4ever]

My advice would be purchase the GM service manual(s) for your particular year/car. Other manuals seem to be generic with items that may or may not apply.
Just my .02

Carlo

 

[Stallion]

In the summer (when I have a little extra cash around) I'm going to buy the '78 Service Manual but right now I do need one of those two because of the intake manifold gasket change I'm going to have to do and just a little something for me to get my feet wet in. I'll use this until I can get the service manual.

So which one? I was thinking I would order it tonight. Thanks!!

TR

 

[mapman]

: My advice would be purchase the GM service manual(s) for your particular year/car. Other manuals seem to be generic with items that may or may not apply.
Just my .02

Carlo

I agree, good advice. Search the archives on the popular corvette sites for specific "how to" information that might not be in the GM service manual. The generic manuals can sometimes get you into trouble. If you HAVE to use one then see if the local library has a copy. Another useful document is the A.I.M. for your year.

 

[Stallion]

Really? Even going for the '66 - '82 Corvette Shop Manual would be risky? Maybe I'm thinking this is what I'm going to go for.

 

[Corvettes White]

Go to the library. I have three of these books and for the most part they are a waste of shelf space. Get the factoy books, even if used.

George

 

[Tom73]

My advice would be purchase the GM service manual(s) for your particular year/car. Other manuals seem to be generic with items that may or may not apply.

I have to agree.

There are only two books you need. The Factory Service Manual (you can get them on ebay for good prices) and the Assembly Instruction Manual (avaiable from any Vette parts dealer or on ebay). Could be a third book depending upon the year. All have a specific Factory Service Manual and some years also have an Overhaul Manual. These are all you need. Stay as far away from those generic books as you can.

tom...

 

[Stallion]

Okay, I'll look around on ebay for a service manual. Actually, in Mid-America they have all of them (including '78) service manuals, but the '78 is $110. I might as well spend the money now, though, I guess.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

TR,

I have the AIM, GM Service Manual and Chiltons. I can't recvall ever using the Chilton's manual.

Bob

 

[page62]

TR, if I found a shop manual on ebay for my '79 for 20 bucks, then I'm sure you can do the same!

Just use these words to do an ebay search: "1978 Corvette Shop Manual"

 

[Stallion]

TR, if I found a shop manual on ebay for my '79 for 20 bucks, then I'm sure you can do the same!

Just use these words to do an ebay search: "1978 Corvette Shop Manual"

Do you mean the Shop Manual or the Service Manual? Isn't the Shop Manual cover all C3s? I thought it was the Service Manual that was year specific. :confused I'll go check now on ebay to see what I can find.

 

[page62]

The term I gave is correct. That's exactly what the title on the spine shows. You may need to check back regularly on ebay until one appears, but it shouldn't take too long. And you'll save a LOT of money!

 

[Stallion]

Yes, they don't have one up now, but I'll keep my eyes peeled.

What do I do now for the intake gasket change and how to do it? BURGLAR wrote a nice thread on it, but I was looking for something in paper that would help me out.

 

[page62]

Does your car have all the smog junk on it or not? The job will be easier or harder depending on the amount of plumbing you're going to have to remove...

 

[Mike Carter]

I have the shop and assembly manuals for mine, the aftermarket manuals (Chilton and Haynes) are of little use, you know you're working on a steering column and the picture is a Monte Carlo. For the folks like me doing the work themselves, good refernece stuff is a real money saver. .02

Mike

 

[Stallion]

Does your car have all the smog junk on it or not? The job will be easier or harder depending on the amount of plumbing you're going to have to remove...

L48s (at least in my year) did not have the A.I.R. Pump. Besides that, I do have smog control (if that's how you refer to it) and it does pass emissions with all stock under the hood. So what are you thinking?

 

[LIRacer]

I agree with everyone so far. The shop manual and assembly manual are great. Chilton's is very shetchy with poor illustartions very little detail.

 

[Neepawa]

I have a Chiltons and a Haynes that you can have. Email me your address and I will mail them both to you. You can pay me back for whatever the mail costs are.

They are not as good as the GM service manual, but are better than nothing.

 

[Stallion]

Dad says that we should just go for Service Manual, so I think that's what we're gonna do. Thanks anyways!!

TR

 

[wwilkins]

I think the Chiltons and Haynes manuals are great. If you stack them together they make a nice headrest while you are under the car. They are also great for propping up your assembly manual or holding pages open in the shop manual.



Bill