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Old 03-14-2016, 03:05 AM
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pharlap
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Default assembly manual vs. shop manual

What is the difference between an assembly manual and a shop/service manual?


Do you guys know of any other books you would recommend, that explain step by step how to make repairs to my 1982 corvette?


I already have the shop manual pictured below.


Thanks,


Old 03-14-2016, 05:42 AM
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oldgto
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AIM (assembly manual) shows how the body was put together.... exterior trim, interior pieces, all of that.
Service manual is for all the mechanical stuff, engine, drive train, brakes & suspension, etc.
If you`re going to be doing most of your own work on the car, you really need both books at a minimum.
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Old 03-14-2016, 07:26 AM
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Easy Mike
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FWIW: do you have an owner's manual?
Old 03-14-2016, 08:16 AM
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pharlap
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Originally Posted by oldgto
AIM (assembly manual) shows how the body was put together.... exterior trim, interior pieces, all of that.
Service manual is for all the mechanical stuff, engine, drive train, brakes & suspension, etc.
If you`re going to be doing most of your own work on the car, you really need both books at a minimum.
Thank you.
Old 03-14-2016, 08:33 AM
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pharlap
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
FWIW: do you have an owner's manual?
Yes Sir, I do have an owner's manual. It was accidently place in our safety-deposit box with the title and I haven't had time to go to the bank and get it.
Old 03-14-2016, 08:49 AM
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Alan 71
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Hi pl,
I think there are 3 manuals to have.
First, the AIM, (Assembly Instruction Manual). This was used on the production line in St.Louis. It's mainly engineering drawings.
Second, the CSM, (Chassis Service Manual). This was used by the service techs at the dealerships. It's a combination of drawings, photos, and written instructions
Third, the Shop Manual. This book contains information that was used at the dealership and also independent shops to repair and rebuild components like alternators, starters, transmissions, steering boxes, etc. In the seventies shops and garages actually still rebuilt parts themselves, they didn't just buy new or rebuilt parts from an outside source as is done today. It's a combination of photos and written instructions.
For many of us that are playing with an old Corvette today the first 2 are indispensable!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; 03-14-2016 at 08:53 AM.
Old 03-14-2016, 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi pl,
I think there are 3 manuals to have.
First, the AIM, (Assembly Instruction Manual). This was used on the production line in St.Louis. It's mainly engineering drawings.
Second, the CSM, (Chassis Service Manual). This was used by the service techs at the dealerships. It's a combination of drawings, photos, and written instructions
Third, the Shop Manual. This book contains information that was used at the dealership and also independent shops to repair and rebuild components like alternators, starters, transmissions, steering boxes, etc. In the seventies shops and garages actually still rebuilt parts themselves, they didn't just buy new or rebuilt parts from an outside source as is done today. It's a combination of photos and written instructions.
For many of us that are playing with an old Corvette today the first 2 are indispensable!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Thanks Alan, those books sound like good one's to have on hand. I'll check into getting a copy of them. I really enjoy tinkering with my car and I am far from a mechanic. I need all the help I can get. lol,


Thanks,
Old 03-15-2016, 08:17 AM
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7T1vette
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AND, if you intend to rebuild any of the components yourself, you also need the Chevrolet Chassis OVERHAUL Manual. It details complete procedures for rebuilding engine, transmission, differential, starter, power steering, alternator, etc. etc.

If you have original components on the car, it is MUCH better and MUCH less costly to rebuild what you have, instead of trading-in GOOD stuff for poorly rebuilt junk. Even if you have someone else rebuild engine, trans, diff for you, they will probably need that book for reference info.
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Old 03-15-2016, 10:02 AM
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Alan 71
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Hi 7T1,
Could you please list a link, or give more information about finding this "Chevrolet Chassis OVERHAUL Manual"?
It sounds like something good to have.
Regards,
Alan
Old 03-15-2016, 10:26 AM
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69vette19467
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Bought mine from http://www.autobooksbishko.com/chevrolet-car.html


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Old 03-15-2016, 10:42 AM
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69vette19467
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Followup - Here's their ebay ad; much cheaper.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230818291655?item=230818291655&viewitem=&vxp=mtr
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Old 03-15-2016, 11:10 AM
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Alan 71
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Hi 69,
Thanks very much.
I'm really not sure if I even knew that existed.
Because it looks so much like the CSM I may well have not realized I was looking at something different.
I'll have to add that to the shelf!
Thanks for the link!
Regards,
Alan
Old 03-15-2016, 11:35 AM
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The only difference on the cover of the original Helm manuals was the word "Service" or "Overhaul". Other than that, both manuals looked pretty much the same.

I have found the Overhaul manual to be indispensible when doing any repair/reconditioning of the many mechanical components in the car. Keep in mind that both of these manuals cover ALL of the Chevrolet passenger car lines. But each has specific detail for them all. Great manuals, and a MUST HAVE for the DIY Corvette owner.

P.S. There are similar manuals available for the Chevy truck lines.
Old 03-15-2016, 09:49 PM
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You're welcome Alan 71. That manual does seem to be an orphan. To my knowledge, not carried by the major corvette retailers. This has GOT to make your collection complete!

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