srs244

can someone confirm that there is actually a 1978 corvette SHOP MANUAL (not the 1978 chevrolet SERVICE manual that covers all the chevrolet passenger vehicles for that year) i have looked at most of the usual places and can't find a manual labled as a SHOP manual (i do know that such a manual exists for the 79 model year). i have the service manual and it fails to cover things like the power window system or the power door lock system in any detail (in fact it never really references them at all).

can someone help me out with this info??

Duke94

As far as I know, that's the only GM manual. You can buy Chilton etc that are just Corvette but they cover multiple years and aren't much better than the GM.

KapsSA

The 78 GM shop manual covers ALL Chevrolet products. Corvette coverage is lacking. Pick up a 79 manual, just Corvette and pretty much covers what you need on the 78s except for a few electrical items.(different fuse panel the main difference) But the electrical coverage is very good. I rarely even look in my 78 book, preferring to use the 79.
Mike

srs244

mike thanks. i guess that seems to be the only choice. i did find that in 78 there was a fisher body manual referenced in the "service" manual as an additional reference source that is supposed to cover a lot of the things like power door locks, windows, etc. i have them both on order at this point as the more i looked into it, the more i determined it was the only option as you pointed out.

thanks

steve

hunt4cleanair

The first C3 Corvette Shop Manual was published in 1979. Before than (as you've learned), Corvette content was included with the Chevrolet Passenger Car Service Manual which covers several models. Chevrolet also published a companion manual called the Unit Repair Manual and is described as the overhaul manual.

Tom73

Helms, the publisher of the GM service, owners, etc, manuals, only lists one option for the '78 vette, the "1978 Corvette Service Manual Kit" for $99.00. www.helminc.com

They say:

Contains Factory Authorized Service information written by General Motors. It contains Diagnostic Information and Procedures, Schematics and Routing Diagrams, Component Locator, Repair Instructions, Description and Operation, Specifications, and Special Tools and equipment. Service information on HVAC, Body & Accessories, Restraints, Steering, Suspension, Driveline/Axle, Brakes, Engine and Transmission/Transaxle.

Description:
Instructions And Procedures For Routine Repair Adjustments Maintenance Work Diagnosis/Testing And Removal/Installation Of Parts For Various Vehicle Systems.

Your purchase consists of, and included in the above price.
(1) ST36178 - 1978 Corvette Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
(2) ST32978 - 1978 Malibu Camaro Monte Carlo Nova And Corvette Service Manual
(3) ST33378 - 1978 Passenger Car/Light Duty Truck Unit Repair Manual
(4) ST35978 - 1978 Passenger Car Wiring Diagram

hunt4cleanair

Yes...they are selling all manuals for a given model year.

An alternative is factory auto manuals. they sell individuals both used and new:

factory auto manuals

srs244

thanks, as i think i mentioned, i have all of these, PLUS the assembly manual. in addition, i have a haynes, chilton and 2 other "non manufacturer" repair manuals. between ALL of them, there isn't a lot of really usable information when trying to restore an interior and resurrect things like the power window and door lock systems, particularly if your car has been "bubba-ized" and some of the systems aren't even in the car any longer (like the entire door lock set up).

actually i have been told that at least the 78 fisher body manual has some better diagrams, but the real only choice for a decent shop manual with usable diagrams and information is the 79 SHOP manual (which i have on order, needless to say).

it's always something, lol. nothing is easy!

steve

Williamhibberd

Steve, not sure if I can help much being a new and first time C3 owner but I have an intact 78 model with locks and window lifts. If it isn’t too big a job I could pull a door card and take some pics if that would help. Bill

Williamhibberd

Oops, just saw the thread date. Ignore

hunt4cleanair

vettebuyer6369