C3 reference material.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Fresno Ca
C3 reference material.
Hey guys, after a quick search on the site without a definite answer can anyone recommend a source for the AIM? Specifically where you purchased it? Also any other must have manuals for a DIY c3 owner. My near future needs will be a wiring diagram. I plan to order any manuals this weekend. My current c3 library consist of a Haynes manual and all the free mail order vendor Catalogs, oh can't forget the most valuable source this forum! BTW I have a 76. Thanks in advance guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Hey guys, after a quick search on the site without a definite answer can anyone recommend a source for the AIM? Specifically where you purchased it? Also any other must have manuals for a DIY c3 owner. My near future needs will be a wiring diagram. I plan to order any manuals this weekend. My current c3 library consist of a Haynes manual and all the free mail order vendor Catalogs, oh can't forget the most valuable source this forum! BTW I have a 76. Thanks in advance guys.
You'll also want to pick up a shop service manual
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
I think every vendor carries copies of the Assembly Manual (AIM), I bought mine for $19.00 at either Zip, Corvette America or Corvette Central. Wiring diagrams are in the electrical section of the AIM, however go to this thread and request a free copy for your year. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...or-anyone.html. I really need a "Corvette for Dummies" manual with lots of step-by-step pictures. I have no mechanical background, lack the DNA to work intuitively on my C3's and know my limitations. Regardless of how many published manuals I have, it still comes down to knowing how to wrench and proper sequencing of how to do it right. Like walking a tight rope without a net for me :-). Good luck!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
We have the assembly manuals here:
Printed version: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24691 16.99
PDF version: http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...embly%20manual 24.99
Printed version: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24691 16.99
PDF version: http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...embly%20manual 24.99
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Willcox has both the 'paper' copy of the AIM and the 'digital' (CD) copy of the AIM. I have both...and regularly use both. The digital copy is great for searching out all of the relevant pages in the AIM which reference a particular part/assembly. You will quichly find that the AIM is not organized by 'parts', but by the order of assembly stations in the factory. And, some sections of the car get dealt with several times during the assembly process, so it gets difficult to follow at time, just using the AIM.
The other absolutes for reference materials [assuming that you are a DIY type of person and will want to rebuild components rather than just replacing 'old stuff' with 'new' junk] are the factory manuals: Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual and Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual, which details the teardown and repair of engine/transmission/carb/differential/water pump/starter/power steering/and A/C system. In later C3 years, I believe these two manuals were actually combined. The amount of useful and well organized information in these books is incredible. And compared to the useful info in the Haynes manual, these factory manuals make the Haynes fairly useless. They are 'must haves' if you do the work yourself.
The other absolutes for reference materials [assuming that you are a DIY type of person and will want to rebuild components rather than just replacing 'old stuff' with 'new' junk] are the factory manuals: Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual and Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual, which details the teardown and repair of engine/transmission/carb/differential/water pump/starter/power steering/and A/C system. In later C3 years, I believe these two manuals were actually combined. The amount of useful and well organized information in these books is incredible. And compared to the useful info in the Haynes manual, these factory manuals make the Haynes fairly useless. They are 'must haves' if you do the work yourself.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
...any other must have manuals for a DIY c3 owner...
Corvette owner's manual for your model year.
...My current c3 library consist of a Haynes manual...
Are you serious about a Corvette library? Purchase the NCRS Technical Specifications and Judging Guide.
The NCRS 1968-82 Corvette Specifications Guide
Corvette Black Book
This is good even if you don't own a '69.
These are good:
Birthplace of Legends by Peter LiCastro is excellent.
Although not C3 related, Noland Adams' Corvette Restoration Guide Volume I and II are great reading.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 24, 2011 at 11:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Fresno Ca
Thanks for the input guys truly appreciated! I like that Wilcox chimed in so I just now purchased the AIM, owners manual, and service manual from thier website. Thankfully I had seen their post on the 10% off. Every little bit helps. Yes the Haynes isnt too informative at all, strange as the one I had about 10 years ago for my 87 camaro was pretty good. Well thanks again for the input guys I'll revisit this thread if I need anything else, think I'm off to a great start
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Check out the link for a really good wiring diagram.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...or-anyone.html
Scott
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...or-anyone.html
Scott
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Fresno Ca
Oh yeah I forgot to mention I requested the free wiring diagram from forum member papawana, what a great offer. The icing on the cake was that he quickly emailed me a copy. This forum is great! Thanks for the help guys!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Since were on the free thing.. you may as well down load these files too..
Fuel Gauge Testing
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=276
Corvette Headlamp and Windshield Wiper Vacuum Small Parts, How They Operate!
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=218
Corvette Headlamp and Wiper Vacuum Schematics 1968-1982
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=280
Or for that matter just go to the site and search by year.. 1976, you'll find a bunch of stuff there that may help you.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...+%23&x=42&y=12
I thought the 76 factory schematic was on there.. but it's not moved over yet.
Willcox.
Fuel Gauge Testing
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=276
Corvette Headlamp and Windshield Wiper Vacuum Small Parts, How They Operate!
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=218
Corvette Headlamp and Wiper Vacuum Schematics 1968-1982
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=280
Or for that matter just go to the site and search by year.. 1976, you'll find a bunch of stuff there that may help you.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...+%23&x=42&y=12
I thought the 76 factory schematic was on there.. but it's not moved over yet.
Willcox.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Fresno Ca
Awesome Wilcox thanks for the heads up. I'll definitally print them on Monday when I get to work. Glad to do business with ya! I'm amassing cool little reference library all in a weekend. Any way you can rush my order, haha kidding of course. Thanks again forum members!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Awesome Wilcox thanks for the heads up. I'll definitally print them on Monday when I get to work. Glad to do business with ya! I'm amassing cool little reference library all in a weekend. Any way you can rush my order, haha kidding of course. Thanks again forum members!
Willcox
