How to use your AIM
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
How to use your AIM
It seems most people agree that the AIM is a useful tool. I've read complaints that it can be hard to read, but I think if you study it long enough and compare it to your car (the non-bubbafied make it easier) you'll find it becomes fairly clear.
Also from what I read, people use it mostly as a reference. I want to suggest using it as an organizational tool. I use it as a way to keep track of my nuts/bolts/washers/parts. I make notations and even doodle a little bit.
There are enough nuts and bolts on an AC compressor removal to mix things up, and instead of trying to figure it out later, I note their locations by page number and sequence. I also clean all threads as I tend to be more patient during disassembly than assembly.
Also from what I read, people use it mostly as a reference. I want to suggest using it as an organizational tool. I use it as a way to keep track of my nuts/bolts/washers/parts. I make notations and even doodle a little bit.
There are enough nuts and bolts on an AC compressor removal to mix things up, and instead of trying to figure it out later, I note their locations by page number and sequence. I also clean all threads as I tend to be more patient during disassembly than assembly.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I replaced some of the flat rivets and pop-rivets when I was restoring the engine compartment brackets and clips and underbody bracketry.
In order to know what rivets (there are more than just flat headed... round, small flat, and counter sunk) to order from the vendor. I tied the rivet part numbers and descriptions in his catalogue to the rivet part numbers in the AIM.
The AIM ITEM information was the link I needed to his catalogue.
Regards,
Alan
I replaced some of the flat rivets and pop-rivets when I was restoring the engine compartment brackets and clips and underbody bracketry.
In order to know what rivets (there are more than just flat headed... round, small flat, and counter sunk) to order from the vendor. I tied the rivet part numbers and descriptions in his catalogue to the rivet part numbers in the AIM.
The AIM ITEM information was the link I needed to his catalogue.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
You guys are way to organized. LoL. I was fairly well organized on my tear down. I bought several cheap fishing tackle boxes, wrote down where the bolts removed were installed on a slip of paper and put it in the compartment with the bolts. Using your aim in such a way is quite similar to what some of our lead mechanics who order parts all the time do.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
When I first started this method I thought, "this seems like something Alan would do."
I also organize my pictures on my computer I folders that are based off the Table of Contents of my NCRS Judging Guide - another method that made me think of you.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
You guys are way to organized. LoL. I was fairly well organized on my tear down. I bought several cheap fishing tackle boxes, wrote down where the bolts removed were installed on a slip of paper and put it in the compartment with the bolts. Using your aim in such a way is quite similar to what some of our lead mechanics who order parts all the time do.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Pete
Great post!
Tell us what you're doing in this second photo? I used a similar method (first photo) and sketched head bolt markings on the AIM page as you've shown. But I kept them in a paper cup with the AIM page # on it but I think I like the idea you illustrated in the second photo.
Great post!
Tell us what you're doing in this second photo? I used a similar method (first photo) and sketched head bolt markings on the AIM page as you've shown. But I kept them in a paper cup with the AIM page # on it but I think I like the idea you illustrated in the second photo.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
All great ideas, thanks!
All great ideas, thanks!
I believe the AIM is full of all sorts of very useful information, the exploded diagrams and torque values are particularly great.
(I did finally give up on the table of contents though and made my own table of contents to "refind" stuff.)
I believe the AIM is full of all sorts of very useful information, the exploded diagrams and torque values are particularly great.
(I did finally give up on the table of contents though and made my own table of contents to "refind" stuff.
)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Tell us what you're doing in this second photo? I used a similar method (first photo) and sketched head bolt markings on the AIM page as you've shown. But I kept them in a paper cup with the AIM page # on it but I think I like the idea you illustrated in the second photo.
I just use a shallow box to hold the bolts - Paragon boxes work great. I just cut an "X" and push the bolt through then thread any nuts on the back side. The box also helps keep washers with bolts.
I cleaned all the threads before putting them in the box. Next will be evaporust and these guys are getting the black phosphate treatment (except 337-1). I'm not sure about the finish on the shims yet.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Mill Hall PA
Some of those numbers listed in the AIM page example looked familiar. I have attached the glossary from the online AMK Products catalog. Besides my 1981 Corvette, I have a 1969 Mustang I am doing a concours restoration on. I have been researching OEM fasteners for it. AMK mostly deals with Fords but they do have some OEM GM fasteners. The Bolt Number listed in the exploded drawing corresponds to fastener numbers in the AMK glossary. If the fastener is available it lists the catalog page where you can see a photo of the fastener. The entire catalog is available on the amkproducts.com website for viewing or printing.
Happy Hunting.
Happy Hunting.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi j,
Thanks for the link.
Some interesting info there without even going to the catalogue pages.... the descriptions of various fasteners and the pictures of various finishes.
Can't ever have TOO much info when trying to restore original fasteners, or search for/buy new.
Regards,
Alan
Thanks for the link.
Some interesting info there without even going to the catalogue pages.... the descriptions of various fasteners and the pictures of various finishes.
Can't ever have TOO much info when trying to restore original fasteners, or search for/buy new.
Regards,
Alan
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Mill Hall PA
I had an English Professor who said, "Not writing in books was like a carpenter not wanting to scratch his hammer. When you use them properly they both get marked up."
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Hi j,
Thanks for the link.
Some interesting info there without even going to the catalogue pages.... the descriptions of various fasteners and the pictures of various finishes.
Can't ever have TOO much info when trying to restore original fasteners, or search for/buy new.
Regards,
Alan
Thanks for the link.
Some interesting info there without even going to the catalogue pages.... the descriptions of various fasteners and the pictures of various finishes.
Can't ever have TOO much info when trying to restore original fasteners, or search for/buy new.
Regards,
Alan
I have not heard of them before, that is a great site! Most of the part numbers do match up. As you can see, many of my bolts have seen better days and the head markings are well worn. I could use a new set of 180124. Thanks for the link!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
My biggest issue with the AIM was hunting for different things. So I added a thick blank page (almost cardboard) to the front, then added headings & sub headings for interior, exterior, etc., went through the entire book one page at a time, and created my own index.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
ZipLoc bags work great! Using a Sharpie...not so much. Use a ballpoint pen; it's permanent (unless you drop it in the carb cleaner 
).
Also referencing the AIM page number on the bag is a great idea.
).Also referencing the AIM page number on the bag is a great idea.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
Where is the best place to buy an AIM for a 1977? Any opinions on the AIMS sold by Corvette Central? They claim to be duplicates of the AIM's used at the factory. I have a shop manual for my 77, but I have not yet purchased an AIM.