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Repair manual preference

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Old Jan 19, 2017 | 09:36 PM
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Default Repair manual preference

For those who have seen/used both - preference between the Chilton repair manual -or- the Corvette shop manual for my 1974?
I'm looking for how-to's on things like brake maintenance, swapping shocks, changing all of the fluids etc.
One of the vendors online has a CD of the Corvette shop manual which appeals to me as I could zoom in on diagrams and pictures as needed.

I already own the AIM and owners manual

Last edited by vmsns007; Jan 19, 2017 at 09:37 PM.
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Old Jan 20, 2017 | 07:04 AM
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Stick with GM manuals. Chilton's is handy every now and then, but is more or less generic and not model year specific.
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Old Jan 20, 2017 | 07:58 AM
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Chilton's is very generic as stated. if you want to compare, there is a scanned pdf version online if you search for it and you can see for yourself if it meets your needs. I have at least 3 soft copies (probably more), both Haynes and the chiltons I picked up over the years and almost never look at them...but I collect shop manuals...

you will find that anything you need to do is on here or the other corvette sites, with step by step details and pics. if I need to tear a door apart, fix a dash, or anything vette specific, it's online or the GM manuals.

basic stuff you can find in any GM Chilton's manual regardless of model, I think they cut and paste the small block stuff in every manual from trucks/vans to the chevy Monza.
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Old Jan 20, 2017 | 08:08 AM
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Before Internet way back when I got started in car crafting I would collect manuals most lack something but yeah I haven't looked at a paper manual in likely close to 15-20 years
Like posted anything you want is out there for free...i have folders on my computer..yeah backed up, with 1000s of pictures and documents and if I don't have the info it's just a click away
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Old Jan 20, 2017 | 08:13 AM
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Hi V,
You might consider looking for a copy of the 1966-1974 Corvette Shop Manual. It's the tune-up and maintenance guide. (It's not the Chassis Service Manual (Which should be first on the list for most people.), but was based on it with additional specific component rebuild information.)
It was printed by:
Automotive Research Division
Carbooks,Inc.
Brooklyn N.Y. 11207



Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 20, 2017 at 09:55 AM.
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Old Jan 20, 2017 | 09:44 AM
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The best manual I have is the 1974 Chev factory service manual and the 1976 supplement. If I need any other info not covered, I use the forums and internet. Chilton is handy for quick reference but not a lot of detail in some repairs.
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Old Jan 20, 2017 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by resdoggie
The best manual I have is the 1974 Chev factory service manual and the 1976 supplement. If I need any other info not covered, I use the forums and internet. Chilton is handy for quick reference but not a lot of detail in some repairs.

Took the words out of my mouth. The service manual is great for detail and the Chilton or Haynes (what I have) is good for quick reference, particularly on torques.
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