Corvette Manuals
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Lusby MD
Corvette Manuals
Guys/Girls,
Question on your thoughts regarding publications. I currently have the Hane's 68-82 Vette Repair and the 77 Chev service manual. Is the Chilton's view on repair any better? I was thinking of buying that one.
Thanks
Bob
Question on your thoughts regarding publications. I currently have the Hane's 68-82 Vette Repair and the 77 Chev service manual. Is the Chilton's view on repair any better? I was thinking of buying that one.
Thanks
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
My take is that generally speaking, the more manuals you have, the better off you are if you do your own work. That's because if you don't understand a section, referring to another may clear the point up. However, I've never been impressed with Chilton manuals. One reason is because I bought one after I purchased my '84 Vette (bad mistake but that's another story). In reading it, I could not believe they had an entire section for changing ignition points and condenser. Also, I find these little books either providing to much detail or not enough. One book I would recommend is the "Assembly Manual" for your year Vette. It provides details of how your Vette was assembled and was used by the factory.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I have the Haynes and Chilton for my '80 but don't use them much because I also have factory assembly manual and the Chevrolet Shop Service Shop Manual specific for 1980.
The assembly manual contains diagrams the factory used and the service manual has pictures and lots of instructions that the dealer shops used. You can find both for your MY (77?) on eBay.
BTW, you need to fill out your profile so we can offer more complete help.
The assembly manual contains diagrams the factory used and the service manual has pictures and lots of instructions that the dealer shops used. You can find both for your MY (77?) on eBay.
BTW, you need to fill out your profile so we can offer more complete help.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
In my opinion, the Chevrolet shop manuals are the best out there for the later C3's. The early C3 is lumped in the shop manuals with other vehicles, while the book is still good to work with, it is not just corvette only. The assembly manual is like the blueprints that the cars were put together with. Very nice to see when you have a car that is apart and you have slept since reassembly.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Australia
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i have them all...chiltons is fair BUT.....when it gives you the info that the others don't its worth it.....and yes i have found stuff in there that was not in the others
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Save your money and buy the 77 AIM, Electrical Troubleshooting Manual, Wiring Diagram book and the Unit Overhaul Manual. All are available on eBay. Then use that Hayes manual to light your next bonfire.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
I used to use Chilton's back in the 80's, the one I had was pretty good. Nowadays they are way to generic and not enough info. I even question some of the info that is in them. Goes for Haynes too..... Get the factory books.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
I've got them all for my '75
AIM
Chevy Service
Chevy Overhaul
Chiltons
Haynes
Shop Manual (the white one above)
Plus the Vette Views Fact Book, NCRS, etc.
Chiltons and Haynes are made by the same people but they are different.
I check them all before I do anything and the furum and generally don't have any issues.
I'm a fan the if you have them all you can't go wrong. After all he who dies with the most toys and all...
AIM
Chevy Service
Chevy Overhaul
Chiltons
Haynes
Shop Manual (the white one above)
Plus the Vette Views Fact Book, NCRS, etc.
Chiltons and Haynes are made by the same people but they are different.
I check them all before I do anything and the furum and generally don't have any issues.
I'm a fan the if you have them all you can't go wrong. After all he who dies with the most toys and all...
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: PYOTE BOMBER BASE TEXAS
I have to agree also that the more information one can get from the "G.M." books the better.....The other books available from the book stores certainly add to the total information......And the Hayes and Chilton books work best with greasy fingers.....You can never have too much infomation.....I even have a Book put together from the information from this Forum Experenced Members....which is added to very often.....
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The AIM is available through most Corvette vendors, but I doubt it will help too much with electrical issues.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 6
From: Palos Verdes Peninsula California
I personally would save my money. I have the Haynes, GM shop and assembly manuals for my 81. The latter 2 are indispensible, the Haynes I rarely touch. I can't see how the Chilton's would be any better than the Haynes.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Kinda expensive...they want C$70 for an 82 service manual. Another seller on eBay has one for $10. Sellers like that are a great resource for the impossible-to-find type of manuals, though.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
just my luck I gave about 50 for mine couldnt find a 69 gm shop manual at the time wanted origanal info also