Do I buy a service manual for minor stuff and where do I buy it from?

 

If you own a Corvette - you need a service manual to be informed. Unless you don't want to learn about your car and want someone to take advantage of that fact when repairs are needed. Got mine from - Bob Wendorff - part mgr. at Fitchners Chevrolet. Inform him you are a forum member for the best price. 1-800-234-5284 - I think I paid $125 for the three volume set.

 

DRR- I was thinking about the same thing. Is there a better service manual than the rest? I'm assuming since you suggested the dealer and got yours from there that its a good choice.

Thanks for the good info plus the phone # and who to call...

 

Buying a service manual is entirely up to you - it certainly is not required materials for Corvette ownership - but it sure does come in handy! If you do even minor simple repairs or troubleshooting on your own - it's some much easier with the factory service manual.

I bought mine on Ebay - I spent $65 including shipping which is about 1/2 retail. My manual is used - it has a couple of greasy prints (not mine), but the books were in great shape, the bindings solid and no pages missing or torn.

You can buy them brand new from Ecklers or Mid America, as well as from Fichtner or Fred Beans. Plus any dealership parts department sells them, as well as the C5 Parts for Sale forum right here will occasionally have one.

 

Or you can buy them direct from the company that makes them. Helm Inc.

Shop around as suggested in the posts above for best price.

http://www.helminc.com/

 

Excellent info again.

Looking into it today!


Thanks again guys..

Tony.

 

Do not get the off brand.
The GM set is published by:
North American Operations
General Motors Corperation
Warren, Michigan 48090

It has a black and white GM seal on the front that says the words = Authentic = Technical = Service = Information = in a circle...

GM built this car and GM gives you as the user of their manual a support line to use to voice concerns or questions to GM. I have never used this feature and wonder to what extent they will help but, I do not think Helm or any other aftermarket publisher has this feature.

 

Actually, the Helms Corvette Service Manuals have the exact GM Seal you are describing. The reason for that is that Helms is the publisher for (the Corvette Manuals) North American Operations, General Motors Corporation, Warren Michigan 48090....

 

Do you own this Helms manual? Does it say anywhere in it that it was published by Helms? If so - post up the pic. I followed the link to Helms above and it appears that they do sell the GMP/98-Y-1 three volume manual set that I own. It is not a Helms manual. Their price is $135 plus shipping.

 

I think we may be spliting hairs here. Helm Inc is the printer and retail seller for the GM Service Manuals, Owner Manuals, etc (along with other car makers). They are not the writer or publisher, just the printer and sales outlet.

I ordered my '04 Service Manuals from Helm Inc, and it has the same publication info as yours. Just do not confuse these Helm's (factory) manuals for the generic Haynes or Chilton manuals.

tom...

 

I have a 2004 Z06 and bought the GM manuals for the car. They consist of a 2 volume set and contain a wealth of information.

I also have the DVD set that I bought off of EBay on my computers. This allows me to have additional information to print and obtain additional detail if needed.

 

You explanation sounds the most correct (and yes, I do own the 3 volume set for the 01' vette) ....

 

Hi Tom,
Can you tell me how many manuals are in the 04 set? I see them listed on ebay (2 manuals), but in the Ecklers and MidAmerica's they show a set of 3 books. Thanks.
Bob

 

Bob,
The '04 manuals is a two book set. Each is over 1,000 pages

I think that some of the older C5 sets were three books, like DRR's '98 above.

tom...

 

Got mine from C5 Parts For Sale.

 

A set of the service manuals come in very handy. I'd recommend getting a set. Fred Beans or Fichtner Chevy can get you a set for a decent price, or if you go to a major Corvette show, vendors sell used sets there.

 

FYI – In my 2003 Corvette Owners Manual on page 7-10 it lists Helm Inc. as the place to order your official GM Service Manual, Owner’s manual, etc.

It has been like this for years. My 1970 Chevelle Owners’ manual has Helm listed as well

Copied and pasted from my owners manual -

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00............................
........................................ .......
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
Monday - Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-Mastercard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helrninc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. 0. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.

 

Yes. Helm Inc. provides fulfillment and distributions services for all GM divisions for their factory authorized service manuals, owner's manuals and other official publications and has for many years. See below:

The Helm Difference: Delivery of Superior Customer Service

Why Buy Original OEM? Why Helm Publications?

 

Ditto. Perfect condition, $75.

As mentioned, eBay is also a good source for used manuals.

 

JD,

I'm going to Carlisle this week. Can you suggest a vendor that might have a used Y2K manual set?

Regards,
Dave K.