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Topic: Books

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Books

Posted: 3/4/07 7:59am Message 1 of 6
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Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2431
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Ok, e-bay has been very good to me over the last few weeks, so I've built up my "Corvette Improvement Fund" and I'm thinking about buying some books.  I've tried to be thrifty and get what I can from the library, but I think I've exhausted the local reserves.
 
I've been watching the Amazon pop up's that show to the left here, and  the prices there seem to be better than what I see on e-bay (maybe I'm not looking in the right spots), and I thought if I went with one seller, I could reduce shipping costs.  I was wondering if anyone had any particular choices, or if I'm missing any subjects I should check on.  My goal here is to continue to try to keep my car as original as possible and to keep raising the bar on my general knowledge, as well as what everything should look like.  I do have an assembly manual and I used David Prince's buying guide (which I found VERY helpful!) from the library both before and after I bought my 74 for help.
 
I'm thinking of the following:
 
  • A Numbers Matching and/or Parts conversion guide - I really enjoy e-bay as a hobby, but I think I could do better if I could know (from a buying perspective) or tell people (from a selling perspective) what year(s) a certain part will fit.  The numbers matching part is probably more for just my nerdy interest in my car or if I was buying a part that had a code.  Most of my car is fully functional, so I don't think this is a true need, just a want.
  • A restoration guide - I really don't think there's much to do/much that I'm willing to do, but if there are small projects, it might be interesting to give them a try.  I know I have looked at books from the library that show how to restore emblems and some interior parts.  Looks interesting, but I'm not sure I have the patience for that even to increase the value on e-bay by $10.
  • Any general Corvette book with more than a page and a half about the 1974 model year.  Maybe even one that looks at C3 convertibles?  I just don't seem to find any that cover this lonely year - although while we are the least represented year here on C3VR, some of the most active members claim ownership to one!

One of these days, I'll learn how to write a short, concise post.  Guess that day's not today.

 
Thanks for the help/advice!!



I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!


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Books

Posted: 3/4/07 9:20am Message 2 of 6
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
Prince also has a Restoration guide 68-82.  I used it a few times before buying a replacement part or fixing a problem.  The previous owner had mine for 30 years.  He kept it pretty much original, but still, I find stuff here and there that shouldn't be.  When the service manual is not descriptive enough about something, I will most of the time find it in the restoration guide.  The way I use this guide is something like "Well, since I'm working on this, might as well make it original".
 
Besides the GM manuals I have never came across year specific stuff.  Let me know if you find a book about a '74 T-Top 454 auto w/gymkhana suspension.  I might be interested!Wink
 
There are conversion guide out there.  Not only cross-corvettes, but cross Chevy.  I don't like using them.  When I'm looking for something specific, before going on eBay, I search all the big names; either online or catalog (Ecklers, YearOne, Bairs, Corvette America, ZIP, Corvette Central, you name it....).  There's a better chance find the right part/year on those site than an individual on eBay.  Once you find the part on those and know exactly what it looks like, you can go the eBay way to see if you can get it for cheaper.
 
And if you're just looking for litterature in general; I would say get some Corvette coffee table books.  I have two of 'em.  They are great to browse for the quality of the pictures, but also because a lot of them will talk about non-technical things that were happening at that time.  Those are usually not cheap, so just put 'em down on BDay & holiday gift list.
 
 



Books

Posted: 3/8/07 9:58am Message 3 of 6
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Mechanicville, NY - USA
Joined: 2/28/2007
Posts: 1
Vette(s): 1966
Here is a link to great Corvette books:
 
Hope it Helps
Bill



Books

Posted: 3/8/07 10:39am Message 4 of 6
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I'm sure most of the folks here have a collection of books on their cars, some good and some otherwise.  Of all the books that I have, the GM "shop manual" is the most indispensable book I have.  When I bought my vette, the PO had the shop manual and assembly manual which I got in the deal.  I don't think I could do without the two. Other than the wealth of information here at C3VR, they are the best source of  information I've found.  Without knowing the depth of model specific information in the shop manual, I  would have been reluctant to  pay the $$ for the shop manual but I urge anyone who doesnt have the GM shop manual for their specific car to get one.  They are readily available on ebay and at some car shows.  Id be lost without mine.


Books

Posted: 3/8/07 11:19am Message 5 of 6
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
M.F. Dobbins has a series of books("Fact Book") on identifying differences in year models, and what is correct/not correct for a particular year. It includes finish info, bolt markings, etc. It also tells what decals it should have and where they would be installed. Pretty good stuff.
The NCRS "Tech Info and Judging Guide" is also fairly detailed for specific year cars.
Of course, I think every Corvette owner should have the factory service manual for their car.


Joel Adams
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Books

Posted: 3/9/07 5:18am Message 6 of 6
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Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
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Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Thanks guys.  So far, I've bought the Prince Restoration Guide on e-bay. 
 
I've seen the Fact Books, and wondered about them.  I'll try to keep my eye out for one below the usual $30 price tag.  Also, I do have an assembly manual, but not a shop manual.  I've seen plenty out there, but never really looked to closely.  Also, I have looked at a few of the Coffee Table books at the library, and I do like those.
 
Also, Joel, your realistic comments about Bloomington have me thinking much more seriously about being judged by NCRS, so I may pick one of those books up as well.  There's supposed to be an Indiana Chapter meeting at the end of this month, but whenever I check the calendar, it just keeps saying to "check back soon for details!"  It's going to be hard to go if they don't tell me where it is!!



I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!


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