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Topic: Which one should I buy?

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/13/10 12:52pm Message 1 of 10
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Millstone Township, NJ - USA
Joined: 2/6/2010
Posts: 71
Vette(s): 1978 Pace Car - L82 with a 4 Speed AM -FM CB radio

Ok, I need help AGAIN!  I'm looking to purchase a resource manual to help with me along with my 78.  Should I buy the Haynes Repair Manual for Corvettes or Chilton’s GM Corvette 1963-82 Repair Manual? Or, maybe the 1978 Chevrolet Service Manual?  I’m looking for step by step instructions and reviews that I read mentioned Haynes isn't that helpful.  I already have the assembly manual.

As ways thanks for any input!!




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Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/13/10 1:23pm Message 2 of 10
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Flanders, NJ - USA
Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2556
Vette(s): 1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.

I have the '82 service manual for my car and it's been great. I've had Chilton's & Haynes in the past and found them to be kinda general. Maybe they are better today.

Dave



 

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Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/13/10 1:40pm Message 3 of 10
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I agree...the Haynes and Chilton's are more generic in their information and not as specific as the service manual.  They have good information but still not as good.  It still wouldn't be a bad idea to have them as well...they do complement the service manual but are no replacement.


Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/13/10 2:45pm Message 4 of 10
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA
Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.
I also have the '78 service manual and find it very useful. I don't know a lot about the mechanics of motors and stuff but the manual is still nice to have. I think you can get it on a CD too. 


Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/13/10 7:52pm Message 5 of 10
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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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
By all means, get the FSM(Factory Service Manual)!!! MUCH better than either Haynes OR Chilton's. The other ones are, as has been mentioned, very vague in some areas due to the multiple year coverage format. The FSM will have everything you need, for your specific year vehicle. E-bay is a good source for finding the FSM at decent prices.


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Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/14/10 5:48am Message 6 of 10
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I agree with all of the above on the service manual. I have both and keep the Chiltons in the garage as the greasy fingers reference and the FSM stays in the house for the cleaned digits!! Wink


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Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/14/10 6:48am Message 7 of 10
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Millstone Township, NJ - USA
Joined: 2/6/2010
Posts: 71
Vette(s): 1978 Pace Car - L82 with a 4 Speed AM -FM CB radio

All, thanks for your input, now the hunt is on for a service manual. E-bay here I come.

Hey Paul, I'm hoping to register my car this weekend.  Hope to catch up with you soon.

 

Thanks

Bob




Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/14/10 7:29am Message 8 of 10
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Yup.  The Service Manual is the best bet.  I have both for my 1981.  The Service Manual has more specific info in it.
Dan



Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/14/10 10:52am Message 9 of 10
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Millstone Township, NJ - USA
Joined: 2/6/2010
Posts: 71
Vette(s): 1978 Pace Car - L82 with a 4 Speed AM -FM CB radio
Purchased the Service Manual from E-Bay.  Thanks again for all your input


Which one should I buy?

Posted: 4/14/10 11:14am Message 10 of 10
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BILOXI, MS - USA
Joined: 12/8/2001
Posts: 547
Vette(s): 1969 rag top

Annicorvette
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in Forum: C3 General Discussion


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