The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk What books and Publications do you use to help fix your truck?

Hello folks,

I am here to ask about what books and other print publications you use for information to assist you in fixing your old truck?

We had a similar page listing things here on Stovebolt.com in the past, but it was wiped out in the 'great purging of the links'.

This is the page we used to have, archived:

(Publications & Print Resources) - using the Internet Archive WayBackMachine

The new page will be a little different and not have as many links on it.

This is the original research thread, here in General Truck for that article:

What books do you use to help you fix your truck? The list grows!

So folks... what books, publications, printed material do you use or have you used to help fix up, keep running or restore your old truck?

Let me know the Title, the Author and if possible the ISBN number - if it has one. Any information on books are handy, no matter how old or obscure!

Parts interchanging books.

Numbers books.

Carburetor books.

Painting books.

Anything and everything useful.

Post your replies in the thread here, I will list them out for the Editors and eventually it will be a new Tech Tip for everyone to use.

Thanks for helping with the research.

-Woogeroo

Let me ask a dumb question..... why not restore the old page and be done with it? Or just copy what you want from the old page when you build the new one. Seems to me that would be the simplest way?!? Why was that page deleted anyway? Looks like it was a very useful collection of links to everything you’re now wanting to recreate. Makes no sense to me.

That original page is the starting point. Woogeroo has been tasked by the powers that be to make that page bigger and better. What comes out should be very helpful and comprehensive with everyone's inpjut. The problem with links is that they disappear from the web too often to be real helpful.

I have a fairly large collection of Motors Manuals and some Chiltons (I got rid of most of the Chiltons, single car manuals, and some other books). I will YouTube a repair if I don't have access to a book.

Because I am doing the research and not writing/formatting the webpage, which I have no access to anyway.

The Editors decided they want something different, with less links.

Feel free to chime in folks, with suggestions.

Thanks.

-Woogeroo

Check out the book "Metal Bumping" by Martin. Ten bucks on Amazon. It was written in the early 1950's but provides methods how to rework metal panels as they did back in the "pre throw away day". A lot of tribal knowledge on how to take out dents ,align doors etc...I got mine at a swap meet several years ago.
Informative yet entertaining look on how they did it back in the day.
Good Tips and Tricks section. I referred to it numerous times during my 51 cab overhaul.
Use it as a coffee table book along with "1776", another good book about a totally different subject.

I still have all the books that I mentioned in 2004 and still use them - some are in rough shape. I think the only book to add is The Chevrolet Six Car and Truck by Victor Page. Originally published in 1940, I don't think it has an ISBN number; probably too old!

since we are talking about books i have a chance to buy a chevrolet truck manual
but is up to 1952 ,is there much difference between a 1952 and a 1954 shop manuel

just realized i dont think the older book would have the 235 imfo

I do know that the gmc book I purchased when I got my truck is wrong for the Canadian trucks as they have the chev engines in them

Chevrolet Master Parts Catalog (find one a couple years newer that your vehicle so any late year changes are shown).

Chevrolet Parts, Truck Illustration and Special Information Catalog. Exploded illustrations show how things went together and where to find the part number in the Master Parts Catalog.

1955-59 Chevrolet Truck Factory Assembly Manual.

Chevrolet Passenger Car and Truck Accessories Instruction Reference Manual.

Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual. Many years are covered with a Supplement Shop Manual (only covers new changes), so you'll need all prior Supplements AND the first Shop Manual in that series for full coverage.

MOTOR Truck Repair Manual (Green Cover). They came out annually and covered a ten year span, so find one that has your year covered.

60 Years of Chevrolet by George Dammann 1972, Published by Crestline Publishing Co., ISBN Number 0-912612-03-7. Lots of history, production figures and images from 1912 thru 1972 cars and trucks.

Chevrolet Truck Data Book (Dealership/Salesmen's Book), has all the spec info on the trucks.

Chevrolet Truck Selector Catalog for Salesmen, what the salesman carried in their pocket.


Mike B

216s were available through 1953.
Low-pressure 235s were available through 1953.

High pressure truck 235s became available in 1954, the same year the 261 was introduced.

There are significant differences between 1952 and 1954 trucks : body/bed parts, interior parts, rear end, and engines.

Thanks folks for everyone who has taken the time to write up some informative posts.

-Woog

Are you welcoming DVDs in this list?

Peter
Seattle, WA

Speaking of DVD's I have one called Bodywork Restoration Tutorial by David Gardiner. Only available on the web, though. Link
Well worth the money if you're doing body work.

You read my mind about the David Gardiner DVD. He shows how a regular guy can make panels or reform reproduction patch panels without the high budget tools and equipment of a pro shop. Worth every penny.

After you have all your mechanical work done and are starting on sheet metal repair and painting you might want to pick up a copy of book" Revive Your Ride ,Secrets from a Body and Paint Restoration Pro" by Larry Lyles.
Came out in 2006 and has a lots of info and helpful details from Sheet metal, paint types,paint guns and laying down primers, basecoats and clears.
Lots of color pics and addressing frequently asked questions.
The good part is Amazon has lots of these in good condition as used books for around $12.00. ($28.00 new)
A good reference book.

Well I can ask the editors about doing a how to list of DVD's for a separate article, might be useful.

-Woog