The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Chevy Shop Manual question

I'm not sure where to pose this question, but...

I'd like to have a tangible book for David & I to go to during this restoration. Wiring information, part placement information...that sort of thing. I don't mind having to purchase a couple of manuals, I just want something that we can 'go to' while we're working and bring in at night to pour over. He's only restored the '68 Camaro that he's had since HS, and I've never restored anything.

I downloaded and printed the free original manual through the GM website. It has 1946 car information in the first half, and 1946 truck information in the second half. It includes dimensions of allllll of the 1946 trucks, dimensions of allllll of their parts, and things like that.

I keep running across the blue "Chevrolet Shop Manual" but none of the websites let you see inside of it. I'd rather spend that $20 elsewhere on my restoration if what I downloaded from the GM website is identical to this blue book. I've asked around and gotten mixed reviews so I'm hoping someone here will know:

Are these two the exact same thing?

If so, what "bible" would you recommend that has restoration information [for a '46 Chevy truck] as far as parts, wiring information, the placement of everything...? I've looked through and printed some of the other sources on this site (thank you! thank you!!), but I was also looking for an "all in one place" reference [which is what I hope this blue book turns out to be].

Maria, Have you searched the web for “Factory Assembly Manual”? Here’s one link...
https://www.performanceonline.com/1...bhQQSW1hlAR4_AUv-FfETfEuUgwaAmbXEALw_wcB

That one is for AD trucks.
I don't know of a FAM that exists for the earlier trucks, but there are enough Stovebolters that have been where you are that someone will have answers to any questions about your truck that you might have.
But I know what you mean about "I just want something that we can 'go to' while we're working and bring in at night to pour over."

The Shop Manual (blue book) and the GM Information Kit are not the same. While much of the technical stuff is the same the Shop Manual will take you through the removal and repair of parts. The down side is it covers both car and truck, so you won't get a picture of every part on your truck...things like suspension and steering may gloss over the truck, but give you enough info to understand how to work on it. This manual assumes you are already a mechanic.

MOTOR'S Manuals are also a great resource and can be had cheap (less than $20). Find one from a few years newer than your truck so it has any late year changes. They typically cover a 10-year span and the truck version will have a green cover (car is blue). Search the big auction sites...

Mike B

The Chevrolet Master Parts List 1929-1946 also has diagrams and drawings for some of the parts and assemblies. These are IMO an in valuable information resource. They are often found listed on the auction websites and sell for around $60. These catalogs were updated annually, I think, except for the War years.
I think Faxon sells reprinted versions, at least they did a few years ago.

Hi Maria, Nice to hear from ya. I was thinking about you and Dave. I may have missed it, was the box on the side a Planet Jr. seed broadcaster? If you have any problems send me the S.#. Ed

Maria, I'm sure you know to take many many pictures as you work on your truck....and you cannot have too many! A picture is a good reference when asking questions and as someone mentioned above Stovebolters here have been down these roads and can help you. Just a bit of patience will go a looong way.

@ Tiny - Thank you for the link!

@ DES57 - I've not used that exact search criteria, no. I don't believe I've run across that parts source yet either. Thank you!

@ klhansen - My Grandpa always said; Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time. =) Along with Achipmunk's comment...patience is not one of my strong suits, but I'm learning. LoL

@ MikeB - I hadn't heard of the MOTOR'S but I'm Googling now. Thank you!!

@ Doc - Good morning! I'm still learning towards Bruno having been used in the fields to collect the corn/grain from the combine & get it to the silo (like we watch semis do today). An older farmer
that we're friends with (and some of his buddies) think it may have been used for feed... Load the feed in the back, and shoot it into the troughs. Considering how fast it spins when the PTO is engaged
I'm still leaning towards the field to silo idea. Literally no one has been able to give us a definite answer which is both shocking, and kind of a cool factor. =)

@ Achipmunk - I started an album on my phone called "Where it came from." LoL I figured that would be a big help. David jokes that you could make an old-time flip book from all of the pictures I take of our progress.

My current project is trying to remove the spray foam, foamy-foam, and adhesive from the metal (where the windlace was/still partially is) without damaging the paint. He doesn't have much left, and I want to preserve it. =)

@ tclederman - Is it different that the blue book that I posted a picture of? When I Google, that's what I get.

@ 46Sparky - I've seen those online, and I almost took the dive. I wanted to be sure it would be useful first. Thank you for the info! I'll add it to my list.

There is a publication called "How to restore your Chevrolet Pickup" by Tom Brownell published by Motor Books International. It has been around for many years and is probably still available. It is not specific to your year but it covers a wide range of repairs & components.
Fred

"How to restore your Chevrolet Pickup" by Tom Brownell

Here is a Stovebolt.com Review by John Milliman.
(not sure what year/edition)

One of these editions might be helpful:
example 1
example 2

What are the casting codes date casting codes on your head & block (and, the engine serial number)?
low-pressure 216/235 stovebolt engine codes

Maria, Most of us were raised with Chiltons and Motors repair manuals. Try Ebay for the older ones. You may be able to go to the Motors site and still order. tcleaderman is you best bet when it comes to getting Stovebolt info. Doc.

I've been bogged-down at work and haven't gotten to spend time with Bruno in a couple of months. Adulting stinks sometimes. LoL

Someone had asked [several months ago now] if the gentleman I purchased my '46 from had any 50's or 60's (I forget which). I've looked for 20min and I can't find that thread anywhere so, since he's replied to several of my questions, he'll hopefully see it. (I'd direct message him but I don't remember his moniker).

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/1667734746/?ref=permalink is the listings that Michael (my truck's previous owner) has. He's a very nice and trustworthy guy, and buys/sells several vintage vehicles a year.

I hope everyone is staying well and spinning wrenches! Once I finish making the chenille for another 70 letterman jackets and piecing 14 quilts for Christmas I'm 100% making time for Bruno... He probably thinks that I've forgotten about him. LoL

Hello, Maria,

Here is a list of your posts.

If you have the time/patience, you might be able to find the Username of the member you are looking for?

Good Luck,
Tim