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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | What books do you use to help you fix your 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.
Any additional information is great also...
There is ' how to restore your chevy pickup' by Tom Brownell - which I believe just came out with a new edition with some added sections on the big bolts...
What else?
Let me know what books you have in your 'old truck library' and what information it provides you to help you fix yer old truck.
Parts interchangable books.
Numbers books.
Etc.
When I get the post, I'm going to write it up and the Editors are gonan stash it somewhere on the page... that is, if it turns out to be useful.
-W | | | | | Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 1,586 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 1,586 | I have a collection of old dogeared parts books and a few repair manuals for details. Since I'm not a resto puritan, guessin works pretty good too,remember, I got a photographic memory  | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,907 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,907 | I have:
1947-51 Chev Truck Shop Manual
1947-54 Chev Truck Factory Assembly Manual (probably the least useful, so far)
1960-69 Motor's Truck Repair Manual (for my '61 261). Bought it on Ebay.
Tom Brownell's "How to Restore your Chevrolet Pickup" which I heard might come out in a new edition.
"Chevrolet Pickup Red Book" by Motorbooks International. Covers '46-'72. Contains info on VIN's, specs, options, color codes, tranny and rear end codes but isn't complete in all respects. For instance, I think there is almost no reference to the 261!
Don't forget the Owners Manual. It contains lots of maintenance info and other interesting stuff.
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 687 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 687 | Have a 1958-59 Chevy Manual w/59 update manual, Classic trucks mag. Summit, and most of the Parts Vendors Books. Keep them in my personal file cabinet at work just in case somebody got a question.
PLUS I got you guys, and dang gone it thats the best.
popcorn The Truth is Out There (Like having a Webster but you guys talk back) :p | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | I like Chilton and Motors repair manuals. I only usually need them for torque spec.s or something technical like that.
Are you having a specific problem or just looking into future references?
Scott | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | Jim Carter's catalog has some interesting information and the parts pictures help. Same with the LMC catalog which has great exploded views. I agree with Wally that the owners booklet, which goes in the glove box, is excellent. I do find that the Chev Truck Factory Assembly Manual is geared more to the 54 model and does not show much for earlier model year driveline info. The actual Shop Manual is the bible. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 523 Member | | Member Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 523 | I got a degree in Art History. Always tell folks it's cause I didn't have to read only look at the pictures.
I've a ton of old books none have a ISBN #
Most got blood on em from when I was workin''
You guy's work on the new stuff ....post war
I just look at the pictures | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 734 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 734 | I use all the usual suspects but, the one that really keeps my head on straight and helps me figure things out... The Bartenders Bible! Ahh yes, suddenly that wiring harness is not so complex... | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 454 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 454 | "Truck: On Rebuilding a Worn-Out Pickup, and Other Post-Technological Adventures" by John Jerome, ISBN 0874517559 A little dated (was written in the 70s) but whenever I get too caught up in the idea of the "perfect restoration", I re-read Truck to bring me back to reality. After all, it's just an old pickup truck
Jeff Nelson
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." - Mark Twain
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 332 Big Bolt Shop Curmudgeon | | Big Bolt Shop Curmudgeon Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 332 | Here's a thought.
Another organization I belong to got authority from the author and publisher to produce a CD of an out-of-print reference book.
One of the guru types in the org. took a donated copy, dismantled it carefully, scanned the pages, did something so the CD can't be copied (at least I can't, NOT THAT I'VE EVEN TRIED!), produced the CD, recopywrited it, and the organization is selling the CD. It is good quality and reasonably priced (something like $20.00). The original books are (were) going for upwards of $50.00, so the used book market took a hit, but who cares?
I have an original, dog-eared, coffee-staine copy, and now its worth about $20.00. But I bought the CD 'cause the format is much easier to use than the book, and $20.00 for some collector is about a 400% markup on the retail cost of the folio in 1962 anyway.
Point is, better format, available to everyone with a computer, easier to use, and bunches of reference material can be bundled on a CD.
Oh, John! Hello? Maybe do something like this with the archives? Reference material on old trucks, properly priced, sells like hotcakes! (There, I got the truck reference in!)
You need another project for winter, anyway!
Drivin' down a 2 lane country road in a stovebolt.....cowboy, it don't get no better than this!
1946 1-1/2 ton Chevy
"Ol Blue", or "THE BIG 'UN"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | John Gunnell Chevrolet Pickups, 1946-1972 ISBN # : 0879382821 (softcover) published, 1988 ------------------------ Tom Brownell How to restore your chevrolet pickup ISBN # : 0879385006 (softcover) published, 1991 ------------------------ Compiled by the staff of cars and parts magazine Catalog of chevy truck ID numbers 1946-1972 ISBN # : 1880524023 (softcover) copyright 1992, revised 2001 ------------------------ The point of this little exercise is to come up with a list of useful books, with small reviews stating why the book might be useful to a old truck geek. Then the list will be put somewhere here on the 'Bolt. The above books are a few my father and I have found some nifty little bits of information for our rides - '53 and '65 trucks. I figured a lot of you folks had some other books... cuz I know people ask questions, or I ask questions... ya'll come back with an answer stating: my book says... So I got to wondering, 'what book is that?'  Anyway, just trying to come up with a good solid list of new books, old books, out of print books with good information... for whatever yer model trucks. That way, if someone buys a old truck, and they wander in here and find the list, they can go 'oh, that will be useful'. Anyway, I hope I made a little bit of sense with all of that. Please keep sending in the suggestions, ISBN number or not... just whatever information you have on the books. Thanks. -W | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 185 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 185 | In addition to what was mentioned above: <font size=3 color=blue>GOOD:</font> <font size=3 color=blue>NOT SO GOOD:</font> - How to Build Tri-Five Chevy Trucks: Performance Modifications and Upgrades for 1955-1957 Classic Chevy Trucks
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 21 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 21 | I searched on ebay and found a maintenance book for truck models 520, Oly's 45 GMC COE is model AFR522, it cost $30.00, took long enough to find it.
Times are changing-By Bob Dylan
Cindy in Oregon
1945 GMC COE Victory Truck 5ton COE- NOT FOR SALE
1955 Chevy First series 5 window p/u
1947 Antique Husband only series
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,066 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,066 | I use my email log a lot
Redryder pixMy HotrodA veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of "up to and including my life."I am fighting cancer and I am winning the fight | Pain is part of life; misery is an option. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 25 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 25 |
I can't drive 55... no really, I can't!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 384 | Fraid I don't use manuals much--seem to figure most of it out w/o books--always have. When I was a kid had a chilton's manual long since gone--electrical is tuffest for me--not much interest in electricity but my old man was a EE so he answers most questions.
When I do get bored with truck or tired of chores do read some--principally Wallace Stegner, Cormac McCarthy, a little McMurtry--stuff like that.
Buzz'n Half Dozen
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 | For the truck project I have used all of the following books, some more than others:
Gunnell,Chevrolet Pickups 1946-1972
*GM, Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual 1954 Models
Readio, How to do Electrical Systems
*Petersens Basic Electrical and Ignition Systems
*Petersens Basic Carburetion and Fuel Systems
Brownell, How to restore your Chevrolet Pickup
*1947-1954 Truck Factory Assembly Manual
Puhn, Brake Handbook
Puhn, How to Make your Car Handle
*How to Build Real Hot Rods
How to Build Custom Cars
Stockel, Auto Mechanics Fundamentals
The ones marked with the asterisks are my favorites. I understand that the Peterson's books are long ago out of print so if you see them in a swap meet; grab them.
I also have books on welding, sheet metal work, painting, upholstery and engine swapping as well as books on later model truck and cars that I refer to from time to time.
You can never have too many books!
Gord
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | fabled48,
check book! HA! I use that one myself... but I'm not posting my account number... 'smIrk'.
Alright Norse, Fran & Gord... that's what I'm writing about looking for.
-W | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | Tom Brownell How to restore your chevrolet pickup (new edition) Jun 2004 Soft Bound; 224 pages 8.25w x 10.75h Jun 2004 ISBN: 0760316341 published, Jun 2004 (new edition) ------------------------ http://www.motorbooks.com has it - as mentioned in the 'News' section here at the 'Bolt - the 'News' section is accessed at the very top of the page you are looking at now. -W | | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 584 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 584 | Thanx, Woog I've been waiting for the new edition of Tom Brownell's book and as soon as I read your message above (and John's review), I ordered one. I have most of the books I use listed on the BillyBob website. Here's the link BillyBob\'s Store Truth in advertizing disclaimer: If you click thru any of the links on the BillyBob store page (and make a purchase), I get a referral fee from amazon. It's not hard tho' to just copy the titles from my descriptions and paste them into the search engines of the bookstore of your choice. | | | | | Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 1,159 | Thanks all. And big thanks to Woog for trying to establish our virtual library. I know I have a list for him ... but John needs to round them up for me. And for sure -- Tom Brownell's update is out! And excellent! (Read John's Book Review in the Features section . Some of our very own Stovebolters are in there -- you'll see 'em  Motorbooks International (who sponsored the October newsletter) has Tom's book now ... check it out here <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1514557-10273966?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorbooks.com%2Fcgi-bin%2FWebObjects%2Fmbi.woa%2Fwa%2Fdetails%3Fid%3D80005%26a%3D141" target="_top" 'http://www.motorbooks.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;"> How-to-Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup</a> <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/to114ox52x4KMQMPQQSKMLNSOURR?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorbooks.com%2Fcgi-bin%2FWebObjects%2Fmbi.woa%2Fwa%2Fdetails%3Fid%3D80005%26a%3D141" target="_top" <img src="http://www.motorbooks.com/pimg/137250.jpg" border="0" alt="How-to-Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup"></a> Thanks for helping support our site. Peggy
~ One of many.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | Man you folks are keeping yer old truck secrets close to the vest. -W | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 175 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 175 | I have you guys! I don't need no stinking books
We don't need no stinking V-8s!!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | This just in from Mr. and Mrs. Grand Pooh Bah...
Mr. Grand Pooh Bah's list of truck books!
Chevy Pickup Trucks
Enthusiasts Color Series
by Steve Statham
ISBN 0-7603-0103-4
1996
published by Motorbooks International
Pickup and Van
Spotter’s Guide
1945-1992
by Tad Burness
ISBM 0-87938-722-X
1993
published by Motorbooks International
Chevrolet Pickup Color History
by Tom Brownell and Mike Mueller
IBN 0-87938-876-5
1994
published by Motorbooks International
How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup
New Edition
by Tom Brownell
ISBN 0-7603-1634-1
2004
published by Motorbooks International
How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup
by Tom Brownell
ISBN 0-87938-500-6
1991
published by Motorbooks International
Second Edition Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks
John A. Gunnell, Editor
ISBN 0-87341-238-9
1993
published by Krause Publications
The Heavyweight Book of American Light Trucks 1939-1966
by Tom Brownell and Don Bunn
ISBN 0-87938-289-9 (soft)
1988
published by Motorbooks International
Chevrolet Pickups 1946-1972
by John Gunnell
ISBN 0-87938-282-1 (soft)
1988
published by Motorbooks International
Sixty Years of Chevrolet
by George H. Dammann
ISBN 0-912612-03-7
1972
published by Crestline Publishing Co.
----------
yay.
-W | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | The List so far with authors, publishers and ISBN numbers, where applicable.
--------------------------
Chevy Pickup Trucks
Enthusiasts Color Series
by Steve Statham
ISBN 0-7603-0103-4
1996
published by Motorbooks International
Pickup and Van
Spotter’s Guide
1945-1992
by Tad Burness
ISBM 0-87938-722-X
1993
published by Motorbooks International
Chevrolet Pickup Color History
by Tom Brownell and Mike Mueller
IBN 0-87938-876-5
1994
published by Motorbooks International
How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup
New Edition
by Tom Brownell
ISBN 0-7603-1634-1
2004
published by Motorbooks International
How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup
by Tom Brownell
ISBN 0-87938-500-6
1991
published by Motorbooks International
Second Edition Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks
John A. Gunnell, Editor
ISBN 0-87341-238-9
1993
published by Krause Publications
The Heavyweight Book of American Light Trucks 1939-1966
by Tom Brownell and Don Bunn
ISBN 0-87938-289-9 (soft)
1988
published by Motorbooks International
Chevrolet Pickups 1946-1972
by John Gunnell
ISBN 0-87938-282-1 (soft)
1988
published by Motorbooks International
Sixty Years of Chevrolet
by George H. Dammann
ISBN 0-912612-03-7
1972
published by Crestline Publishing Co.
How to Build the Smallblock Chevrolet (Workbench Book)
by Larry Atherton, Larry Schreib
ISBN: 0931472261
Paperback
Publisher: Motorbooks International (October 1, 1993)
suggested by rodnok1 of 67-72chevytrucks.com forums.
Catalog of chevy truck ID numbers 1946-1972
Compiled by the staff of cars and parts magazine
ISBN # : 1880524023
(softcover)
copyright 1992, revised 2001
How to Do Electrical Systems: Most Everything About Auto Electrics
by Skip Readio
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: Hot Rod Library; 2nd edition (July 1, 2001)
ISBN: 1878772066
Petersen's Basic Ignition and Electrical Systems
by David N. Wenner
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Green Hill Pub; 5th edition (November 1, 1977)
ISBN: 0822750147
Petersen's Basic Carburetion and Fuel Systems No. 6
by Spence Murray
Paperback
Publisher: Green Hill Pub (June, 1977)
ISBN: 0822750139 ???
*Petersens Basic Carburetion and Fuel Systems
Brake Handbook
by Fred Puhn
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Hp Books (February 1, 1985)
ISBN: 0895862328
How to Make Your Car Handle
by Fred Puhn
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: HP Books (December 1, 1976)
ISBN: 0912656468
How to Build Real Hot Rods
by Tex Smith
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Cartech Inc (June 1, 1989)
ISBN: 1884089011
How to Build Custom Cars
by Tex Smith
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Cartech Inc (January 1, 1994)
ISBN: 1884089046
Auto Mechanics Fundamentals: How and Why of the Design, Construction, and Operation of Automotive Units
by Martin W. Stockel, Martin T. Stockel
Hardcover: 606 pages
Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox Pub; 2nd edition (May 1, 1990)
ISBN: 0870067702 | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | More details from Fran and Gord,
---- Gord message begin ----
I have:
Basic Carburetion and Fuel Systems No 5. ISBN 0-8227-0101-0. Published 1975.
Basic Ignition and Electrical Systems No 4.ISBN 0-8227-0104-9. Published 1975.
#3 was 1971. #6 was 1977. I suppose you are correct - the numbers refer to the revision. My book has 192 pages just like book #3. Maybe book #3 would be better for the stovebolters...
Looks like you can get a copy for less than $2.
---- Gord message ends here ----
Woot.
-W | | | | | Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 279 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 279 | I've got about every manual that has been mentioned here plus a number of books on auto restoration that aren't necessarily unique to stovebolts. But several years ago I started collecting topics from this website that pertain to what I'm doing with my truck. I now have 5 3" binders of print-outs that are cataloged to specific topics similar to what you find for categories in the shop manual. I've found the advice here to be every bit as beneficial -- if not moreso -- than any book I have. Overkill to print out this stuff? Perhaps. But I'm one of those people who don't necessarily trust computers and archives have been known to disappear over time. It has taken a lot of printer ink and paper, but it has been well worth it in my opinion. Yeh, I still use the search function on occasion if I think I might find something I've overlooked. I also search a number of recommended web sites for tech articles and have found them useful as well. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 255 Member | | Member Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 255 | I do the same thing Rick. I have several manilla folders of tech tips, good advise in some of the posts and some of the links to this site. I reference them alot as I work on my trucks.
Ralph | | | | | Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 279 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 279 | Right on, Ralph. I can't tell you how many times I've sat down and read those printouts before doing some bit of restoration. Several of them have actually saved me a few bucks. Having them cataloged really helps, too. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 208 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 208 |
Union, Justice and Confidence
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | swampcat,
your phonebook in Louisanna doesn't help me here in Georgia!
Hah!
-W | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | boom!
back to the top.
dust off the shelves/hard drives folks - what are you holding?
-W | | | | | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 159 | boom!
back to the top.
dust off the shelves/hard drives folks - what are you holding? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 5 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 5 | gmc maintenance manual,modeles 100 thru 500 for my 1959 3/4 step side l/w truck,it came with the truck and I do not know if it is a repo,but it has helped me alot when needed. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 Socket Breaker | | Socket Breaker Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,897 | for those of you that find this topic in the future, the list is located, here: http://www.stovebolt.com/links/pubs.htmlLinks / Pubs( as in publications) | | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 98 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 98 | i have a hardcover book "Fix your Chevrolet" catlog #62-12426 iv'e had this book since i was a young'n and it has helped me immensely over the years. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 493 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 493 | The Key to Metal Bumping
by Framnk T Sargent
A 50 year old book on body work. Eastwood and TP tools have it. Lots of valuable info on moving metal. | | |
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