The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk factory assembly instruction manual

im working on my first pre 73 auto, its a 66' chevy c-30. i just got a "1960-1966 Chevy/GMC/Truck Factory assembly Instruction Manual" and i am soooooo lost. im not a stranger to wrenching, but im used to Haynes manuals. but this. . . this is just about as close as i have ever come to describing something as informative gobeldy-gook. 99% of this i have no idea what its telling me. any one have any tips on finding info in this book? or maybe a better manual? or at least what all the numbers are, or what numbers pertain to the 66 Chevy C-30? thanks yall

I like to use a Motors Manual and the factory shop manual. The assembly manual is good for finding out where parts go but not so good for fixing broke stuff.

Assembly manuals are primarily just that, to illustrate how things go together and not really anything to do with repairing things. A world of difference as you have already found out. Both are needed if your doing as restoration job.

A shop manual might be of use to you. They show major maintenance jobs or replacements (transmition, brakes, electric), not you everyday maintenance. I guess for the later, an owner's manual might help. I bought the shop manuals for my truck and found out that what I needed were, the assembly manual or the Master Parts book, very useful if you're looking for missing parts on your truck and to buy them.

would these two be good? im probably going somewhere between restoration of some parts, and custom on others- which its still good to know the original info.

http://www.classicparts.com/1966-Shop-Manual-Supplement/productinfo/04-024/

http://www.classicparts.com/1963-Shop-Manual/productinfo/04-021/

or are there better one(s) to use? and one last question; any one have any oppinions about this website? the prices seem pretty reasonable, but im not a big online shoper. i dont want to waist money on cheep cruddy parts that are inferior if there is a better site that has more quality parts. and thanks for setting me in the right direction with the manuals!

Brian, when I said replacements it meant changing parts with the original ones (as when the car was taken to the dealar and the mechanics needed to either overhaul or change parts with original ones). For example, it shows how to align the front end, change the rear transmission, and align the gears, etc. I've seen some books that do show how to change parts for hot roding purposes, check Amazon. If you're a good wrench and have the proper tools and little by little will bring your truck up, those manuals might be of help. There is no assembly of parts in them, just the mechanical procedures to fix/change parts. Everyday maintenance is not there. Specs are there and very useful (clearances, dimensions, etc.) For better prices on manuals go to American Classic Truck Parts. On other parts, the cheapest I have found is Bowtie Bits. I don't know about service, since I just made my first order there. In fact it was my first order ever, since I'm just starting to fix my truck. I guess you're in the right direction getting the manuals first. Another website recommends basically: Shop Manual, Master Parts book and Assembley Manual.