BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
| | Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
8 members (GMCJammer51, IHPWR, DJHobbit'46Chevy, Danielbolt, Dragsix, RBs36, 2 invisible),
556
guests, and
1
robot. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics126,780 Posts1,039,296 Members48,100 | | Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | I see alot of references to the "service manual" from time to time. What kind of manuals are we talking about here. Factory GM manuals, Chilton, Motors or what would you all suggest in buying? And where do you buy them? I really need something for identifing parts.
Scott | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 | If they're available, factory manuals are the best. I've got a set of reprint Motor manuals from the early 40's to the mid-60's, (3 volumes), and they're handy, but the factory books are better by far. Some of the more experienced restorers here should be able to suggest good sources for factory reprints.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | My most recent manual purchase was a CD from "Detroit Iron USA". I am not that happy with it for what it cost, seems like it was around $50.
I bought it because I needed specs. for a rebuild on a 292 that I am doing and figured I would buy one for 1968 model trucks as I have one of those too.
I had bought a 1968 truck shop manual, but it turned out that I didn't pay enough attention and what I got was the Chassis Rebuild Manual, which didn't have the engine assembly specs. for torquing main caps, flywheel bolts, head bolts, etc.
Get a genuine Chevrolet shop manual for your truck from any of the vendors or from ebay. They are invaluable for figuring things out. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 3 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 3 | I will have to find you the number, but i called chevrolet and asked for a restoration packet. It came complete with a part distributor booklet and a copy of Chevrolet 1954 specifications. It has all RPO numbers for that year along with every diminsion of th body, frame, and engine. Best of all, They sent it FREE. Mine was originall printer 12-18-53 for the '54 truck. It has every technical drawing and specification you could ask for......  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | The best manuals for these trucks are the factory repair manuals. At some point they came up with a factory overhaul manual and took some of the more detailed and less used instructions out of the repair manual to go in the overhaul manual.There is also a factory assembly manual, which was put together with drawings showing the factory where and how to install parts, wiring, brake lines and such.
I have all three manuals for my 69, also have the two available for my 52. Also, for the 69, I have the repair and overhaul manual on CD, it allows me to print the pages I need in the shop, which helps keep the books clean.
If you don't have a local vendor to buy the manuals from, go to one of the vendors in the links sections.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
| | | 
#6972 04/05/2004 11:19 PM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | Thanks for all of the info. I guess the hunt is on now.
Scott | | | | | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 56 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 56 | I have a bunch of manuals I got from ebay but that is kind of hit and miss. Some were good buys and others I had to pay too much.
I have never tried any of those packets from Chevrolet but they sound like the way to go.
The best thing about factory shop manuals is they cover things like the body, windows, doors and etc that other generic manuals don't mention.
Motors Manuals are a big help, but they don't cover a lot of things-they mostly cover engines, trans, generators, axles, brakes and etc. They are a bit better for larger trucks than pickups.
'31 Chevy 1 1/2 ton,
'42 GMC 2 1/2 ton 6x4,
'52 GMC 2 1/2 ton 6x6,
'53 GMC 5 ton
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 8 Member | | Member Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 8 | Call Chevy at 1-800-222-1020, have your VIN number ready and ask for a restoration package, that will include all the specs for your trucks year, and a list of chevy parts suppliers.
I highly advise ordering the Chevy Truck Shop manual for your year, American Classic's has it, so does Chevy Duty. It has been invaluable for me.
I have heard the Factory Assembly manuals are very useful also, just haven't gotten around to ordering one yet.
Frank | | |
|
|
