What manuals do you use?

[RuralRoute C-30]

Since I got my 85 in February I admit to knowing Nothing about these trucks, Nada, zip, nothing with a capital Zero, except the basic mechanical skills of a novice with some years of common sense that has taught me the basics of how things work. Before introducing myself to the '79' c-30 last November and now this '85' the last '350' I had was in a 1968 Caprice if memory serves me correctly and I was a much younger man with a car not that old at that time.

Recently bought the Haynes manual, now thinking of getting one of those advertised factory manuals on e-bay: "10-30 Series 1985 Light Duty Truck Chevrolet Shop Manual" Written for Chevrolet dealership mechanics". But @$88? a copy?


Any others recommended? The CD appears by far cheaper. Any input?

Computers are great for sitting and researching information but out in the shop and even for reading on a topic manuals do seem necessary.

My former 95 chevy wagon came with a library of manuals of a 3 volume set that had everything from chassis, mechanics and body! More than once the having the manual taught me what I did not know. So thought I would toss this question out here to ask what others think are important manuals to have around.

Old enough now to know having the books will make this relationship a lot simpler.

Appreciate the input,
Mark

[Kaysenmc]

I have haynes and chiltons manuals that I use for some things, but I buy OE factory service manuals (hard copies not cds) when things get serious. I usually keep an eye out at swap meets or eBay for them and pick them up for around 20 bucks

[Restrorob]

Nothing beats a factory dealer's manual, I got my original 74 on ebay for 15 bux delivered. I feel hard copy is better so you can take it out to the shop if need be....

[powerdriver 1958]

I sure like my old Motors books,Had this one since 81 ish

[mbgmike]

The best place I have found is Helm Site. expensive but they have a lot of info. for all cars and trucks


http://www.helminc.com/helm/search_s...&class%5F2=CHV

[RuralRoute C-30]

Appreciate the suggestions.

I am curious if other years, say an 84 manual would be the same manual for an 85? Saw one on ebay 30bucks cheaper.

Asking because while researching the differences in years it appears not much changed during the 84-86 years for these trucks. Just wondering if essentially this run of years are not virtually the same truck less some cosmetic changes.
"1983 - No notable changes, other than the front marker lights being moved back to the front grille instead of the front bumper.
1984 - A few trim changes on the interior and exterior. the manual 4 speed was offered in models other than diesels.
1985 - The 250 inline 6 was replaced by the 4.3L V-6. The grille design changed. Trim packages remained the same.
1986 - No notable changes were made."
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/models.html

I do recall the older hardcover Motors and Chiltons years ago. Found a Motors for these years that looks like it could be handy to have as a supplement.

[ElGracho]

The factory manuals are very good. I would say best, but I haven't had a motors manual. They are far better than the haynes and chiltons manuals for sure.

Be patient and you will find them on Ebay for $20-40. Years that are close would be good enough for almost everything. Big changes you will notice are the 6.2 diesel and 700R4 in 1982 and the 4.3 gas engine in 1985. 1987 would also be significantly different for wiring and the new (back then) throttle body fuel injection.

I would skip the $88 manual and wait for a less expensive one to come along.

[oldschool18]

the motor manuals are good and they have alot of years in them check with some local garages and see if they have used one they might me willing to part with or if there are any mechanics going out of business they might be looking to get rid of somestuff

[old Rusty C10]

the factory manuals are great i had a set for my 76 and i should get the set for the 82

[fpjr0]

I always just search it on the internet, you can get better updated pics and help just my .02

[gchemist]

Years of mechanical experience!!! Yet, I manage to screw something up and learn something new. I also use an 83 factory service manual. $35 off ebay!

[JEM]

The factory service manuals are indispensable, make sure to get the wiring diagrams too (which is a separate book and often even harder to find.)

I've never thought too highly of the third-party manuals, they tend to be cheaper because they're smaller, and they tend to be smaller because they just don't have as much in them.

There are CDs and DVDs that show up with GM service materials from time to time, some are just PDF scans of a manual, some are third-party such as Alldata.

The full-scale GM EPC (electronic parts catalog) and techline service-manual systems show up sometimes, too. They are big (5-18GB) java servlet services (don't expect them to run on your old 512MB Celeron box), if they show up in the 'wild' they're pirated, usually a version out of date, sometimes need a crack or jumping through hoops to install, and if go near one you'd better virus-scan them first just to make sure something didn't sneak in.

[jchav62]

I have a cousin named Manuel... He's a great help...he's knows alot!!

[Restrorob]

^^^^^ roflmao !!!