Manual Overload: How To Get The Right Info For Your Ride
When you are restoring your classic car, knowing how parts come apart and get installed isn’t always second nature. Some of us could build a Chevelle or Camaro with our eyes closed, but that’s not the case for everyone. How do you find out this information to make your restoration project easier?
Before the days of endless information on the internet, there were manuals. These are invaluable even today as they have drawings basically showing how to build every part of the vehicle. To complicate it though, there isn’t just one manual. In fact, there are generally three different manuals you can get for your classic GM car.
1. Fisher Body Service Manual
- Purpose: The Fisher Body Service Manual focuses specifically on the car’s body, covering all aspects related to the interior and exterior sheet metal, trim, windows, weather-stripping, seats, and other interior components. This manual was produced by Fisher Body, the division of General Motors responsible for producing the bodies of many GM cars.
- Contents: Includes detailed instructions on how to repair, adjust, and maintain body components such as doors, roof panels, window regulators, seats, and trim. It also covers operations like replacing glass, weather-stripping, and upholstery work.
- Use: Essential for bodywork, interior restoration, or replacing specific body components.
2. Chassis Service Manual
- Purpose: The Chassis Service Manual is the primary guide for mechanical repairs and maintenance of the car’s chassis components. This includes the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, and electrical systems.
- Contents: Detailed instructions on diagnosing, servicing, and rebuilding mechanical components such as the engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, exhaust, and steering systems. It also includes specifications, torque settings, and testing procedures.
- Use: Ideal for mechanics and restorers working on mechanical repairs, engine rebuilds, or tuning the car’s suspension and drivetrain components.
3. Factory Assembly Manual
- Purpose: The Factory Assembly Manual is essentially the blueprint used by assembly line workers when the cars were originally built at the factory. It provides step-by-step diagrams showing how the car was assembled, with exploded views of parts and the sequence of assembly.
- Contents: Includes assembly instructions for the entire vehicle, from body panels to drivetrain installation. It has detailed drawings showing the placement of fasteners, clips, wires, and other components as they were installed during manufacturing. This manual often includes part numbers and exact specifications for original equipment.
- Use: Critical for restorers aiming for authenticity or accuracy in assembling or reassembling a vehicle. It’s particularly valuable for those working on complete restorations where the goal is to return the car to factory-original condition.
New School Methods
With the advent of the internet, the information age came upon us. Nowadays it’s fairly easy to find information on just about anything and everything you can possibly imagine. Information on restoring a car is no different. In fact, you’re reading a story right now on the internet about restoring cars!
Before social media really took off, forums where the go-to place for Gearheads to go to find information and share trials and tribulations. Forums are still a great place to ask questions or search for the issue you’re experiencing.
Another way is to hop on Facebook, go into the groups, and find groups for your ride. Here you’ll find people who have the same car and where you can ask them questions.
The most reliable source of correct information will be the manuals. These are written by the people who designed and built the cars, so there’s no second guessing if that information is correct or not. Plus they are filled with pictures and as the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
To order your manuals hop on SS396.com or give our friendly techs a call at (203) 235-1200 if you have any issues with your ride!
