While perusing Wynne's post about front end alignment I got to thinking that there are probably folks on here that have beautiful collections of Motor Manuals. Please show us your collection. I have about 3/4 of the years from 1935 through 1980. The ones newer than about 1965 I acquired because I realized that I have many boneyard parts that are newer than 1964. Since every one covers several years I probably have enough to fix anything I have or ever will have. I highly recommend everyone having as many of these as you can find. I probably spent around $15 - $20 each for the ones I have. I don't recollect spending as much as $30 for any of them. Altogether I'm sure that a new set of tires would cost more than I have in all my manuals put together. eBay and swap meets are full of them. There are 892 on eBay right now, which is about how many are usually there. The very first one listed is an 8th edition that covers 1935- 1939. It's about $20 including shipping. My well worn collection:
I only have about a half dozen of them, but since each one has repair information in detail for several years (and includes basic tuneup information for even more years) I'm covered for most cars since the 1940s.
I’ve got about ten, including several that my Dad bought when he was working. I think mime start around 1935 or so, maybe 29? Bones
The Tune-Up section alone makes it worth owning at least one copy from the 50s or 60s, the one I have this chapter runs 8 pages and is comprehensive. Most, if not all questions or diagnostics that people ask about are addressed. I know it isn't realistic, but I often wonder about folks who ignore all the great information available at their fingertips.
Great idea. Unfortunately, I let all but one of mine go a few years ago, along with a bunch of Hollanders. 6 Only have one of each now that cover my '56. Hollander manuals are also a great source of info. Maybe pics of those would be interesting.
I've got a '71 & '74 from the beginning of my wrenching adventures. They go back 9 or 10 years, so they hit the tail-end of the Hamb parameters. Got a big-ass, green, Hollander interchange bible from the same era, prized possession!
As a teenager I remember having a question about the 413 in my Chrysler, so I went to ask my neighbor, who was a machinist, he invited me in to his garage and he had quite a collection of Motor Manuals. He found the one needed, and deftly turned to the exact page needed to show me what I needed. I ended up being his apprentice for a while before I joined the Marine Corps. Great memories from a great teacher!
I have two, one is a 49-57 that I have had since I was about 12. It also has tune-up info for cars back to approx 1940. And detailed info about the automatic transmissions of the day.
I have three or four. I am good from 1935 to 1961 I think maybe 63. Will have to check. They are invaluable. Just checked..my library goes from 1935 to 1971.
I have a half dozen... can't imagine trying to build or maintain a car without the proper manual. Also can't imagine using the internet as a primary technical resource, but some try.
My collection is nothing like yours Mike, just enough to get me by. Motors 1935 - 1942 and 1946 - 1956. Also a Chilton’s 1940 - 1953 to fill the gap. Also one I’ve had for years called “Fix Your Chevrolet” 1940 - 1957. The only one I’ve ever seen and served me well when I played with Chevys.
Somewhere packed in a box I have a Fix Your Chevrolet that covers 40-59. A high school friend gave it to me after he sold his 57 210 2-door and bought a 65 Mustang.
I had a bunch of motors manuals and a ton of factory shop manuals. It took forever to get rid of them! Some of the mundane shop manuals finally went in the trash. I used to acquire them at every opportunity, I finally realized I almost never used them. My cars were too modified or the info was readily available on line. So i freed up a bunch of space and helped some young guys grow their collections. I saved one 1957 motors manual because there is a good story as to how it came along and it goes with my Dads old 57 that I now have.
I've got two or three of various years including the 46 edition sitting next to my chair. Years ago Chiltons actually made a manual with the same format as the Motor manual. I've got a very well worn 1972 edition that I used while I was working in shops in the early/mid 70's. Almost every page in it with front end alignment specs has finger prints on it.
Have some I'll get a pic tomorrow - lots of duplicates - I just buy them because and try to sell at the swap meets. The Motor's Flat Rate manual's are great too - gives you the time - AND PART NUMBERS - if you need them so have a few of those....
I have about a half dozen, plus Gen's, and Hollanders interchange manuals to cover from mid 30's to 1979. I usually get the factory service manuals too. It would be hard to function without them. Sadly, most of the younger guys rely exclusively on the internet for tech data, and I find that what I see posted on sites like facebook is about 80 wrong. Guys are chasing their tails, then give up. If they had some good manuals, and would take the time to study them, they could become good mechanics. I got my first Motor Manual a 1969 edition back in 76 when I got my first vehicle. I studied that thing - all the horsepower ratings, compression ratios, bore and stroke and compared them all in my mind. It was fascinating and educational, and a great foundation.
I have 9.... Gave around $20 ea. for most of them.... The last ones I got I bought at an Estate sale... Gave $10 total for 4 books.... 2 were duplicates so I gave them to friends.... LynnW
I only have a 1959 Edition. It's gotten a lot of use over the years and is a bit worn. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Random image from the internet I hauled 2 of these around for over 50 years. One covered 1920's and the other covered 1930's. Never owned anything that old that was stock. Recently gifted them to a local with a 1933 Pierce Arrow.
Lucky not to loose these in that little fire while re- locating to the new house. The LJB's were my grandpa's from the shop. This is kinda disorganized but I had to put them somewhere as the other shelves got used.
I got most of the books when we closed down Fair Deal Auto Parts.....in the corner...boxes and boxes.
Had a new/old shelve colaspe...and some of my early flathead books. Off to the garage where there's more.
Yeah, mine used to be on wooden shelves (actually MDF) until the sag got to looking like collapse was eminent. Now they're on steel shelving.
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