Chilton's or Haynes?
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Chilton's or Haynes?
Any comments from FTE users about which manual they prefer?
I've heard a lot of flack from people about Chilton's but my 77 had one in it and I kinda like it. Maybe more than the Haynes I use for my 84. For one thing, it's a heck of a lot more detailed than the newer books. (I mean body repair and paint? C'mon!)
I've heard a lot of flack from people about Chilton's but my 77 had one in it and I kinda like it. Maybe more than the Haynes I use for my 84. For one thing, it's a heck of a lot more detailed than the newer books. (I mean body repair and paint? C'mon!)
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Actually the best info can be had on a repair manual on cd-rom available here at the online store. It has better wiring diagrams and such too.
I have used both. They both have good and bad points.
I have used both. They both have good and bad points.
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Appreciate the response. I've checked out motor haven, haven't found the manual for my 77 f-250. Keeps referring me to older models.
I actually posted the string because I was suprised at the quality and in-depth coverage of my old-school Chilton's manual. Seems to have been printed in a day when the publisher was willing to promote a product designed to actually help the average do-it-yourselfer, rather than discourage him into calling the tow truck.
Call me a sinic, but it seems to me the auto/auto repair industry has had significant enough influence on the publishing industry to minimizing the effectiveness of todays repair manuals. (Or maybe I just don't understand the damn things).
I actually posted the string because I was suprised at the quality and in-depth coverage of my old-school Chilton's manual. Seems to have been printed in a day when the publisher was willing to promote a product designed to actually help the average do-it-yourselfer, rather than discourage him into calling the tow truck.
Call me a sinic, but it seems to me the auto/auto repair industry has had significant enough influence on the publishing industry to minimizing the effectiveness of todays repair manuals. (Or maybe I just don't understand the damn things).
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Here...let me help.
http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=55
Near the Bottom of the page.
Please read this thread also.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=229258
http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=55
Near the Bottom of the page.
Please read this thread also.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=229258
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
The best manual I have bought has been the CD-ROM from motorhaven. How can you beat the factory manuals? The wiring diagrams are great. Helped me get my F-100 on the road, I did save my money to buy it over the paper manuals. Plus, you get the info for ALL the trucks that year, which can be pretty helpful if you are going to add something from say a F-600 that did not come on your truck.
As an emergency manual I had bought the Chiltons for my 1971 F-100 and it was pretty much useless. In no way does it compare to the factory manual on CD.
The second best I have bought has been the Popular Mechanics manuals on CD-ROM. Though the information on the AWD Aerostar was a bit skimpy and does not come close to the dealership stuff (which is not available yet). Though it was good and so was the Bronco II manual.
I prefer the Haynes and try to avoid the Chiltons. When I send a customer to buy one for their car before I work on it, I send them to get a Haynes. I like them that much better.
As an emergency manual I had bought the Chiltons for my 1971 F-100 and it was pretty much useless. In no way does it compare to the factory manual on CD.
The second best I have bought has been the Popular Mechanics manuals on CD-ROM. Though the information on the AWD Aerostar was a bit skimpy and does not come close to the dealership stuff (which is not available yet). Though it was good and so was the Bronco II manual.
I prefer the Haynes and try to avoid the Chiltons. When I send a customer to buy one for their car before I work on it, I send them to get a Haynes. I like them that much better.
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From: Pampa,Tx
I have both for my truck-- Haynes and Chilton. When doing repairs I read both. You would be surprised how much different they are.
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From: Lincoln USA
Originally Posted by blkfordtruck
I have both for my truck-- Haynes and Chilton. When doing repairs I read both. You would be surprised how much different they are.
I like the Haynes because they have more photos and tell you how to make homemade tools when possible to do more jobs.
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Thanks Guys. I think the unsuprising message is that both have their stong and weak points. And the FTE 'establishment' feels that the cd offered by the collabrative company is the best offering. As in most things, it seems the more (combined) information one has, the better the odds for a successful undertaking.
Here's to smooth runnings and bloodless knuckles to all.
Here's to smooth runnings and bloodless knuckles to all.
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If I had to have 1 manual I would get the CD rom from the web store. I have both the factory manual printed by Helm Inc for Ford and the CD rom from this store and the information is the same. And it is much better than either chilton or haynes
