anybody have a preference?
anybody have a preference?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Mitchell used to have an all model series that was pretty good. I could copy pages at my local library. The libraries went to Alldata access, which ( IMHO) isn't nearly as good.
Chilton and Haynes have become pretty useless -- possibly because the manufacturers won't let them find out much any more. I've noticed that you don't see either for recent years(2005+). At least I haven't seen them. The issue of information access for auto repair has even been debated in congress.
Factory manuals are good, but they usually assume that you've had some pretty good training. They also assume that you have access to special tools, and manuals from previous years. But, they do have the straight poop.
And, just for Greywolf they sometimes do say "Installation is the reverse of removal"
ford2go
Chilton and Haynes have become pretty useless -- possibly because the manufacturers won't let them find out much any more. I've noticed that you don't see either for recent years(2005+). At least I haven't seen them. The issue of information access for auto repair has even been debated in congress.
Factory manuals are good, but they usually assume that you've had some pretty good training. They also assume that you have access to special tools, and manuals from previous years. But, they do have the straight poop.
And, just for Greywolf they sometimes do say "Installation is the reverse of removal"
ford2go
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I have a old chilton manual for the 70's era cars out in my shop, now that was a good manual. ..
I think Chilton and Haynes have merged somehow and the 4 Haynes manuals I have bought in the last two years are for the most part, vague and inadequate....
In Haynes defense of that statement, I will say that probaly they are trying to keep the manual small, which keeps the price lower, yet at the same time, limits the amount of info that can be put in it. Those old Chiltons were huge...
As said above, factory is best if they can be gotten. I purchased my original 79 ford truck manuals from fleabay..
I think Chilton and Haynes have merged somehow and the 4 Haynes manuals I have bought in the last two years are for the most part, vague and inadequate....
In Haynes defense of that statement, I will say that probaly they are trying to keep the manual small, which keeps the price lower, yet at the same time, limits the amount of info that can be put in it. Those old Chiltons were huge...
As said above, factory is best if they can be gotten. I purchased my original 79 ford truck manuals from fleabay..
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
I have a Chilton's manual from back when I had my Mustang...it's a pretty good manual.
I got a Haynes for my Thunderbird and it sucks. I don't care for it and the pages are not numbered in any logical manner, it's too hard to find anything in it.
I've ended up using my Chilton's mustang manual for my Thunderbird more than the Haynes since they're the same chassis.
I got a Haynes for my Thunderbird and it sucks. I don't care for it and the pages are not numbered in any logical manner, it's too hard to find anything in it.
I've ended up using my Chilton's mustang manual for my Thunderbird more than the Haynes since they're the same chassis.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
I have:
Motor
Chilton (numerous versions)
Haynes
Clymer
Ford
with the 50's & 60's stuff I also have old high school automotive books that are INVALUABLE for that era.
I believe a combination of many is the best.
The other thing is... I share
Motor
Chilton (numerous versions)
Haynes
Clymer
Ford
with the 50's & 60's stuff I also have old high school automotive books that are INVALUABLE for that era.
I believe a combination of many is the best.
The other thing is... I share
