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Dec 29, 2009 | 11:10 PM

twinpeaks

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Junior User

Joined: Dec 2009

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Noob

OK so I purchased a 1984 F250 and I am not very mechanically inclined...

Anyway... I am probably going to have a lot of questions for you gurus out there and I am sure some of them will probably be kindergarten level....

Please go easy on me

First question

1. What is the best reference book for troubleshooting and fixing these things? I assume it is Haynes but are there any particular versions that are better than others? Which manuals would you get first?

Thanks and I am sure there are many questions to come

Also looking for a good reasonably priced mechanic in/around the Charlotte NC area....

Dec 29, 2009 | 11:23 PM

mike-db

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Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 90

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From: Parksville, BC

Ford pickup and Bronco repair manual 1980 - 95 is what I've been told, if you check out hte Haynes website there might be something more inclined towards your truck. Also check out Chilton's books.

Dec 29, 2009 | 11:30 PM

dohc_chump

This space for rent...

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 2,001

Likes: 8

From: In the garage

Just a personal preference, but I'd buy Chilton's over Haynes... I've found out the hard way that some of the Haynes manuals recommend you take your vehicle to a qualified technician for some areas (these were great when we had them at our shop).

Dec 30, 2009 | 01:42 AM

hittman1422

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 712

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From: Blue Eye, mo. hwy 86 & JJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by dohc_chump

AGREED!! but my chiltons says that about filling the Freon in my AC as well

if you want a good mechanic in your area check your local chapter, click on forums, then chapters. look for your state and there you go!

and welcome to FTE, most people are still partying with family so you wont get as big of a response now as you will in later months, these are a great bunch of guys and have had plenty of patience to deal with my ignorance! i also met a great bunch of guys in the missouri chapter

saved my *** ten times over!

Dec 30, 2009 | 08:54 AM

NavyMIDN08

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 733

Likes: 2

x2 on the Haynes and the Chiltons. my personal secret weapon is the 34th edition of the "Truck Repair Manual." it has specific sections on different brands, about as big as two encyclopedia volumes, and covers 1970-1981. it has yet to tell me to take it to a "qualified technician." probably your best bet would be to buy a wireless router, and put your computer in the garage. the information available on FTE, and the internet in general is far greater that in the manuals, you just have to look for it. plus, the pictures are in color, and better resolution. if you come across something you just don't know, you don't have to leave the garage to come and ask us about it. also consider looking into a cheap digital camera, it not only allows you to show your progress, but also to post pictures of parts you can't figure out, and to show how something was originally assembled. take lots of pictures, they're easy to delete later. if you do it each step of the disassembly, then you can always see how to put it back together in reverse. just my .02