What manual are you guys using that shows how the car is put together. Something with exploded views on all the exterior and interior stuff. I'm looking for something on a '68 cutlass convertible.

 

I would get both a Body Service Manual and a Assembly Manual.

 

Ya....What him say. ^^

I got one of these..

http://www.amazon.com/OLDSMOBILE-CUT.../dp/B000FDSVYY

...in paper form. But I'll warn you. All of the Millenium Ind. reprints have quality issues. Some pages are nothing more than a few scattered dots due to info loss from repeated copyings. Also, its in a weird verticle flip format, so unless you can find a horizontal binder and redrill the holes, you'll be rotating it everytime you turn a page.

I also found an excellent condition original hardcopy one of these...


..for $45 at a swap meet. (Still had some old mechanics notes tucked in some pages!)

I highly recommend the hardcopy versions. The CDs may be cheaper, but they're a pain (at least for me)
1. You'll end up spending more $ to get hardcopy after you get frustrated trying to navigate the digital form.
2. You'll need something to read the CDs...not always convenient in the garage.....& when your paws are dirty
3. Much easier to bookmark/scribble notes in the margins of the hardcopy...

Good luck!

 

Same as above - both the AIM (assembly manual) and the Chassis Service Manual are essential. For interiors, there is the "Body by Fisher 1968 Service Manual" (red cover). With regards to the red cover manual, it has to be taken with a grain of salt as it applies to all A-body 1968 GM cars. It is many times not as specific as you would like it to be. On the other hand, it's better than nothing.

The assembly manual takes time in getting used to how it is laid out and how to use it. Some of the pictures and pages in the manual apply to your application and some do not. It's layout is very similar to the layout of the Chassis Service Manual.

Good luck on your project. It took me 2-3 years to get my car completely back together again, but the time, effort, lessons learned and $ it took to get there were well worth it!

Randy C.

 

After years of working on cars, I've found that the factory service and body maunuals to be the most informative, and least frustrating of all....It is all that I buy now, aside from other folks who have real live factory examples to "blueprint" from.
Heath

 

Thanks for the replies. I start looking for them at the swap meets and ebay. I totally agree about the CD thing. Plus, I hate reading off a screen. BTW recorrigan5, your '68 is nice! Unfortunately, it just reminds me of how far I have to go.....

Thanks guys.