I agree Steve, the internet can be a really invaluable source for research and a big key to that is the way you define the search parameters and phrases. It can also cause a case of information overload due to the sheer volume of information that can come up on some searches. My biggest concern and something I try to impress on the kids and Grandkids is that the information must be discerned and compared……never just read the headline (read the whole damn article) and never take a single source of information as gospel on a given subject. Something I wish was actually taught in the schools.

Roger I agree with you on the Motors vs Chilton’s manuals …although I do usually prefer the Chilton’s Flat rate manuals over the Motors (It’s a format thing rather than the time rates ). The Mitchells National Service Data books aren’t all that great for most things, but I do really like the wiring diagrams they have in them. Hollanders interchange books can also pay for themselves if you have the ones that cover the vehicle years you’re interested in.

I got really lucky several years ago and scored these at a yard sale They are the real deal factory manuals and have been a great source of application data and notes.




All that being said you still can’t beat the real factory service manuals. Even though I usually heavily mod almost everything I own, I still buy an original (or reprint when I have to) service manual. If nothing else they are a good historical reference on how the factory thought the car or truck should be built (silly factory ) The reason I don’t have another bookshelf full of those is that I usually send them down the road with the car when I sell them.


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