Chilton's, Haynes vs. Dealership Shop Manuals

[Mogobs30th]

Needed to know if there is any difference in a Chilton's versus a shop manual that a dealership uses. From what I hear the shop manuals are 1 million times more descriptive and are much more helpful than a book bought in an auto parts store.
I already have a Chilton's, but I have the opportunity to get dealership shop manuals as well. Just needed to know whether or not this is a good investment.

Thanks

[BillyCobin]

I have the Haynes and the dealer manuals. I almost always just use the Haynes. The dealer manual comes in two volumes each as large as a phone book. They do not have real pictures, only small drawings. The dealer manuals will tell you how to do things "by the book". Like if you look how to remove the outer tie rod in the Haynes book, it tells you to use a pickle fork (pretty easy to do). If you look it up in the GM manual, it tells you to use a gear puller (never got the thing to work), so that you don't damage the dust boot.

They do sometimes come in handy though. They have details on EVERY part of the car. If you plan on keeping the car for another 5-10 years and doing every repair yourself, it would probably be worth it.

[blackfire99]

is there a chiltons or haynes for the 99 firebird??

[Andy H]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by blackfire99:
is there a chiltons or haynes for the 99 firebird??<hr></blockquote>

Not sure about the chiltons but there is a Haynes manual for the 99 firebird. The book number is 24017.

[93v6firebird]

Shop manuals tell you the way to do it right. As someone already said haynes tells you how to take shortcuts, when dealing w/ your car is taking a short cut always the best idea?

[Mogobs30th]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 93v6firebird:
Shop manuals tell you the way to do it right. As someone already said haynes tells you how to take shortcuts, when dealing w/ your car is taking a short cut always the best idea?<hr></blockquote>

GOOD POINT

[Mogobs30th]

I plan on doing a lot of internal work soon, as my sig says. Heads, cam, supercharger, etc. The Chilton's is helpful for minor work such as tune ups, but I am hoping the shop manuals are much more detailed.

[93v6firebird]

www.books4cars.com is a good source for shop manuals.. cheaper than the dealer

[12secondv6]

Well, I've done suspension work, brake work, fuel system work, torque specs, various tune up, interior work, electrical work etc via chilton's manual.
So far it has not failed me.
I need descriptive pictures and chiltons has it.
As for dealer books, dunno

[TealV6]

If you can comprehend detailed reading, then the dealer manuals are good for you.

If you just want the "down and dirty" details, get the chiltons and/or hayes.

I personally have the dealer books and they have come in handy for a few locals members that I know. Not only for the detailed specs of things, but the simple knowledge that you will find it in one of the two volumes. Somethings do get over looked in the other books.

Steve

[Mogobs30th]

I know that some shop manuals have very detailed schematics, not crudely drawn pictures. My only problem is interpretation, so I'll have to get help from a friend at some point.

[AZv6camaro]

where can you buy shop manuals and books like that, do they sell them at pepboys? id rather go to a store and buy it rather then the internet

[Mogobs30th]

I know the Haynes/Chilton's can be bought at any automotive store. The manuals on the other hand are a little harder to come by.

[TealV6]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Mogobs30th:
I know the Haynes/Chilton's can be bought at any automotive store. The manuals on the other hand are a little harder to come by.<hr></blockquote>

Dealership manuals can be obtained from www.helminc.com

This is an example of what I have from them. Mind you that this is 2 phone books in size! But well detailed and descriptive.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...PLLFN63M1P2HE8

Steve

[chas]

i wouldnt say that haynes shows you the 'short cuts'. it often provides some good advice or methods to speed your repair. it doesnt cover everything in detail but usually covers all the important points.