Shadowhawk
10-11-2001, 01:30 AM
Let's see if we can't get SOMETHING going in this forum! http://discussanything.com/Ubb/smile.gif Being an (alledged http://discussanything.com/Ubb/biggrin.gif) pro, I'veee had a chance to evaluate some of the repair and maintenance resources out there for the do-it-yourselfer. In an effort to drum up a little action in this forum, here's my personal opinion and recommendations:
First a few words about traditional "shop manuals". The best ones are naturally the factory ones from the vehicle's manufacturer. They can be expensive, but they are definately worth it. You can often find copies available on Ebay at good prices too. Of the two major aftermarket sources; Haynes and Chilton's, I like Chilton's much better. Their info is usually more accurate, and more clearly explained. A big problem I've found with Haynes is that their electronics (ie sensors, etc...) tests are either incomplete or occasionally in error. Honestly, you're best bet is to have both. That way you can double check them against each other.
With all of that said, here's a few other sources I like:
Popular Mechanics Automotive Repair on CD-ROM.
This is actually a home version of the AllData Automotive Repair Database used by shops across the country. The only differences are the amount of vehicles you can access and the lack of a few shop related features, like the repair estimate creator. It's a LITTLE tricky to navigate at first, but it's easy and accurate. One exception here: beware their wiring diagrams! They used to be pretty bad about these, but they're getting better. Have a shop manual to coss reference though. Auto Zone carries thie series, and I've seen them popping up elsewhere as well.
CHILTON TOTAL CAR CARE on cd rom:
So far I've only seen this series for trucks, but it's VERY easy to navigate, has a good glossary section, and from what I've seen, is just as good as PM's AllData series. I have it for my 1980 F-100 because for right now, AllData only goes back to 1982.
The nice thing about these CD-ROM based repair manuals is that you just print out what you need and don't have to worry about the book getting torn and dirty http://discussanything.com/Ubb/smile.gif With that said though, here's a couple of ideas for people who want to learn the basics. As everybody knows, there are tons of books at any bookstore you could buy on this. Personally, I'd recommend going down to your local community college and buying real automotive textbooks there. A little expensive, but a much better resource than alot of the books on the basics.
Another halfway decent resource is Motor Trend Autotech on cd-rom. It's very basic, but you can learn a little from it. It's main feature is to try and help a beginner figure out what's wrong with their car. You answer a handful of questions and it will tell you what the MOST LIKELY cause of your vehicle's problems are, and a brief explaination of it's conclusions. Not foolproof by any means, but... It also has some other cute car stuff, like tips and loan calculators on car purchases, and a maintenance log for your vehicles.
I guess that's enough said here. Post any other recommended sources along with whatever notes you feel are appropriate. Let's keep this one strictly for general repair and maintenance though. I'll start a seperate post for performance work. That ought to keep the big dogs happy http://discussanything.com/Ubb/smile.gif
------------------
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it
"There is no weapon deadlier than the will" Bruce Lee
http://www.boortz.com/gadsden.gif
First a few words about traditional "shop manuals". The best ones are naturally the factory ones from the vehicle's manufacturer. They can be expensive, but they are definately worth it. You can often find copies available on Ebay at good prices too. Of the two major aftermarket sources; Haynes and Chilton's, I like Chilton's much better. Their info is usually more accurate, and more clearly explained. A big problem I've found with Haynes is that their electronics (ie sensors, etc...) tests are either incomplete or occasionally in error. Honestly, you're best bet is to have both. That way you can double check them against each other.
With all of that said, here's a few other sources I like:
Popular Mechanics Automotive Repair on CD-ROM.
This is actually a home version of the AllData Automotive Repair Database used by shops across the country. The only differences are the amount of vehicles you can access and the lack of a few shop related features, like the repair estimate creator. It's a LITTLE tricky to navigate at first, but it's easy and accurate. One exception here: beware their wiring diagrams! They used to be pretty bad about these, but they're getting better. Have a shop manual to coss reference though. Auto Zone carries thie series, and I've seen them popping up elsewhere as well.
CHILTON TOTAL CAR CARE on cd rom:
So far I've only seen this series for trucks, but it's VERY easy to navigate, has a good glossary section, and from what I've seen, is just as good as PM's AllData series. I have it for my 1980 F-100 because for right now, AllData only goes back to 1982.
The nice thing about these CD-ROM based repair manuals is that you just print out what you need and don't have to worry about the book getting torn and dirty http://discussanything.com/Ubb/smile.gif With that said though, here's a couple of ideas for people who want to learn the basics. As everybody knows, there are tons of books at any bookstore you could buy on this. Personally, I'd recommend going down to your local community college and buying real automotive textbooks there. A little expensive, but a much better resource than alot of the books on the basics.
Another halfway decent resource is Motor Trend Autotech on cd-rom. It's very basic, but you can learn a little from it. It's main feature is to try and help a beginner figure out what's wrong with their car. You answer a handful of questions and it will tell you what the MOST LIKELY cause of your vehicle's problems are, and a brief explaination of it's conclusions. Not foolproof by any means, but... It also has some other cute car stuff, like tips and loan calculators on car purchases, and a maintenance log for your vehicles.
I guess that's enough said here. Post any other recommended sources along with whatever notes you feel are appropriate. Let's keep this one strictly for general repair and maintenance though. I'll start a seperate post for performance work. That ought to keep the big dogs happy http://discussanything.com/Ubb/smile.gif
------------------
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it
"There is no weapon deadlier than the will" Bruce Lee
http://www.boortz.com/gadsden.gif