C4 Shop Manual - Dash light replacement

Hi Everyone!

I just purchased my first Vette! It's a 4+3 85 Targa, and I love it! It's tight with onlly 55k miles, and only needs some minor items looked into.

I worked in a service station in 73-74, and have performed many repairs on my past "servicable" vehicles. That basically means, once the pollution control and computers got into the act, I pretty much passed the work onto a certified mechanic. With this C4, I have a dash light out which illuminates the oil pres and trip odo lettering. I would also like to do some wiring for my CD changer which will mount in the rear. I used to use the large Chiltons and Motors manuals back in the 70's, which showed you exactly how to "R&R" most everything.

The previous owner of my C4 gave me his Chilton Corvette 84-96 Repair Manual (28502) with the car. Basically, unless you plan to overhaul the engine or pollution control system, it isn't a whole lot of help. It does cover some of the basics, but nothing about R&R for interior/exterior details like radio, bulbs, emblems, console, speakers, and the sort.

I hate to admit it, but I purchased a Factory Shop Manual for my (GULP!)

94 Dodge Grand Caravan (I will light a candle when they tow it away), and it is mostly complete in every way. Pages and pages of general R&R instructions, right down to the remote mirror switch.

What I would like to ask you all is, I see at the GM site a 1985 Corvette Shop Manual for $82.00. Is this as complete as I am hoping for? I am willing to shell out the bucks for a GOOD shop manual. If you can suggest an alternate, please do so. My direct email is snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com.

Thank you all in advance!!

Reply to
That's ME
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At the risk of getting "hammered" by everyone else in this group:

Regrettably, the factory shop manual plus an assembly manual is as good as it gets.

For the shade-tree/home-shop mechanic, I think that GM 'shop manuals' lack much of the clarity and quality in detail that you find for Ford and Chrysler products--particularly with regard to pictorials and how things are put together (details of where fasteners go etc.). GM isn't into the "IPB" philsophy. Occasionally, the shop manual writers have overlooked some minor step in a disassembly sequence. As is mentioned here, on a weekly basis, you'll need an 'assembly manual' for the car -- another 15 to 40 bucks.

Once you are at the replacement part level, shop documentation pretty much 'dies' for the 'vette. That means that replacing a lamp in the radio faceplate or on a digital dash isn't in the game. (However, many of us have had that dash apart and soldered in new lamps -- not for a Sundy afternoon --- allow several evenings for that job.) Detailed overhaul and repair information like that is usually available here or on popular web sites.

There's a lot of "how to" information on corvetteforum.com -- plenty more available by Googling. Many very experienced folks in this ng can tell you where to look.

HTH -- PJ

Reply to
PJ

PJ wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com:

I guess that I jumped the gun somewhat blaming "Chilton" on their lack of detail. I guess that they can't pass on the information if it isn't available to them in the first place. Sorry Chilton!

Well, I am on vacation, and have another vehicle to use, so I guess I'll start pulling "logical" screws and see how far I get. It looks like I may be able to reach the one bulb if I can get the dash pad off. I may start there.

I should right it all down, or video tape it. I may be able to publish it later!

If there are any more suggestions, please post.

Thanks for the imput PJ.

Reply to
That's ME

Yes that is as good as it gets..and sorry to say that is not very good...lots of details missing..many general statements and constant references to other sections of the manual....some photos not even of a Corvette ..it is the type of manual that is written by publishing professional writers and not written by any one that actually has to do or has done the work...also lots of generic info not really related to a Corvette...next I guess a computer will write the whole thing...) forget Chilton !!!

BTY..if you need to replace the dash lamps that can be done from the front..no need to remove the dash..buy new bulbs..remove the base..use some small tubing and pull out the old bulbs..use rubber tube to push new bulb into the old base still in the dash..WARNING..do not touch the new bulbs glass part with your bare hands they will heat up and burn out from the skin oil on you hands.(yes first remove the dash facia plate )

Also a parts manual is a really good help when it comes to how some parts match up....better sometimes than the shop manual. Hard copy used about $50 bucks and worth it.( will cover several years )

Reply to
Sailbad the Sinner

You do need the factory manuals to do much major. Any bigger job I try, I make careful notes, take pictures, and label things as best I can. It eats a lot of time, but my memory ain't what it used to be, and I hate trying to reassemble things and ending up with extra stuff at the end.

If I get really stuck, I have a friend who's a dealer mechanic and he's always willing to help me out for a couple beers, and a case to take along home.

Good luck...

AJM '93 Ruby coupe, 6 sp (both tops)

Reply to
CardsFan

"Sailbad the Sinner" wrote in news:jnpfg.387$ snipped-for-privacy@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net:

Hey Sailbad. Took your advice, but went one step further. I have super duty double sided tape at work that will stick to anything. Instead of a tube, I took a nut driver that was just a bit smaller in diameter than the head of the bulb, put the tape on it, stuck it to the bulb, and it came right out. Thanks for the help. I'll look into the service and parts manuals, but I think I will stick to washing and waxing for the most part. Leave the big jobs to the pros. I jus might tackle a complete carpet set in the spring. At least they come with instructions.

Reply to
That's ME

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