While it is true that the internet can provide an answer for virtually any question you can dream up (automotive or otherwise), sometimes firing up the ol’ Google machine and punching keys isn’t the best, quickest, or most accurate way to get your information. Today’s question centers around those alternative methods for learning stuff, figuring stuff out, or scratching that itch you have for knowledge on a subject you may be weak on. Personally, I’m a book guy. Back when I was a productive member of society and had no children, my wife and I would spend bunches of dough on books. Virtually all of my purchases were car books, so I have a pretty good reference library. Over the years I have inherited lots of books, magazines, repair manuals, interchange manuals, and other stuff. As you can see in the photo below, my boys were doing some light reading yesterday.
So what is the way you get answers to questions outside of the internet? Do you phone a friend? Hit the stack of books? Pile through old magazines? Visit the library? Chat up your neighbor? We’re interested because frankly the world has become so obsessed with the instant access to whatever information that they need everything plays second fiddle to the internet. Call us crazy, but sometimes wading through a thread on a message board full of side track answers, petty arguments, and people with weirdo screen names isn’t the best way to always get accurate info.
Now that you know the question, you have to answer it. That’s the rules. Legally you are bound to answer the question. If not, we have people that’ll pay you a visit….and probably ask you a question about something.
BangShift Question Of The Day: What Is Your Favorite Non-Internet Automotive Information Resource?
I don’t use Hollanders very much. The old Chevy parts books are really helpful. I also like the old factory service manuals.
The other thing I do is dig into my brain….I’ve forgotten a lot of good info over the years, but sometimes I can remember something.
I have some old Yamaha microfiche still… lol. Parts books are amazingly insightful for me
The public library.
Motors Repair Manual
Old issues of Cars Illustrated.
My old Motor Manual books from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
I have some Motor and Mitchell manuals. Or call dad, he started wrenching in the 40’s.
bosch automotive handbook.
My Dad (a mechanic) said to always get a manual for each vehicle. Lots of good stuff in magazines too!
My large by huge automotive library and plethora of magazines from the Nixon and Carter and Frieberger era. Factory shop manuals are great too!
I HAVE OLDSMOBILE SERVICE MANUALS AND A MOTOR REPAIR MANUAL I USE FOR MY 442
Motors and Bentley manuals.
The holy grail of info lays in talking to people one on one there experiance is unreplacable of course there’s other resorses but most arnt going as hands on and easly learned
All the Chevys I bought in the last 25 yrs , I buy a factory service manual. They rock!
Haynes manuals. Also, the gray haired counter men at proper auto parts stores. When someone recently needed a master cylinder for an old C50 truck it just took one phone call to find one that wasn’t listed in the catalogs.
master cyl for an old grain truck? no sweat. done on my counter regularly. usually just need the bore size. yes i work at a real parts store and yes its getting grey.
my old parts catalogs. cross refs and buyers guides. reference material in the back of old cats allow me to i.d. by dimension; filters, tie rod ends, brakes parts, shocks etc. ignition and electrical specs are a wealth of info.
yeah, I forgot to mention I have a bunch of them. BCA/National books are really helpful.
Chilton Manuals