Yes, yes it's true. I found an auto manual called "Motors Auto Repair Manual". I'm sure that most of you have one of these under each arm but old vintage auto books are few and far between around here. I have one of their manuals from the early 60's but this one starts in 1935 and the copyright date is 1950. So if you need to know some specification from a American Bantam to a Willy's let the questions fly and I see if I can look it up for ya. Did you know that in 1935 Pierce-Arrow made a 12 cylinder, 462 cu in, 185 hp engine? Or, how about the alignment on a 1936 REO Flying Cloud (caster 1.5 degrees, camber is 1.5 degrees also)? Pretty cool stuff here. I can't even find a greasy fingerprint on it. Anyway, let me know if I can help.
I brought my old garage sale find manuals to the shop I work at. You wouldn't believe the things I've used them to look up even in the last couple months on some customers older cars. They just don't have that information available on the online standard auto repair shop technical resources. Our Mitchell On Demand service only goes back to 1983. Not too much help when you need spec.s on a customer's 1950 Cranbrook. Jay
How friggin cool... I was just reminded by this post that I have these books. The Ford one was one my Dad said he found when my Grandpa p***ed. He gave it to me knowing I'd dig it. The Popular Science one was from my friend's uncle. The uncle gave it to me before he was shot and killed. Knew I loved cars as much as him.
I spent a year of swap meets putting together my set of Motor's Manuals: my set covers 1935-1983. I was really picky about the books: no broken spines or trashed covers. I paid between $8 and $18 for each one. You're right--they're invaluable. Brad
I'm jealous..my oldest Motors is a 1959 but I have a foine selection of old Hollanders for reference...
I was just thumbing thru my very used 1953 motors manual today, looking up how flatty distributors work. neat stuff....good score!
I have one I like ***led "How to repair your Chevrolet" it was printed in about 1963 if I remember right. It's a smaller book and the pages are all very greasy. LOTS of good stuff in there.
I have an early 50's reissue of ****'s Auto Encyclopedia. It covers early cars, repairing gas lamps, wood wheels, and how to operate some car's controls. It has how to set up a shop properly and how to make a tow truck.
I have a few variations on these, including the motors that goes back to 35. Very handy for dis***embling things. The shop prices/labor charges are great too.
The oldest one I have is 35-48. The cover on the spine is starting to peel and and the front is splattered with paint. There is plenty of "forensic evidence" that this ****er was used and didn't spend it's life in a musty old library. Sorta like a show car and a driver...mines a driver. I actually prefer a little patina. A hand-me-down from my dad. There were 2 brand names back then..Motor's Manuals (the blue books) and Chiltons. I was in the MM camp. You had to have one back then to look up what that SBC really came in. If I'm working on a 57 Ford, I try to find a 1960 book. The 1957 copy may not have all the idiosyncracies that first appeared in 1957. Many of my mechanical heros never graduated from high school but one thing they all had in common...the the ones that knew their **** had shelves with Motor's Manuals all lined up.
I have one also: Motor's Auto Repair Manual (1935-48) 11th edition, first printing, 1948. Found it on the shelf when I started teaching "shop" in 1972. It's "solid gold info." Published by Hearst magazines.
I've got a set also, covers 35 to 75 or so. I allways liked Motors better than Chilton, seemed easier to use and and written by someone who actually did the work.
I have that Henry Ford trade school "Shop Theory" book also, that is an unbelievable wealth of knowledge, metalurgy and processes, tools, data, ways of doing things. Everyone should have one, you'll be amazed. It's one of those books you can't put down. They're even still cheap, I bought a hardcover for about 12.00, then caught one of the old ones like above for about 2.00 on ebay. .
Got one myself from an uncle. It's a must have and wealth of knowledge on machines, bolts, tools, math etc.... Very cool, -The Catholic
I am very jealous since I don't have any of those books but I remember them as a kid in the shop where my Dad worked. I would sit and just browse thru looking at stuff. Where is the best place to find them? We don't have many swap meets around here. This site has some online help but nothing like the real thing - http://www.oldcarmanual.com/
Love em. got a full set from 35 - 72. Never far from where I'm working...though as most guys, I only use them when all else fails.
you can search epay for them http://search.ebay.com/motors-manual-195_W0QQfromZR40QQsa***leZmotorsQ20manualQ20195Q2a or swap meets and such
My Dad gave me a well worn 15th edition. 35-52. I picked up a pristine 16th, 35-53 somewhere, cannot remember... Also have a 28th, 58-65. Dont eveyone rush to Ebay to buy now.. will only drive up the price against each other...
I have a '35-'53 "Motors" my Dad brought home from in '54 from the Service Station he managed and have been using it since. I've also aquired a '35-'52 a '60, which covers way fewer years (because the cars got more complex?) a '64 and a '69 I loaned to the guy up the street with the flat black '69 Caddy He**** with a red flake roof "band gear hauler". (gotta get that back some day) I also have a book called "Audel's Diesel Engine Manual copyright 1936, 1939 and reprint 1944 a "Gasoline Automobiles" by Moyer copyright 1921 and one ***led "Motor Troubles" by EB Raymond copyright 1908 which is everything you'd ever want to know about electric motors, up to 1908 anyway. I use the '35-'53 book a lot and have posted stats from it on here for, a long time.
As far as finding these books, you might want to go to some estate sales, garage sales (maybe if your early) or even a shop that is selling out. I like to cruise estate sales, while everyone is looking at the Chinese tools out in the garage, I'm looking at the books inside the house. Most people wouldn't give a hoot about an old book so the prices are great. Good luck!
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