Which manual is best?
#1
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Which manual is best?
I have a 1981 Toyota Tercel that needs work (engine, suspension, and body). This is a "DIY" project so I want to do as much of the work myself as is possible.
Which type of manual is recommended? When looking on the Web I see shop, service, OEM, Chilton, Haynes, etc. I would like to have the one that the repair shops would have used.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Which type of manual is recommended? When looking on the Web I see shop, service, OEM, Chilton, Haynes, etc. I would like to have the one that the repair shops would have used.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
#2
Hanyes does fine for most things..and they are less expensive IIRC. Chiltons seem to be a little more detailed but cost more. Factory is the best but cost a mint.
'81? Factory is probably not an option...Haynes is $22 at Autozone..Chilton doesn't show an '81 as being available.
'81? Factory is probably not an option...Haynes is $22 at Autozone..Chilton doesn't show an '81 as being available.
#3
Good info also available by subscription from AllData.com. Runs $26.95 for 1 year, $44.95 for 5 years. Their listing only goes back to '82, but likely an '81 and an '82 would be the same. AllData is what is being used by thousands of professional garages [they pay big bucks because they have access to ALL makes/models/years].
For hard-copy manuals I've generally preferred Haynes over Chilton ever since my motorcycle days.
Hmm, just went back and checked ebay; you can actually get the factory manuals. Is there ANYTHING you can't find on ebay???:
Engine:
1980-1981-1982 Toyota Tercel A Engine Repair Manual:eBay Motors (item 390040219467 end time Jun-24-09 16:54:07 PDT)
Chassis:
1980-1981 Toyota Tercel Chassis Repair Manual 80 81:eBay Motors (item 360142472705 end time Jun-24-09 16:52:58 PDT)
Body:
1980-1981 Toyota Tercel Body Repair Manual Original:eBay Motors (item 360142472689 end time Jun-24-09 16:52:57 PDT)
For hard-copy manuals I've generally preferred Haynes over Chilton ever since my motorcycle days.
Hmm, just went back and checked ebay; you can actually get the factory manuals. Is there ANYTHING you can't find on ebay???:
Engine:
1980-1981-1982 Toyota Tercel A Engine Repair Manual:eBay Motors (item 390040219467 end time Jun-24-09 16:54:07 PDT)
Chassis:
1980-1981 Toyota Tercel Chassis Repair Manual 80 81:eBay Motors (item 360142472705 end time Jun-24-09 16:52:58 PDT)
Body:
1980-1981 Toyota Tercel Body Repair Manual Original:eBay Motors (item 360142472689 end time Jun-24-09 16:52:57 PDT)
#4
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I was thinking..... that maybe you could try somthing like e-bay or amazon.com I'm not 100% wich one, but there websites that sell used stuff they don't want any more. A friend of mine got one of the factory model books for an older delta 88. I know it was less than 20 dollars for sure. Good Luck! BTW They usually charge accoding to the condition, so check and see if there is more than one person selling the book or item you want, and in your case need. Maybe there is a "looking for " searching for catagory or somthing like that
#5
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Thanks all for the info.
I think I'm gonna go for the original shop manuals. Cost is high but I figure having them helps even if I decide the fix up job is too big and I put the car in the Want Ads.
First thing to work on will be the brakes and the front axles since the engine runs pretty good for now.
Wish me luck and thanks again!
I think I'm gonna go for the original shop manuals. Cost is high but I figure having them helps even if I decide the fix up job is too big and I put the car in the Want Ads.
First thing to work on will be the brakes and the front axles since the engine runs pretty good for now.
Wish me luck and thanks again!
#6
The only thing I don't like about manufacturers manuals is when they say something like
"When removing the Jetson rod from from the Spacely sprocket, Tool #1579-A will be required..if equipped with the Cogswell cog...Use Tool #1579-B".
Not "use a pully remover tool".
"When removing the Jetson rod from from the Spacely sprocket, Tool #1579-A will be required..if equipped with the Cogswell cog...Use Tool #1579-B".
Not "use a pully remover tool".