Books

What Automotive Books Can You Find for Your GM or Ford Project?

You'll find factory reference literature for most GM makes and select Ford models, with model years running roughly 1947 through 1990. Most titles are JEGS reprints of original factory literature.

They include shop manuals, shop manual sets, chassis service manuals, Fisher Body service manuals, and factory assembly manuals. You'll also find owner's manuals, maintenance manuals, and a wiring diagram manual.

GM coverage includes Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. Ford coverage includes Mustang assembly manuals and Ford truck shop manuals. That range lets you match literature to a 1947-54 Chevy truck, a 1969 Camaro, or a 1980s Buick Regal.

Most reprint manuals are priced under $70, so it's practical to keep a copy at your bench instead of hunting for a fragile original. This page sits within our books and videos section, part of our wider range of lifestyle and specialty products.

How Do Shop Manuals and Chassis Service Manuals Help Your Restoration?

Shop manuals and chassis service manuals show you how the factory serviced each system, so your work matches original specs. They cover disassembly, adjustment, and reassembly for the engine, suspension, brakes, steering, and drivetrain.

Coverage often spans several models in one book. The 1968 and 1969 chassis service manuals cover Camaro, Chevelle, Chevy II/Nova, Corvette, and El Camino. The 1958 shop manual covers Bel Air, Impala, and Nomad, and truck owners can pick up 1947-54 Chevy truck literature.

A chassis service manual is most useful when you have the parts in hand and need the correct procedure. Pair it with the classic car restoration parts your build needs.

First project? Our guide to rebuilding your first classic car walks you through planning, teardown, and keeping parts organized while you work. Keep the manual open at each step so torque specs and adjustment procedures stay in front of you.

When Should You Use a Factory Assembly Manual or Fisher Body Manual?

Use a factory assembly manual when you need to see how parts went together on the line, including fastener locations and routing. Use a Fisher Body manual when you're working on body structure, doors, glass, trim, or hardware. Both help you get details right on a concours-level or driver-quality build.

Titles in this category include these assembly and body manuals:

• 1970 Chevelle, El Camino, and Monte Carlo assembly manual
• Ford Mustang assembly manuals
• American Autowire assembly manuals for Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, full-size Chevy, Pontiac GTO, and Chevy trucks
• 1979-1982 Fisher Body manuals covering A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, and X body styles

Assembly manuals use detailed drawings, so they're useful when you've lost track of how a bracket, clip, or harness was installed. Check the listed models and years before you order, since coverage varies from one title to the next.

Why Does a Wiring Diagram Manual Matter for Electrical Work?

A wiring diagram manual shows the circuits, connectors, and wire colors the factory used, so you can trace faults instead of guessing. On a 40- or 50-year-old car, original wiring is often brittle, spliced, or modified by previous owners.

Factory diagrams let you confirm what each circuit should look like before you cut or replace anything. You can also browse individual wiring diagrams if you only need coverage for one system or vehicle. If the symbols and color codes are new to you, our guide on how to read automotive wiring diagrams explains the basics.

When the original harness is past saving, a diagram helps you plan a clean replacement. Use it to check circuit counts and routing against new wiring harnesses before installation. That step helps you avoid missing circuits for gauges, lighting, or accessories after the dash goes back together.

Which Racing Books and Performance Tech Manuals Are Available?

Racing books and performance tech manuals in this category cover rules, record keeping, and engine and drivetrain builds. They're written for racers and engine builders who want focused technical guidance for one discipline, engine family, or component.

Rule and record titles include a 2023 junior dragster rule book and a racer log book for recording your runs at the track. Engine titles include a circle track crate engine techbook, a guide to building high-performance ignition systems, and a small-block Chevy cylinder head book. You'll also find a Honda high-performance book and a GM LS performance engine book.

For the drivetrain, TCI transmission technical manuals give you a technical reference for automatic transmission builds and service. If you'd rather watch a procedure before you try it, browse our automotive how-to videos alongside these books.