Corvette C3 Books
Owning a Corvette C3 is like having a passionate relationship with a high-performance partner. And like any relationship, it requires care and attention. This article will guide you through the literature related to the Corvette C3, assisting you in maintaining, repairing, and restoring your car.
Corvette Restoration Guide: 1968-1982 2nd Edition
The Corvette Restoration Guide: 1968-1982 is an excellent source for determining the originality of your car. The book contains plenty of accurate pictures and information about all major parts and their changes by model year. Additionally, at the end of the book, identification and casting numbers of various components are provided, which can be used to identify the parts.
The year models are divided into four parts: 1968-1969, 1970-1972, 1973-1977, and 1978-1982, and the structure of these sections is very similar. Because of this, the book serves more as a reference for a specific year model rather than as an engaging read cover to cover. Despite this, the book is an informative read and an absolute must-have for Corvette C3 enthusiasts who value originality.
Original Corvette 1968-1982: The Restorer's Guide 1968-1982
Original Corvette 1968-1982 (Tom Falconer) is a book very similar to Corvette Restoration Guide: 1968-1982. In this book, the model years have their own chapters, except for the combined model years 1970-1972, 1975-1976, 1978-1979, and 1980-1981.
The different components are not examined as closely as in Richard Price's book, but on a more general level. The book is well-written, and you can easily immerse yourself in it, making it a rewarding choice for an evening's leisurely read.
NCRS Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide
The National Corvette Restorers Society has produced Corvette technical information manuals and judging guides for the 1968-1969, 1970-1972, 1973-1974, 1975-1977, 1978-1979, and 1980-1982 model years. These manuals were developed to provide technical information and guidance for evaluating Corvettes but can also be utilized as a restoration guide, although that is not their primary purpose.
The book includes testing procedures for different components, as well as detailed information on even what kind of clamps are original or the texture of a certain surface. If you are hardcore about originality, then I recommend getting this book, even if you are not planning to have your own Corvette evaluated by NCRS judges.
Chevrolet Service Manual / Overhaul Manual
The best guide for servicing and repairing your Corvette is GM's original year-specific service manuals. The manuals, which contain information on various GM models such as Chevrolet, Camaro, Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Nova, and Corvettes, are the same ones used by Chevrolet service technicians for servicing Corvettes.
Starting with the 1979–1982 model years, the name "Service Manual" was changed to "Shop Manual," and these manuals contained only Corvette-specific information.
Many aftermarket vendors sell various repair manuals that are not year-specific and nowhere near the quality of the original manuals, which are also available in digital format.
The Service manual primarily covers maintenance tasks, such as removing and replacing components, making adjustments, and offering basic troubleshooting tips. On the other hand, the Overhaul manual offers comprehensive instructions for rebuilding major components like transmissions, providing detailed information and specifications. If you're only changing new parts, the Service manual may suffice. However, if you enjoy dismantling and rebuilding components yourself, the Overhaul manual is invaluable, offering precise measurements and tolerances to guide your work.
Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manuals (AIM Manual)
The Factory Assembly Manual doesn't provide instructions for installing parts or repairing items, but it offers a detailed insight into the construction of a Corvette. It presents the printed instructions used by assembly line workers during the Corvette's production.
Only the parts that were received at the assembly plant and ready to install are shown in the Assembly Manual. Individual parts of assemblies aren’t shown, as the assembly plant didn’t deal with them. You can check them in the Service or Overhaul manual. The AIM is available in paper or in digital format.
How to Rebuild & Modify Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors
Given that the majority of C3 Corvettes were equipped with Rochester carburetors, this book could capture the interest of Corvette enthusiasts. Cliff Rugless Quadrajet book encompasses a comprehensive history of the Q-Jet, an in-depth explanation of its operation, detailed instructions for rebuilding the carburetor, and thorough descriptions of high-performance modifications.
Rochester Carburetors
Rochester Carburetors by Doug Roe is a classic resource for anyone looking to understand, select, install, and tune their Quadrajet carburetor. Though it may be older and all the photos are in black and white, this book remains a valuable guide for maintaining or restoring your Corvette's Quadrajet.
Corvette Black Book
The Corvette Black Book is a reference guide for Corvette enthusiasts and collectors. It contains detailed information about each model year of the Corvette, including specifications, production numbers, option codes, colors, and other relevant details.
If you're only interested in C3 generation Corvettes, I'd recommend getting the Corvette Restoration Guide: 1968-1982 or reading the corvettec3decoder.com webpage. :)
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Other articles
General information:
- Corvette C3 years
- Corvette Specs, Colors, etc. by year:
1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 - Is the Corvette C3 always a Stingray?
- Corvette C3 charts
- Mako Shark II
- Corvette L88
- Greenwood Corvettes
- Reader's Wheels: Corvette 1968
- Restomod Corvette C3s
- Corvette C3 Buyer's Checklist
Technical:
- Corvette C3 & Rochester Quadrajet
- Corvette C3 engines
- Corvette C3 transmissions
- Corvette C3 RPM calculator
- Corvette C3 emission systems
- Corvette C3 birdcage and rust
- Number matching and RPO
- Corvette C3 oils
Interior and Exterior Features:
- Corvette C3 Special Editions
- Corvette C3 cockpit / gauges
- Corvette C3 seats / seatbelts
- Corvette C3 door panels
- Corvette C3 emblems
- Corvette C3 side pipes (1969)
- Corvette C3 wheels
- Corvette C3 luggage racks
- Roof Options of the Corvette C3
