AIM and other manuals for 71

[Greg F.]

All,

I just read a Post regarding the AIM. I'm new as well. Actually, I'm just not that knowledgeable once I get into the details of "what is correct".

I have a 71 convertible small block 4 speed. It's fairly "unmolested" but has been repainted. I want to start doing little projects to the engine bay (painting)etc as well as other areas.

What manuals are best for me? I'm not going to have the car judged anytime soon, so I'm not sure if the Judging Manual would apply to my situation. Going forward, I want to make sure I do and replace the parts correctly.

Thank you.

[Dick W.]

Re: AIM and other manuals for 71

Judging manual would be very helpful. It gives you descriptions of what thte car should be, finishes, descriptions of items, etc. Money well spent

[Greg F.]

Re: AIM and other manuals for 71

What is the difference between these 3:

1. NCRS Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide

2. Judging Reference Manual

3. AIM

Should I buy them all or is there a lot of overlap?

Thanks again.

[Martin N.]

Re: AIM and other manuals for 71

GREG,

I agree with Dick, the judging manual was a great help for me. I also use my AIM and the factory shop / overhaul manuals all the time. A GM parts book is handy as well with alot of exploded veiws of differant mechanical and body areas.

Good Luck....Marty

[Martin N.]

Go with #1 and #3 *NM*

[Dick W.]

Re: AIM and other manuals for 71

AIM is a GM publication that gives you a visual view of how the car was put together. For the most part, the part #'s shown there are not valid

The NCRS Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide gives you a description of the car as it left St. Louis. Under the hood, the interior components, the exterior, and under the car. Very good reference material.

The NCRS Judging Reference Guide explains the awards, the judging process, and the standard deductions for certain items.

[Mike M.]

Re: AIM and other manuals for 71

If your plan is to have it judged someday then get the judging manual. If you fallow the manual as you go along it will save you from making a mistake and having to redo some things.

[John H.]

Re: AIM and other manuals for 71

Greg -

You should also get the 1971 Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual and 1971 Chassis Overhaul Manual; those and #1 and #3 are the bare minimum for the technical library you'll need to correctly maintain and improve your 38-year-old Corvette.

[Greg F.]

Thanks Everyone

I'll sacrifice my new trim rings this month and get the manuals instead!

Thanks again

[Jack H.]

I agree with John!`

AIM tells you what design engineers told the production folks about how to assemble the car.

NCRS Judging Reference Manual describes the club's various award/recognition programs, the judging process (both owner and judges responsibilities), and enumerates various Standard Deduction items (items that are common to all Corvettes; not specific to a given model year).

Judging Guide tells you what judges look for in terms of vehicle originality and authenticity.

Chassis Service Manual tells you what Chevy told dealership mechanics regarding care and maintenance of the vehicle.

I consider all four books essential to a solid 'care and feeding' library to support 'baby'....

BTW, I think you might be making a mistake in thinking your car isn't 'ready' for judging! I say enter your car early and enter it often. Why?

Well, you get to see the judging process, you get to meet others in this sport/hobby, you'll learn a cubic *&%$load about the specifics of your car, you'll get eleven men, rather expert in the field putting a calibrated eyeball on your car and giving you point by point detailed comments (nobody else sees this information except you, the owner) at a RIDICULOUSLY LOW cost and you'll have fun in the process because you've done little/nothing to improve upon the condition of the car you just purchased.

Often, guys buy 'baby' then struggle for a LONG time trying to improve the car. Many make mistakes along the way (discard this/that factory original piece they didn't know was actually original, could be repaired/restored, or was rare/hard to find). Why not jump right in from the git go, see what it's all about and get that personal assessment of your car before you do/touch anything???

I'd suggest joining and getting active in your local NCRS chapter (meet the guys in your neck of the woods who've been there, done that, got the T-shirt and know who does what/has what at reasonable prices). Consider having your car judged the first time at your local Chapter Judging Meet... You'll travel less and really get to interact with your local fellow NCRS members!

[Art A.]

Re: I agree with John!`

Jack, just a small clarification on your statement, "AIM tells you what design engineers told the production folks about how to assemble the car.", in the interest of accuracy.

It was actually the RELEASE Engineers and hundreds of Engineering support staff who created the AIMs.

The Engineering "Design" people were basically Drafting personal.

Art

[Mark R.]

Re: I agree with John!`

Greg:

Jack's suggesting regarding getting involved in the NCRS on the local level and taking the car to a judging meet is excellent. This really is at the heart of the NCRS hobby. The information you will gain through the relationships you establish will enhance your Corvette ownership immeasurably.

Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride !

Mark

[Michael W.]

Re: Thanks Everyone

You'll probably find out in the books your going to buy that those new trim rings are not really that close to being correct- so you're saving money and avoiding mistakes already.

[Greg F.]

Re: I agree with John!`

That is great advice. I live just north of Orlando florida. I was on a trip during the week of the NCRS event in Ole Town. I planned to watch the judging process but the trip changed all that. The trip was free, so I couldn't reschedule it!

I've had the car for 4 months. It's brands hatch green with dark saddle interior. The seats have been recovered but the carpet is original as well as the door panels and dash with a small crack on one door panel. The coil and the master brake cylinder have been replaced. The motor, trans, rear, carb, heads, bellhousing, water pump, glass (except the windshield) mirrors, radiator, manifolds, starter, alternator are original and match.

The top is tan, so that is not original. The car has been repainted and I think it's nice but I'm sure its not NCRS good. The engine compartment is clean but not detailed (engine block/heads/water pump need painted). It's a driver quality car but very nice. I would value the knowledge I would gain going through the process but I hate wasting the time of others - especially with so many qualified Corvetttes there. If you're telling me it's still ok...I'll start making the necessary preparations!

Thanks again and I'm excited about the manuals. I will purchase those this week so I know what to do and my options going forward.

Thanks,
Greg

[Mark R.]

Re: I agree with John!`

Greg:

If you get involved with the local NCRS Chapter, you could probably arrange a Judging Clinic using your car as the subject. It's a good way to look at the car in a very supportive non-pressured environment. Just remember, the judging process is an educational experience and the information provided is to get the car up to its original configuration and presentation. In the Central New Jersey Chapter, we conduct these Judging Clinics for members upon request,with very positive results for all parties involved. Good luck with you car and enjoy the process of becoming more familiar with it.

Mark