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History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
Re: Which assembly manual is best for an 85 TransAM
Have you seen either assembly manuals? I have the 1986 manual. I've found it's a fair representation at best, for my 1987 model. I've never thumbed through the 1982 manual, but I've been debating on getting a copy.
The '86 manual contains references to things that I've never seen (doesn't mean they don't exist). Like an LG4 oil cooler that's mounted in front of the radiator, or flashlight mounting bracket for the passenger side kick panel. These are most likely things that were a rejected before production. Still interesting stuff...with part numbers!
It is a good general reference to have but you should not consider it totally representative of what was then, current production. The manual is more Camaro-centric than Firebird. Pontiac did contribute some of the drawings (there's even a few drawings from Buick LOL).
I would try to get both.
Last edited by paulo57509; Apr 3, 2017 at 10:21 AM.
Re: Which assembly manual is best for an 85 TransAM
Good deal. It's about 2 for the price of one when when compared with the paper versions.
I ordered the paper version on the '86 manual. Since I got into work in the AM before everyone else, I'd have a few hours of quality "alone" time with the copy/scan machine.
Took me about an hour to feed +600 pages through the machine and have them emailed to my office.
I ordered a Toyota factory service manual that was on CD-ROM for my Lexus off an ebay seller. It was missing over 1100 pages.
Last edited by paulo57509; Apr 4, 2017 at 11:05 AM.
Re: Which assembly manual is best for an 85 TransAM
FYI...The flashlight bracket may have been an export item. I was involved in a program for export M/L Astro/Safari vans years ago. The things some countries require are pretty interesting. We had a flashlight bracket not unlike that one that was screwed or riveted to the metal seat riser on the passenger seat. There were auto-leveling headlamps, export mirrors with arabic writing, cargo nets, softer brake shoes, rear fog lamps...there were even some countries that required that no rust be showing on the underside of the car when new. So they would put the vans on a lift, and spray black paint over rusty castings and bare steel parts, like control arms, drive shafts, and rear axle assemblies. It was a long list of possible mods., with only certain ones needed for certain markets.
Re: Which assembly manual is best for an 85 TransAM
Wanna' waste as little time as possible and not have to deal with second guessing what your seeing in front of you compared to what the diagrams say ?? Get the HELM shop manual for an 85 Firebird !
IIRC the 85 Firebird got the newer style dash/interior, but still had most of the 84's wiring. I would advise staying away from the 82 data,... I KNOW that several of the C100 wires were 82-83 specific and several of the 82-83 Thirdgen systems are not compatible with other years. ( Speedo cables, Cruise system, Wipers, ect. )
The only way to be sure that the info your looking for will match your 85 - is to be looking at 85 specific info.