Page 1 of 2
Manual storage
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 8:45 am
by Paddyofurniture
How do you store the manuals you read from time to time while working on your truck?
Do you the three ring binders or do you have a catalog rack like the parts stores used to have on the counters to look up parts in?
Paddy
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:22 am
by Lifer
I use plastic magazine storage "crates" for mine. You can get them in any office supply store and in any K-mart, WalMart, or Target "home/office" department. Cost is usually under $3.00, too.

Re: Manual storage
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:30 am
by Paddyofurniture
I had never though of the "crates" for manual storage.
That might work.
Thanks,
Paddy
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 12:29 pm
by Master Yota
I usually try to store them on a bookshelf in the house. When working on something, I'll peruse the manual in the house, use the scanner on the computer to "copy" the pages I need and then take those out into the shop. That way, the book stays clean and legible. I'll admit though, I have not had 100% success at keeping my shop manuals from migrating out to the garage, so I put a small book shelf out there to at least keep them somewhat clean and organized....

Re: Manual storage
Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:08 pm
by M37UK
I dont like taking the printed manual anywhere near where I'm working on the truck but I have an old PC
and monitor in my garage which I view the CD manuals on.
I can zoom in to any particular part I want to see more clearly too.
Works a treat and doesn't get grease and oil marks over the pages

Re: Manual storage
Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 2:40 pm
by Paddyofurniture
Stu,
That is a good idea but my garage in not heated or cooled and in North Catalina (in the States) the PC might not survive.
I enjoy reading the paper manual, it reminds me of my former life as a wheel mechanic in the US Army in Berlin Germany (1976 to 1980).
Thanks,
Paddy
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:02 pm
by M37UK
Paddyofurniture wrote:Stu,
That is a good idea but my garage in not heated or cooled and in North Catalina (in the States) the PC might not survive.
I enjoy reading the paper manual, it reminds me of my former life as a wheel mechanic in the US Army in Berlin Germany (1976 to 1980).
Thanks,
Paddy
Paddy, I enjoy reading my paper manuals too, (US and Canadian versions !!) but I mostly read them while relaxing to learn about bits and bobs on the truck. Once I have done my homework I head for the garage!
I have to have a heated garage or else the truck would be a popsicle for 6 months of the year!!

Re: Manual storage
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:12 pm
by Paddyofurniture
Stu,
I am glad I am not the only one that still enjoys the feel of old manuals.
Reading on a computer is good but paper is still "king".
I will have to put a heater in my garage, why let the cold weather keep me from my green toy.
Ed
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:26 pm
by cuz
I usually keep two copies of each common manual. One clean shelf copy in the house and one working copy in the shop. I keep the PDF files so I can quickly print a page or two or send a page to someone who has a question.
I think based on the big headed comments about the inaccuracies and uselessness of manuals on this web site that this reading thing may quickly go out of style and everyone will end up with a video phone and a hotline to North Carolina.

Re: Manual storage
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:21 pm
by Paddyofurniture
Wes,
I had never thought about two manual system.
One clean copy and one shop copy.
Need more manuals.
Paddy
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 6:34 pm
by cuz
I always keep the eye open for the bargains but I don't try to double up everything. Just the common basic manuals that we use a lot. I do try to maintain a complete set of PDF's for all my MV's and civvy stuff.
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 5:33 am
by Paddyofurniture
Wes,
Where is the best place to look for bargains on manuals?
Paddy
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 7:52 am
by cuz
Usually the best bargains are estate sales/auctions, garage sales, flea markets. car shows and MV shows in that order. The closer you get to our hobby the higher the prices get.
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:36 am
by Paddyofurniture
Thanks Wes,
I now know where to look.
Thanks,
Paddy
Re: Manual storage
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:31 pm
by Master Yota
cuz wrote:I usually keep two copies of each common manual. One clean shelf copy in the house and one working copy in the shop. I keep the PDF files so I can quickly print a page or two or send a page to someone who has a question.
I think based on the big headed comments about the inaccuracies and uselessness of manuals on this web site that this reading thing may quickly go out of style and everyone will end up with a video phone and a hotline to North Carolina.

Totally off topic, but I can honestly say that I do have a big head. The doctor had reason to measure the diameter of my skull the other day, and finally drove home the point why I can't find a hat that fits - 26.58" inches in circumference! Thats over 2/3rds. of a yard around! Or 67cm. in metric if you'd rather!
Guess that just means I've got an awfully big thought processor sitting overtop my big yapper...
Carry on, back to the topic at hand....
