aaddpp

Often I see the service manuals listed on eBay, and they sell for around $300.
I was able to download a set of PDF files for free online. I am wondering is there some benefit to having the paper manuals?

Dave

Landseer

The advantage to paper manuals is they can be easier to search and page through, more user friendly, more portable. I have a set of early manuals the covers through 84 and this helps me, having 2 X 84 cars. If you have money, by the whole set, something like 9 vols, and make sure they are not just xerox copies.

But the real deal for me is the $100 set of CD's that Morehouse makes available via Rog100. Unbelievable utility for me in the supplemental dealership service documents that are included.
The WSM, wiring diagrams and PDFs of the PETs are included also and easy to use.
Best money I've spent yet.

jayc67

Collectibility. I bought a set just to have them, along with all the other goofy stuff; sales brochures, etc. Just more authentic "stuff".

I want an original TB tool for the same reason, just more collection stuff. Won't pay the going rate for one though

The PDF version is better for actual use since you can print them and not worry about getting them filthy.

Rob Edwards

+1, my set looks pretty on its shelf in the garage, but the Morehouse CD's, RL writeups and general good advice here are the bread and butter.

the flyin' scotsman

I have the hard copy 9 vol set WSM as well as hard copy supplements, GTS wiring diagrams and several MY books. I almost never open them.

Jims CDs are truly fantastic and are a must for 928 ownership and there maintenance.

LGL

You can print out a set from the CD. I like to peruse on the couch so I took the time to print.

dr bob

The printed JM PDF wiring diagrams suffer a little in the printing process here, making some of the tiny numbers difficult to read. That's about the only reason I dig out the paper copies. I can read the PDF's OK on the screen generally, but something gets lost in the translation to the printer. I'm printing them to tiled B-size sheets too. Can't anyone help this poor man??...

SeanR

I'm the opposite on most.

I've not used the CD's since I got the full paper manuals.

WallyP

I have both the paper volumes next to the computer, and Jim's excellent CD's on the computer. I turn around and grab the paper set several times a week, use Jim's CD's for all of the great additional info, such as changes by year. Nice to have both.

dr. bob - several years ago, one of the folks was going thru the wiring diagrams and putting them into a CAD program, with actual wire colors. He promised me a set, but they haven't shown up yet. That would be great to have...

dr bob

Wally, I've done a few of the '89 sheets. As you can imagine, it's tedious work, and takes about a day per sheet with checking. Each wire color/combotakes a while to build too, part of the fun. The CAD sheets are a whole lot easier to read though, and they are layered by system on each sheet so the subject system stands out or can be printed separately from the page. Did I mention that it takes a day per sheet?

WallyP

And your point is?

jmrjames

Please provide the link for the free pdf's

fraggle

I search my CD, but if I need something "better" I use the paper because the scan's just aren't perfect, especially for wiring. I don't have the REAL 9vol manuals (though I have other 'collectable' bits, tech updates, etc.!!!) though I want them!!!

blown 87

I printed a set up on 13X19 paper to keep in the car, big enough for a old guy like me to read.
It has saved me once when the shifter cable broke and I needed to figure out how to start the car with it in third from the 14 pin connector. (thanks to Sean for posting that tip)

Ducman82

i just picked up a set of WSM off of ebay. i like to be able to flip thru the pages in stead of scrolling. i dont have a computer in my garage.....