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08-22-2012, 04:32 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member 
1983 34' Limited
Wheat Ridge
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 71
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Service manual vs. Owners manual
Ok so I will buy both eventually but am wondering what you all think about which one I should have first. I am leaning towards the service manual as that should provide the most information on parts and what to do. I have never actually seen the owners manual though. If they are typical it will tell me how to open the door and turn on the light! While I want one to have around it seems they are more for nostalgia then actual usefulness. Anyone with one disagree?
Matt
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08-22-2012, 04:35 PM
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#2
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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Why wait? Get them both. If you have to start with just one, yes, I would choose the SM too.
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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08-22-2012, 05:12 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Sunnyvale
, California
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,894
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I think you'll find in that vintage they are one manual. Our '88 came with 3" silver binder, including user instructions, and general maintenance instructions ranging from adjusting shower valves to draining water lines and cleaning refrigerator flue.. Stuffed into binder were manufacturer manuals and service informatoin, including parts lists, for everything else, including appliances, antenna, plumbing and water heater, etc...
__________________
Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference... 
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08-22-2012, 05:54 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
1983 34' Limited
Wheat Ridge
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 71
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So from the factory they had both then? I am guessing you received both together. Airstream now sells each seperatly custom printed per order.
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08-22-2012, 05:59 PM
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#5
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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I have both for my 1975. They both come in handy, but the Service Manual contains more information on the bits and pieces. If I were you I would just go ahead and pony up for both. It will save some grief in the long run.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going 
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08-22-2012, 08:58 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member 
1982 31' International
Tishomingo
, Mississippi
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 18
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It varies from year to year. In 1982 the SM is all about fixing stuff and the OM is how to operate stuff. I needed both both because there is little overlap.
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08-22-2012, 09:08 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
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I have both.
You will find that they don't offer a 1983 Service Manual. They have 1982 and 1984. I chose the 1984 since my brother has a 1984 Excella.
I find myself using the Service Manual all the time.
I can't remember the last time I looked at the 1983 Owner's Manual. I'm not really sure where it is. The photos in the Owner's Manual are kind of fun, though, even if they are photocopies. It's good for remembering mega plaid bell bottoms and blow-dried hair with big sideburns.
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Vaughan
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08-22-2012, 10:03 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 685
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Feel lucky you can get one at all. I tried to buy one for my 2009 Flying Cloud and Airstream basically told me to pound salt.
__________________
The ability to follow instructions is highly underrated.
Always be wary of stupid people in large numbers.
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08-22-2012, 10:04 PM
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#9
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hhendrix
Feel lucky you can get one at all. I tried to buy one for my 2009 Flying Cloud and Airstream basically told me to pound salt.
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Try some of the dealers. Ours sells them near the waiting room: smart place to put them!
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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08-23-2012, 01:07 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
1983 34' Limited
Wheat Ridge
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 71
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Well thanks everyone. Will probably just buy the SM first. Working on a budget and have actual parts I need to buy as well. Will get the OM later for giggles!
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08-29-2012, 09:38 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
1983 34' Limited
Wheat Ridge
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 71
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Is the 84 service manual basically the same as 83 if I could get it?
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08-29-2012, 10:01 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyfishrra
Is the 84 service manual basically the same as 83 if I could get it?
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It's what I have. Your choices are an 82 or an 84.
I haven't found anything different from my 83 and the 84 manual.
__________________
Vaughan
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