54 Shop Manual

[kaiserkid]

With all the talk about shop manuals I got to thinking, which manuals do I need for my 54 Manhattan? I don't really know. Can you help out there?

[joefrazer]

Kaiser-Willys did not publish a general shop manual for the 1954 model cars. Instead, there are a series of service bulletins that were issued to cover the changes from 1953.

In addition, they published a parts book as well as a supercharger specific manual. Both are fairly rare but do occasionally appear on sites like ebay.

[dpledger]

When I had a '54 the only tech info I was ever able to find was a 13 page  bulletin (K-W 229 I have a very poor copy, so could be a 3 instead of 9.) This was dated April 2 1954, and was mainly a list of specs, altho there is some technical guidance. I would suggest getting this, as it may be all there is. Mayhap others have found something additional? Otherwise, the 51 and 52-3 are the baseline.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

I guess you haven't gone through KFOCI HANDBOOK Version 5.0.  You will find ALL the Kaiser-Willys Service Bulletins listed in the 1956 Willys Motors index of current & previously issued items for 1954-55 Kaisers.  You will also find the Supercharger Manual and, if your car is equipped with factory type power steering, the Power Steering Service Manual.  The only thing not in the just released Handbook version is the green cover 1954 Kaiser Parts List. 

There was no regular shop manual issued by the factory for 1954-55 Kaisers...just the service bulletins that also will refer to portions of the 1952-53 Kaiser Shop Manual Supplement & the 1951 Kaiser & Frazer Shop Manual.   Jim Betts is currently scanning the 1951 book & a scanned version of the 1952-53 Supplement will soon be available from me.

[pnw_oldmags]

If the 54 Parts Manual is what you need it is already online

http://circlekf.com/kflit/PM/kwpm820.html
If you want to, we could consider putting all the Parts Manuals in the next Handbook.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Jim,  I would need file sizes to see if there is enough room to do it on 1 CD.

[pnw_oldmags]

The entire Parts Manual Folder is 2.5 GB.
The 54K Parts Manual Folder is 180 MB
Just the pdfs of the chapters is 100 MB the other 80 MB is the jpg scans of each individual page.
And 32 Parts Manuals are in the set.

[mbflemingkf]

"I guess you haven't gone through KFOCI HANDBOOK Version 5.0."

Hasn't made it to NC yet!? 

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Because of the number of envelopes involved we mailed the roster, the handbook CD & (if you get the paper version) the Bulletin in batches.  The last batch went to the post office the weekend of November 2-3.   All of them were mailed First Class to make sure any address changes NOT REPORTED TO THE CLUB or not making the mailing list in time got forwarded to new addresses or returned with address correction info.  Bulk class does not get forwarded (it gets tossed by the P.O. per regulations if not deliverable) in a timely manner (up to 6 weeks within the USA).

[kaiserkid]

As usual I did not receive the 5.0 Version handbook cd. Just like when I became a member of this club I did not receive any thing. Rebuilding my 54 has been a pain in the ***. Getting parts has been a problem and I'm ready to scrap the car. My parts supplier is in AZ and has not come through with many promised parts. I'm just venting because I'm upset with this project. Who do I contact about getting the 5.0 CD?

[mbflemingkf]

I contacted the club Secretary, Jennifer Dimmick, per the bulletin.  I haven't gotten mine either despite continuous membership for 32 years.  She said she's resend them to me next week.

So what parts for your 54 are you looking for?

Mike

[kaiserkid]

I looked up membership date and it's in March. I did send an e-mail to Barbara and hopefully things can get straightened out. As for parts I need sheetmetal, I need the piece between the rear window and the trunk lid, all the way across. Mine is swiss cheese in the weatherstrip channel.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Barbara has nothing to do with it.  Both of us stuffed envelopes, labeled and stamped off the list that the Club Secretary sent us.  She is the one who determines who should be on the list.  You need to get a replacement packet from Jennifer.

[kaiserkid]

I don't know who Jenifer is? Can you help?

[mbflemingkf]

kaiserkid, our President the the Club Historian have responded with the Club Secretary's information and how to contact her.

Sorry, I don't have the parts you need.  I have a 54 as well and would help you if I could.

You probably should advertise in the bulletin or contact some other members in your area; we have some long time members in WI.

Hope this helps...Mike