Reply To: Do any service manuals exist?

[Gregory Long]

Hello Mark. Welcome to the PAS.

As Ed stated above, there were no service manuals written. The factory sent out Service Bulletins regarding and factory known issues and the ‘official’ repair of same. This is where our ‘Service Bulletins’ come from. About 1/2 or more of the Service bulletins are reprints of Pierce Arrow Factory bulletins.

There were illustrated Parts manuals published, I have heard ‘rumors’ that there was one published for the 1931 year, but the latest one I have is a 1930 version. There are only a few differences between ’30 and ’31. One being a ’31 Model 43 has a direct gear-to-gear driven camshaft. All other 8 cylinder Pierce engines had chain-driven camshafts.

The closest to a service manual will be the oldest printing of ‘Motors Factory Shop Manual’. This publication by the Hearst publishing company covers most cars in production at the time of printing, and goes back about 4-5 years. I have a 1941 edition in front of me, it is a ‘Fifth Edition’, First Printing, copyright 1940.

This ‘manual’ offers a mere 6 pages of specifications, and techniques for Pierce Arrows starting with 1935. And of course the few 1938 cars were the last produced.

I have a ‘Fourth Edition’ that has some information on the 1932 and later cars. But that is the oldest version I have ever found.. I wonder if there really was a First Edition, Second Edition and Third Edition? There were often many printings of certain versions.

I’ve always wanted to find an early edition and see if there is any info on say, ’27-’30 cars.

As Ed mentioned, asking questions on this message forum will get you many answers from experienced Pierce owners and owner/restorers. Personally I find actual, hands-on information much better than something written by a editor/publisher.

If you do not have a copy of the Automobile Quarterly publication 28-4, it was the only AQ published on a single Marque. There is a lot of information available in this illustrated book. I have several that I offer for sale, just email me if you want one.

Another great way to learn and experience the Pierce Arrow Society is to attend local/regional events [a few ] or come to the Annual Meets. [shameless plug] : This year’s meet is in NE Indiana, June 11-15th. Located in Indiana’s Pokagon State Park, which has a wonderful resort hotel: The Potawatomi Inn.

At Annual meets, you will get to see a selection of Pierce Arrow cars, trucks, bicycles, and talk with their owners. I’m sure there will be a Model 43 or two in attendance.

You can reach me best via email: [email protected]

Hope this helps.. and hope to meet you in Indiana this summer !!

Greg Long