one of the single BEST tip[s] i can give, is buy a Factory Service Manual. [FSM for short] that can answer a lot of questions you may have, plus, it will also have pictures to help guide you through many processes in the repair of most systems.
another plus to the FSM, is the fact most systems of 19xx will be the same for years before, and years after the published date, helping you on other vehicles you may encounter along the way.
most of these can be bought in CD form or printed, your choice, and compared to the information contained therein, absolutely stone CHEAP !
you will be amazed at what these contain.