1960s Difference between Fisher body manual and shop manual.('67 DeVille)

[Rhodes]

Can those with experience explain what different tasks these two manuals accomplish and why I might need both?

I don't mind buying both as long as they have a purpose. Thank you very much.

[Julien Abrahams]

I have both (from '54, '66 en '67) so I have an idea of the difference. The main difference is that the shop manual mainly focusses on things like engine, transmission, electrical system, brakes, suspension, all specific for Cadillac. The body by Fisher manual focusses on the body and is more general (next to Cadillac models, all GM body styles are covered). This manual focusses on subjects that are related to the body. For example, doors, window regulators, bootlid or the convertible top mechanism.
Hope this gives some insight.  I could send you a digital copy of the content pages from both, perhapse that helps as well.

[Clewisiii]

Also someone can explain how these manuals merged over the years.

For 61 it was all in one manual. Other then the line Assembly Manual which is basically worthless.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Also someone can explain how these manuals merged over the years.

If you think that's bad....
There is no 55 manual. You buy the 54, and there is just a thin 55 supplement.

[Warren Rauch #4286]

 Fisher Body couldn't seem to make up its mind how to get repair information to the shop. They were bought by GM mid 1920s. The first manual 1927 was for Cadillac-LaSalle. Then  from 1928-1930 they issued monthly "Fisher Body Service Bulletins". These were combined into a book in 1931,and a supplement issued for 1932.In 1934 a new book was printed to cover up to 1934. Likewise in 1935-6,1937-8,1939-40. About 1936-7 they started printing "Fisher Body Service News" exactly how often I don't know (at least 22 issues).  Volume2 is from 1939.  Volumes3-8 were (1940-1-2-5-6-7).
   Then it was dropped until 1950. volumes 9-15 were 1950-1956. Canadian editions ,same title volumes 1-5 (1951-1955) were different since they had different cars. Both publications had in common that they applied to specific models. Only dealers for the models covered would get the issues.  Example 1954 .Issues 4&8 were Cadillac also numbered Cadillac 1&2.
  During the 40s , Fisher also issued books on 1941 models,then reissued for 46,and useful up 1949 series 75. They also had a C-body book for the new 1948-9 models.
  From 1949-1964 body repair was covered in Cadillac shop manual. And the Fisher Body  Service News up to 1956.
  In 1965 Fisher issued a body book just for Cadillac.
  From 1966 to 1988 ,Body repair was combined in Fisher Books for all their models. Except 1976 Seville,got its own. And 1979 E-Body, its own.

Warren