I am trying to figure this whole thing out, and the wiring diagrams in the Chassis Service Manual, aren't all that forthcoming with information. The diagrams are very detailed, but there is no written info explaining how these circuits function. I am not getting it, and I need some expalnation on how these things work, and perhaps how to read these diagrams correctly. Anybody know of a good book to help me out? I am a blockhead when it comes to this stuff.

Having someone show you and experience are the best teachers. After you know the simple basics, you can learn a lot right here in this forum and using the search function. For tools, you have to have a good volt/ohm meter to do anything. Read this for starts,
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52732