42 replies to this topic

[MrBounce]

"Refitting is the reversal of removal"

 

Uh-huh. So I need to soak it in Plus gas and then hit it with a hammer a lot, but in reverse?

 

To be fair i would not be without my book. It's a very useful referral tool, especially as my wi-fi does not reach the garage...

[blacktulip]

i think the haynes manual is very good. much to some argument. although i think its sometime better to ask people with experience as there have been many ways to improvise since these books have been printed.

[Tamworthbay]

"Refitting is the reversal of removal"
 
Uh-huh. So I need to soak it in Plus gas and then hit it with a hammer a lot, but in reverse?
 
To be fair i would not be without my book. It's a very useful referral tool, especially as my wi-fi does not reach the garage...

as its the reverse, you obviously need to place the hammer on the part and draw back swiftly, suck up the plusgas with a straw, put the blood back in to your thumb, get the nut back from out of the depths of hell where they always roll to when you aren't looking. All while saying kcuf a lot.

[The Matt]

What are you going to use if you don't get one?

How do you think we rebuilt and serviced our Minis back in the 70/80s?

 

Well, he could use the internet.  I mean, there's a forum you're posting on here that has a load of technical information about Minis on it.  It's not the 70s/80s any more and times have changed.  There's a wealth of free information out there.

 

In all honesty, though.  My Dad used to collect Haynes manuals and I've kinda carried on with the tradition, so I do enjoy buying them.  I wouldn't say they are 100% necessary now, but they do have their uses.

[Coxie]

I have a few but find my original workshop manual much more helpfull

[HarrysMini]

I have three different ones and I can't say I look in them very often. If you are going to get a manual, get an original workshop manual (Rover or BMC), far more detailed with much better illustrations. 

[MiniGrin]

Well worth it, always nice to have for repairs and finding out how to get that daft part out, BUT don't jack up the way it says, always use the strong corners of the subframe. Doing it the way Haynes recommend - onto the sills - is a bit risky, easy can bend and buckle them, or worse if they are rotten.

[Fast Ivan]

I have and use the Haynes manuals, and like harry I also use the rover/bmc manuals a lot

either way you need some sort of manual

[surfblue]

I buy them for all the cars i own and find them invaluable, amassed quite a collection now.

There isnt one for my VW Tiguan yet 

[1330RG]

Worth there weight in gold. Very useful, and as others have said there was once a time when internet and forums were not around for some of us. I have a haynes, the yellow book, a classics restoration guide, and some original old workshop manuals. All very useful.

[Steve G]

As suggested the earlier Haynes manuals are better for getting info on more technical bits of the car. Later versions were dumbed down and often suggest getting a specialist to do something rather then letting you know what you need to do to sort it out yourself.

 

There are other makes of manuls for older Mini 's as well such as Intereurope and Autopress as well as the Mini restoration book that Haynes did. 

 

I don't think you can have too many really as there is always the odd bit covered in one that isn't in another.

[Deev]

Well, he could use the internet.  I mean, there's a forum you're posting on here that has a load of technical information about Minis on it.  It's not the 70s/80s any more and times have changed.  There's a wealth of free information out there.

 

 

Hmm - maybe - and the Technical sections of forums such as this are very useful - but if you want to know how to do a particular job when the sun comes out one Sunday afternoon you don't want to be logging on, posting a question then waiting around for someone to perhaps respond... you want to get your Haynes out and roll your sleeves up :)

[Mini Waco]

While I do not have my car yet (soon to purchase), I have purchased two and have been reading through them.  So far, I would think they were a must, but then I don't have the wisdom/experience most of you guys have.  I have both the Haynes Service and Repair Manual and the Haynes Restoration Manual.  I"m currently using the books to become much more familiar with everything from body, interior to wiring.  Therefore, once I receive my Mini, I will have a general working knowledge.  Then once restoration begins, I will use the books as well as the experience here on the forum and wherever I can find information pertaining to the specific topic.  I would say the books are a must.

[Fire shell]

Def worth buying one, I take mine to work for lunch time reading. A lot more informative than "The Sun".

[Darwinism]

Don't get the latest dark blue one though, it's utterly useless. The light blue one is very common, and therefore very cheap, and seems the best of the bunch unless you have an SPi or MPi.

Sorry to drag up a whole thread. I'm looking for a manual that I can buy on the high street today. Does anyone know what he means by 'unless you have a SPi or MPi', I have a '99 MPi and I'm not sure which to get. Coolant blew last night, pressure related, probably the gasket, need to know how to remove it properly for skimming, sure it will come in useful for many other things too. Bought the car 4 days ago - here we go :)

 

Thanks