Got Haynes manual but not that impressed. any others?

[arnaud111]

Hiya,

Ive bought myself the Haynes manual for my midget 1500, but im not that impressed by it! I'm really quite thick and need loads of nice diagrams etc (which the haynes does not). Whats the best manual to get? Someone on this forum mentioned Bentley manuals, are they any good; and are they avail in the UK?

thanks once again

arnaud

 

[Bret]

I’m a MGB guy and like you have not been all that impressed with the Haynes manual either. This prompted me to look into “The Complete Official MGB 1975-1980” workshop manual published by British Leyland Motors and am quite satisfied with it. This manual has the Driver’s Handbook and the Workshop Manual.

Anyway I just checked and it looks like there are at least three workshop manuals available for Midgets & Sprites put together by British Leyland. I suggest you look into acquiring one of these.

1) The Complete Official MG Midget 1500: 1975-1979. ISBN 0-8376-0596-2
2) The Complete Official 1275cc Austin-Healey Sprite/Midget: 1967-1974. ISBN 0-8376-0127-4
3) The Complete Official 948cc and 1098cc Austin-Healey Sprite/Midget: 1961-1966. ISBN 0-8376-0023-5

Best of luck.

Bret

 

[Gary Mills]

I agree with Bret. I have both and the latter is better for my MGB

 

[arnaud111]

Thanks for the posts chaps! One problem though, I've tried to look for "The Complete Official MG Midget 1500" book on amazon.co.uk and a few others, but none seem to have it.

Any idea if its avail in the UK and how much?

thanks!

 

[Bret]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by arnaud111:
Thanks for the posts chaps! One problem though, I've tried to look for "The Complete Official MG Midget 1500" book on amazon.co.uk and a few others, but none seem to have it.

Any idea if its avail in the UK and how much?

thanks!<hr></blockquote>

I found two sources you might want to check out. Mind you they both seem kind’a pricey to me.

The first: Motolit.com ( https://www.motolit.com )
.
The Complete Official MG Midget 1500: 1975-1979, by British Leyland Motors 1855201690Price: $59.95Our price: $53.95. Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days.

https://www.motolit.com/comofmgmid15.html

The second was found listed on this UK web page https://www.classic-spares.com/item17.htm

Price: GBP21.95 (US $???)

Anyway this was all done searching on yahoo and there where too many other hits to list. What I did was only list “Midget 1500” and “manual” and got all kinds of hits.

Lastly another option depending on how soon you’d like to get this – is to check on Ebay from time to time to see if any thing is available. Never know you might save some money that way.


Again best of luck,

Bret

 

[Andre the Giant]

Another good source of these books is at half.com. I found my 79 Midget workshop manual there for around 5 bucks. It's used, but not near as much as I've been using it!

 

[arnaud111]

Thanks guys! I live in the UK so I would like to buy it over here (so to save on postage)!

How does it compare with the Haynes manual? Is it heaps better?

 

[William]

I think the "Complete Official etc. etc." workshop guide (a reprint of the original MG shop manuals) are published by Robert Bentley, and they do a range of cars IIRC. Moss and Victoria British used to carry them. They are fantastic, much better than Haynes manuals-I have a Haynes for the Miata, and while not a bad book, it's not as complete as the Bentleys for the MG. Haynes biggest advantage (at least with the one I have) is loads of clear photos showing connectors, drain plugs, etc. Good for basic maintenance, bad for serious projects.
-William

 

[Bret]

Good point. I too like the pictures in the Haynes manuals. While I prefer the “Official MGB” workshop manual over the Haynes, I feel that used together side by side they compliment each other rather well. It’s not uncommon to see both manuals laid open on my workbench.

I also have the Haynes for my 2000 Dodge Intrepid and my wife’s 95 Explorer and am satisfied with these for the most part. However I don’t get as “involved” with these daily drivers as I do with my 78B.

Bret