Paul,
I expect that every reply you get to this question will give you a
different answer - it certainly seems to have started a war already!
But here's a suggestion I haven't seen anyone else mention: Haynes, in
addition to their regular manual, also do a "Spitfire/Herald Purchase and
Restoration Guide". Whereas their regular manual describes how to
dismantle, service, and put back together all the major systems of the car,
the Purchase and Restoration Guide concentrates mainly on those things
which need to be done to restore an old car to its former glory. The first
part of the book deals with buying a car - the things to look for,
approximate costs of repairing things, etc. After that, it goes on to deal
with replacing bodywork, interiors, replacing soft-tops, engine overhauls
etc. - things which are completely missing from most manuals because
they're not part of a regular service, but are quite relevant now these
cars are at least 20 years old (and in many cases much older). There are
lots of photos of our cars, in various states of repair.
This certainly won't be the *only* manual you'll need - it would need to be
suplimented by the regular Haynes manual, or factory manual, or both, as
well as anything else you can get your hands on. But considering you don't
have a car yet, I'd say it's the best manual for your specific
requirements.
I can get you more details tomorrow if you want - let me know off-list
before 6pm GMT if you need more info. (Or let me know any time, and I'll
bring the book in to work the next day.)
Have fun!
Dean
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001 20:50:57 -0800
From: "Paul Cartwright" <pcart@willinet.net>
Subject: Manual for general knowledge.
I do not own a Spitfire, yet, and I do not have a lot of automotive
knowledge, yet. Which manual would be the best one to get for general
knowledge, Hanyes, Bentley, or The Factory Service Manual?
I would like to purchase one manual so that I can picture what you are
talking about, and see how things work. I will purchase the others when I
purchase a car.
I believe I am looking for plenty of drawings, photographs, and an overview
of the different systems on the car. I do not need very technical
information like the torque for bolts, etc.
Thank you,
Paul Cartwright
Ottumwa, IA
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