Customer Reviews

MG Midget and Austin Healy Sprite, 1958-80 (Haynes Manuals)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The manual the other reviewer is obviously referring to is a reprint of the factory service and driver's manuals. (If that's not enough of a clue to identify it, you're out of luck...) Thus, it has all the original information. Definitely good to have.

HOWEVER, since it is the factory manual, it refers to all the dealership tools, most of which are unavailable, or are prohibitively expensive. This is where the Haynes manual shines. Since they base their manual on an actual disassembly and reassembly of the car, they can (and do) offer ways to do the job without the factory tools. I have them both, and refer to each frequently.

I don't understnd the problem with terminology. Both manuals use the same (British) terminology, and the Haynes has a "translation table". In any case, either one beats the equivalent Clymer or Chilton's.

I have this book and despite the occasional grease stain I have found it practically invaluable. I went through a complete engine/transmission/and rear end rebuild with out troubles. This book has conversion tables, linguistic translations and orignal specifications for the Midget. The amount of information in this book is well worth the price.

The Haynes' assume you know too much. They leave out certain important details on occasion and don't always identify all the parts they talk about with a diagram. If I wasn't already somewhat familiar with some of the terminology, in many cases I wouldn't have (and sometimes didn't) know what in the heck they were talking about. Really what is needed is a narrower scope and more than one book on the Sprite/Midgets. If you are serious about working on your Spridget, get a more complete official manual (hint). I won't be rude and say what the book is in this review, but Amazon carries this better one too.

Haynes manuals are always good and have saved me on many occasions from paying large workshop bills.
I just purchased a Bugeye Sprite from 1960 and the second thing I purchased was this manual from Amazon. Although I haven't used it yet, it's comforting to know its there if I have any problems.
Clear instructions with good pictures and fault diagnostic charts, anyone who's serious about working on their own car should'nt be without one.

Book is great, as always. Arrived ahead of schedule and in great shape. Thanks!