Books for your MGA - other service and tech books

The MGA With An Attitude

MGAguru.com

BOOKS FOR YOUR MGA - page 3
OTHER SERVICE & TECH MANUALS:

"Lucas Fault Diagnosis Service Manual"
by Lucas Aftermarket Operations - Softbound 8-1/2" x 11", 44 pgs.

For professional technicians, but easily understood by the non-professional. Covers batteries, starters, ignition, dynamos and control boxes, alternators, lighting and wipers (but no other accessories). Decent explanation of how things work, and very good instructions for diagnosis and repair.

The only reason this one is not on my mandatory list is because most minor electrical repairs can be handled with information in the MGA Workshop Manual, some general elecrtical knowledge and common sense, and this level of detail is usually not required. Really good education for a cheap price though (about $7.95), so highly recommended reading.

"Lucas Generator And Control Box Tests"
by Lucas Aftermarket Operations - Softbound 8-1/2" x 11", 28 pgs.

Intended for the small business mechanic who may be required occasionally to diagnose and fix generator and control box faults.

Out of print, and presumably with copyright expired, you can download this in PDF format - (o/s 826KB - requires Acrobat Reader).

"A-Antics Tech Tips" by Michigan Chapter of NAMGAR
First edition 1983. Second edition 1988. Third edition 1991 (updated 1995). Softbound 246 pgs (3rd ed). After yeaars of being out of print and unavailable, the 3rd edition is back in print, and can be ordered direct from the Michigan Rowdies.

Put this on your wish list. This large manual is full of great technical information for the MGA enthusiast. The information is much gleaned from practical experience and reflects years of accumulation from many contributors. Everything from tires to tops, bumper to bumper, including MGB engine transplants, gearing changes, substitute parts, daily maintenance, emergency repairs, body work, paint, restoration. Not many photos, but lots of good sketches and drawings.

os - "The MG Series MGA 1500 Driver's Handbook"
os - "The MG Series MGA 1600 Driver's Handbook"
"The MG Series MGA 1600-MK-II Driver's Handbook"
"The MG Series MGA Twin Cam Driver's Handbook"
a BMC Service Publication. Paperback only, and thin. Should have been included with every car when new.

Nice introduction to the car for newcomers, then you never look at it again. Good for a concours car show. Right size for the glovebox, except the MGA doesn't have one, so it might end up kicking around the boot. If you carry it on the road, keep it in a plastic bag.

"Handbook for the MGA" by Piet Olyslager
Softbound 6" x 10", 80 pgs, B/W Illustrated.

The Peter Olyslager manuals were described, after considerable researsh by the International Commission on Automobile Documentation, as "The best automobile documentation so far in the world".

Out of print, and presumably with copyright expired, you can download this in PDF format - (o/s 3.93MB - requires Acrobat Reader).

"Owners Workshop Manual MG MGA & MGB 1955-1968"
Brooklands Books Ltd. Paperback.

Glovebox size shop manual, 185 pgs fine print. In addition to the standard MGA, this covers the basics of the Twin Cam engine. Also covers basics of early MGB cars with diaphram clutch, overdrive. Mostly mechanical, some electrical, not much about coachwork, and more limited than the factory shop manual. But it does cover most of the operating parts of the MGA, so it might help you out of a bind when traveling. If you use it a lot your eyes will go bad and the book will wear out. Good for the road trip if you zip it in the same baggie with the Driver's Handbook.

"MGA 1955 - 1962 Repair Manual" by Haynes
Hardcover or softcover.

Current reprint of the original Haynes manual covering the MGA between 1955 & 1962. It covers all the variations, 1489cc, 1588cc, 1622cc and even the 1588cc twin cam models.

If you have one of these, you may be excused (if you wish) from buying the factory workshop manual. This has more photos but fewer illustrations than the factory workshop manual. Nice book, but not a total substitute for the real one. We can still talk MG Tech, but be sure to mention which book you have in hand to avoid confusion over printing differences.

"MG Autobook Two" Autopress 1968
7 1/2 x 10 inches 184 pages.

A Workshop Manual for the MG, MGA, MGA2CAM and MGB.

At 11:39 PM 12/17/04 -0500, Jeff Allen wrote:
"I have one of these books. It is a 1973 reprint of the revised 1969 version. It's kind of cool because it was produced and printed in England. I think it is mainly nice to have as part of a collection. Most all of the illustrations seem to come from the BMC manuals and I'm not sure if there is anything in there that is unique. The original workshop manual or the Haynes MGA manual are probably the better things to have, along with the service parts list if you can get one."

"MGA/MGB Owners Handbook of Maintenance amd Repair "

Clymer Publications, Los Angeles, 1971 (4th printing), paperback, 7 3/4" - 9 3/4", 476 pages. Complete specifications. Covers all GT and Tourer Models, tune ups, engine, ignition, fuel system, emission control, clutch, transmission, drive shaft, rear axle, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, and drivers handbook. (Will not cover models after the printing date).

"MGA MGB 1956-1980" Clymer

Service repair handbook. 230+ detailed pages. 16 chapters covering MG'S years 1956 thru 1980.

"Tuning SU Carburetors, Including Full Needle Charts"
by Speed and Sports Publications Ltd. - 1968
Softbound 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 52 pgs, B/W Illustrated.

Out of print, and presumably with copyright expired, you can download this in PDF format - (o/s 1.66MB - requires Acrobat Reader).

"SU Carburetors Tuning Tips & Techniques: by Brooklands
"Also Covers All SU Fuel Pumps" for numerous classic cars.
Softbound and glovebox size, 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 192 pgs, B/W Illustrated.

"SU Carburetors, Automotive Repair Manual"
by A K Legg - published by Haynes

A detailed book on all models of SU Carburetors. 126 pages. lots of black/white photos

"Weber Carburetor Manual" by Haynes Manuals
"including Zenith Stromberg and SU carburetors"
Softcover. 344 pages.

Includes all popular Weber, Zenith Stromberg, and SU carburetors, including electronic and auxiliary starting devices. Step-by-step procedures and detailed illustrations guide you through every job.