RIP John Haynes - creator of the Haynes Manual

[BruceK]

Automotive repair manual pioneer John Haynes has died.  In the days before the Internet searches (and how-to videos on YouTube) Haynes' detailed books became the go-to bibles that taught millions of regular people how to repair and maintain their own cars.  They became the first resource most amateur mechanics used to work on their vehicles.

Jalopnik has an article on his history and influence:  https://jalopnik.com/john-haynes-father-of-the-haynes-manual-and-raf-vetera-1832536467

I know some people like to mock the "reassembly is the reverse of disassembly" type statements in the Haynes manuals, but taking a broader view, I think the manuals deserve a lot of praise for de-mystifying the various systems of our treasured automobiles.   

My first Haynes manual was sitting the backseat when I bought my first Mini at 17 years old - and I still have the book.  The detailed instructions and b/w photos gave me the confidence to pull my Mini's engine and rebuild it on the floor of my parent's garage when I was 18.  It was also my first exposure to oh-so British phrases like "gently prise it, then using spanner whilst turning it in an anti-clockwise direction, ensure it remains proud of the renewed gasket".   You don't get stuff like that in a Chiltons!

I bet I have 4 or 5 different Haynes manuals for the Mini - each for different model year ranges of the car.   But it is my first manual, the one with the tattered cover, greasy fingerprints, and little notes I wrote in it decades ago that is my sentimental favorite. 

[gr8kornholio]

I've had one for every car I've owned.  Great write up, always love to learn the history of people and their inventions. 

[ADRay]

I've tried looking all over for a Haynes (or Chilton or anything) for my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. The only thing I've found are downloadable PDF books... not going to want to wipe my greasy hands off on my laptop.

[MPlayle]

They have all gone to downloadable pdf versions.  You have to search for a slightly older version still in the print format by checking at local parts stores for their physical inventory.  If it lists at Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts for a price of about $10, then it is the close-out of the printed version.

A 2015 Subaru may be pushing it to find the printed version - may be too new a model year.

[MiniManiac]

The only pic I have of my Haynes manual is from a time when MiniDave and I were installing my exhaust and new lights!!

[ADRay]

A 2015 Subaru may be pushing it to find the printed version - may be too new a model year.

The good news is, there is YouTube. I watched a video to do my brakes today.