History Does anyone know when “Motors” Manuals started?

The oldest I’ve seen, and tried to buy on eBay, back when bids seemed real time in the mid ‘90’s, was like ‘31/‘32 to 30-something.
I’m not a collector, etc of any automobilia, but I still like looking through MoToRs manuals and reading the “how to” on stuff from the past.
Hey, I don’t have much of a social life

 

If you like that try to find some old automotive text books. I have a few ranging from the 30s to 80s. It's real interesting reading about some of the "cutting edge" technology -- some that didn't last long. Since they are text books and don't ***ume much basic knowledge they explain how things work much better than most manuals, sometimes even better than factory service manuals.

 

I was thinking of the manufacture of the “MoToRs”. I recall my dad had one that the cover was printed how I just spelled it. I have a few (same maker I think) but are “Motors” spelled not with alternate capitals.
ie the ones that have several makes in them.

 

It looks like the first edition of the MoToRs manuals came out in 1937, covers 1931 thru 1937. Sells for around $300 plus on the usual e-sellers.

 

I have one from around 1940 and an off-brand manual that is even older. Fascinating to read about cars that were long gone before WWII came around. The depression killed off quite a few.

 

And yet, you live in the "Cowboy Capitol of the World"?

 

I have a '35-'49 that my Dad found for me in the early 60s some time after I ( technically he) bought my avatar.

 

I apprenticed at "the best garage in town", according to the elders in Santa Clara back in '56.
Red Mayfield's garage had Motors, Chilton's, and other less heralded books of the times.
I read every issue of the IGO (Independant Garage Owners' ***ociation) magazine, even the past issues.
Owner Red would say, "Homework, Son?" I spent some time in the office, poring through related subjects on whatever I was scheduled to do, just for a 'pre-insight', like an X-ray in unfamiliar territory.

Someone on the HAMB said, "Information is a small burden to carry". No ****...

 

I don't know when they started producing manuals for sure but I have a MoToR's Flat Rate Manual that covers 1938 to 1948 and it says on the cover that it is the 21st edition.

 

I've got an eighth edition repair manual that covers 1935 to 1942. Printed in 1944.

 

Someone’s been on the Google machine

 

What I always appreciated about any of the motor's manual's, was the illustrations, that were very helpful in understanding the various parts and functions.

 

I’m pretty sure there is a 1935 model MoTors Manuel, in our old shop, to the left in this picture, on the ranch. I haven’t been in that shop, in several years!



Bones

 

Hey old buddy old pal let’s make a deal!

 

Let me get down there and check, may take me a few days, but I am kinda reluctant to sell any of my Dad’s stuff, we did a lot of work in that small shop! I pertty sure there is also a factory 1929 Chevy manual there.But this is all from memory! Lol





Bones

 

All good, I hoard my dads stuff that I’ll never use…need a set of Jakes for a small cam ***mmins? Lol.

 

No, all my ***mins are 8.3s and 5.9s. Do you really live in the “ Cowboy Capital of the World” ?





Bones

 

Just wondering, we have some big names here, the man that owned the ranch next to us was a World Champion and the town closest to us produced no less than four world champions, Checotah, Okla, as well as some shirts! Lol





Bones

 

Nah, but I have hauled several loads of soft fruit out of there.

 

No kidding? Heck, now I’m pissed you didn’t even stop to say hello!

 

I've got a 1945 but 8th edition which would fit with 1937 as an origin if they were published annually but doesn't quite jibe with Moriarity's two year earlier but 1 edition earlier book. Still, there was a war on which may have skewed things. Of the 30 manufacturers listed in my book, only eight survive today.

 

I've got a Motors from 1939 and a Chilton published January 1935, that's as far back as mine go. Most of these were bought for pennies at auctions, I routinely get crates of books for an opening bid of $5 or less and sell off what I don't need, usually come out way ahead.

Early Hollander books are what I'm currently after. I talked to a junkyard owner who's place had been in operation for decades/generations, he said he had Hollander interchange books back to the 30's and that he'd sell them because he's got a computerized system and doesn't use them anymore (the yard has almost all late models in it now) but I was never able to get together with the guy.

This thread is a good reminder that I should reach out to him again and see if I can get a deal done. That kind of stuff just is not on the internet anywhere.

 

@Squablow Somewhere I have an older Hollanders, covers the 30’s as I recall. I’ll see if I can dig it out for you this weekend.

 

My Grandad [ DON ],at his Flying -A station,5 bays an a side lot were all work space ,an full of jobs,with new jobs replacing completed as soon as one was done!. In the 1950s.
I got to work part time with Gramp's,pump gas,do oil n belts,tune-ups in my very early teens.
This was his go too,books cabinet. Were I learned how to look things up,like he did!!

 

I have a 1947 MOTORS that states its a 10th edition 1st printing.

 

When I find an old book like that and go thru it I always notice the grease and oil smudges thru the pages, let's me know its actually been used at one time in its life.

I find comfort in finding something that's actually been used, figure it would have some good stories to tell.

.

 

Got one for Christmas when I was about 13.. My brother lost it. Spent lots of time looking and reading. Much better reading than English cl***.

 

That's awesome! I have a couple but nothing that covers anything pre-war. If you wanted to sell that I would definitely be interested in buying it.