Great article, especially is it mentions the idea of the "half life of ... internet content ", something I have been interested in for years. Whilst it is already evident that previously published content can be lost at the push of a button / keyboard key, there are thankfully many people who are acting as information keepers and are more than willing to share this knowledge. You just have to ask. Car clubs are the key as they consolidate enthusiasts with the passion and knowledge and are happy to help like minded people. In the UK, the VSCC is a good example. They have a comprehensive library, that continues to expend as members donate books, magazines and brochures. Plus their membership has a wealth of knowledge, especially on pre-war cars (and in some cases pre 1st world war) a lot of which has been gained first hand as generations have maintained old cars bought by fathers and grandfathers. In addition there is a thriving community of businesses that are preserving old technologies. A good example is a company selling old reconditioned magnetos - they have a wealth of knowledge and are more than willing to help solve problems. That's just one example, but as many car clubs have forums and chat rooms where information can be be exchanged, its relatively easy to find out where to get hard to find information, or at least a lead that will set you on the right road to finding what you are looking for. So, in conclusion the answer is a hybrid one. Use the internet to search possible sources of information and then once you have found the source, revert back to old fashioned methods, i.e. read books in the "specialist" libraries that do have them, plus get in touch and talk to like minded enthusiasts. Also, get out and visit any car show or autojumble and you will find people with the knowledge willing to help. As I said, its a hybrid approach. Spend all your time trying to find information on the internet and you will end up frustrated that you can't find what you were looking for. Who knows, talk to your next door neighbour as there is the remote chance they may be an expert on magnetos and you didn't even know.
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