What's the worst that can happen if you were to text a friend "Heya mate, bit of a long shot - do you know anyone who can help repair a 1983 Reliant Robin?"

Best case, they know someone or can dig through their contact and help you solve your problem.

Medium case, they text back "No - has your shitbox died again? Can't believe you still have that thing :-)" and you can have a pleasant back and forth.

Worse case, you get a "no". Oh well, at least texts don't cost 12p each any more.

I just think it is nice to chat with your pals. But, sure, stick to scans of old manuals on Archive.org if you just want pure information.