Do-it-yourself car restorer Tom Benford walks readers through everything they need to know about finding classic cars, assessing their value, finding parts, deciding on replacement parts versus originals, and estimating completion time. From setting up the workshop to putting the finishing touches on the final coat of wax, this guide offers tips and step-by-step instructions for repairing everything from brake pads to door dings.
No matter if you're a beginner contemplating the restoration of your first old car or a seasoned expert with your own shop, the STANDARD GUIDE TO AUTOMOTIVE RESTORATION has information to help you. It gives general to specific details on the processes of restoration arranged by automotive system, plus suggestions to efficiently and economically accomplish your restoration goals.
This book provides expert insight into the tools, materials, techniques and procedures for professionally completing a muscle car restoration. It covers instrument panel and dashboard restoration, electrical system restoration, steering wheel, steering column and pedal restoration, firewall pad. And you afford insight and expert guidance for restoring carpet, headliners, doors, door panels, glass restoration or replacement, convertible top restoration, and upholstery replacement vinyl and leather seat repair. While many books have provided a chapter or section on muscle car interior restoration, no other book has been entirely dedicated to the process of restoring the interior.
This comprehensive guide will help you through the entire process, from engine repair to bodywork. Don't begin that restoration project without Porter's professional techniques.
Put the brakes on costly car bills. The Complete Idiots Guide to Auto Repair Illustratedcovers everything readers need to know about their automobiles, from the tires up. Tailor-made for true novices, it shows them how to make some of the most basic repairs themselves nd teaches them enough to feel confident that theyll never be taken for a ride by a mechanic again. More than 300 easy-to-understand illustrations and a 50-page self-diagnosis guide organized for quick identification of what s wrong New- and used-car warranty information Step-by-step illustrated instructions on how to conduct routine maintenance An overview of how each system steering and suspension, cooling, electrical works
Now in updated, revised and enlarged format, a book written for the home restorer who, until now, lacked the confidence to tackle bodywork. With specially devised techniques which don't rely on workshop plant, this work spans the gap between professional and amateur. The text is readable, the photos bright and the instruction clear. A real boon for the enthusiast.
Real Projects from Real Shops Old Cars Weekly has again opened the garage doors of some of the best auto restoration shops around to bring you our Auto Restoration Guide Vol. II. From brakes and differentials to carpet, rust repair, and even pinstriping, find out how the professionals do the job. Do-it-yourselfers of all levels will learn: • Fender and panel alignment • Patch panels • Bleeding brakes • Sheet metal repair and bodywork • Upholstery basics • Tips for trailering an old car • Crate engine advice • And much more
The standard reference for automotive restoration in a single volume! Do you want to learn the best approach to paint and body work, engine re-machining, or complex suspension and electrical system projects? With a unique approach that combines theory and practice, Matt Joseph covers all the bases in this exhaustive restoration guide. Inside you will find: More than 1,000 full-color photos depicting every step of the restoration process Tips on avoiding the mistakes that can ruin a rebuild project Complete descriptions of all automotive components: engine; body and chassis; and electrical, exhaust, brake, and suspension systems You won't find a more complete collection of expert advice, great color photography, and informed writing anywhere else. Originally published in 2005, Collector Car Restoration Bible remains the most comprehensive, authoritative text available to novice and expert auto restorers. Matt L. Joseph, a nationally recognized automotive authority, has taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin and served a two-year term as president of the Society of Automotive Historians. Matt's passion for automobiles and automotive history dates from the 1950s when he and his father began restoring cars. He has published over 1,600 articles on a wide variety of automotive topics and worked as an associate editor for Skinned Knuckles (1983-2005) and Cars & Parts (1987-1996). In addition to his broadcasting, consulting, writing, and speaking activities, Matt has sold rights to his automotive inventions. He owns and operates MATTCO, a small automotive research and consulting firm. Matt's most recent books are Automotive Body Work and Rust Repair and Sheet Metal Forming and Fabrication. He is currently working on a metal cleaning book.
"The worst thing a customer can do is put the keys on the table and tell the mechanic, 'Fix it.' It's like giving him a blank check." - Lisa Christensen A huge purchase and commitment, cars are more complex and expensive to maintain and car owners are becoming less involved in their maintenance and repair. Written by a licensed mechanic and diagnostic specialist, Clueless About Cars explains in simple terms how to deal with car maintenance and repair. This user-friendly book describes the major systems of the automobile, what can go wrong and how to prevent breakdowns. Step-by-step instructions are provided for do-it-yourself basic automotive repairs and engine maintenance. The chapters covering safety provide vital advice on: Tires Brakes Suspension Steering Dealing with emergencies. The book translates automotive jargon into clear language and explains what owners can realistically do for themselves and when to see a mechanic. A separate chapter is devoted to revealing tricks of the trade. Also included are suggestions on how to understand a mechanic and how to buy or sell a car. Filled with amusing anecdotes, Clueless About Cars is written for both novice car owners as well as experienced drivers who want a better sense of control.