SA508 How to Chop Tops A Pictorial Guide Hot Rodding’s Most Popular Modification

How to Chop Tops: A Pictorial Guide to Hot Rodding’s Most Popular Modification By: Tony Thacker Learn how to chop tops with advice from the experts!Today, the purpose of a chopped top on a hot rod is mostly to make a visual statement, but that wasn’t always the case. In the late 1930s, roadsters were considered to be real hot rods, while sedans and coupes were not considered to be race cars. Over time, sanctioning bodies began to accept sedans and coupes as race cars, which created the need for chopping tops. When competing in dry-lakes racing, the tall birdcages of cars that had not been chopped created an excessive amount of aerodynamic drag. Chopping the top increased the aerodynamic efficiency to the point that the coupes were competitive with the roadsters.Tops aren’t often chopped for those reasons today. However, when viewing the works of art that have been created by the best chopping masters, it’s clear that enhanced aesthetics is the only reason that is needed.Chopping a top may seem simple at first (especially if you think that old tops are mostly square), but it is not. The process of chopping a top severely alters the angles of the A-pillars, the intersections where metal meets at the C-pillars, and the rake and fitment of the glass.In How to Chop Tops, hot rod expert and historian Tony Thacker takes you through the process of chopping a top. Individual chapters feature a variety of chops that have been performed by the industry’s most talented fabricators. The most popular candidates for this modification are covered, including Ford Model As, Model Ts, 1932 3-window and 5-window coupes, 1933s, 1934s, and Shoeboxes. Featured industry experts include Rick Lefever, Evin and Justin Veazie, the Kennedy Brothers, Bobby Walden, Troy Ladd’s Hollywood Hot Rods, Rolling Bones, Roy Brizio, Cornfield Customs, Max Grundy, and more.Whether you want to give chopping a try or you just want to see how it’s done before hiring a professional, this book is a valuable addition to your library.Pages : 176Size : 8.5 X 11 (inches)Format : Paperback / softbackIllustrations : 610 color & 43 b/w photosPublisher : CarTechISBN : 9781613256053Product Code : SA508

SA178P How to Restore Your Camaro 1967-1969 Bodywork Chassis Interior Suspension

How to Restore Your Camaro 1967-1969 By: Tony Huntimer The photos in this edition are black and white. About 700,000 Camaros were built from 1967 to 1969. The first-generation Camaro has won a die-hard following and has become an iconic performance car. Camaros in excellent condition command very high prices, so many owners are compelled to perform a professional-grade original restoration. Since these cars are about 40 years old, many cars need second or third restorations, and as time goes by, these cars will continue to appreciate and require restoration. That’s where How to Restore Your Camaro 1967-1969 comes in. While some owners can afford to pay shops to perform a 100-point restoration for show car competition, many owners want to perform a faithful, detailed restoration themselves, so the car maintains its collector value and use it as a fun weekend driver. This book will serve those owners.A lead title in our Restoration Series, How to Restore Your Camaro 1967-1969 will provide in-depth, hands-on information and photography for restoring these popular and historically significant cars. It covers all aspects of restoration, including engines and drivelines, bodywork, interior and trim, suspension, brakes, chassis, and steering for the first-generation Camaros. Organization and planning will be covered, so restorers can stay on task. Disassembly, inspection, and sourcing the best parts will also be covered. This volume will deliver a concise and revealing overview of each subject area and shows the most critical aspects of the restoration process with sequential step-by-step photos and detailed captions. The most efficient techniques and best products for returning each component to like-new condition will be covered. With this information, owners will be able to determine what’s involved in each step of the restoration and decide whether to perform the work themselves or outsource it to a professional shop. Color step-by-step how-to information on Camaro restoration has never been offered in a package like this before. Finally, Camaro owners have the book they need.Pages : 176Size : 8.5 X 11 (inches)Format : Paperback / softbackIllustrations : 388 b/w photosPublisher : CarTechISBN : 9781613252246Product Code : SA178P

SA248 How to Restore Your C3 Corvette 1968-1982 Suspension Engine Interior Paint

How to Restore Your C3 Corvette: 1968-1982 By: Walt Thurn The Corvette is in a league of its own. As the all-American V-8 sports car, no other high-performance American car can match it for enthusiast interest, collectability, and in many cases, performance. GM has cranked out model after memorable model continuously from 1953 to present, with the only exception being 1983. During this time, the Corvette earned a fanatical following and iconic status. Over the course of 14-year production run of the third generation, more than a half-million Corvettes were built.Many Corvettes have been driven aggressively during their lifetime while others have not been properly stored nor maintained. Whether it’s hard use, neglect or just elapsed time, often these 30-years-old or older cars require a major restoration and not just simple repair. Through the pages of this book, you are expertly guided through each crucial stage of the restoration process from disassembly to inspection and parts selection to assembly. The hands-on restoration techniques for all major component groups are explained in exceptional detail for professional results, including suspension, engine, interior, body, paint, brakes, steering, electrical, and interior. Special coverage is devoted to restoring the birdcage frame and the fiberglass body. These restoration procedures are explained with extensive step-by-step captions and brilliant full-color photos so you confidently complete each step and ultimately the restoration of an entire car. In addition, the author addresses the real-world benefits and drawbacks of doing the work yourself. In addition, it will contain essential model information, VIN identification, powertrain and interior options and more. If you’ve been looking for the authoritative guide for restoring your 1968-1982 Stingray, then you’ve found it.There has been and will be a strong and flourishing restoration industry for the third-generation Corvette. Whether you’re an informed owner or skilled enthusiast, this book will provide an essential information source for those who want to restore this affordable Corvette model at home.Pages : 176Size : 8.5 X 11 (inches)Format : Paperback / softbackIllustrations : 493 color photos and chartsPublisher : CarTechISBN : 9781613250372Product Code : SA248

SA421 Restoration How to Ford Mustang 1964 1/2-73 Step By Step Body Engine Brake

Ford Mustang Restoration: 1964 1/2-1973 By: Dave Stribling Get valuable advice on how to restore your vintage Mustang!Production of the Ford Mustang, America’s most popular pony car, has been uninterrupted for more than 55 years. The popularity of the Mustang is what led to the pony-car class. The first generation of cars, from 1964-1/2 to 1973, is arguably the most beloved generation, selling more than a million cars in the first two years of production. They were sporty, affordable, and available with a wide variety of options to please a wide variety of customers.First-generation Mustangs are still very popular. They are plentiful and can be found at various price points and in various levels of condition for any potential restorer to acquire. There is an extremely robust aftermarket, so parts availability is never an issue.Mustang expert and author Dave Stribling shares his expertise in this restorer’s guide, covering all of the essential topics. The basics of acquiring a car, determining the restoration level that is desired, and the tools necessary for the job are included. Disassembly, prep for paint and body and reassembly are covered. Also, the suspension and braking systems, the engine and driveline, and the electrical and interior components are examined.This book is an ideal starting point that features a lot of great advice about how to achieve what you want from your restoration and the best path to get there. Whether you want to tackle all of the work yourself or you just want to be informed when hiring a professional to do the work for you, this book is a valuable addition to your Mustang library.Pages : 176Size : 8.5 X 11 (inches)Format : Paperback / softbackIllustrations : 536 color photos and chartsPublisher : CarTechISBN : 9781613254165Product Code : SA421