The Car Builder's Handbook: Tips and Techniques for Builders of Kit Cars and Street Rods (Paperback)

by Doug McCleary (Author) "our budget and mechanical skills should dictate the sort of car you build, but of course, your taste in automobiles will have the greatest influence..." (more)
Key Phrases: scoop floor, main hoop, axle damper, Borg Warner, Limp Home, Specialty Power Windows (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With the basic tips, techniques, and background information you need to make every project a success, this guide includes sections on Planning, Chassis, Powertrain and Drivertrain, and Interiors. Perfect for anyone engaged in a partial or ground up kit or street rod project, or anyone who wants to improve his basic automotive skills.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: HP Trade; 1st edition (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557882789
• ISBN-13: 978-1557882783
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #738,908 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Handbook is a bit strong, Subtitle is much better., October 3, 2001

By	"gonzo_442" (CHERRYVILLE, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Easy to read, ample pictures, and clear concise language. Recommended for those who are looking at getting into kitcars/hot rods or those just starting off on a first project. It touches base on the different systems of a car, enough specifics to let you get a feel, though it's a bit too general for helping out in the tight spots of specific cars.
As mentioned, handbook is probably a bit too strong a word to use for this book. The subtitle, however, points in a much better direction. This book covers those little things that you would usually only learn after your first time. It tries to impart that little bit of wisdom and experience to the reader. My copy was published in 1997, so one or two things don't keep on the cutting edge of the industry, but then most people who would find this useful aren't going to have a state of the art garage either.
Definately a good addition to the garage library for those interested in working on cars from the ground up, and looking for a helpful guide.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for first time builders, June 7, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews

I am getting ready to build a Cobra replica and I found this book very useful. Although this will be my first kit car, I have restored about a half dozen cars from jeeps to mustangs to impalas. Really good advice for beginners

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for one who is building a car from the ground up., May 16, 1999

By	B. Gorski (South Bend, Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is a very good book for someone who is interested in building a car from the chassis up. It gives a good techniques on suspension and brakes. It also gives points on some mistakes others have made and trys to steer you clear of them. I have built several kit cars and this time I am building the frame and suspension. The book does not add too much help for one who is just putting a fiberglas body on a donor car. The instruction manual from the manufacturer would be much more valuable.