Classic Car Electrics: Tips, techniques & step-by-step repair, restoration & maintenance procedures (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual) [Paperback]

Martin Thaddeus (Author)

Book Description

Series: Enthusiast's Restoration Manual | Publication Date: March 30, 2007

Although classic car electrical systems are notoriously idiosyncratic, temperamental, and difficult to work with, a key to keeping an older vehicle on the road is correct and regular maintenance of the "electrics." This book contains extensive, well-illustrated information for classic enthusiasts who wish to service, repair, or upgrade their cars. The combination of the basics of how and why things work, all in plain language, along with extensive color photos and diagrams, means that, with a reasonable tool kit, a little common sense, and this book, the owner should be able to tackle pretty much any electrical fault in any classic car as well as maintenance. Definitely a must-have for anyone who owns, or plans to own, a classic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Restored Cars, January 2008
Australian magazine
 
This book could be very helpful to you when restoring and maintaining your older car's electrics, it covers simple servicing to fault finding and has an in-depth coverage that is easy to understand. The book covers all models from the 1930s to the 1990s, it is packed with useful hints and tips, to keep your classic on the road and in peak running condition. Electrics are explained so that anyone can benefit. The book is British, so it is more acceptable to British sports cars, but useful for plenty of Aussie and USA makes. It is easy to read, so it is ideal for those wanting to learn this sometimes mysterious subject.

 

New Zealand Classic Car, October 2007-New Zealand magazine

Most of us suffer from the Penn McKay syndrome – when it comes to the electrical components of our classic cars, we simply wait for them to break down then trace the smoke back to the fault. This book may well supply the answer – providing clear steps towards ongoing maintenance and fault finding. Thaddeus doesn't assume all his readers possess sound auto-electrical knowledge, so starts with the basics and works up from there. In 16 well-packed chapters, the author looks at all the main electrical systems of a car – charging, ignition, starting, lighting and accessories. Well written and illustrated, this is the perfect book for the home handyman and a sure-fire cure for McKayitis. Recommended.

Australian Classic Car, August 2007

Is it a black art? To many, the science behind why your classic's electrics behave the way they do is a complete mystery. In this useful new British publication, it's all explained in plain English for anyone to read – and not just for cars from the UK

After an electrical overview, you are then taken through basic circuitry, presented in a straightforward and easy to understand format. Did you know that magnetism plays an important part in your car's electrics? Thaddeus gives a full explanation of why it does. He then identifies the five important systems that make up the electrical system. In case you're wondering, they are charging, starting, ignition, lighting and accessories. Each is set out in detail with plenty of colour photos to accompany the easy to read text. Examples of what can go wrong are also provided along with lots of handy tips. There are also chapters on instruments and fuses but nothing I could find tells you what to do when you have to let the smoke out. but for all models.

"Within the 96 pages, all aspects of most old cars' electrical systems are covered in a straightforward style and easy-to-navigate sections. A must for any enthusiast." – Classic Car Mart

About the Author

Martin Thaddeus was born in Crawley, England, in 1959, one of nine children. After 10 years in crash repair and salvage, Thaddeus chose to specialize in classic restoration, which appealed to his creative nature. Thaddeus has written two other classic car restoration books for Veloce.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Veloce (March 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903706645
• ISBN-13: 978-1903706640
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,393,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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