How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod, Revised Ed. [Paperback]

Mike Bishop (Author), Vern Tardel (Author), Steve Amos (Author)

Book Description

Series: Motorbooks Workshop | Publication Date: October 1, 2000

Build your own flathead roadster just as it would have been built in the 1950s! Using a 1929 Ford Model A, this guide follows its construction from start to fantastic finish. Bishop begins with a wealth of expert advice on planning your project, finding traditional parts, and acquiring the tools, time, space, and services needed. From frame, front suspension and steering, to brakes, engine and transmission, Bishop's expert approach is fully illustrated with specially commissioned photos and line drawings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ol’ Skool Rodz, May 2007

“What makes the book so valuable is the way that Bishop and Tardel explain to the reader not only what they are doing, but the logic behind the decision to do each different aspect of the car a certain way. From picking an intake manifold to deciding on the proper brakes and even choosing the best Flathead block, Vern Tardel’s many years of experience in building Ford hot rods is free for the price of a softbound book … Thinking about building a hot rod? This book is a great resource.”

About the Author

Motor journalist Mike Bishop grew up in Southern California making his life-long involvement in hot rodding and racing inevitable. He has been an editor for Do-It-Right Publishing, Clymer Publishing, American Rodder Magazine, and has contributed to a number of Hop Up Magazine issues.

Product Details

• Paperback: 167 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; First edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760309000
• ISBN-13: 978-0760309001
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Classic Cars
  • #19 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Customize
  • #23 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > History

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of it's type, September 24, 2000

By 

Jay Carnine (Visalia, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod, Revised Ed. (Paperback)

The Bishop/Tardel "How to Build a Traditional Hot Rod" is the very best book of this genre that I have seen.

It's chock full of good clear photos and captions that explain exactly what's going on.

As well as accurate measurements. Something not found in most other books.

It's apparent that Bishop and Tardel put a lot of extra effort into this book and you'll find it to be quite detailed.

Even if you're building a modern style roadster or coupe, there's a lot of valuable information in this book that can apply.

And at the least make you appreciate hot rod history in a manner not seen to date.

Bishop and Tardel are a couple of guys who have been there and done that and if this book doesn't make you want to start building a traditional hot rod I'd be surprised.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be called "As Good As It Gets.", August 4, 2002

By 

AJ Elias (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod, Revised Ed. (Paperback)

I bought this book, then I bought a Model A. This is the only modern book I've read that can gives the reader a strait forward guide to building an real hot rod circa 1950. The correct wheel choices, banjo rear ends, Naugahyde! No Chevy 350s or billet here! Bishop & Tartel show you how the old timers did it, and then how to do it right.
I use it as a reference book and take everywhere. It's the basis for my A-V8, I couldn't build as good a period car without it. The pictures are captivating, the diagrams are totally right on. If I didn't feel as strongly about this book I wouldn't be writing this review.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Real Hot Rodders, March 19, 2006

By 

Hot Rod Don (So Cal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod, Revised Ed. (Paperback)

This book is very well done. It is mainly a one style book of ideas and those opinions and style come from the Bay Area of California so they may not exactly jive with So Cal or East Coast or anywhere else, but the info is very useful and well written. Don't necessarily agree with things like the stock 32 center cross member (too hard to change trans) or statements about the strength of stock trans and rear axles (have broken both with 304" flatty). Overall highly reccomended for Real Hot Rodders, if you aren't sure of the difference, look in the trunk - if there are tools, it's a Real Hot Rod, if there are only lawn chairs, it's a Street Rod.