Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book has set me on fire! My late father Blair Reardon (an original Hot Rodder from the forties) planted the seed to build a Hot Rod in me when I was a child. Ever since I've known about cars from the depression era I have always wanted one. Now that I have the time and income to do this, I want to build a traditional style Hot Rod complete with the requisite flathead motor, Zephyr gears and Halibrand rear end to spin along a host of authentic vintage Ford parts. For me, the use of real Ford components, just like Dad scrounged out of the junkyard back in 1949, was absolutely essential. This platform, from the 1930 Model A frame I just aquired on up, will recreate a true, genuine Ford that will be brought back to life with cunning, resourcefulness and tenacity. This book has shown me the way. Chapter by chapter the text and images explain to the reader what it takes to build a true American classic. The parts, assemblies and period correct accessories required and the steps to bring them together are documented in words and pictures. As complete as this book is, you will need to network with other rodders all the way through the build of the car. The list of vendors in the back of the book will get you started on this network. You will meet new friends along the way as you apply your enthusiam. This book will take you by the hand, show you what you need and inspire the true believer to build. Bring your enthusiam and resources to the table, and this book will guide you through the rest.

Old Fords never die...they just go faster!

Rick Reardon

Great book, like a sit down visit with Vern Tardel. Highly recommend if you are building a A-V8 hot rod.

Everything you need to know to redo a 32. If you are just starting or just thinking about the past, this is the book for you. Sets a plan of action that you can't go wrong for.

This is a well put together book which covers almost every aspect of building a traditional hot rod. There were a couple of publishing errors where a photo was not put in the correct space but otherwise well done. This is a recommended purchase for any hot rodder planning to build a traditional rod.

I am engaged in a A-V8 build and wanted to read as much as I could on old traditional hot rods. Having been around 50's and newer cars all of my life, it was time to fulfill my dream of having a 30's rod. At first I didn't fully appreciate this book perhaps because I was developing my build in a different direction. However, the more I learn about 30's rods, the more I am intrigued by the depth of complexity on the inside (read technical design) and the simplicity of their outside appearance. I decided to do my build with a newer after-market chassis and other newer components. When completed, I would sell my original frame, etc. However, I have now started to "mind" build my second rod which will be 30's - 40's "very" traditional and very budget oriented. Hence, the more I reference this book, the more I am appreciating the information it contains. It isn't the "end all" reference but it is a valued addition to my personal library (and my future 2nd build!).

Overall, I like the book but I have two complaints:

1) The book glosses over some of the most technical items. Information on adapting steering and rear suspension are minimal. More pictures and diagrams for these would have helped.

2) The editing or print job is terrible, at least in my copy. Pictures are missing or misplaced, irrelevant to the chapter, or have been chopped in half. I wish I had a few pictures referenced but not found.

Very good, detailed illustration of building a traditional Ford hot rod using period parts. Interesting just for the historical view.