Customer Reviews

Project Charger: The Step-by-Step Restoration of a Popular Vintage Car

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I highly recommend this book, a must for anyone interested in restoring a car. The tools, tips and techniques found on the pages herein are applicable to any car, though I am personally glad the author chose a popular muscle car. Also, a downright pleasant read for anyone who just admires vintage cars and good writing. Larry Lyles takes the reader along on his personal journey to restore an old Charger, originally rougher than a night in jail, to showroom condition and teaches the reader "how to", all while injecting some good downhome humor. This is not your typical "technical guide", it is much more personal and readable. The photos are in color, a pleasant and useful departure from the B&W you see in most auto repair guides. The writing style shows the author's experience as an auto enthusiast, professional paint and body man, and frequent contributing writer to publications in the business. I hope Mr. Lyles finds the time to write another book soon on restoration of another car. How about a 69 Dart GTS, Larry? I could use the help.

I have a 70 Dodge charger and found this book to be an invaluable aid in furthering my restoration. All color pictures, well executed. Any car reatoration buff could gain insight as to the various processes employed and pitfalls to avoid during successful car restoration. But for the MoPar restorer there are rare and specific instructions for things like adjusting the body panels, adjusting the windows for travel, angle, closure and how to check for wind noise without even driving. A wonderful book worth many times the purchase price to any person serious about doing their restoration right the first time.

Many recent "how to" books on autos have been written by authors with limited knowledge of their subject. Luckily, Project Charger isn't one of them. The author has intimate knowledge of all aspects of restoration, and you don't need to own a Mopar product to learn from him.
Mr. Lyles takes you through the entire restoration process, and includes a lot of subjects glossed over in other restoration books. He explains how to stay organized by making lists and notes and taking photos. He covers home powdercoating techniques, and gives many tips on straightening and painting the little detail parts that separate great restorations from mediocre ones. He clearly explains how to align body panels and windows during assembly. His hands-on knowledge is evident because he recommends what grit of sandpaper to use for each step, and what paints, sealers, adhesives, etc. give best results. He is also brutally honest about how many hours and dollars go into a restoration.
The book is not perfect. Mr. Lyles explains in detail how to remove the windshield and backlight, but he doesn't say one word on how to reinstall them - is there a chapter missing? He uses a rotisserie to work on the underside of the car, but doesn't include photos or drawings on how to build one. The photos are in color, which is good, but the color balance is inconsistant, so the car appears to be maroon, purple, or blue in different photos. I also wish he recommended books to find more information on different aspects of restoration - you just can't describe engine rebuilding in a six-page chapter.
Overall, an excellent book for any restorer.

What a great book.A colour book on restoring a car and its a step by step guide.Finally a book that deserves to be called a step by step guide.This book is an ideal restoration manual suitable for all cars so no matter what car you want to restore this book is the way to go.Colour photos show what to do.This book covers so much and each section is covered in great detail.Its great value for the price alone and for what it offers.

This book states that the techniques within the book can be used to restore any car.Didnt waste my time trying to fault with this book.This book will please most people.If you are planning to restore your car,no matter what it is,I highly recommend this book and the author's book:"Revive your ride:secrets from a body and paint restorations pro".(ISBN:1-931933-66-1).I also recommend purchasing a workshop manual for specifically for your car.

Really nice restoration book! I have a 68 Charger R/T and look forward to starting the resto using this book as a guide. While no book could cover every obsticle you may encounter, this book gives a very good idea of what you will face and how to fix it.
I was NOT very happy that UPS delivered the box crushed and with a big hole in the side....IDIOTS....but the contents were fine.
This would be the main reference for a 'driver' restoration. No one makes or probably will ever make a book that would cover a concours restoration. So this may be as good as it gets.
Wish Amazon would offer more shipping options....

I've learned more then I could of imagined from this book. I've read it twice, and I'm starting on it again.

This was a great book it does what others claim to do and actually goes step by step through a rebuild and explains why things are done the way they are. I learned a lot from it and I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Very good and logical trip through the restoration (not Concours and unlimited budget). Well worth most people to read before you start.

I don't even own a dodge product- I'm restoring a semi rare 1980 vw Scirocco and found this book to be one of the best so far! Very helpful advice with a downhome feel to it- it's not preachy nor does Larry talk down to the readers- which is great. I love the book and have read it more than once... like another reviewer said: "It's worth its weight in gold!" I agree. Good job Larry! -Royce

This book is a good guide to help you along the way. But it doesn't cover everything involved in the restoration process. Some parts are not even mentioned. If you are looking for an overview, this will work for you. But if you want detailed instructions on the restoration process, you will need to supplement this book with something else.