How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod (Motorbooks Workshop) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

What makes this book so valuable is the way Bishop and Tardel explain to the reader not only what they are doing, but the logic behind the desicion to do each diffrent aspect of the car a certain way. From picking an intake manifold to deciding on the proper breaks 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. --Ol Skool Rodz

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-EJElias; 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; I was very pleased with this book which has helped me focus my Model A Hotrod build up and simplified things. Step by step guide to building your traditional A-V8. Has probably saved me a year or more. Is worth reading just for the chassis chapter which shows you how to build a solid chassis without boxing it! If you're building a traditional hot rod you need this book-Edward Loyd;As a mere hobbyist, this was the book that made me realize Wow! I can do this!. I found the enthusiasm of the writer to be contagious, the directions relatively clear (despite my lack of experience), and the advice to be sensitive-yet-consistent. Mike Bishop uses plain language and gives enough history to justify technical and aesthetic decisions without wasting words on superfluous background and gratuitous information. It's a short read that is chock-full of the exact knowledge I need to complete my build, but yet leaves plenty of room for individualization. If you are going to build a Model A hotrod, start with this book -EJones; This book is filled with a lifetime of great information. I learned many thing from it I heartily recommend it to any one who is building any traditional Model A or any other car- --The Big Port Special

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. --HotRodDon

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."