General Automotive Reviews

This color-history book explains the unique oiling system of Harleys' first (intake and exhaust) OverHead Valve motor. Greg Field is one of the few authors that has access to Harley-Davidsons' detailed black and white "studio" photographs. The Knucklehead motor with those oil-filled lower valve spring covers and the utilization of internal suction created by the breather gear, is the epitome of "last minute" American engineering, that was developed in several stages. This book reveals the process. The Knuckle motor was a "runner" back then, and a "runner" today. So, be taken on a journey through what it took to produce this highly respected machine. - Kirk Perry

If you want to know about knuckleheads, this book will tell you. It is full of great photo's as well. It was an EXCELLANT reading experience. Greg Field really did his homework when he wrote this!

As an owner of a recently restored Model A this book is a MUST. Contained in it are all the fine points regarding the various body types and accessories. No wonder this book serves as a primer for the expert judging of Model A's.

This book is a "keeper" for anyone with an interest in the Ford Model "A". All of the various body styles from 1928 to 1931 are covered in detail. High quality photos accompany descriptions of both "standard" and "optional" features found on each body style. Kudos to the author and the photographer for a high quality book.

"Abandoned Autos" examines some of the subtleties of American automobile culture. The photos contained in this work range from vehicles rediscovered in farmers' fields, to several with trees growing through the engine compartment. Such photos are then contrasted wth corporate promotional literature from when the vehicles were new. Excellent stuff for readers who are lured by the path less travelled and can appreciate the beauty and even sadness embodied in these cultural icons depicted well past their prime.

AN EXCELLENT GIFT FOR LOVERS OF (UNRESTORED) OLD CARS.I GAVE ONE AS A BIRTHDAY GIFT AND THE FEMALE RECIPIENT WAS DELIGHTED. INTERESTING TEXT AND LOVELY PHOTOS MAKE THIS A LIGHT-HEARTED ADDITION FOR THE COFFEE TABLE

I remember Andy Southard,jr. when I had a custom body and paint shop in Oakland California. Andy was doing pinstriping and taking photos for some of the leading "Hot Rod" magazines. The amazing thing about Andy's photos, the quality is superior and really shows the true colors of the "Candy Apple" and Pearl paint jobs done by some really talented people, including the late Bill Cushenbery.

Andy was right there during the "Cool Days" of Rod and Custom car building in the 1950s-60s. I only regret that my own custom paint work was not in his collection (He was back east at the time). Andy's books are a real asset to anyone who loves the superior craftsmen that built these works of rolling art.

Excellent photography, well written, and, by a man who "knew them all" -- Andy Southard Jr. - wow! He has captured the custom car and hot rod culture of the 60's as no other could, with his fabulous photographic library and unparalled knowledge of the special vehicles and the personalities he writes about.

This is a "must read" for all who are interested in the history and art form of hot rods and custom cars, whether they be past or present enthusiasts. It is truly a "trip down memory lane" for all who participated either as an owner of one of these unique vehicles or who just enjoyed them as a spectator.

I can't wait for his books on the 70's and 80's that will hopefully follow! Congratulations to Andy Southard Jr, for a very well-done book!

The beauty of this book is that it includes the amateur auto repairer in the picture. Using this book and with a minimum of assistance from fellow VW enthusiasts I have rebuilt VW engines three times, coming from a background of zero experience. The approach relates very strongly to that of R.M.Pirsig's "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance". Do not be afraid! You too can fix your VW.

I have an older edition of this book; it's easy to read, well illustrated, sometimes amusing and fairly complete. I can't understand why the publisher hasn't kept it in print, they have a new edition of their book for air cooled VW's but most VW's for the past 20 years have been water cooled. I just hope they're working on a new edition.

I have a copy of this book,and it is awesome, excellent and wonderful. The problem I'm having is that I am selling one of my Rabbits (80 red convertible gas 5 speed) and the people I'm selling it to want a copy of this book along with the car and I can't find another one. Thats how good this book is!

In the tradition of John Muir's How to Keep your Volkswagen Alive, this book covers repair procedures for the 74-84 Volkswagen Rabbits, Jettas, and Scirroccos.

Repair procedures, anectdotes, artful diagrams all help one keep a sense of balance whilst repairing a Volkswagen water cooled car..

In the same spirit as the original 'Compleat Idiot',technical advice is mixed with humour to inform and entertain.

Some may argue it is less thorough than the official VW manual, but it makes an excellent compliment, and a few tricks lay within that are relevant to even today's New Beetle!

Newer editions than my old one may contain 85-up Golf information.

There was a mention in one edition of a Muir publication of a 85- Golf manual, but was never published.. and now this one is out of print.

But not all is lost! It does exist, it _can_ be reborn in a new media!

If you feel that this book should be re-published in a CD-Rom, compleat with the Compleat idiot, write to Muir Publications, I did. They sent me a rejection letter (?) But keep trying, they'll get the idea eventually.. :)Maybe a petition?

My reccomendation.. If you have a Rabbit, Jetta or Scirrocco from 74-84, get this book if you can, it has a good sense of technical humour, and might help you figure out that strange noise!

almost all the areas concerning internal combustion engines are covered in proper detail. it is useful for related undergrad and grad studies, also an indispensable reference for grad research work in engine technologies.

Written 10 years ago, the author spent just over a decade to finish this book. Having said that, there are still a lot to learn from this book. I am currently using it as THE textbook of my course (undergraduate and postgraduate).

This 200 page, 150 picture, 50 chart book is a great overview of the XK-E's produced from 1961 to 1974. A nice history of the company and the model, this allows the complete novice to talk intelligently with Jag lovers. It is possibly an inexpensive beginning to an E-Type love affair with attendant significant wallet hemorage.

If you are a novice regarding the E-type, and wish to know the differences between the 3 different series, or are shopping and trying to figure out which model will best meet your guidelines, then this is the book for you. It describes in very good detail the differences in the models and interposes historical details. The color photographs are also excellent, so one can get an idea of the different shapes and changes. For example, some people prefer the so-called simple lines and mechanics of the Series 1 and others prefer the flared fenders and extra equipment (e.g.,a/c, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes) available on the Series 3. There is a chapter titled"Buying the Right E-type", which briefly describes the differences and gives tips on problems to watch out for, such as rust. Buy it as a reference and keep it out as a coffee-table book. Once you decide on a car, then you should check out Haddock's "Jaguar E-Type 6 & 12 Cylinder Restoration Guide" and Russ's " Jaguar V-12 E-Type: A Guide fo Authenticity" for details on the equipment, which your vehicle should have.

I first discovered Mr Edmundston's books fifteen years ago in Canadian bookstores. Since then, I have consulted them prior to making any car purchases.

The Lemon-aid Guides are a lot different than most similar books on the market. They review each model very critically listing the positives and the negatives. What I have found to be remarkable is the accuracy of the reviews. You can tell that the reviewer has actually driven the vehicle.

Also, unlike most guides, Lemon-aid identifies most of the "hidden warranties" of the auto manufacturing - the problems that will only be resolved by aggressive complaining to the manufacturer.

A must read.

I could of saved over 20.000 bucks over the last ten years in car repairs if i knew what i know now.

If you collect License Plates from the USA, you must have this book. This book would be my "bible" if it also contained the Canadian provinces, Canadian territories and US territories. I would move to supreme reverence of this book if this wonderful guide could be put on the net. The book sales from THAT site would pay for itself. Hey, I'm a dreamer.

Jim Fox is extremely precise with his information. Excellent guide for collectors, includes wonderful color pictures of actual plates for all U.S. states.