5 comments about The Gold-Plated Porsche: How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car, and Other Misadventures.

1. I really enjoyed reading this book. There are probably a ton of readers and car-nuts out there who can sympathize with Wilkinson's view while laughing at the way it is told. The Gold-Plated Porsche is a fantastic read.



2. Before I even opened the book, a question came to mind. Why buy a Porsche? I have a number of buyer's guides and when I read them I am amazed that the company is still in business. How can they survive selling a car which has a leaking sunroof for 20 years??? German engineering is good, why can't they fix that quickly? Anyway, one buys a Porsche because it is a PORSCHE! That is what I got from the book. I did wished he had talked more about the car than other stories but the man obviously has a very full life.
   Those cars have quirks and need a lot of care. If you are going to buy one, don't spend all your money on the purchase of it since you will need a lot for maintenance. Learn to be a mechanic too. If you want a reliable automobile that won't need to be the center of your attention, buy a Toyota. What is the fun in that? This book helped me see more what Porsches are about, PASSION!!!!!!!



3. Wilkinson is a true character and he spins his experiences in restoring a pseudo-classic Porsche 911 (okay, to a true Porsche nut they're all classics) into an entertaining tail. He's an amusing cross between Tim Allen's character from Home Improvement and that uncle your parents don't talk about much because of the nutty things he's done. Strangely these characteristics endear you to him and as a pilot and aircraft owner I enjoyed (and frequently cringed at) his diversions into his experiences as a pilot and aviation editor. Speaking of this the book is rich with diversions into other aspects of his life tangential (or not) to the car project. For some this adds a lot and in general I enjoyed these but I could see where some might find it too fragmented and distracting. Overall though his series of life experiences, including those directly related to the books primary subject matter make for a fun and interesting read.
   
   He's clearly an individual for whom there is no substitute for hands-on experience and the process is more important than the end goal. He articulates well what he's learned and, while the book is not bogged down with technical details, he discusses enough of these to keep a gear-head reasonably happy. No one would restore a car using this book as a manual but there's definitely something here for the technically inclined.
   
   All in all it's a pretty easy and light read and a lot of fun. Perfect as a weekend read for the Porsche fan but with, I think, much broader appeal than that (general car nuts, pilots, those interested in 60's civil disobedience, etc.).



4. I was a bit mislead by the title of this book, particularly the part of the title: "...How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car...".
   
   The Amazon review states that the author spent $60k on his car, whereas the author repeatedly states he spent $70k on his car restoration. This discrepency isn't really the issue, what I was hoping for was some description of what exactly the author bought and spent $70k on during the restoration. I am planning on restoring a vintage Porsche myself and was hoping this book would shed some light on various pitfalls I may want to avoid.
   
   Of the 20 or so chapters in this book I'd say about 15 were dedicated to personal stories about the author and his illustrious career, and only 5 chapters to stories actually related to the Porsche he restored.
   
   After reading this book I feel like I got to know the author quite well but not his Porsche. It was a delightful series of stories and I did enjoy the book, yet it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I found the cover and title of this book to be misleading.
   
   Not a bad book at all, just not what I was expecting.



5. I enjoyed this book. As a car guy and a new Porsche owner, it was a pleasant, rambling account of a restoration project and lot's of tangential life's learnings. Certainly not very technical, but technical enough to make it interesting for me, this was a book I read in a few evenings. It kept a smile on my face, and it kept me relatively engaged. The author writes well, and spins a decent yarn. Per the title of this review - reminds me simply of a (rather long) well-written article you'd find in any top-notch car magazine. No hesitation in recommending this book - but don't look for a detailed account of a technical restoration... that's not what it's supposed to be.

4 comments about The Hot Rod World of Robt. Williams.

1. The Hot Rod World of Robert Williams is quite a book. For Williams fans and car buffs alike, this title delivers a pile of steaming hot information, art and vintage photographs in an entertaining format. But like the man himself, there is nothing typical about this book.
   
   What we have here is an illustrated family album with dialog that sounds like it was recorded sitting around the kitchen table. Robert and Suzanne Williams are two very knowledgeable, articulate and funny people, with the inside skinny on the outlaw car and art worlds. These folks grew up after WWII when the teen car scene was in its infancy; they built their own cars, partied, fought and raised hell with the rough kids, and placed their own marks on the car (and art) culture. In this book, Robert and Suzanne explain what real hot rodders were doing as they show the evolution of the cars they built.
   
   But understand, this is not a sanitized version, a tale of rich man collectors, or the Golden Book of Car Show Winners. Even within their circle of friends, Robert and Suzanne's cars and ideas were not typical. For those familiar with Robert's contribution as a trouble maker, innovator and leader in the art world, it is interesting to note that even within a group of car and biker outlaws, this guy was different, a radical who pursued his own ideas, often in the face of derision. And Suzanne is clearly his partner in crime.
   
   While others were chopping and welding together steel street rats, fabricating racecars, or designing from scratch exotic show cars, the Williams carefully planned, cut and built cars that were true hot rods yet preserved the integrity of the original vehicle. Then when their cars were assembled, upholstered and beautifully finished, the couple eschewed the usual high gloss paint jobs and mag wheels, driving and displaying their cars instead in glorious dull primer! Years later, when flat primered hot rods became a SoCal fad, Robert restored his car's original rumble seat and had it painted in an outrageous early race car style with an obnoxious color scheme of purple and chartreuse (!), once again offending most of the car boy purists. Why?
   
   Buy the book and see....
   
   It's a great read, a fun ride, and, along the way, all will be explained.



2. I'm married 28 years to a hot rod guy. He always told me Robert Williams was "da man." Now, having read thru this excellent art-infused history-biography, I know why. Williams imagines, then creates. Nothing holds him back. In that way he's true to the spirit of hot rodding. His stories are highly entertaining, the art is spellbinding, and the overall organization of the book is first rate. Can't ask for much more than that! Totally and highly recommended.



3. Excellent book. Great photos. I bought his posters way back in the early 80's. Good to see some ink on Pete Eastwood. My copy has already been well lloked at.



4. Robert Williams younger years are examined here and the influence of the car culture
   and motorcycle culture on his art of the period and later. I liked the book,
   as it exposes more of the man than his rather outre` work reveals.
   I wish that more of his hot rod themed paintings had been included, as it is
   mostly photos of Robert and his cars.
   A helpful book if you're trying for a more rounded understanding of this
   painter in relationship to his era.
   His work from the period was more furious, than the ironic and fantastic
   paintings of later years.
   Reboundspring

1 comments about Billy Durant: Creator of General Motors.

1. This is another good book on my hero Mr. William C. Durant the creator of GM. Mr. Durant defiantly affected the early automobile history more than any other one man ever. He was the worlds largest cart maker back in Flint Mi. & went on to save Buick from certain bankruptcy. Also creating GM with Buick as the cornerstone car & then adding Olds, Cadillac & Oakland (the forerunner to Pontiac) & many others that didn't pan out. He also started Chevrolet with his famous Buick race car driver Louis Chevrolet. Some other good reads are The Dream Maker 1979 by Bernard Weisberger and The Deal Maker by Axel Madsen 1999. Also some other really interesting info is the Durant website. Sincerely Lance Haynes President Durant Motors Automobile Club

5 comments about Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair.

1. The book gives you the tech you need, in terms you can understand. Calder is very impressive in his ability to impart knowledge to the layman. Don't however, assume this is just fluff overview, because it truly is the down and dirty of how it works and how to maintain it.



2. I am using, to great benefit, this book to rehabilitat the Mazda diesel engine in my 1983 Ford Ranger pick up. Also, since I share a sail boat in Vallejo, Calif with a brother, that has a diesel, my self confidence level is increased.
   Will



3. Very helpful guide to understanding a diesel engine and all that relates to it. I will maintain my engine much better now!
   It should be read before installing a new engine.



4. This is another fine reference book from Nigel Calder! I think that this book along with a good factory type manual would be all you needed to maintain your diesel engine. I have yet to purchase a book that Calder has authored that was not worth the money.



5. I try to read as many books on engines as I can. I own GotEngines.com and I always have a strong interest in learning more about each and every engine, especially diesel engines.
   
   Unfortunately I carry very few marine engines, but as an engine expert I'd recommend this book to anyone!

3 comments about Ford Pickups and Bronco, 1973-1979 (Haynes Manuals).

1. This manual is an absolute essential for anyone who wants to work on an early ford bronco or 70's pick-up. It covers every topic from routine maintenance to engine and body repair. The content is based on a complete tear-down and rebuild of the truck. Although it is very technical subject matter, the wording is relatively simple where possible, and diagrams and photographs are very helpful. Information such as engine specifications and wiring diagrams are provided for individual year models where applicable. It does not discuss restoration explicitely, but the information it contains is as invaluable to the restorer as it is to the amatuer mechanic. In other words, this is truly THE book every early bronco owner should have on his shelf.



2. As with most Haynes or Chilton manuals this book does give some useful information, step-by-step descriptions and nice diagrams. However it's sometimes a little vauge in it's descriptions. Also, as an early Bronco owner, this book only covers 1973 and later. This leaves 7 years of earlier production not covered.

   Definitely a good reference, but I would also recommend finding an original factory Ford shop manual set. (5 book set usually found at swap meets or specialty automotive literature vendors)




3. This is the first repair manual I bought to assist me in restoring my '76 Bronco. While it provides an adequate overview of the vehicles it tries to represent, it does not offer enough info to be useful to the more experienced do-it-yourselfer. Additionally, the coverage of pre-'78 trucks is insufficient for a manual that claims to be "Based on a complete teardown and rebuild". The only info that seems to stand out as being particularly useful are the chassis electrical schematics in the back. This manual is fine as a (very) basic reference to keep in the glovebox; however, if you're looking to do something more involved than doing a tuneup or brakes, look for a set of factory service manuals.

3 comments about Big-blk Mopar Php1302.

1. Chuck Senatore's new book on building high performance Mopar B & RB motors is well-written, with excellent tips and advice for the hands-on home builder, or the professional engine builder. His experience with building Mopars, and with helping to develop his company, Muscle Motors, into a respected authority on Mopar engines, is evident throughout. While this is not a step-by-step engine building guide, it provides background for all the decisions that must be made before one begins the building process. Particularly valuable is the discussion on developing a plan and purpose for the motor you want to build, before starting. The only criticism I have of his information is that it seemed he gave short shrift to head porting, and hydraulic cam choices. Though home head porting is one of the hottest, and simplest, mods a competent novice can perform, Mr. Senatore devoted less than a page to the actual process, and recommended the novice leave this job to a machine shop pro. Little more time is spent in the discussion of hydraulic cam choices for hot street performance, even though this is the major growth and interest area for Saturday night street cruisers which see little actual strip action. For the person who is interested in these areas, there are pleaty of information sources elsewhere, and I still believe that this book is a must for any person who is considering building a B/RB motor, regardless of their level of experience. Good job, Mr. Senatore!



2. lots of info and history of the engines. Also gets onto the the area of what is best of MOPAR and aftermarket equipment.



3. First, I own many books viewed as competitors or complements to this book. This however is my favorite so far.
   Why? Well to start with the information tends to be an excellent blend of general how and why the individual engine components work and the effect they have in contributing to the overall performance and attitude of the engine you are building. The book really comes through with some very specific recommendations on part and process selections. The author authoritatively speaks to some of the well-earned reputation, legend and mythology of the mighty big-block Mopar engine family.
   The book guides the reader through, not merely choosing between stock or all-out-race, but acknowledges the deisre of most enthusiasts to be somewhere in between.

5 comments about Iron Fist, Lead Foot: John Coletti and Ford's "Terminator".

1. This was an excellent book that gives you a behind the scenes look at the making of an American icon. John Coletti was man who made the SVT Cobra great



2. Great Book!
   
   If you own one of these extraordinary cars this is your chance to enjoy the inside story of how a close knit team of gifted men and women brought a car back from the edge and then set a high water mark that will endure for years to come.
   
   It is a story of vision, passion and absolute commitment to creating the best. You get an inside peak at Detroit and Ford in particular, the politics the extraordinary capabilities of the institution and the people inside. You get to see the birth of a modern day supercar from concept to delivery and meet the people and inparticular the one man who made it happen against all odds.
   
   If you are lucky enough to own or have owned one of these cars this book is a must have addition to the history you are part of. Even if you don't own one of these cars the book and its story is special. Get it, you won't be disappointed, it is documented proof that one man with his beliefs, talent and conviction can make not just a difference but an extraordinary difference even in the face of what seems like impossible odds.
   
   Great story and high drama.



3. This is a must read for any owner of a 2003 Ford Mustang Cobra - aka "Terminator."
   Lots of background information and detail. I couldn't put it down!!
   My only complaint is that there isn't more of it to read, the book is a little short. But otherwise it's simply awesome! Well worth the cost of purchase!!



4. If you have an 03-04 cobra this is the book to get. it was outstanding.



5. "The Terminator" code name for the 2003/2004 model years of the SVT Mustang Cobra. This book is the absolute definitive narrative of the developement and ultimately the introduction of this truely world class automobile. I am a member of a very exclusive club as an owner of one of these great cars.. Mine is a Dark Shadow Grey convertible which makes it one of about 500 and knowing how many were built and the fact that the DSG was only offered in the 03 model year was a very enlightening moment. This book has taken my ownership expeience to the maximum level possible and To be able to live vicariously through the eyes of the people who brought this car to life has allowed me to fully understand just exactly what I have and has instilled an even greater sense of pride in owning my 03 Terminator.
   This book was well written and totally comprehensive. The chapter on engine development and building was both amusing and informative and actually included the guy that led the two man team that built my engine.
   If you do not own a Terminatir you are missing out on a great experience, but if you are just a Ford fanatic this is still a must read because it is an important part of the Ford History and will be looked back upon as a defining moment in the continuing growth and developement of the Mustang.

2 comments about Yamaha, Mercury, & Mariner Outboards, All 4 Stroke Engines, 1995-2004 (Seloc Marine Manuals).

1. This was the first time trying seloc manuals,I have used clymers in the past and the selocs are organized much better and give a lot better info. From now on its strictly seloc manuals.



2. I own a 40HP 4 Stroke Yamaha engine and even though I owen the Factory maintenance manual This book goes into much more detail and gives better drawings

5 comments about Complete Chrysler Hemi Engine Manual.

1. Having worked for a Chrysler dealer in the early 60's, I have always had a lot of respect for the hemi engines. This book brought back great memories. It tells of things about them that I never appreciated until now. So I finally bought my first hemi!



2. An excellent manual if you are interested in the early HEMI engines, but if you are building a 426 (or as in my case, a 528) you will be disappointed.



3. If you are interested in the early chyrsler, dodge, desoto hemi's, 392, 354, 331 etc..." not the legendary 60's and early 70's 426 hemi" this book is a must have. It's also almost the only source of early hemi you are likely to find available currently widely in print. For a comparasion, for the past year, I have been searching for all early hemi info and shelled out big $ for stacks of old magazines, 50's hemi service manuals, mopar manuals, magazines, articles going back to the 50's on early hemis etc.. While this book is not an entire bible of early hemi knowledge it's by far the best single source available especially for the price and should have all the basic's needed for a first time early hemier that are not even covered in the old service manuals. They walk you through identification, interchangability, how to rebuilds, replacement parts sources, tranny swaps, factory specs.etc.. In fact the only part I found disappointing with the book was the lack of a dyno test in their section on a rebuild/hop up of a 392 hemi so I'm left with the question how much more horsepower did they get over the factory 375hp?? something I stil want to know... other useful stuff that was left out which I have found elsewhere was bolt in swapping info into a 70's mopar and some of Don gartilis speed secrets he used in drag racing.. but all in all a very complete and useful early hemi book.. if you are even entertaining the idea of an early hemi I would definitely start here before looking anywhere else and if you need more detailed knowledge then start digging into the internet, old timers at swap meets, back issues of mopar mags and late 50's and early 60's hot rod mags and the powerplay early hemi web site.



4. Even though this is a good book there is a big fault:From page number 3 to page 34,these pages are repeated in the book.The book therefore isnt 194 pages,its 160 pages.Thats the bad news.
   
   The good news is this is a good book that will please most people who want information of The Chrysler Hemi engines.Its a decent size book too.Plenty of information throughout.



5. I expected more hands-on information.
   I didn't need a how-to on rebuilding a 318!

2 comments about How to Restore John Deere Two-Cylinder Tractors (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. Being new to the tractor restoation hobby, I found the book to be a good resource for information. The index of salvage yards and parts houses alone was worth the purchase price. I found one of those "hard to find parts" in three phone calls and it was shipped out that day!



2. Much of the information contained in this book is dated and has been gleaned from an antique tractor list over several years. Most of this is second hand information not from the author's personal experience.