Suggested books for a newcomer?

[DanishDude]

Hello gang,

Would anyone have some suggestions for good technical books to read by someone getting into the muscle car hobby, please? I need to do my homework.

Seeing that there is no dedicated forum for introductions and since this is my first post here on dc.com, I hope the moderators doesn't mind if I add a bit of personal background here.

About a year ago I was more or less accidentally sucked into the local drag racing and American V8 scene here in Denmark, when a friend asked me to restore a vacuum tube car radio belonging in a '59 Chevy Biscayne. Since then I have come to know some great people, and, to attempt to make a long story short, I have become infected with the V8 bug.

Having suffered the friendly elbow pokes from my friends for a while, I have decided that yes, I would like a ride of my own. My dream car is a '68 Charger, a choice which has gotten a collective  from the people around me, so here I am.

So far I am still saving my pennies, and will probably continue to do so for a while. Even if/when I eventually have the money I still face the rather brutal reality that Chargers are quite thin on the ground here in Denmark.

But at least I can do some studying while I wait, since I obviously have a lot of background to catch up on. Basically I would like suggestions for books about restoration, engine technology and tuning, repairs, maintenance and all the other things I don't yet know I need to read. I have an educational background in technology, but in cars and engines my experience is rudimentary at best.

For a bit of additional trivia, then I can mention the we are four guys, who attempts to meet at least weekly for an evening's worth of oily bits, good music and generally hanging out together, in addition to travelling to the local drag races together etc.

The most experiences among our little group has been working as a mechanic and V8 enthusiast for 20+ years, and he runs a mechanic's shop, where they tend to the local V8 machinery, among others. He has restored and built into a dragracing machine the previously mentioned '59 Chevy. Photos below. The engine is a 468 CUI and yes, it is street legal. Hmm, where did the inner wheel covers go...?

The second most experienced among us is a machinist by education, something he currently makes a living out of teaching to the next generation. As for a ride then there are some rumours circulating about a Buick Skylark GS with something evil under the hood.

My third gearhead friend is currently making one nice Skylark out of two semi-wrecks. Now that is a real project. (Skylark's are fairly common here in Denmark, as some of them were originally assembled in Copenhagen.) I was  there to witness when he started that project last summer, and I have to admit I was a bit sceptical. But today I must say the progress has been faster than I anticipated.

And then there is 'lil me. 'nuf said.

Frank.

[DanishDude]

Hmm, the photos will have to be added individually it seems...

[mikepmcs]

Frank welcome aboard.  i'll leave the books to others on this site, that are way more savvy on what books to read up on.
Just wanted to say hi!

[DanishDude]

Hi Mike and thanks!

Final photo for your viewing pleasure.

[mikepmcs]

nice car! even though it'a chebbie

one tip for you, if you don't get responses in say a day or so, to keep it in the unread pile until you do, just reply to it yourself and either write  bump or put the little icon above that says bump

[Bandit72]

Hi Mike and thanks!

Final photo for your viewing pleasure.

nice overflow...

[DanishDude]

nice overflow...

Yeah, I eyed that one as well the first time I saw it. However the rules stipulate it must be at least 0.5 litre in volume, which these PET bottles are.

Personally I would have used a similar coke bottle though...

Frank.

[dodge freak]

The old hot rod and car craft mags were very good in the early 80's to around 87-88, then it got about new cars and pro street cars and goody good clean cars that could pass smog tests. Maybe even the late 70's but I never seen them so I don't know. Maybe e-bay has some. And Power Secrets by the late Smokey Yunick has some great stuff but its mostly Chevy and racing stuff but its worth reading..

[mikepmcs]

nice overflow...

Yeah, I eyed that one as well the first time I saw it. However the rules stipulate it must be at least 0.5 litre in volume, which these PET bottles are.

Personally I would have used a similar coke bottle though...

Frank.

that's funnyy cause i almost said why didn't you use a coke bottle

[DanishDude]

... And Power Secrets by the late Smokey Yunick has some great stuff but its mostly Chevy and racing stuff but its worth reading..

Thanks, it certainly looks interesting (ISBN 0931472067). I will also try and locate some back issues of the magazine you mentioned.

Speaking of books, then I have now seen several sites, which recommends "How to rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines" by Don Taylor. (ISBN 1557881901). Any comments on that one, please?

Hopefully over time I may build up a small tech library, since I can certainly use some additional background info. 

Frank.

[OttawaCharger]

Look up "Project Charger: The Step-By-Step Restoration of a Popular Vintage Car" ISBN 193199322X.  Lots of good pictures and easy reading.
I like the magazine Mopar Muscle as well.  Comes monthly with some interesting write ups.
And, it isn't a book but this website is loaded with good info.  You can read here for days and only scratch the service. 
Welcome and good luck in finding your car!

[Ghoste]

The FSM, aka factory service manual.  This should be the first one anyone gets.

[73Charger]

Thanks - for this post, I just ordered the "Project Charger: The Step-By-Step Restoration of a Popular Vintage Car book of half.com - cheaper than ebay - can't wait for it!