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Motoring Books

Classic cars: Maintaining and restoring Classic cars

Here is a selection of some books about maintaining and restoring classic cars that you may find useful.

Automotive Upholstery Handbook
Automotive Upholstery Handbook

A guide for novices and hobbyists discusses the tools and techniques necessary to replace and repair automobile upholstery, including carpeting, bench-seat covers, working with vinyl and landau, and installing convertible tops, headliners, and door panels .

Price: £14.67

Publication: 2 Nov 2001

Buy: Automotive Upholstery Handbook   Buy: Automotive Upholstery Handbook

Classic British Car Electrical Systems: Your Guide to Understanding, Repairing and Improving the Electrical Components and Systems That Were Typical ... Cars from 1950 to 1980 (Essential Manual)
Classic British Car Electrical Systems: Your Guide to Understanding, Repairing and Improving the Electrical Components and Systems That Were Typical ... Cars from 1950 to 1980 (Essential Manual)

The electrical systems used in British cars in the period 1950 to 1980 have gained some notoriety, most of it unfavourable and much of it undeserved. This book shines a light on the subject, system by system, including the murkier corners. Whatever their foibles, the cars remain the cherished possessions of enthusiasts worldwide. This book's contribution to making the electrical systems understandable and reliable will maintain the enjoyment the cars provide for many decades to come. Based on a formula proven in Rick Astley's previous and much acclaimed book, "MGB Electrical Systems", this new book breaks down the electrical systems of classic British cars into separate and easily understandable sections. In each, the components and system as a whole are examined in theory and chronology, to show how and why they evolved the way they did. With hundreds of colour photographs and diagrams, together with fault-finding tables, the veil of mystery is removed, allowing the owner to understand, repair and improve their cherished classic. This book is the definitive and indispensable guide to British car electrical systems, and deserves a place on every enthusiast's bookshelf.

Price: £16.49

Publication: 9 July 2009

Buy: Classic British Car Electrical Systems: Your Guide to Understanding, Repairing and Improving the Electrical Components and Systems That Were Typical ... Cars from 1950 to 1980 (Essential Manual)   Buy: Classic British Car Electrical Systems: Your Guide to Understanding, Repairing and Improving the Electrical Components and Systems That Were Typical ... Cars from 1950 to 1980 (Essential Manual)

How to Restore Classic Car Bodywork: New Updated & Revised Edition (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)
How to Restore Classic Car Bodywork: New Updated & Revised Edition (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)

A book written for the home restorer who, until now, lacked the confidence to tackle bodywork. With specially devised techniques which don't rely on workshop plant, this work spans the gap between professional and amateur. The text is readable, the photos bright and the instruction clear. A real boon for the enthusiast. Coverage includes: tools; panel removal/fitting; sectional repairs; sills, floors and outriggers; chassis members; multiple panel assemblies; metal forming techniques; tricks of the trade, and much, much more. Features: * Written specifically for the enthusiast * Specially devised techniques for the home restorer * Many real-life examples * Tricks of the trade * Hundreds of high quality photographs * Step by step instruction to re-skinning your own doors and making your own repair sections * Contains a guide to panel making and panel repair techniques * Contains a guide to tools and workshop safety

Price: £15.99

Publication: 15 Aug 2013 [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Buy: How to Restore Classic Car Bodywork: New Updated & Revised Edition (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)   Buy: How to Restore Classic Car Bodywork: New Updated & Revised Edition (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)

How to Restore Volkswagen Beetle (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)
How to Restore Volkswagen Beetle (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)

Tells even those owners without technical knowledge nor previous car restoration experience how to completely restore their Volkswagen Beetle's bodywork, interior, mechanical and electrical components. All you need to know - in step-by-step detail - to make your Beetle like new again. An essential guide for millions of VW Beetle owners around the world. The only up to date book dealing with Beetle restoration. Written by an enthusiast for enthusiasts. Explanations of basic restoration skills - welding, paintwork, panel beating. Over 700 colour photographs. Hands on bodywork and mechanical restoration. Interior restoration. Troubleshooting. How to repair bodywork for which repair panels are unavailable. Dealing with professional restorers. Solutions to problems not covered in workshop manuals. DESCRIPTION Tells even those owners without technical knowledge nor previous car restoration experience how to completely restore their Volkswagen Beetle's bodywork, interior, mechanical and electrical components. All you need to know - in step-by-step detail - to make your Beetle like new again. An essential guide for millions of VW Beetle owners around the world.

Price: £35.00

Publication: 15 Jun 2012 [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Buy: How to Restore Volkswagen Beetle (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)   Buy: How to Restore Volkswagen Beetle (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual Series)

Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual 1846-71
Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual 1846-71

Unit repair and overhaul steps for completely re-building a 1946-1971 Jeep CJ For the Jeep vehicle owner who finds the typical workshop manual impossible to decipher, this book has a photograph marking each technical step. Models covered: Jeep CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-3B, CJ-5, CJ-6 and MB, M38 and M38A1.

Price: £24.82

Publication: 1 Jun 2004 [Paperback]

Buy: Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual 1846-71   Buy: Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual 1846-71

Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual: 1972 to 1986 (Paperback)
Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual: 1972 to 1986 (Paperback)

The AMC-era CJ Jeep vehicle is a four-wheel drive icon. If working on your Jeep vehicle engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, steering system, electrical system or body tub has seemed just beyond your skill level, here is the fix! This is a 'how-to' manual with a photo for each technical step.


Price: £25.19

Publication: 1 Jun 2004

Buy: Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual: 1972 to 1986 (Paperback)   Buy: Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual: 1972 to 1986 (Paperback)

Land Rover Series II & IIA Repair Operation Manual
Land Rover Series II & IIA Repair Operation Manual

Covers engine, clutch, gearbox, detailing all overhaul, repair procedures and bodywork. Applies specifically to bonneted control models, though most procedures also apply to forward control when the units are removed except optional extra equipment. With 966 pages. AKM8159. SB.

Price: £56.95

Publication: 1 Oct 2000

Buy: Land Rover Series II & IIA Repair Operation Manual   Buy: Land Rover Series II & IIA Repair Operation Manual

Original Sprite and Midget: The Restorer's Guide to All Austin-Healey and MG Models, 1958-79
Original Sprite and Midget: The Restorer's Guide to All Austin-Healey and MG Models, 1958-79

From the 1958 'Frogeye' Austin-Healey Sprite to the last rubber-bumpered MG Midget of 1979, all 14 distinct versions of these much loved cars are studied, with a special section on Innocenti models. This is a re-issue of one of the most popular titles from the celebrated Original series, accepted by classic car owners, buyers and enthusiasts as the definitive source of advice on correct original and authentic specifications and equipment, drawn from factory records, parts lists and catalogues, as well as the accumulated knowledge of the most respected restorers.

Price: £22.56

Publication: 1 Jun 2011

Buy: Original Sprite and Midget: The Restorer's Guide to All Austin-Healey and MG Models, 1958-79   Buy: Original Sprite and Midget: The Restorer's Guide to All Austin-Healey and MG Models, 1958-79

Practical Car Restoration: A Guidebook with Lessons from a 1930 Franklin Rebuild
Practical Car Restoration: A Guidebook with Lessons from a 1930 Franklin Rebuild

"The graveyard is full of people that were going to do something, but never got around to it," says the author of this book. For anyone who has ever thought restoring a vintage car would be an enjoyable way to spend time, this book is the place to get going. Through the restoration of a 1930 Franklin, it details the step-by-step process of reclaiming an old jewel. It also addresses such issues as how much garage space you need, how long restoration takes, whether you should farm out some of the work, what kind of car you should get, where you can find it, and whether you should stay married. The author uses his 1930 Franklin as an example of restoring a vehicle that is roadworthy in today's traffic, yet as original as possible, a car that is practical to enjoy without the expense of a car show standout. A discussion of preliminary questions on how to get started leads into a general history of the Franklin, with advice on finding history for other cars and using museums as a resource. Chapters on step-by-step restoration include: body wood, the engine, the chassis, body work, the electrical system, wheels and tires, and the interior and upholstery. Subsequent chapters follow up with a test drive and information on maintaining a restored auto. A chapter on long-distance driving chronicles the author's trip from Arizona to New York, with tips on rider comfort and care of the car. It concludes with a chapter on auto clubs in general, a visit to the Franklin Club in New York, and the sale of the author's restored 1930 Franklin.

Price: £19.49

Publication: 15 July 2006

Buy: Practical Car Restoration: A Guidebook with Lessons from a 1930 Franklin Rebuild   Buy: Practical Car Restoration: A Guidebook with Lessons from a 1930 Franklin Rebuild

The price of books, where indicated, was correct at the time of creating this page. Price of books may have changed on the bookseller's web site.