I've been doing some work on a "Beginner's Guide to Hotrodding". We'll be organizing articles, websites, and discussions for beginner hotrodders, and placing them all in one list that will be prominently posted here in the Introduction to Hotrodding forum.

Here's what we've got so far. Most of this stuff is straight out of our Knowledge Base.

If there are any articles, websites, discussions, or other resources that you would like to add to this list, please suggest them in this thread.



Articles for beginners:

Cooling System Overview
Exhaust and Emissions Systems Overview
Nitrous Oxide Basics
Fuel System Overview
Engine System Overview
How Camshafts Work
Basic Carburetor Functioning
How Turbochargers Work
Types of Rocker Arms
Types of Valve Lifters
Engine Displacement Basics
Cooling System Basics
Common Induction System Terms
Common Carburetor Terms
Horsepower and Torque Basics
Cleaning and Checking Engine Blocks
Motor Related Rodding Terms
Engine Basics: Detonation and Pre-Ignition
Ignition Timing 101
How Differentials Work


How Clutches Work
How Gear Ratios Work
How Torque Converters Work
Drive Train System Overview


How Brakes Work
How Master Cylinders and Combination Valves Work
How Power Brakes Work
Brake System Overview
Steering and Suspension System Overview


How to Do Basic Body Filler and Paint Work
Paint Terms
Tools for the Basic Autobody Shop
Basic Painting Dont's
Effective Wet Sanding
Body Related Rodding Terms
Hot Rod Body Styles

Overview of Electrical Systems
Electrical Systems Primer
Basic Electrical Tips
Basic Automotive Electricity
How Automobile Ignition Systems Work


A/C and Heater System Overview
How Tires Work
Chassis Related Rodding Terms
What is Horsepower?
What is a VIN?
How Horsepower Works
Rodding Slang
Dictionary of Automotive Terms



Websites for beginners
http://www.HowStuffWorks.com
http://www.GrapeApeRacing.com
http://www.500cid.com

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Body and exterior tips || Freeing a stuck engine || Soda blasting || Narrowing a rearend || John Deere Blitz Black paint || How to find cheap parts || Hotrodding glossary || Transmission identification || Rust || Cheapo paint job || How to identify a Ford V8 || How to title a hot rod...and hundreds more articles.

Hey Jon,
Thanks for taking your time to put this together in one place.
mwm

Dern, I've been looking for that How Things Work for my son and his science expirement

I have learned from this Guide too. Thanks for compiling the info Jon.


Todd



Rat Rods Rule!

Stickie this thing to the top of the page Jon, nice work.

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Outlawed tunes from outlawed pipes

Thanks guys . Fortunately, this is just the framework of this guide. I'm setting up Body-Exterior moderators now, but when we do some work on the Introduction to Hotrodding forum, we'll be expanding this guide, and each tech forum will have their respective guide stickied to the top of the list.

And members will be HELD RESPONSIBLE for the information in the guides, same as you'd be held responsible for a reading assignment before you show up for a class. Nobody's going to get suspended for not reading "How Differentials Work", but it'll be "open season" on members who don't first check the Intro guide for a forum.

We're getting to the point where telling people to "read the Knowledge Base" before posting is like telling people to "read the dictionary" before talking. When this guide is divided up by tech forums, it won't be too much reading for any particular forum.

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Body and exterior tips || Freeing a stuck engine || Soda blasting || Narrowing a rearend || John Deere Blitz Black paint || How to find cheap parts || Hotrodding glossary || Transmission identification || Rust || Cheapo paint job || How to identify a Ford V8 || How to title a hot rod...and hundreds more articles.

Jon came across this might be some help http://www.painlessperformance.com/.../90501mhome.htm
also have a book at home How To Do Electrical Systems by Skip Readio if by chance come across it has easy to understand diagrams maybe could put them on site. just a thought

unless one knows everything about cars, we could all learn SOMETHING here!

Man I could use that book!! I also saved the painless site, thanks.



Todd



Rat Rods Rule!

Well I'll be darn, looks like I go me some readin'!

Something to do other then play solitair on this here computer!

-Chad

JON: I am really impressed with all the time and hard work that you have put into your site. IT SHOWS. There are a ton of pictures and hot rod information on www.hotrodhotline.com it is a very interesting site and shows what is really happening out there every week across the country......DAVE

VERY helpful!!

Thanks for compiling the info!

Everyone needs the fundamentals. Basics lead to all the rest.
Thanks Jon. Looking forward to revisiting the list myself.
Dutch

WOW!!! This made my whole day! Now that I have ol blue (49 chevrolet fleetline special) my project car to work on I need to learn about ALL this stuff! Thank you Jon and everyone for your knowledge and willingness to share with others!

Bump.
This site SHOULD stay at the top and should be at the top of all Forums. Keep up the good work Jon.

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Luv the smell of NITRO in the morning.