if i were doing this i think one section would have web addreses for helpful sites (of course this one) online parts (brothers,summit,jegs,year one etc.)if you look at alot of the answers in the questions on this board they are answered with a link to another site so giving a few pages of links(web address)with a good descrition of the site will help a lot of rodders in the direction to get the things they need to rod of course this is only an idea of a internet junkie but aren't we all or we wouldnt be here hope this helps
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I'll give my 2 cents worth on the subject.
I like to see low budget ways to hot rod stuff. Things like what types of common cars are good donors for things like sub frames, engines, heads, rear ends, brake spindles etc. Things guys can do themselves like porting stock heads, grabbing a stock HEI from the junkyard, throwing a recurve kit in it and replacing an old points distributer, rebuilding an old Quadrejet, etc. Anyone can grab a summit or jegs magazine or go to GM and buy a high dollar crate motor. whats the challenge in that? (other than coughing up the cash of course). To me, hot rodding is doing the stuff yourself for a reasonable price, with as many used or remanned parts as possible.
Later
Retro
I like to see low budget ways to hot rod stuff. Things like what types of common cars are good donors for things like sub frames, engines, heads, rear ends, brake spindles etc. Things guys can do themselves like porting stock heads, grabbing a stock HEI from the junkyard, throwing a recurve kit in it and replacing an old points distributer, rebuilding an old Quadrejet, etc. Anyone can grab a summit or jegs magazine or go to GM and buy a high dollar crate motor. whats the challenge in that? (other than coughing up the cash of course). To me, hot rodding is doing the stuff yourself for a reasonable price, with as many used or remanned parts as possible.
Later
Retro
I agree with some of the guys, about the low cost ways of doing it yourself. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing you did it yourself and can share that with others. I have some suggestions on how to get the book published, if you need help with that area. I'm in the Graphic Arts business and have some ways to keep you from making costly mistakes on getting the book done.
Stinmar1,
You certainly set up a major project for yourself. I hope you proceed with it, because it could have great potential. For what they are worth (or if they help at all), here are my opinions or suggestions:
First thing for a "beginner" HotRodder? Make sure they understand how and why a vehicle works. Automotive Engineers aren't sitting around their offices all day throwing darts at a board full of potential ideas to see what they will "try" today. Vehicles, chassis, drivetrains, etc are all well-thought, well-planned ideas. Everything works in connection with everything else. Making performance modifications should be just as carefully planned and thought out.
Next, most of us "common" folk don't have a bottomless bank account to access at will. We all seem to have budgets, and limited budgets at that. Perhaps defining "marketing" would help the beginner avoid being sucked into buying something advertised claiming incredible horsepower numbers. We all know Nascar heads make great power, but bolting them to Mom's station wagon will not put the car into the 9's at the local drag strip. Engine combinations need to be laid out BEFORE the cash is laid out. This will help them avoid disappointments and costly mistakes. Also, in relation to this, suggest parts that can be used during the "evolution" process. My first "drag" car ran 14.20 in the quarter, years later I am running high 9's. Did I spend too much money evolving to faster ET's? You bet! No guidance, just marketing hype in every magazine I read lead me astray. Help them decide where they want to be when the project is completed, then judge which parts to buy NOW, and which to buy later. Also, which parts have good resale value when it's time to make the next step towards their final goal. Recouping dollars helps with the budget, that's why there are swap meets, online auctions, etc. Also, simplicity in their design would help avoid depression and canceling their projects. If it's too complicated, they may shy away from it and not do it at all.
Now then, my last suggestion (I could go on forever if I'm not careful) would be tool selection. You have slightly more "wrench time" than I do, so I know you will appreciate the importance of this: Use the RIGHT tool for the job. How many times have you seen young mechanics beating away on something with the wrong tool, wasting time, damaging parts, and aggravating themselves to no end? In a book like this, I would highly recommend picture references with your "Tool Selection and Usage" section. Damaging parts by using the incorrect tool or using tools incorrectly can be just as costly as choosing the wrong parts to begin with.
I should probably stop for now, don't want to write a book on suggestions for writing a book.
Would be glad to help out, compare notes, kick ideas around with you. Anytime. I've been training mechanics for years. let me know if you need any help. Good luck! - Don, New York
You certainly set up a major project for yourself. I hope you proceed with it, because it could have great potential. For what they are worth (or if they help at all), here are my opinions or suggestions:
First thing for a "beginner" HotRodder? Make sure they understand how and why a vehicle works. Automotive Engineers aren't sitting around their offices all day throwing darts at a board full of potential ideas to see what they will "try" today. Vehicles, chassis, drivetrains, etc are all well-thought, well-planned ideas. Everything works in connection with everything else. Making performance modifications should be just as carefully planned and thought out.
Next, most of us "common" folk don't have a bottomless bank account to access at will. We all seem to have budgets, and limited budgets at that. Perhaps defining "marketing" would help the beginner avoid being sucked into buying something advertised claiming incredible horsepower numbers. We all know Nascar heads make great power, but bolting them to Mom's station wagon will not put the car into the 9's at the local drag strip. Engine combinations need to be laid out BEFORE the cash is laid out. This will help them avoid disappointments and costly mistakes. Also, in relation to this, suggest parts that can be used during the "evolution" process. My first "drag" car ran 14.20 in the quarter, years later I am running high 9's. Did I spend too much money evolving to faster ET's? You bet! No guidance, just marketing hype in every magazine I read lead me astray. Help them decide where they want to be when the project is completed, then judge which parts to buy NOW, and which to buy later. Also, which parts have good resale value when it's time to make the next step towards their final goal. Recouping dollars helps with the budget, that's why there are swap meets, online auctions, etc. Also, simplicity in their design would help avoid depression and canceling their projects. If it's too complicated, they may shy away from it and not do it at all.
Now then, my last suggestion (I could go on forever if I'm not careful) would be tool selection. You have slightly more "wrench time" than I do, so I know you will appreciate the importance of this: Use the RIGHT tool for the job. How many times have you seen young mechanics beating away on something with the wrong tool, wasting time, damaging parts, and aggravating themselves to no end? In a book like this, I would highly recommend picture references with your "Tool Selection and Usage" section. Damaging parts by using the incorrect tool or using tools incorrectly can be just as costly as choosing the wrong parts to begin with.
I should probably stop for now, don't want to write a book on suggestions for writing a book.
Would be glad to help out, compare notes, kick ideas around with you. Anytime. I've been training mechanics for years. let me know if you need any help. Good luck! - Don, New York
Definitely a good idea! My suggestions are pretty similar to everyone elses. A section for what tools are absolutely necessary would be good as would a section on garage/shop/space setup. Another good thing to have would be the engine/trans/rear end combination. I've seen a lot of people seeking help because they have a huge cam, small carb, 4:10 gears, stock heads, etc. The planning stage is the most crucial in my mind. A good section would be exposing industry myths and marketing ploys. I've seen tons of adds that claim huge gains but in the real world don't add up to much. Exhaust tips that will add 20hp, things to bolt into your air box on fuelie vehicles that will increase mileage by 10-20 mpg, the list goes on and on and on.....
Basically, if it worked for you, you should include it. That's what people like to hear, things that worked for other rodders. Also, what about a section on making certain tools? Homemade stuff is always cool
Basically, if it worked for you, you should include it. That's what people like to hear, things that worked for other rodders. Also, what about a section on making certain tools? Homemade stuff is always cool
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