Transportation Books

I bought this to give to my nephew with the matching Tonka truck. I probably wouldn't have had I taken full note of the book's dimensions and the fact that it is NOT a board book, nor a hard-cover. It actually got lost in the packaging and for a moment, I thought it might have missed the shipment!

It might be nice to read aloud to your toddler (the images are nice) but you won't want to leave your tot alone with it as the book will become damaged quickly.

Even though we have a lot of classic toddler books, this is one of my son's favorites. He is almost 2, he has gone from just liking to see the dump truck on every page, to listening to the story.

Very nice book. I gave it with the Dump Truck.

My son loves this book, I have to read it to hime several times a day. It's infomative for me as well. Any toddler boy would enjoy this!

I read an article in Road & Track by Peter Egan about this childhood book that he just re-read, and decided that it was time for me to re-read it too. Lots of memories for many reasons. Fun easy reading.
Alan Sosnowitz

This "Black Beauty for boys" is essential reading for anyone who wants to call themselves a "car guy". It is a simple novel about the sports car scene in the early 50's. From this period grew all the famous sports cars, including the Corvette & Cobra, and all the famous American road-racers.

I bought this book on Ebay after reading Motor Oil for the Car Guy's Soul by Kevin Clemens. I really didn't know what to expect. It was absolutely excellent. I have never read a more interesting book. Well-thought-out characters and setting, an excellent plot, and on top of it all a fire-engine red MG TC make this book quite a read. Why aren't there any books like this nowadays?

I bought this book as a paper back in 1957. Ordered it from the book club at school. I was 12 and the book captivated me. I am unable to locate that original- but it might be around somewhere. I am 61, and I purchased a 1st edition hardback on line. They are getting pricey. I have reread this book several times and it is a great book for a kid or an old guy. We even moved to Glenwood, where my son was born. I worked as a Pharmacy intern in a drug store there.(Wonder if it is the one in the book.) And I have a Z3 BMW roadster now. I tried to buy a
MG TF at sixteen, but my parents wouldn't let me. It was $650 at the time. I don't know if Bullet is Aspen (which I think it is- Or Basalt) There is no Bullet I know of. Great early teen or pre-teen book.

It has been 35 years since I read the book but I can vivdly remember many parts of it. For example the mechanic Frenchy left his tools dirty to keep others from walking off with them; the race through the mountains with the big Ford that could not stay with the MG in the curves and then his Dad getting caught up in the moment, telling him to speed up. Then later the Dad telling the boy not to mention the race to his mother and cautioning all of the other boys on how dangerous they had been. What a grand book to read.

I ordered this book for my son. However he is a mechanic and already knew most of the things that were in the book. When my husband told him what he was going to do to his car my son told him he really needed this book because it was really thorough and gave step by step instructions.

I bought this for my brother for Christmas and he loved it. Thanks!

I have rebuilt many engines of many different brands, I have read MANY books on rebuilding these engines, and this book by FAR is the best book I have seen, It gives step by step instructions and it makes doing it SOOO easy, even if you have never picked up a wrench, with this book you can rebuild a Big Block Mopar. This book actually makes doing work fun and easy. This book is a MUST for any person who wants to rebuild a BB Mopar and build it right.

Eric

Amazon indicated this item was in stock when I ordered it more than a week ago. I got an Email today telling me it hasn't shipped yet, but is "in process" and I will get it 23 Feb (2 more weeks). They also say I can't change my order now since it's "in process". I figured it's because they probably don't really have it in stock, so I went to the order page and they say there that it's in stock and would ship in 2 to 3 days (same as when I ordered). I'll never place another order with Amazon. They can keep the book and my money. They don't offer a link, phone number, or anything to contact their customer service, so I used this forum. I don't like being treated this way.

This is by far the best book on rebuilding big block mopars for novices out there. Step my step instructions tons of pictures and information. If you have never rebuilt an engine before i recomend this book

Manual transmissions aren't as sexy as some other engine parts that I could think of (like cams, or turbos), but that doesn't make them boring!

This book covers the little-known and little-described topic of manual transmissions. The writer attacks the subject from the angle of a "weekend warrior" mechanic or car builder, which means it's neither dry and academic nor lowbrow.

Manual transmissions, clutches and even differentials are covered in enough detail to be useful without drowning in theory. Unlike many automotive books it's full of meaty details and tips - the chapter on manual transmission diagnosis alone is worth the cost.

Even if you're not a die-hard stick shifter, it's a fun read and an interesting look at the technology behind a manual transmission. If nothing else, you could read it and impress the guys at your local hot-rod spot with your knowledge of gear oil additives.

Besides, where else can you get all the current thinking on manual transmission modifications in one place?

I just got this book and Have to say that it is one of the best automotive books I have ever read. Most automotive Books are either to Dry and Technical or have very little info. This Book is both easy to read and has a ton of information. I'll be referring to this book any time I have a problem with a manual transmission.

Excellent organization and structure. Lots of information on how manual transmissions work, and how to check and rebuild them. Many excellent color photos to go along with the text.

This book is well written and easy to understand with many pictures. It is a good starting point for anyone considering rebuilding a manual transmission.

The book covers material that is common knowledge for professionals, but that is hard to learn as an amatuer trying to learn on his/her own. Specifically in the areas of dianosis of problems, and explicit function of components.

I recommend this book.

This book really presents the work and theory in a straightforward manner. It explains what you are doing and why, and what happens when something goes wrong. It's easy enough to follow lightly as you work, or to read in depth to really learn something. You can easily pull from it what information you need. I would recommend this book to anyone with a technical background, whether already you know what you are doing or just starting your first project, there is definitely something to gain here.

This is a grate book about the first hand observations of a USA truck driver.The writer is honest and intelligent, and writes of all the experiences he encountered whilst working as a truck driver and puts forward solutions to most of the problems, besides that - its a good read even if you dont want to work as a truck driver.The writer has a good perspective of truck driving because he has worked in many different fields outside of the transport industry. Im very happy with my purchase and recommend the book.

This book was OK I taught the author talk too much about himself still it was informative

I bought this book with the fact in mind that I may like to do this job upon retirement, I recommend it to all who consider this job.Steve takes you out on the road, through the schooling to some extent, and deals with the negatives and positives of this type of job in which almost all things that will occur in this type of carreer, some disturbing, some humorous and some just plain informative.It should be read first before flinging yourself into truck driving over the road.I really makes you think and practically puts you in the drivers seat confronting all situations that you are likely to come across from the driving part of the job to the getting paid and dealing with the company you drive for.

This is a good all-purpose read on trucking. As a retired state trooper, I can attest to the authentic and straight talk ahout trucking within these pages.

Entertaining and informative stuff here. Get one!
Truckers and Troopers

When I was a kid I often romanticized driving a big rig. Then I went to college, got a desk job, and followed the normal course of life. The author of this book is a free spirit who has worked many different careers (including desk jobs) and has now found trucking to be a good career. He is forthright, humorous, and very good at describing the life of a trucker. I found myself laughing and enjoying the book as if I had rode along with him. He is also very honest and explains why trucking may not be for everyone. The one area I wish he would have expanded upon was the pay rates and the financial details of trucking. This would be very useful information for someone thinking about becoming a trucker. All in all it was a very good introduction to the career of trucking for someone interested in that profession.

I was pleased to be able to find an official FAA publication in the Amazon bookstore. It means more to me as a certificated flight instructor to find this manual here than anywhere else. I can direct my students here and know they will be able to purchase it.
The book content is pretty dry if you aren't a pilot with an instrument rating!

Being a former GA CPL (VFR limited but passed Instrument GS and had about fifteen hours under the hood, I find this more current and advanced manual than earlier versions much more comprehensive. Being an avid flight simulation enthusiats and beta tester for an ATC product for these simulation hobbyist(?) applications I find its thorough coverage with clear explanations including diagrams and other illustrations appropriate for both private and commercial GA and airliner operations, that all of the procedures are there for the smaller feeder and isolated airports as well as the larger ones.

All phases of controlled flight are covered and additional material beyond the more basic FAA published Instrument Flying Handbook is presented with updated illustrations. All classes of airspace including Class B and C areas are covered.

The serious flight simulation enthusiast as well as real world pilots I believe will find this a very beneficial support document for both training and reference.

Requires a basic knowledge of ship's rigging to be useful; but for the modeller, it is an excellent reference work for specifics of the rigging of various blocks,pendants, etc. it even tells your how to build-up specific types of rigging.
Not a good primary reference but is good as additional information.

I feel this book would benefit a teacher instructing a studient, or an ex-sailor; like my husband. I had to ask for his help. I am re-searching old sailing methods and the Art of Rigging is beneficial for this purpose.

The book does not go into great detail, but does give an excellent idea of how square-riggers were rigged. It is more of an historical document than it is a descriptive analysis of how such ships were rigged and should be bought on that basis.

When you open the pages of "The Art of Rigging," you step back in time over two hundred years. The language herein is that of mariners of the days of wooden ships. You must learn the language to fully appreciate the treasure that is this book.
The author or, more properly, reviser, Captain George Biddlecombe, Royal Navy, died in 1878. This book, first published in 1848 by another author, Charles Wilson, was based on a rigging manual published in 1794. It was again revised and published in 1925.
If you are expecting modern terms, word usage, and grammar, forget it! This is the real stuff, exactly as done and recorded by the men of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
If you are expecting an easy read on the order of "Dick & Jane and Their Dog Spot," forget it! This book is hard work, even the pictures can be difficult, but it is a varitable gold mine of information if you're willing to dig.
Here is a quotation that I found particularly opaque until I translated it into modern English: "Burton pendants are triced up by the girtlines, and placed over the top-mast-head, that the thimbles may hang on each side, to hook the burton-tackles in."
Poetry! I leave it to you to perform your own translation!
If you believe that there is no gain without pain, this book is for you. If you want your pablum spoon-fed to you, you'd best be advised to buy a plastic model.(...)

This book is brilliant. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the rigging of ships. Perhaps not so useful in the real world today, but full of great information and lots of practical knowledge should you find yourself stranded on a Nineteenth Century bark with no one else who understands rigging. Also beneficial for those who enjoy building ship models. A very excellent volume to have on your home library shelves with which to impress your friends and neighbors, too. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

For Begineers who want to understand the basiscs of their machine..

I found it very easy to follow in the most part, not to use on a certain bike, but with a bike manual it will be great help.

It covers a wide variety, but I sensed speceific hostility to my baby (Harley Davidson), but oh well, Loved by few, respected by many :).

I found this book an extremely interesting read and a great introduction to the basics of motorcycles. A must read for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to get a grip of the basics!

Aside from the occasional spelling differences (tyre instead of tire, etc.) this serves as the perfect introduction to the inner workings of your bike. It's not too complicated, nor does it treat its readers as idiots; rather it's a great blend of information and photos that allow you to learn the core ideas behind the metal and plastic. What I really liked was the build up of old to new styles of all the various systems it covers. As the title plainly states this is a basics book, and it won't get you to the point of being a mechanic, but after reading this you should be able to begin a study of motorcycle repair without a problem. This is money worth spending if you aren't already educated about engine systems.

I'm a young(ish) woman who is absolutely new to the world of motorcycles. I bought this book from Amazon after reading through the posted reviews, and am pleased to say that it was an excellent purchase.


I really don't have anything to compare this book to, but I can say that it has been a wonderful introduction to the nuts and bolts of motorcycles. I never really understood what constituted an engine before picking up this book, but now I can talk intelligently on many mechanical matters with my grease-monkey mates. It's also a great reference when you're struck by a killer question about the intricacies of gear shifting, or whatever.


The book's only drawback, from my point of view, is that the text is rather dense, which makes it slightly daunting to sit down with. All in all though, my thanks and congratulations go out to the author.

This book is not and does not try to be a shop manual. What it is, is a well-done primer on the theory behind the various systems in a motorcycle. The chapter on engines was fascinating to me. It explains, in rough historical/chronological order, the development of various engine designs, and how each was a reponse to weaknesses in previous designs and how each one introduced it own problems (while at the same time older designs were tweaked in various ways to minimize problems). The design variations include number of cyllinders, number of crankshafts, orientation of cyllinders with respect to each other, orientation of the crankshaft with respect to the motorcycle, ratio of bore diameter to stroke length, various arrangements of valve trains, etc. Two stroke engines are also covered. Illustrations are extensive, but tend to be pulled from other books or from manufacturers manuals, so sometimes include unnecessary detail, especially in the carburation chapter (which was very complex and a little over my head). Some chapters (e.g., exhaust systems) were not as detailed as the engine chapter and were slightly disappointing.

I followed this book up with Keith Cameron's Sportbike Performance Hankbook, which explains some systems in more detail. Cameron's book is ostensibly a book for souping up your motorcycle, but in the end managed to convince me that I want to keep my bike stock unless I don't plan to use it on the street: the manufacturers generally know what they are doing.

One caveat about Motorcycle Basics Manual: the book was authored in England and uses U.K. terminology. A glossary at the end gives U.S. equivalents, but a few things are left out.

I purchased this book to understand a little of the process of designing and making a custom interior. The designs are good, but maybe a little dated. For instance, it's mainly street rods and no discussion of the newer 'pimp' style look. No AV system installs - which I was most intrested in finding how some of the flowing speaker enclosures are done.
Very good photography throughout... you can pick some nice ideas if you're doing a street rod.

I finally decided to do something about the half-disintegrated and shockingly smelly interior of my '52 Chevy pickup. Now, the smart thing would have been to hand it off to a professional and pick it up a few weeks later completely done. Unfortunately, the six grand or so it would have cost me is almost as much as the truck's worth. So, perhaps unwisely, I decided to do it myself. It's now 90% finished (see pic) and I have to admit that I owe a large portion of my success to this book. It's undoubtedly the best thing on the market.

Having said that, though, it's far from perfect. The photos are poor quality snapshots that make it hard to see three-dimensional shapes, there are strange omissions, and many of the brand recommendations are downright bizarre.

But instead of waxing rhapsodic about the book's problems, I'm going to use the rest of my review to try to give you the benefit of my hard-won experience. Keep in mind that my project was about as difficult as they get--I had to make everything custom, because my truck didn't have much of an interior when it was originally manufactured. Yours should be easier.

OMISSIONS
This book is obsessed with using chipboard to make complex shapes that can then be upholstered. All very lovely if the shape isn't too complex to wrap smoothly and if this is the look you're going for. In many cases, it's much easier to use fiberglass and body filler to create a paintable custom piece. This is standard practice for virtually everything relating to stereo enclosures (see mine in the photo.) The only reason I can think of that the technique isn't so much as mentioned is that the authors are currently writing a book about it. Check the web for pretty much all the info you need to make whatever you want.

There is no information provided on the tools you'll need, no instruction on sewing, omissions in the information on laying carpet, etc., which (probably intentionally) forces you to read Taylor's Automotive Upholstery Handbook.

WHAT YOU WANT TO AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE
Sewing is hard. And even if, like me, you can con your mother into doing it, then you have seams to deal with and they are brutal to keep straight when you're gluing. Design your interior to keep sewing to a minimum.

I would rather stick my tongue in a hornet's nest than glue in a custom headliner. Nine yards of contact cement-covered material suspended over your head, trying to stick to everything, including your hair. And one mistake, you get to rip it all out. Granted, mine is ridiculously hard due to the acute angles in the back of the cab, but still you should still seriously consider having this done professionally.

BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
There aren't many in this book, but almost none make sense based on my experience.

Glue is all important--the difference between an easy five-minute job and an endless disaster. The only advice given (actually in the Automotive Upholstery Handbook as I recall) is to buy the most expensive stuff you can find. This is just as stupid as it sounds. I tried Stick-it, Tac-it, and Duo-something, among others. All with horrible results. DO NOT USE ANYTHING THAT ISN'T MADE BY 3M!!! Note the cheesy use of caps and multiple exclamation marks. I'm serious here.

Q-pads: This is a messy, expensive, and obsolete asphalt sound deadener. Use RAAM-Mat or go to sounddeadenershowdown if you want to really geek out on the subject.

Mellowhide: This is nice vinyl and I used it based on their recommendation, but it's hard to find and apparently it doesn't store well in non-climate controlled situations, prompting my supplier (the excellent Larry Dennis company) to quit carrying it. It's probably an off-gassing issue and I haven't had a problem with the installed interior, but if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't take the chance.

OTHER TIPS
Foam dulls razorblades incredibly fast and a dull blade can ruin hours' worth of work in the blink of an eye. Figure three feet of cutting in 1/4 foam before you have to throw the blade away.

I made the mistake of using glue in rattle cans. Buy a gallon of the stuff and spray it with a primer gun. It's far cheaper and will give you a more consistent coating with no globs that might telegraph through your material.

This is not a science, it's an art. Buy some cheap materials and play around before trying something that's actually going to go in your car. It's not complicated, but it can be kind of subtle.

That little 3" sander you see them using in the pictures is your best friend. It's called a polisher, though. Searching the Net for "3 inch sander" won't get you anywhere.

Good luck, and remember: Patience!

A colour guide to customizing the interior of any vehicle.This book is a step by step guide(and in colour)from designing to completing your interior.Even though the book shows various hot rods the techniques apply to any vehicle.This is a comprehensive guide and is great value for the money.This should be your first book on customising interiors.There are plenty of books that cover other areas of car restoration to add to your collection.

I also recommend this book:
"How to restore and customize upholstery & interiors".By Dennis.W.Parks.(Motorbooks Workshop series.)

Yes, the best, bar none. If you're a veteran like me, there were probably guys in your crowd who could do engines, trannys, paint/bodywork, even a little electrical. But nobody, NOBODY had a clue on how to do the interior. This book reveals the secrets and the inside tips step by step, easy to follow, and yet, not tedious. Quite the contrary, it is an enjoyable read full of discovery. Even if you only have basic skills like cutting plywood with a saber saw, you can probably put together a great interior for your car armed only with patience and this book. And that goes for new cars too- the techniques are totally up to date. The fact that they are illustrated on hot rods doesn't mean they won't work on the latest models. You just have to be thoughtful and creative, and anything is possible. Most Highly Recommended.

This book took a lot of the mystery out of building custom interiors for me (a beginner). It covers a broad range of things, from building seats and door panels to headliners. Check out the table of contents. The authors obviously work mostly on hot rods but you can apply this knowledge to building interiors for newer cars. It doesn't go into extreme detail, (it wouldn't really be feasible to do so!) but it delivers on it's promise. If you're into fiberglass interiors for the newer cars, you may want to try another book.

I have generally preferred Haynes manuals over Chilton's but the first time I used this it has some incorrect information in it. The headlight adjustment screws on a 98 Legacy GT I had just bought were rusted and could not be turned (both lights were pointing right at the ground in front of the car). I removed both headlight assemblies and sat the screws in penetrating oil to free them up. However, the manual had reversed which headlight controlled the horizontal and vertical adjustments. While this is faily minor and obviously easy to figure out, it has reduced my confidence in the rest of the book somewhat.

Yes, it is printed on thin paper and it is a paperback, but this is the norm. The directions are complete and basic enough for a non-mechanic to understand. If something is not in here, check the owner's manual.

This manual, with flimsy news print pages, is specific to a rebuild and did not have the basic info I needed. If you are going to rebuild your Subaru's engine, this is what you want, if you're just trying to do maintenance and basic repairs, move on.