Motorbooks Workshop – serie

When it comes to collector motorcycles, none hold the allure of the classic Harley-Davidson Big Twins built from 1936 to 1964. But owning and maintaining these tempermental machines provides endless challenges.Even the most pristine, restored example needs a tremendous amount of care, maintenance, and repair. The rebuilding and restoring of these machines is not so much a defined task as a never-ending process. This book serves to guide owners through that process.   Beginning with a practical section on understanding, choosing, and purchasing a classic Harley, this book focuses on the nuts and bolts of classic Harley ownership. Through step-by-step photography and thoughtful, informative instruction, the reader will learn how to disassemble a chassis, rebuild a fork, lace a wheel, and paint the major parts for any restoration. It also provides thorough instruction on repairing, overhauling, and restoring all major components, such as the engine, transmission, and electrical system.

Since its introduction in 1997, the Porsche Boxster has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest sports cars, as well as a huge, loyal following of devoted drivers. This book is aimed at those owners of Boxsters who want to improve their machines while avoiding thousands of dollars in mechanic’s costs.  Clearly and simply written, with straightforward illustrations, this manual offers 101 projects to help you modify, maintain, and enhance your Porsche.  Focusing on the 986 and 987 Boxster models, 101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster presents all the necessary information, associated costs, and pitfalls to avoid when performing a wide array of projects.  In a word, it makes owning a Porsche Boxster an unqualified thrill.

Build your own flathead roadster just as it would have been built in the 1950s! Using a 1929 Ford Model A, this guide follows its construction from start to fantastic finish. Bishop begins with a wealth of expert advice on planning your project, finding traditional parts, and acquiring the tools, time, space, and services needed. From frame, front suspension and steering, to brakes, engine and transmission, Bishop's expert approach is fully illustrated with specially commissioned photos and line drawings.

The ultimate Ford flathead resource for hot rodders and restorers.The last commercially produced Ford Flathead V-8 was cast over 60 years ago. Simple by today's high-tech standards, during its performance reign from the late '30s through the mid '50s, the flathead was unsurpassed for go-fast power on the cheap. It spawned the modern aftermarket speed-equipment industry and became a favorite of bootleggers, dry-lakes racers, dirt trackers, street racers, and a whole generation that just wanted fast cars.Whether you're restoring a classic Ford, building a traditional hot rod, or creating a period custom car, you'll want to get the most out of its vintage flathead V-8. In How to Rebuild & Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines, authors Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel, two of the most highly-regarded experts in hot rodding, give you the detailed and accurate information you need to build, restore, or just daydream about the engine that gave birth to hot rodding.Every aspect of buying, building, and owning a flathead V-8 engine is extensively covered. Go through the basics of selecting the right engine for the right project, building and rehabilitating engines, and final tuning. Diagrams and color photos bring these legendary engines to life for the hands-on hobbyist, collector, and aficionado.Keep it mild or build it wild, but either way, How to Rebuild & Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines will help ensure your flathead is delivering the power you need.

The iconic Porsche 911 is that rarity--a world-class performance car that can still be improved.  This book shows anyone with the tools and a modicum of skill how to make this great car even better with performance-enhancing tricks and techniques ranging from subtle to extreme.  Focusing solely on the air-cooled cars produced from 1963 through early 1998, this third edition of the Porsche 911 Performance Handbook provides clearly illustrated, easy to follow instructions for making modifications to every working part of the car, from engine and transmission to suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, and more.  Author and noted Porsche expert Bruce Anderson goes into questions about buying a 911, custom treatments, and maintenance.  Detailed appendices list tune-up specs, conversion charts and handy formulas, and resources.

Never-before published information details the nuances of tackling this daunting task! From dropping the engine, to reconditioning and blueprinting, through final reinstallation and break-in, Dempsey guides you step-by-step through the pitfalls often experienced by even the best mechanics. Contains reliable information on parts interchange, performance modifications, reliability upgrades, tear down, and potential problems encountered along the way. Essential information for do-it-yourselfers and for those looking to hire a professional.

This ultimate book of knowledge on Ford's famous pony car has been updated to include all models through 1973. A technical reference source for an authentic restoration, judging parts and options originality, and deciphering serial numbers and data plate codes. Packed with 1,000+ photos, this book covers all first-generation Mustangs, from the earliest 1964 1/2 and 1965 models up through 1973.

This all-color collection guides owners of pre-1990 Porsche 911s through 101 carefully selected, weekend projects illustrated with step-by-step, full-color studio photography. Divided into three categories-performance, handling, and customization-the projects range from 30-minute maintenance projects to eight-hour performance modifications; each is accompanied by a handy chart indicating how much skill, cash, and time are needed to successfully complete the task. Author Wayne Dempsey also explains why the jobs should be undertaken and what kind of improved performance the owner can expect. An unprecedented book, and a great resource for everyone from casual enthusiasts to shop pros.

The Mazda Miata MX-5 has been a popular car among automotive enthusiasts for more than a decade, and hardly a single one of the more than 500,000 sold has not been customized by its owner in some way. This book provides specific how-to instructions through approximately 35 projects that include both maintenance and modification procedures. Each project is treated separately, giving readers very specific information about the commitment in time, tools, money, and talent for each project.

A new edition of one of our more popular how-to titles, incorporating an attractive design, significantly updated text, and full-color photography. This is a step-by-step restoration guide for all Chevy light-duty trucks from 1928 onwards.Updates include:- Upgrading to power steering- Pressure oiling for Stovebolt six and electronic fuel injection upgrades- New information on disc brakes and power brakes- Updated suppliers listing.

In How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems, author and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Master Technician Tracy Martin explain the principles behind automotive electrical systems and describes how they work, with a focus on cars of collectible and classic eras. Now, readers no longer need fear that jumble of wires beneath the dash or hood of their vehicle.  Automotive electrical systems can seem a mystery, if not a black art, to the weekend mechanic and even to a number of experienced pros. From Ohm’s Law and an explanation of 12-volt systems to specific electrical scenarios and more, Martin thoroughly dissects the automotive electrical system and explains the various tools needed for diagnoses and repairs, such as multimeters, voltmeters, timing lights, coil testers, lab scopes, and more. Also included:Storage batteriesCharging and starting systemsIgnition systemsFuel injectionReading wiring diagramsTroubleshootingWhen it comes automotive electrics, readers need never fear being lost in lost in the dark again. Whether you have a bad ground, an amp draw, or some other gremlin, How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems is the best tool available for understanding and diagnosing electrical problems.The Motorbooks Workshop series covers topics that engage and interest car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Written by subject-matter experts and illustrated with step-by-step and how-it’s-done reference images, Motorbooks Workshop is the ultimate resource for how-to know-how.

In our mechanized day of mass production, the craft of hand-forming sheet metal into compound curves and dashing fins and fenders is fast becoming a lost art. Eddie Paul is a master at sheet metal fabrication (among other accomplishments), and in this book he gives readers the means to mold their own sheet metal creations. Paul’s engagingly written book talks about the necessary tools and how to use them; how to choose, prepare and work with the right material; how to make forms and mock-ups, and much more. Whether you want to mold a fender for a custom car or just learn about this intriguing process, Sheet Metal Fabrication is a thoroughly readable reference book and guide, and a uniquely valuable resource.

Suspension is probably the most misunderstood aspect of motorcycle performance. This book, by America’s premier suspension specialist, makes the art and science of suspension tuning accessible to professional and backyard motorcycle mechanics alike. Based on Paul Thede’s wildly popular Race Tech Suspension Seminars, this step-by-step guide shows anyone how to make their bike, or their kid’s, handle like a pro’s.Thede gives a clear account of the three forces of suspension that you must understand to make accurate assessments of your suspension’s condition. He outlines testing procedures that will help you gauge how well you’re improving your suspension, along with your riding. And, if you’re inclined to perfect your bike’s handling, he even explains the black art of chassis geometry. Finally, step-by-step photos of suspension disassembly and assembly help you rebuild your forks and shocks for optimum performance.The book even provides detailed troubleshooting guides for dirt, street, and supermoto--promising a solution to virtually any handling problem.

Welding is a skill that any do-it-yourself enthusiast needs in his or her arsenal. How to Weld is the perfect introduction for newbies and an excellent refresher for veteran welders—a work so comprehensive that most readers won’t need any further instruction.In How to Weld, a bestselling installment in the Motorbooks Workshop series, AWS-certified welding instructor Todd Bridigum thoroughly describes process and art of fusing metals, including: Tools and equipment commonly used Types of metals and their weldability Welding techniquesShop and site safetyTypes of jointsIn addition, all popular types of welding variants are covered, including gas welding, shielded metal arc (or stick) welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), brazing, soldering, and even metal cutting. Each skills section concludes with a series of exercises, each illustrated with captioned sequential color photography, to fully explain and detail the techniques learned. Mechanics, automotive enthusiasts, farmers, metalworkers, and other DIYers who can’t bond metal can’t make repairs and they can’t create—in short, they can’t do much of anything except bolt together pre-made parts. With this thorough and completely illustrated all-color tutorial  by an experienced college-level instructor, readers can get on the path fabricating and fixing metals on their own. How To Weld is the only book about welding they'll ever need.The Motorbooks Workshop series covers topics that engage and interest auto and motorcycle enthusiasts. Written by subject-matter experts and illustrated with step-by-step and how-it’s-done reference images, Motorbooks Workshop is the ultimate resource for how-to know-how.

The Mazda Miata is one of the most popular sports cars on the road today. In production for more than 20 years, the Miatas popularity has grown, and the number of aftermarket components available to the Miata enthusiast has grown, too. This immense selection of parts has made it difficult for many would-be modifiers to choose the proper combination that will help them reach the goals they have set for their two-seaters. Author and Miata expert Keith Tanner has been modifying, repairing, building, and racing Miatas for years, and he will guide you through how to best modify your car to suit your needs, starting with an explanation on how everything works and how the various parts will interact. You'll not only learn what upgrades will help you reach your goals, but also how to adjust or modify what you have to make your car work at its best. From autocross to cross-country touring, the Miata can do it all. Keith Tanner tells you how to make it happen!

Automotive wiring is a primary skill required for proper completion and safe operation of any custom build, whether it is a traditional custom, hot rod, or classic daily driver. While restorers typically have the option of buying a new or reproduction wiring harness, custom enthusiasts often have few options except to figure out how to do it themselves. This book guides builders through every step from determining what components they need, to selecting wire type and gauge, methods of connection, and other considerations. The book includes numerous charts showing typical configurations and suggested installations. A troubleshooting section lends a hand in tracking down the inevitable problems that can arise.

How to Paint Your Car reveals the techniques, tricks, and technology behind automotive painting through 400 color photos, clear captions, detailed text, and step-by-step how-to sequences. You’ll learn the latest information about paint chemistry, waterborne paints, spray guns, body fillers, surface prep, site prep, as well as respirators and other safety gear that every automotive painter must know. With step-by-step detail, you’ll learn how to properly prepare your car for paint work, including minor bodywork, surface preparation, rust removal, masking, priming and final coating. How to Paint Your Car also includes information about custom touches and effects as well as how to care for your paint after application, including information on buffing compounds, waxes, and other care products. Everything you need to know to feel comfortable and confident in undertaking your own paint project, whether a touch-up job or a complete respray, is covered in How to Paint Your Car.

Since its introduction in 1998, the water-cooled Porsche 911 has earned a reputation as one of the world's greatest sports cars - equal to, if not better than, the legendary air-cooled 911 it replaced. The 911 is a true driver's car, and it offers its greatest driving rewards when properly maintained, tuned, and modified. One of the principal drawbacks to owning a Porsche is the relatively high cost of maintaining it. You can literally save thousands of dollars in mechanic's costs simply by performing some of the work yourself. With 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 996 and 997 1998-2008, written by renowned Porsche author Wayne Dempsey, you'll be able to get into the garage and work on your 911 with confidence. Created with the weekend mechanic in mind, this highly illustrated Motorbooks Workshop title offers 101 step-by-step projects designed to help you maintain, modify, and improve your late-model 911. Focusing on the water-cooled 996 and 997 models, this book presents all the necessary knowledge, associated costs, and pitfalls to avoid when performing an expansive array of projects. And besides the savings, when you personally complete a job on your Porsche, you get the added satisfaction of having done it yourself.

Everything you need to know to restore or customize your classic Japanese motorcycle.Whether you want to correctly restore a classic Japanese motorcycle or create a modified, custom build, you need the right information about how to perform the mechanical and cosmetic tasks required to get an old, frequently neglected, and often long-unridden machine back in working order. How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles is your thorough, hands-on manual, covering all the mechanical subsystems that make up a motorcycle. From finding a bike to planning your project to dealing with each mechanical system, How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles includes everything you need to know to get your classic back on the road.Japanese motorcycles have been the best-selling bikes in the world since the mid-1960s, driven by the "big four": Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Of course certain bikes have always had a following - Honda CB750, 305 Hawk, CB400-4, Benly; Suzuki GT750, Katana, GS1000S; Yamaha XS650, RD400 Daytona, TZ; Kawaski H1, H2, Z1R - and these have now become the blue-chip Japanese bikes leading collectors to seek out more common (and now more affordable) alternatives.This is the perfect book for anyone interested in classic Japanese motorcycles, as well as prepping a bike to build a cafe racer, street tracker, or other custom build.

Sheet Metal Shaping demystifies this seemingly black art with information on tools and basic skills and 14 customizable projects, fully illustrated with step-by-step color photography.Whether you want to create custom or replacement parts or build an entire automobile body, this metalworking course for gearheads from award-winning automotive-restoration author and professor Ed Barr will take you as far as your interests reach.First, you’ll learn how to assemble your ideal toolkit, as well as how to build a power hammer and an English wheel. In the process, Barr will help you make informed choices based on available space and budget. Once you’re all set up, he addresses the concepts of shape and form.The projects are presented in a way that you can easily apply them to your own vehicles, whatever they may be. Barr also takes the time to show how the projects can be accomplished with different available tools.As you go, you’ll gain the skills and confidence for tackling the increasingly complex cases presented. Work your way up to building a fender utilizing the wheeling machine you built earlier; then move on to building a Model T speedster body and an Indy car, and later a challenging ’​34 Plymouth fender. The book even includes common goofs and how to avoid and, if necessary, correct them.Written in an engaging and approachable style, Sheet Metal Shaping serves equally well as a useful supplement to Barr’s previous Professional Sheet Metal Fabrication or as a must-have standalone volume for any fabricator’s library.The Motorbooks Workshop series covers the topics that engage and interest gearheads. Written by authorities in the subject matter and illustrated with color photography, Motorbooks Workshop is the ultimate source for how-to know-how.

If you have a hankering for the sand and mud, this thoroughly updated edition of The Four-Wheeler’s Bible is your ultimate resource for overland adventures, both close to home and farther afield.Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a four-wheeling novice, you will find the information you need to maximize your enjoyment of your next off-road excursion. Author and four-wheeling experts Jim Allen and James Weber begin with a primer on emergency preparedness before combing through all considerations you should take aboard, from trail etiquette to the latest technologies. Allen and Weber explain the concepts of four-wheel-drive systems in easy-to-understand terms and go on to suggest modifications to make off-road rigs more capable, comfortable, and dependable for intended application. This third edition is completely redesigned and updated to offer explanations of the latest electronic GPS and communications gadgetry, advice and techniques for planning and negotiating overland routes, and updates for new off-road vehicles that will help you get the most from your four-wheeling experience. With you machine up to snuff, you will be ready to hit the trails. Allen and Weber demonstrate the correct way to handle countless common off-road situations. And because everyone makes a mistake eventually, they also show how to get out of a variety of sticky situations. There’s more to the four-wheeling experience than modifying and driving a vehicle, and the authors leave no rock unturned, ensuring that you are equipped to handle nearly any trip, no matter how far into the wilderness you choose to venture.The Four Wheeler’s Bible is an indispensable piece of gear if you’re planning to hit the trails!

In this updated edition of the definitive pinstripe how-to, acclaimed veteran striper Alan Johnson shows you how to get started, further your mastery of the form, and create solid designs.Even before the heyday of Von Dutch and Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, the ultimate way to personalize your car or motorcycle was to lay some wicked lines on top of the paintwork. Done with a steady hand and an eye for style, pinstripes speak volumes. In How to Pinstripe, Alan shows you everything you need to know about tools and materials, getting started, practicing and mastering the form, and understanding how a good design comes together.Following a primer on the history and evolution of pinstriping, How to Pinstripe launches into a step-by-step guide to the pinstriping process. While stressing the importance of finding your own style and having fun with the hobby, Johnson covers: Choosing paint and brushes that suit your style and abilitiesPreparing surfacesThe basics of color theoryExperimenting with symmetrical and asymmetrical designsStriping freehandUsing grids and patternsUnique considerations for antique and collector cars, hot rods and customs, and motorcyclesAnd now, updated material includes primers on the pinstripe-associated gearhead art forms of lettering and gold leaf, making How to Pinstripe a comprehensive resource. For more advanced pinstripers, there’s also tried-and-true advice on apprenticing and working car shows.Illustrated with color photography throughout, How to Pinstripe is the perfect source for beginners and veterans alike.