How to Build a Hot Rod (Dennis W. Parks)

Boyd Coddingtons Hopw to Build a Hot rod" is a 99% word for word copy of of this and you won't notice unless you read the fine print at the top of the page. A few photo's have been changed (same cars in different colours) and some big pictures have been added between chapters. I think this "the original" is better as it has an extra paragraph here and there and also has some costs that are not included in this version. Boyd Coddington had nothing to do with the other book except writing the intro. Although a really good book it is not really that comprehensive, they show you how to build certain types of chassis. As an intro to rods even if you are not building this book is easy to read and a good read at that. I did like "How to Build a Traditional For Hot Rod" by Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel is not as pretty and although at first I didn't like it, after more reading I found it has a lot more detail.

This book has some very good information, but it is also written for those with far deeper pockets than mine. I believe a person could copy what he sees and come out with a decent Hot Rod, however it seems the majority of the work is dropped off with a shop and a blank check with the directions Make it pretty. I can see where the Rat Rod Rebellion comes from, this is a high dollar endeavor where the thickest wallet wins.

This book is well laid out and informative. It's an enjoyable read and it gives some good insight into the steps it takes to build a hot rod. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in rat rods or hot rods.

This is a good introduction to building a street rod. It covers some of the more popular models and gives the reader information on all areas of the build, with recommendations on which parts to do, or have done. The build sheet reminds the novice of all the pieces/parts that are required and their costs.

One of the things I needed in a book was to know what order(sequence)do you build your rod/custom in.Thats when I discovered this book.This book tells you what you need to know about planning your project,determine what you are going to use the car for(eg:show car/weekender/daily driven),car selection,component selection,purchase of vehicle,build up tips,when to install each item,electrical wiring,painting and so much more.This book sets it out with comprehensive advice from start to finish,even before you think about buying a car.There is a section on how to perform a top chop thats photographed in black & white photos with plenty of information.This book will help you decide what you want first then how to build it and save money too. For a book thats only got 160 pages this book has plenty of advice suitable for any auto hot rod or custom project so if you are building a hot rod or a custom car or a street machine this book is the best book to start with.Its a bargain at under $1... Read more