{"title":"Must Have Car Books","description":"Must Haves Car Books","products":[{"product_id":"semi-trucks-of-the-1970s-a-coast-to-coast-run-through-the-last-great-era-of-the-big-rigs","title":"Semi Trucks of the 1970s: A Coast-to-Coast Run Through the Last Great Era of the Big Rigs!","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy 1972 there were nearly one million \u003cstrong\u003etractor-trailer rigs\u003c\/strong\u003e hauling every conceivable kind of cargo on America’s roads. Can you imagine the variety of trucks you would have seen at truck stops across the country? But the 1970s proved to be a decade of incredible change for the over-the-road trucking industry, and by 1980, fuel efficiency became a prime concern for companies. At this time, airfoils and other aerodynamic aids began to appear, and trucks in general, started to take on a similar look. In this picture-packed book, \u003cstrong\u003eRon Adams\u003c\/strong\u003e has pulled together a collection of over 300 images that trace the evolution of truck design and use back to the earliest horse-drawn units right up through the early 1980s. Short introductory chapters cover the earlier years of trucking, and then Ron takes you on a coast-to-coast tour of the 1970s, showcasing the huge variety of big rigs working the roads and providing detailed information about the trucks, trailers, cargoes, and trucking companies. In addition to photos and detailed captions, there are period articles covering early aerodynamic testing and also on advancements in truck design in the 1970s. Semi Trucks of the 1970s feature trucks from all makers, including \u003cstrong style='font-weight: 700; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: \"Times New Roman\"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'\u003eInternational, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack, White-Freightliner, Autocar, Brockway, Peterbilt, Ford, \u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cstrong style='font-weight: 700; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: \"Times New Roman\"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'\u003e Diamond Reo\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is a complete look at this evolutionary period in trucking history. W3 In this picture-packed book, Ron Adams has pulled together a collection of over 300 images that trace the evolution of truck design and use back to the earliest horse-drawn units right up through the early 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ertel Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31911908507719,"sku":"B09513","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/9781583883754.jpg?v=1772254054"},{"product_id":"midlife-stickers","title":"NEW Midlife Stickers","description":"Midlife Classic Cars is excited to show off our new logo sticker. \nThe sticker has UAV protection and should last plenty of years on a car or item outside.\nMake sure to take a picture of your sticker and share it on social media using #MidlifeClassicCars","brand":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31911911850055,"sku":"G2","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/midlife_20classic_20cars_20sticker_202_1024x1024_cf109ae0-6c94-475c-947a-26bb87201c5b.jpg?v=1772268615"},{"product_id":"how-to-build-max-performance-ford-fe-engines-how-to-rebuild-ford-fe-engines-box-set","title":"How To Build Max-Performance Ford Fe Engines \u0026 How To Rebuild Ford Fe Engines Box Set","description":"How to Build Max-Performance Ford FE Engines \n\nThe Ford FE (Ford Edsel) engine is one of the most popular engines Ford \never produced, and it powered most Ford and Mercury cars and trucks from \nthe late 50s to the mid 1970s. For many of the later years, FE engines \nwere used mostly in truck applications, but there has been a renaissance \nof FE engine in high-performance street, strip, muscle cars, and even \nhigh-performance trucks. While high-performance build up principles and \ntechniques will be discussed for all engines, author Barry Rabotnick \nwill focus on the max-performance build-up for the most popular engines, \nsuch as the 390 and 428. With the high-performance revival in FE \nengines, a variety of builds are being performed from stock blocks with \nmild head and cam work to complete aftermarket engines with aluminum \nblocks, high-flow heads, and aggressive roller cams. How to Build \nMax-Performance Ford FE Engines will show you how to select the ideal \npistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts to achieve horsepower \nrequirements for all applications. The blocks chapter will discuss the \nstrengths and weaknesses of each particular block considered. The book \nwill also examine head, valvetrain, and cam options that are best suited \nfor your performance goals. Also covered are the best-flowing heads, \nrocker-arm options, lifters, and pushrods. In addition, this volume \ncovers port sizing, cam lift, and the best rocker-arm geometry.\n\nThe FE engines are an excellent platform for stroking, and this book \nprovides an insightful, easy-to-follow approach for selecting the right \ncrank, connecting rods, pistons, and making the necessary block \nmodifications. Finally, Ford FE fans have the one book they have been \nlooking for.\n\nHOW TO REBUILD FORD 330 352 390 427 428 FE ENGINES\n\nFord FE engines, which were manufactured from the late 1950s all the way \nthrough the mid-1970s, were designated as the large-displacement engines \nin the Ford lineup. FE means Ford Edsel, and reflects an era when Ford \nsought to promote the Edsel name. The design of these engines was \nimplemented to increase displacement over its predecessor, the Y-Block \nengines of the previous decade. Early models were fairly modest in \ndisplacement, as were most big-blocks of the era, but they grew quickly \nto fill the needs of rapidly changing chassis requirements and consumer \ndemand for larger vehicles. As it grew, the FE engine performed \nadmirably as a heavy passenger car and light truck engine. It also \nbecame quite accomplished in performance circles, winning the 24 Hours \nof Le Mans, as well as powering Ford's muscle car and drag racing \nprograms in the mid- to late 1960s.\n\nIn Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild, you will learn everything you need \nto know to rebuild one of these legendary engines. CarTech's unique \nWorkbench series format takes you step-by-step through the entire \nrebuilding process. Covered are engine identification and selection, \ndisassembly, cleaning, parts analysis and assessment, machine shop \nprocesses, replacement parts selection, re-assembly and \nstart-up\/break-in techniques. Along the way you find helpful tips on \nperformance upgrades, trouble spots to look for, special tools required, \nand professional builder's tips.\n\nFE master, owner of Survival Motorsports, and veteran author Barry \nRabotnick shares all of his tricks and secrets on building a durable and \nreliable FE engine. Whether you are simply rebuilding an old truck for \nreliable service use, restoring a 100-point show car, or building the \nfoundation for a high-performance street and strip machine, this book \nwill be an irreplaceable resource for all your future FE engine projects.","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32007623868487,"sku":"KITB04011\/B06018","price":63.85,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kitb04011b06018.jpg?v=1772255762"},{"product_id":"automotive-upholstery-handbook-and-custom-auto-interior-box-set","title":"Automotive Upholstery Handbook And Custom Auto Interior Box Set","description":"STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO CUSTOM INTERIOR STREET HOT ROD \n\nExpert trimmers Don Taylor and Ron Mangus share two lifetimes of auto \nupholstery experience and secrets in this fantastic book. More than 800 \ncolor photographs capture every detail youll need to create your own \nexciting and award-winning custom interiors. Precise step-by-step \ninstructions show you how to turn out completely professional custom \ninteriors. This is an advanced-level book.\n\nAutomotive Upholstery Handbook headliners carpets tops \n\nIn this revised edition, learn to make and install complete interiors in \nyour car, truck or van. The author teaches you how to sew like an \nexpert, and avoid costly mistakes. Learn to recover and build bench \nbucket seats, make headliners and carpets, plus how to build boat seats \nfrom scratch. Materials are described with specific recommendations for \nvinyl, cloth, velvet, leather, Nimbus, panel board, etc. Indispensable \nfor anyone interested in upholstery. This is the best introduction to \nauto upholstery sewing techniques. Packed full of photographs and text \nthat take you from beginning to end of an upholstery restoration project \nas smoothly as possible.","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32007628062791,"sku":"KITB02963\/B02983","price":44.87,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kitb02963b02983_201.jpg?v=1772261560"},{"product_id":"collecting-drag-racing-model-kits","title":"Collecting Drag Racing Model Kits","description":"\u003cp\u003eModel expert \u003cstrong\u003eTim Boyd\u003c\/strong\u003e, author of \u003cstrong\u003eCollecting Muscle Car Model Kits\u003c\/strong\u003e, turned his attention to the fantastic \u003cstrong\u003edrag racing \u003c\/strong\u003emodel kits available from the late 1950s through today. Some racing model kits were actually 3 in 1 kits, where the builder assembled the drag-race version of the car in lieu of the street or custom version. Boyd starts by covering the options, collectability, variety, availability, and value of these wonderful kits and then concentrates on the highly detailed drag racing-only kits that became available starting in the mid-1960s through today. He also shows the differences between original kits, older reproduction kits, and new reproduction kits that many enthusiasts find at swap meets and through online sources today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these great kits were from the 1960s, an era when building model kits was a widely popular, serious hobby, similar to video games today. Not only was it fun to build the kits but it was also a great way to learn about all the different race classes and categories because there wasn’t regular TV or online coverage during that era. The artwork on those kits was fantastic, and many collectors today seek original kits largely because of it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe classes of racing covered are \u003cstrong\u003eGassers, Rail Dragsters, Stocks and Super Stocks, Funny Cars, Pro Stocks, Exhibition Racers,\u003c\/strong\u003e and more. Drag racing cars that never actually existed but were created by model companies are also covered. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNostalgia drags are some of the most popular events around the country today. People can’t get enough of these old race cars that were built in an era when variety, innovation, and home building ruled the day. This book is great for modelers in general, model-kit collectors, and drag-racing fans young and old alike. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• No book has ever been published specifically on drag racing model kits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Kits are still popular among boomers and nostalgia buffs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• This book will appeal to drag racing fans worldwide, even if they have no experience with model kits\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CarTech","offers":[{"title":"8.5 x 11”","offer_id":32538040991815,"sku":"B10931","price":28.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/b10931.jpg?v=1772261447"},{"product_id":"texas-legend","title":"Texas Legend","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the greatest drivers of his generation, Jim Hall is even better known as an innovator. From tiny Chaparral Cars in Midland, Texas emerged a series of vehicles that changed the face of racing. His high-winged Chaparral 2E Can-Am car and 2F World Sportscar Championship contender may be the most influential race vehicles of the 20th century. Today, every Formula 1 car uses net downforce, driver-adjustable wings, composite chassis, side-mounted radiators, semi-automatic gearboxes and advanced telemetry to optimize vehicle performance — all things Chaparral pioneered in the mid-1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst-ever book in which Hall tells his own story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe massive influence of his introduction of net downforce to racing, which is now incorporated into the design of every major type of four-wheel competition vehicle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow Hall shocked the world with innovative designs that won in every series in which they competed, including Can-Am, Trans-Am, the World Sportscar Championship, Formula 5000, United States Road Racing Championship, Canadian Sports Car Championship and the Indianapolis 500.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow Jim and John Barnard created the Chaparral 2K “Yellow Submarine” that won the Indianapolis 500 and USAC national championship, setting the template for the modern Indy car.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe massive resistance Jim faced from teams and sanctioning bodies intent on outlawing his legal but game-changing innovations. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe connection to Chevrolet and the crucial role Chaparral Cars played in the defense of GM during the Corvair trials of the mid-1960s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow Hall became a national celebrity, with \u003ci\u003eNewsweek\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSports Illustrated \u003c\/i\u003ecovers, Coca-Cola commercials, and millions of “Jim Hall Authorized” slot cars and model kits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eText based on the author’s extensive interviews with over 100 racing standouts, including Jim and Sandy Hall, Roger Penske, Jackie Stewart, Dan Gurney, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Phil Hill, Al and Bobby Unser, Bernie Ecclestone, Johnny Rutherford, Gordon Murray, Adrian Newey, Gil de Ferran, Mario Andretti, Bob Lutz and Tony Southgate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBig, beautiful and packed with facts and anecdotes, the book is lavishly illustrated with period photographs by many of the world’s best motorsports photographers, including Pete Biro, Bernard Cahier, Hal Crocker, Dave Friedman, Pete Lyons, Dan Boyd, Lionel Birnbom and Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Jackson.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eTexas Legend\u003c\/i\u003e, Jim Hall tells his story — his life, his cars, his relationship with Chevrolet, his partnership with Hap Sharp, his battles with sanctioning body bureaucracies — for the first time to award-winning author George Levy in this authorized biography.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evro Publishing Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39542334423111,"sku":"9781910505663","price":59.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/9781910505663.jpg?v=1772251970"},{"product_id":"carroll-smith-kit","title":"Carroll Smith Kit","description":"This is a 6 book Carroll Smith kit.\n\nDrive to Win, The Essential Guide to Race Driving: Take pole \nposition to learn the ground rules, techniques and procedures of driving \nperception and evaluation. Racing professional Carroll Smith delivers \ncurrent state-of-the-art techniques for working with your crew to \ndevelop and set up your car so that you'll have a competitive tool with \nwhich to practice the art of driving.\n\nCarroll Smiths Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners, Plumbing Handbook: This \ncomplete guide analyzes the thousands of options available and shows you \nhow to choose the correct fastener for any application, whether it be \nracing, street performance or restoration. Plus important information on \nthread cutting, torque, material selection, inserts, panel fasteners and \nmuch more. The book isn't limited to racing applications; it's useful \nfor anyone who works metal, and will offer something of value to anyone \nwho's ever tried to replace a fastener in an emergency. Were you \noverwhelmed when you went through the fastener aisles in your local \nhardware store or home supply center? This book can help.\n\nPrepare to Win: One of road racings top professionals presents \nhere a vast amount of his accumulated car preparation knowledge. Covers \nfasteners, plumbing, riveting and welding, basic metal work, braking \nsystem, clutch, suspension, wheels and tires, engine, gearbox, \nelectrics, fuel cells, paint and paperwork. 95% of amateur racers don't \nhave a clue about aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and other rather \nessential but very diificult areas, and the professional racers aren't \nmuch better. The beauty of this book is that Carroll Smith breaks it \ndown and tells you EXACTLY what you need to know in a very easy to read \nformat.\n\nTune to Win: Covers the development and tuning of race car by \nclearly explaining the basic principles of vehicle dynamics and relating \nthese principles to the input and control functions of the racing \ndriver. An exceptional book written by a true professional. 95% of \namateur racers don't have a clue about aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, \nand other rather essential but very diificult areas, and the \nprofessional racers aren't much better. The beauty of this book is that \nCarroll Smith breaks it down and tells you EXACTLY what you need to know \nin a very easy to read format.\n\nEngineer to Win, Essential Guide to Racing Car Material: Current \nstate of the art in racing technology by a foremost expert in the field. \nCovers all forms of racing cars and includes a thorough analysis of \nmetallurgy, metal fatigue and general materials technology. Details \nspecific components and specific activities such as heat treatments, \nstress relieving, etc. Plus aerodynamics, ground effects, brakes, tools, \nand more. ...excellent information. Popular Cars magazine.\n\nCarroll Smith's Engineer in Your Pocket: A Practical Guide to Tuning \nthe Race Car Chassis and Suspension: Store all the answers in your \nhip pocket! This handy pocket guide written by racing professional \nCarroll Smith suggests realistic solutions to common race car handling \nproblems. Formatted listing causes and possible effects, and problems \nand possible causes.","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39588763926599,"sku":"CSKit1","price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/carrollsmithkit.jpg?v=1772252965"},{"product_id":"sports-cars-and-hot-rods-october-1953-vol-1-no-1","title":"Sports Cars and Hot Rods: October 1953, Vol. 1; No. 1 featuring Barbara Walters on the cover USED","description":"Sports Cars And Hot Rods By The Editors of MECHANIX ILLUSTRATED. The cover features a young Barbara Walters sitting in an Austin Healey 100. Prior to becoming a noteworthy broadcaster, she agreed to pose for the ad, which she was happy to do. Barbara Walters admitted on \"The View\" that at the time she couldn't drive, and that she had never driven. She didn't even have a driver's license, carrying only an ID throughout her life.","brand":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44917036515608,"sku":"B00VIIMZII","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/b00viimzii_201.jpg?v=1772273267"},{"product_id":"how-to-swap-ls-lt-engines-into-chevy-gmc-trucks-1960-1998","title":"How to Swap LS \u0026 LT Engines into Chevy \u0026 GMC Trucks: 1960-1998","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the last few years of the automotive collector market, light trucks have become a hot commodity—especially Chevy trucks. Unlike in the past, heavily modified vehicles command a premium over stock restorations. Owners of these trucks, which were often fairly crude and not much fun to drive, are demanding moder\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Swap LS \u0026amp; LT Engines into Chevy \u0026amp; GMC Trucks: 1960–1998\u003c\/strong\u003e provides instruction and guidance for selecting the best engine for your budget, choosing the adapter plates and engine mounts, dropping the engine into the truck, selecting the ideal transmission and drivelines, and completing all facets of the swap. You must ensure that all of the other components on the car are compatible with the engine, so author \u003cstrong\u003eJefferson Bryant\u003c\/strong\u003e shows how to integrate the electronic engine control system; select and install the exhaust, intake, and fuel pumps; and upgrade the cooling system for the high-performance LS and LT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the swapping process is covered in detail, the author also provides a helpful \u003cstrong\u003eLS\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eLT\u003c\/strong\u003e engine guide. This helps you find the best option for your application and understand the different considerations for these two engines. Whether you are ready to get started right now or want to use this information to determine whether you want to tackle this project, this book is essential to making informed decisions along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003en performance and technology in each system. The brakes, suspension, steering, air conditioning, and electronics can be upgraded to make your old truck drive like new. Of course, the drivetrain is arguably the most important part of that equation, and that means swapping an LS or LT engine and a modern transmission into your classic Chevy truck.\n\nTo perform a successful LS or LT engine swap into an older Chevy truck, proper planning, the right combination of parts, and the correct information is required to complete the project. How to Swap LS \u0026amp; LT Engines into Chevy \u0026amp; GMC Trucks: 1960–1998 provides instruction and guidance for selecting the best engine for your budget, choosing the adapter plates and engine mounts, dropping the engine into the truck, selecting the ideal transmission and drivelines, and completing all facets of the swap. You must ensure that all of the other components on the car are compatible with the engine, so author Bryant instructs you how to integrate the electronic engine control system; select and install the exhaust, intake, and fuel pumps; and upgrade the cooling system for the high-performance LS and LT.\n\nWhile the swapping process is covered in detail, the author also provides a helpful LS and LT engine guide. This helps you find the best option for your application and understand the different considerations for these two engines. Whether you are ready to get started right now or want to use this book to determine whether you want to tackle this project, this book is essential to making informed decisions along the way.","brand":"cartech","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47071172198680,"sku":"9781613256084","price":25.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/9781613256084_201_202.jpg?v=1772256825"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/cs\/collections\/must-haves-car-books.oembed","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}