Hot Rods AV8 Redux

[av8]

[I]Editor's note: Mike Bishop doesn't really need an introduction around here. He's an original H.A.M.B. guy and has been preaching the gospel of traditional hot rods since before most of us were smart enough to listen. He's also the pen behind o...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

[Bruce Lancaster]

I suspect that book created most of the younger part of the Old Ford contingent on the HAMB and some of the older part as well...
I think it caught the attention of many, many beginning rodders and a few burned out older ones who would never have realized otherwise that there was a second path to running an Old Ford, one not requiring power windows, billet pulleys, and faux Toyota interiors.
It continually amazes me that there are people on here whose PARENTS weren't born when the last early Fords were new who are building flatheads and learning the mysteries of banjo setup, and I suspect that few of them would have made it to where they are without this book, surely the major catalytic element in modern traditional rodding.
This book is not just useful, it is important.

[the-rodster]

My copy of the book looks pretty bad, tattered, oil and grease on every page, but it sure helped me through my first hot rod build.

Rich

[Ryan]

I bet I've bought over 20 copies of the book through the years... I give them out to people that are building cars, but don't have it... It's like a steering wheel.

[SUHRsc]

when i got heavily interested in building a car... my supplies were a stack of 40's-50's magazines and that book

thanks!

[general gow]

the book lives on my coffee table. full time.

[ynottayblock]

Originally Posted by general gow

the book lives on my coffee table. full time.

same here.

[qzjrd5]

The book lives in my bathroom. But that's after a long stint in the garage helping me build my car. Its truly a great piece of American literature. Right up there with Kerouac and Twain!

[A Chopped Coupe]

The Bishop/Tardel book was one of the first I bought, and my chassis was patterned somewhat after his. When I was having issues I talked with Vern and he set me straight.
Both Vern and his son Keith are great people and so some really nice work.
I had wanted Keith t make my frame but I didn't want to wait 6/9 months to get one, so I built my own.

[banjorear]

Originally Posted by the-rodster

My copy of the book looks like pretty bad, tattered, oil and grease on every page, but it sure helped me through my first hot rod build.

Rich

Funny, mine too. I have a garage copy and a house bookshelf copy. Rarely do I buy doubles of books. This one was an exception.

Mike and Vern did an excellent job with this. Seems to speak volumes of both men as well. Straight forward, no nonesense and to the point. Like it should be.

[GreenMtnBoy]

Originally Posted by Ryan

It's like a steering wheel.

Amen!

[Lucky77]

It's so great seeing that car in color. There's only a few color shots on the front and back cover of the book. fab32 explained the value of "How to Build a Traditional Hot Rod Ford" to me like this. "Read it cover to cover, then when you're finished read it cover to cover again. When you start to think you're understanding what you're reading, read it again."
He's right, everytime you pick it up you learn something new. I'm using it every step of the way with my hiboy roadster build. Right down to the rear step and modified 32 K member. I'm fairly certain between "the bible" and the "gospel" of the HAMB I'll be able to turn out a killer roadster.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Lucky77

It's so great seeing that car in color. There's only a few color shots on the front and back cover of the book. fab32 explained the value of "How to Build a Traditional Hot Rod Ford" to me like this. "Read it cover to cover, then when you're finished read it cover to cover again. When you start to think you're understanding what you're reading, read it again."
He's right, everytime you pick it up you learn something new. I'm using it every step of the way with my hiboy roadster build. Right down to the rear step and modified 32 K member. I'm fairly certain between "the bible" and the "gospel" of the HAMB I'll be able to turn out a killer roadster.

What a perfect response...

[Tman]

Like an old friend. Dig seeing the new pictures.

[Malcolm]

Originally Posted by general gow

the book lives on my coffee table. full time.

Same here!....

What a great JJ entry.
I've been reading this book (not finished yet) and using it as a guideline, rather than bible, for my 'A' Roadster build. It contains some very valuable information that is put together and written in a way that is very easy to understand.
Thank you Mr. Bishop and Mr. Tardel!


Malcolm

[tub in da dirt]

Originally Posted by ynottayblock

same here.

mine is in the library... ie the bathroom
tk

[PAracer]

I wasn't to interested in building a hot rod until I found the HAMB and learned about traditional cars. I spent months reading all I could here but still didn't feel comfortable taking on the project of building my first hot rod. The book was recommended all over the place here. So I bought a copy and read it from cover to cover. Now I have a 31 Model A coupe, 53 Flathead, 39 toploader, and a 40 banjo rear end sitting in the garage....

In my opinion this Book and HAMB go together like Peas and Carrots!

[Kevin Lee]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lancaster

This book is not just useful, it is important.

Yes.

Thank you to both Mike and Vern.

[C9]

Tremendously well done book.

The building is fun, but tweaking and tuning are my favorite parts.

Mike and Vern really did the hot rod world a favor by bringing this book to fruition.

Now, if Mike would only get started on his life story and all the little pecadillo's he got involved in.

It'd make a helluva book....

[sko_ford]

i've had a couple copys but they seem to disapir, i should get another one. i'll second that the new color pics are nice and make me want a car like that again like when i read it the first time.


and now for some thing completely different:

i like to see a couple of companion books

1. a rolling bones book with the stuff chuck varrnas has been doing for street rodder
2. a bleed book documenting bobby's style