Idea Book

Any custom automotive project begins with making choices. There are choices under the hood, such as which engine will match well with a certain chassis and transmission. There are aesthetic choices, like whether to use custom or stock wheels, what paint scheme will look best, and what type of interior will be comfortable as well as eye catching. Each decision involves an investment of money and time. Often what seems plausible in the imagination fails in execution. And only after spending hours of time and thousands of dollars does it become clear that something's not right. Street Machines: Classic, Muscle, Modern isthe ideal resource for anyone looking to build a powerful and stylish modified street machine.

When it comes to building your hot rod, you're faced with choices for everything from which go-fast goodies to slap on your mill to what paint and other eye candy might define your rod more than anything else. And when it comes to a hot rod, parts aren't just parts; it's all in how they come together--either it works or it doesn't. This new Motorbooks Idea Book covers every system of a traditional hot rod-be it roadster, coupe, or tub-illustrating with hundreds of color photos the various options for frame rails, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires, drivetrain, electrics, cooling, body, interior, and paint. Looking through this book, you'll be able to assess which choices fit your aesthetic sensibility as well as how they suit your plan to use your hot rod. You'll also get the "big picture"--a clear idea of how some choices work together and others just don't mesh in the same car. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical answers, this book will guide you from off-the-shelf, fabricated, and even found parts and pieces to the finished hot rod of your dreams.

Whatever the vehicle--from classic hot rod to pick-up to chopper--a custom paint job sets it apart. But not all paint jobs are created equal, so how can you tell which style, technique, or scheme will suit the unique demands of your vehicle and budget? Before making a big investment--whether you're hiring a painter or doing the job yourself--turn to this book for a clear idea of what works and what doesn't. Drawing on years of experience running her own custom painting shop, JoAnn Bortles reviews the full array of options for paints, graphics, and effects. In an easygoing and engaging manner, and with photographs to illustrate her points, she explains the tools and techniques that apply in various paint schemes and shows what might work especially well in certain situations and for particular vehicles. Whether you're looking for inspiration, considering color combinations or graphics, or simply wondering what to look for in a local paint shop, this book will answer your questions--and help you get the custom paint job that's perfect for you.