Project Charger: The Step-by-Step Restoration of a Popular Vintage Car

Rating:
Summary: Worth its weight in gold!
Review: I have a 70 Dodge charger and found this book to be an invaluable aid in furthering my restoration. All color pictures, well executed. Any car reatoration buff could gain insight as to the various processes employed and pitfalls to avoid during successful car restoration. But for the MoPar restorer there are rare and specific instructions for things like adjusting the body panels, adjusting the windows for travel, angle, closure and how to check for wind noise without even driving. A wonderful book worth many times the purchase price to any person serious about doing their restoration right the first time.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Car, Classy Writer
Review: I highly recommend this book, a must for anyone interested in restoring a car. The tools, tips and techniques found on the pages herein are applicable to any car, though I am personally glad the author chose a popular muscle car. Also, a downright pleasant read for anyone who just admires vintage cars and good writing. Larry Lyles takes the reader along on his personal journey to restore an old Charger, originally rougher than a night in jail, to showroom condition and teaches the reader "how to", all while injecting some good downhome humor. This is not your typical "technical guide", it is much more personal and readable. The photos are in color, a pleasant and useful departure from the B&W you see in most auto repair guides. The writing style shows the author's experience as an auto enthusiast, professional paint and body man, and frequent contributing writer to publications in the business. I hope Mr. Lyles finds the time to write another book soon on restoration of another car. How about a 69 Dart GTS, Larry? I could use the help.

Rating:
Summary: Great book by an expert restorer
Review: Many recent "how to" books on autos have been written by authors with limited knowledge of their subject. Luckily, Project Charger isn't one of them. The author has intimate knowledge of all aspects of restoration, and you don't need to own a Mopar product to learn from him.
Mr. Lyles takes you through the entire restoration process, and includes a lot of subjects glossed over in other restoration books. He explains how to stay organized by making lists and notes and taking photos. He covers home powdercoating techniques, and gives many tips on straightening and painting the little detail parts that separate great restorations from mediocre ones. He clearly explains how to align body panels and windows during assembly. His hands-on knowledge is evident because he recommends what grit of sandpaper to use for each step, and what paints, sealers, adhesives, etc. give best results. He is also brutally honest about how many hours and dollars go into a restoration.
The book is not perfect. Mr. Lyles explains in detail how to remove the windshield and backlight, but he doesn't say one word on how to reinstall them - is there a chapter missing? He uses a rotisserie to work on the underside of the car, but doesn't include photos or drawings on how to build one. The photos are in color, which is good, but the color balance is inconsistant, so the car appears to be maroon, purple, or blue in different photos. I also wish he recommended books to find more information on different aspects of restoration - you just can't describe engine rebuilding in a six-page chapter.
Overall, an excellent book for any restorer.