I keep typing out the same info in response to people's queries about which books on restoration have been useful, so I thought to save time i'll post it here and then I can just point peeps to this thread! and other peeps can add to it
ok as some of you know I'm a van person
so this is from the POV of someone restoring a van, and also I haven't done my own welding or painting on this job so I can't comment on the coverage of those aspects in these books. When I started out I knew absolutely nothing about cars or how to restore them. I still know very little, but what little I do know is down to advice on this forum and the books I've read - and my small practical experience!Anyway the books I've found useful are:
"Morris Minor Restoration, Preparation, Maintenance" by Jim Tyler, published by Osprey Automotive 1995, ISBN 1 85532 471 7. I love this because the guy who wrote it is living in the real world and doesn't assume you have an immaculate workshop and all the latest equipment - also he has a strong and down-to-earth sense of humour. The many photos are useful and feature the author sporting an admirable bushy beard. The state of his project car will also make you feel LOTS better about the state of your own vehicle. You may be able to find a copy without a heavy smell of cigarette smoke (thanks a lot aupickup
). It's out of print, which is a scandal, but is available secondhand on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Morris-Minor-Re ... F8&s=books Lindsay Porter's book is ok, it's humourless and uninspirational but it does have the only description I've found of the location of the bolts which hold the back and cab to the chassis in an LCV. "Morris Minor & 1000 - Guide to Purchase & DIY Restoration" by Lindsay Porter, published by Foulis/Haynes, 1985, ISBN 0 85429 442 2. As far as I know the 2001 edition is of the same book - look on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_b/2 ... x=2&Go.y=8 for both editions. Watch out that you follow the numbered steps accurately as they are badly laid out and it's easy to find yourself under the car, spanner in hand, completely foxed by inadvertently going from step iv to step viii.
Now and then the Haynes workshop manual has come in useful, even though it's generally scorned, it's worth picking one up secondhand I think.
I've also got a CD, available from the LCV Register, which contains scanned PDF files of the original BMC Workshop Manual, Service Parts List and Handbook. Obviously this is just for LCVs. http://www.minorlcvreg.co.uk/
When restoring engine components I've found the following useful:
"Morris Minor" by D V W Francis, part of the "Illustrated Car Servicing Series for Owner Drivers" published by Hamlyn, I have the second edition, 1971, ISBN 0 600 42181 3. Excellent black-and-white photos accompanying straightforward and detailed text describing, inter alia, how to take bits apart and put them back together again clean and shiny - thanks to Nicky P for the recommendation
"Repairing and Restoring Classic Car Components" by Peter and John Wallage, published by Haynes, 2001, ISBN 1 85960 694 6. Not as useful as it sounds but worth getting from the library. Chapters cover workshop practice (including safety and proper use of tools), distributors, dynamos, alternators, fuel pumps, starter motors, wiper motors, trafficators, horns, carburettors, locks, heaters and instruments. Good line drawings and excellent colour photos throughout.
"Classic Car Electrical Systems Repair Manual" by Dave Pollard, published by, yep, you guessed it, Haynes, 1999, ISBN 1 85960 433 1. Comprehensive and stuffed with useful information and tips, written in a human tone of voice. Chapters cover safety, tool use, basic principles and techniques, batteries, ignition, dynamos, alternators, starter motors, wipers, lighting, horns, accessories, radios, security and wiring looms. Some fairly useful line drawings and black-and-white photos. Includes a glossary and a useful contacts (groan) list.
Well I hope that helps a few people! and please add comments and/or your own recommendations
wibble
