"The graveyard is full of people that were going to do something, but never got around to it," says the author of this book. For anyone who has ever thought restoring a vintage car would be an enjoyable way to spend time, this book is the place to get going. Through the restoration of a 1930 Franklin, it details the step-by-step process of reclaiming an old jewel. It also addresses such issues as how much garage space you need, how long restoration takes, whether you should farm out some of the work, what kind of car you should get, where you can find it, and whether you should stay married. The author uses his 1930 Franklin as an example of restoring a vehicle that is roadworthy in today's traffic yet as original as possible, a car that is practical to enjoy without the expense of a car show standout. A discussion of preliminary questions on how to get started leads into a general history of the Franklin, with advice on finding history for other cars and using museums as a resource. Chapters on step-by-step restoration include body wood, the engine, the chassis, body work, the electrical system, wheels and tires, and the interior and upholstery. Subsequent chapters follow up with a test drive and information on maintaining a restored auto. A chapter on long-distance driving chronicles the author's trip from Arizona to New York with tips on rider comfort and care of the car. It concludes with a chapter on auto clubs in general, a visit to the Franklin Club in New York, and the sale of the author's restored 1930 Franklin.

Today's restorer has a wealth of resources available that didn't exist just a few years ago. It is no longer necessary or feasible to perform every step of a ground-up restoration yourself (unless you truly want to). Knowing how to properly plan, organize and execute a restoration can save both time and money, and help ensure that you'll end up with exactly the car or truck you envisioned.

Discusses the authenticity, value, safety, installation, and the sources of vintage automobiles' accessories and options including wheels, bumpers, radios, horns, and upholstery.

"The graveyard is full of people that were going to do something, but never got around to it," says the author of this book. For anyone who has ever thought restoring a vintage car would be an enjoyable way to spend time, this book is the place to get going. Through the restoration of a 1930 Franklin, it details the step-by-step process of reclaiming an old jewel. It also addresses such issues as how much garage space you need, how long restoration takes, whether you should farm out some of the work, what kind of car you should get, where you can find it, and whether you should stay married. The author uses his 1930 Franklin as an example of restoring a vehicle that is roadworthy in today's traffic yet as original as possible, a car that is practical to enjoy without the expense of a car show standout. A discussion of preliminary questions on how to get started leads into a general history of the Franklin, with advice on finding history for other cars and using museums as a resource. Chapters on step-by-step restoration include body wood, the engine, the chassis, body work, the electrical system, wheels and tires, and the interior and upholstery. Subsequent chapters follow up with a test drive and information on maintaining a restored auto. A chapter on long-distance driving chronicles the author's trip from Arizona to New York with tips on rider comfort and care of the car. It concludes with a chapter on auto clubs in general, a visit to the Franklin Club in New York, and the sale of the author's restored 1930 Franklin.

This is the story of a man, a team, and their life and times, as well as a complete record of all their achievements and failures. It logs the financial and personal cost of racing in the prewar and postwar periods. It tells of how the mighty car company Renault became involved with them in the late 1950s, and how Amedee Gordini became known throughout the world as one of the greatest engine tuners of his time.