1 comments about Standard Catalog of Pontiac 1926-1995 (Standard Catalog of Pontiac).

1. This is a great book of numbers. Every Pontiac line included. Numbers given on all. As with other numbers books there are a few mistakes, but that can surely be overlooked when you open this up. Production numbers of each car, brief histories, etc.. This book has it all. Even if you like just one Pontiac and are enthusiastic about it I recommend it. You won't be dissapointed.

No comments about Fill 'er Up!: The Great American Gas Station.

No comments about Unusual Vintage Tractors.

5 comments about Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars: A Supercar Source Book, 1960-2000 (Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars).

1. I liked it but it's an introduction not a comprehensive, in-depth analysis regardless of what the title says. Beware of pretty covers and sugar coated words when buying books. As the one reviewer states "not accurate" but it's worth looking into if you're new to the muscle car genre.



2. This book is alright. Although not entirely accurate, its OK for someone new to muscle cars. Most of the muscle cars are covered and all have descriptions of there different models. There is also a price guide in the back for those interested in specific models and years.



3. When one purchases a "Standard Guide", one would expect a thorough and accurate accounting of the subject. This book does not meet that minimum standard. The information provided as to model information is shoddy and poorly researched. Production numbers are inaccurate, photos are of poor quality and in some cases, identifying the wrong vehicle. One need not be a gearhead to identify or grasp the magnitude of the errors made in this reference guide. For example Steve McQueen DID NOT drive a Charger in "Bullitt". The lack of proofreading and research evident in this "Standard Guide" is an affront to educated automobile afficiandos everywhere.



4. I too enjoyed the original print ads for a great many of the cars shown. And the information is generally reliable as well. Although one should keep an open mind. In the section covering the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T the editor states that this is the car driven by Steve McQueen in "Bullitt." This, of course, is not true as McQueen drove a Ford Mustang fastback; the mafia hitmen drove a black Charger 440 R/T.



5. Pretty good book in that it covers a lot of muscle cars and a long time span. I like the way the book uses many original ads and it is fairly complete in its coverage. I would like to see better pictures and more proofreading. I noticed that some of the information about certain cars is incorrect or transposed. It also appears that some of the picture captions are not associated with the proper picture.

No comments about Savvy Guide to Buying Collector Cars at Auction (Savvy Guide).

No comments about Bristol Wagon & Carriage Illustrated Catalog, 1900.

3 comments about California Look Vw.

1. I think Jay Tucker Jr is an a-hole who has no idea about why people modify and drive VWs. Perhaps he should stick to Hondas...



2. As a coffee table book of flashy pictures of Volkswagens done up in the classic "California Look," this will fit the bill with recent and period photos of the style; the features of which repeated until you expect a quiz from the author. Seume, who has a fixation on these particular period vehicles bordering on the, shall we say, unhealthy, writes as though he is the only one that can possibly appreciate what was basically a short customizing "craze" in late 60's Orange County California. Like many males with automotive fixations, the creators of this style sought to gain individuality through customizing their cars in a nearly identical manner. As with many things weirdly American, Seume notes with pride how this particularly narrow and short-lived styling look has recently gained a near fanatical following internationally, with Finns, Germans, Japanese, and other young men looking to belong and now affording what was basically meant to be an extremely cheap, throw-away automobile taking this style to near-worship in car clubs that approach the rivalry of street gangs. In Europe, the "Cal Look" as it is known in the States, is refered to as "Old School," with current auto part manufacturers mass-reproducing copies of the styling pieces for instant consumption at outrageous prices. Seume loses himself in his writing that borders on the fetishistic, and if a reader actually manages to read the all the copy written by the author, they were truly bored indeed. The photos of the modern examples done up in the style are gourgeous, but in reality toys, never to be driven on the street or seen outside a garage. One begins to wonder about someone who spends $30 to $40,000 on restoration and obscure period customizing pieces for a car that originally sold for $1995. If you like beautiful and period photos of old custom Volkswagens, this book is for you. The publisher could have left out the text written by Seume and no one would have ever noticed.



3. If you are one of those people that prefers to see a vw with a set of nice wheels and some nice trick bits, then this is the book for you. It captures the essence of the california look perfectly and could quite easily transform a hardcore vintage enthusiast into a cal look lover. It features several very well written sections covering different areas of influence on the scene. One covers the originators of the look, one the major companies involved with it, and another on the clubs that helped form the scene. Keith Seume has also managed to include a large amount of rare photos of early development taking place, right through to photos of clubs still alive from the heyday of the california look. Once you get this book you will be forever converted to that slammed, agro look of the cal lookers.

No comments about Iron Horses: American Locomotives 1829-1900.

5 comments about How to Restore Your Collector Bicycle.

1. Well written book for a collector and enthusiast. Loads of helpful information for any restoration project. Great photos and checklists.



2. I am mainly into restoring classic British cars, but my interest in classic bicycles has always been strong. I have found this to be an excellent book for its coverage of the restoration process, for the many helpful technical tips sprinkled throughout, and for the high level historical information covering major categories of most commonly collected bikes.

   Some of best financial advice in the book relates to finding and selecting reasonable project bikes (I have a bad habit of trying to "save" bikes needing major work and/or missing parts). The chapters "Finding and Evaluating a Bicycle" and "Choosing the Right Project" have helped to change my approach. As recently as this morning, after becoming enamoured with a certain 1920s era bicycle needing restoration, I checked page 12 and was tipped off that the expense of the single tube tires might be significant. A quick phone call verified the expense...saved!

   This is a well written book and well worth the investment.




3. a great book love it



4. I can't say enough good things about this book! Of course it has the usual "how to remove a tire" info, but the sections on rebuilding and refinishing a vintage bicycle are plain outstanding! The information is detailed without being overwhelming. And they also make sense to non-gearheads like me. The book also gives lots of sources for obtaining vintage and reproduction parts--with URLs that actually work! One of the things I liked best about the book is that the author places much emphasis on the decision making process involved in cleaning/repairing/restoring an old bike. As we all know, many collectible bikes (and collectibles of any kind!) have been ruined by over-enthusiastic owners wanting to make them "like new." It is obvious that Mr. Love LOVES his hobby, and delights in sharing it with other people. Highly recommended!



5. Of course there is the basic "how to remove a tire" information, but there are also lots of good tips on how to evaluate a purchase, some really clever and easy techniques for brightening up an old bike's appearance, plus many excellent "insider" resources for information and replacement parts...with URLs that actually work! He uses different "experts" to demonstrate how to do a factory finish on the bike, how to get it replated etc., and the information is detailed, specific and fun to read without being overwhelming. The author places much emphasis on deciding whether to restore or not, which is a good thing-- as we all know many wonderful collectible bikes (or collectible anything!) are ruined by owners eager to make them "like new." This book strikes me as a labor of love by a person who really loves his hobby and enjoys sharing it with other people. The mechanical info might be too basic for die-hard gearheads, but even they will benefit from the wonderful body work sections!

3 comments about TOY TRAIN MEMORIES.

1. Very nice book with high quality photos. I did not read it all but enjoyed flipping through after we became interested in model trains this Christmas. I like the nostalgia of it although I personally did not experience it in my past.



2. Vividly illustrated from cover to cover with numerous full color photographs, Toy Train Memories by John Grams is a superbly organized and presented celebration of classic model railroad sets, such as many readers might have once received as Christmas gifts or seen in department stores near the holiday season, especially during the 1940's and 1950's. Very highly recommended for enthusiasts and collectors of classic model trains, Toy Train Memories is a veritable treasure trove of nostalgic memories about these fascinating toys enjoyed by generations of youngsters (and their fathers!), the companies that created them, as well as the advertising and marketing efforts that made them household names.



3. I find it to be a beautiful book, a mixture of newer color photos of Christmas layouts, mixed with older classic black and white photos sent in by toy train lovers. Makes a great coffee table book during the holidays, or any time for that matter!
   And I will admit that page 33 is my favorite,...due to the fact that,...it is a photo of me!! This book will make a GREAT Christmas present for all toy train lovers, and just might interest some to re-kindle their childhood memories, and drag out those trains and dust 'em off!!