Can someone give me the best information sources??

[jacketfan89]

I am only 18 years old and hoping to pick up a 2 or 3 day a week gig at a classic and late model mustang restoration shop near my house. I don't want to go in with absolutely no knowledge, and I do understand that most of the information is picked up by actually dealing with the cars, but I was hoping that some of you guys may know of a few books that would get me started.

I'm not really so much worried about the history of the car, I pretty much have that down. It is mostly information regarding different engines, different models, maybe service manuals, and most importantly perhaps a restoration manual.

Thanks a ton for any information,

Matt

 

[JonK]

I would go to a local book store, Borders, books a million, barnes & noble, etc. and check the automotive isle, there are tons of books, look for one that covers classics and one for late model. They have service manuals too but they're going to be more narrowed, I would expect the shop to have books like that.

I'd wait and ask to borrow one every weekend (shop manual) after you've worked there a week. It would show the owner/supv. that you're interested in learning more and on your own time.
Jon

 

[01ragtop]

I'd wait and ask to borrow one every weekend (shop manual) after you've worked there a week. It would show the owner/supv. that you're interested in learning more and on your own time.
Jon

+++++1 Great advice there!

Jacketfan89,

I admire your willingess to learn. I wish I had been more like that when I was 18. If you are lucky enough to get a job at a restoration shop even as a sweap up and trash removal guy take it and run with it. Bust your A$$. I'm not saying you have to kiss the boss' butt, but show him you are a worker, and that you want to learn. If you mistakenly call a 66 a 65 or a Mach a BOSS, sure the guys are going to rib you abit, but ask them to show you the differences so you will know in the future.

Don't be afraid to be wrong.

 

[jacketfan89]

lol...yeah I am so stoked. I emailed him and let him know that my two favorite things are cars and tinkering and that I would love to spend a few days a week at his shop just absorbing information. I let him know that I am one of those people that are extremely eager to learn, and can pick up on things after seeing them done a few times. I called him yesterday and he said I can come up there and talk to him about it on Tuesday...I can't wait to check the place out. This is their website.

http://www.prestigemustang.com

Anywho, thanks for the advice. I figured the shop would have better manuals than the bookstore anyway. I will go by and invest in some books though that relate to the differences in submodels/years...I am already starting to memorize vin and doortag decodings. lol.

Of course if I am going to work there, I am going to have to get my own mustang too. What do you guys think about the fastbacks? That would be my dream car. Most of the ones I see for sale though are just shells...and those are going for around 8k. Once I pay my car off, I'll probably end up getting another loan to build myself one.

I'm thinking about a 1970 Fastback with probably just a 350 hp 302...but I'm the type of person that sees the 350hp 302....and then I want to go to the next level(perhaps a 351w)...but who knows. I've got a while before I start on that project.

 

[danny clemens]

A lot of the restoration business is not centered around the different codes that involves the car. The body work and mechanical work will be a big part of the process. It does help to be knowledgeable but don't go in spouting off codes just to look like you know everything because he'll know that you don't. There are a lot of people that can tell you how to do something that they've read in a book but they don't have a clue as how to actually do it. Book knowledge is good but not everything. I've learned a lot of things by reading but I had to do them before the learning process was completed.

Let him know that you don't know everything but that you're willing to learn and at the same time don't sell yourself short. Most of the work that you'll be doing at first will be grunt work. You'll probably be working for low wages at first but the more you learn and the faster you learn should increase your salary faster.

 

[jacketfan89]

Yea,

I'm just learning those codes for my benefit. My goal is to learn the mustang inside and out. I didn't figure I would even use them at the shop.

I'm currently working full at men's wearhouse too. That gets me more than enough money to live on so really this extra job is just going to start of as a hobby. Like you said, I probably will start off at low wages, but once I am able to do stuff on my own I'm sure that I can move up. My goal of course is to begin making more than I make at Mens Wearhouse that way I don't have to occupy ALL of my time during the week.

My main focus right now is to just learn the stuff that you CAN learn out of the book. For example, like I said before, differences in different years and submodels. Reading a book on how to fix something doesn't really work unless you can go through the step by step process with a real car and actual see what you are doing.

Of course its not bad to get a basic idea of what you will be doing by reading ahead first, but like you said the learning process will not be complete until the project is completed.

Once again thanks for any advice,

Matt

 

[D.Hearne]

One of the best manuals is called : "Motor Auto Repair Manual" You can find it in Barnes & Noble's website in the old book section. Look for the 1964 to 1970 edition. It covers all makes and models and has tons of spec and tech info. It's also about the only book you'll find the torque sequence and specs for the 427 cross bolts.

 

[ultrastang]

Aside from actually working on the cars, one of the best sources for information on how something is put together on a Mustang is in the Ford service manuals (which they would likely have at the shop you will be working in).

The Ford manuals give exploded views of the assemblies and step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble/reassemble them.

Good luck in your new job.

 

[BarnStang]

You already know one of your best sources - Stangnet! I have searched quite a few issues on here that I don't need to post about. This site is one of the best Classic Mustang resources out there. I've learned more about Classic Mustangs in the last two years working in the industry than I have learned in my whole life. I've learned to do repairs I would never have attempted otherwise. Well, at least not with as much confidense. Good luck!

 

[jacketfan89]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I went out today and bought a few books.

1) The Complete Book of Mustang-Every Model Since 1964 1/2
2)Mustang Restoration Handbook
3)How to rebuild the small block (Ford)

Just as you guys said (and I expected) its very hard to grasp the concepts just by looking at the book. With the engine, once the flywheel, valve covers, and heads are off...its tough to really understand everything else because I have never seen it in person before and pictures just don't do justice.

Anyways, I have skimmed through all three books and I'm going to concentrate mostly on the Complete book of Mustang to see which one I may want to invest in for myself.

I'm thinking now instead of the 1970 fastback...maybe a 1967 or 1968...I'm not too fond of the 70s and later now that I see them.

As far as the engine goes...Can any of the small block engines (289 302 350w...and so on) fit in the engine bay of all mustangs 1964.5-1970??

Thanks again for all of the responses,

Matt