You’ve got to love Motorbooks. Not just for their seemingly-never-ending selection of historical and coffee-table books, but for the titles they have for hands-on enthusiasts.
That includes these two Corvette-related titles: George McNicholl’s How to Rebuild Corvette Rolling Chassis 1963-1982, and our own Tom Benford’s Corvette Performance Projects 1968-1982.
If you plan on driving your dream C2 or C3 Vette, McNicholl’s book is one you’ll want on hand ASAP, if not sooner. That’s because of its step-by-step documentation of the rebuilding of four of his own Vettes (’65 and ’67 convertibles plus ’69 and ’72 coupes). His focus is on rebuilding them for daily-driver use, and there’s plenty of clear and concise information about each chassis system and sub-assembly: engines, transmissions, steering, front and rear suspension, frames, wheels, tires and brakes, plus the fuel, cooling and exhaust systems.
Meanwhile, Tom Benford’s book includes over 30 repairs and upgrades ranging from bodywork and interiors to brakes, suspension, cooling system and powertrain, plus some basic-maintenance projects like oil changes done the right way. Each project is also rated as to how long it’ll take you, what tools you’ll need, what skill level it is (from absolute beginner to advanced fabricator), and which year Vette it’s applicable to. GET IT:Motorbooks800/826-6600www.motorbooks.comCorvette Performance Projects 1968-1982: $19.95 + ShippingHow to Rebuild Corvette Rolling Chassis 1963-1982, $34.95 + Shipping