Published Work

Books

My current book project is Hot Rod Body and Chassis Builder's Guide. The manuscript is due to the publisher this winter and is slated for release Spring/Summer 2009. Watch this website for more details...

In addition to photographing some interesting bodywork for this book project, I have been in the garage working on my Track T as well. If all goes as planned, photos of the Track T with finished paint will be included in this book, including all the details of how it got there. I think most of you will really like this book when it comes out.

The manuscript is mostly finished (which is part of the reason this website has not been updated lately) and is being reviewed for technical content by a couple of good friends. In the meantime, I'll be painting and writing captions.

The Complete Guide to Auto Body Repair (released July, 2008) is finished and should be in a bookstore near you.  If they don't have it, don't be afraid to order a copy. Of course, you can order an autographed copy directly from me by sending me an e-mail. I can't accept credit cards, but if you send me a request via e-mail, I'll get back with you regarding payment options.

Whether from hailstorms, parking lots, or plain bad judgment, everybody needs to know how to repair automotive bodywork at some point during their car-owning years. The Complete Guide to Auto Body Repair provides all the information you'll need to deal with any bumps, bangs, and bruises your car encounters. From tools to materials to techniques, this book takes the reader all the way through the process. Beginning with creating a strategy, then moving through disassembly, repair, reassembly, and preparing the surface for paint, this book shows how to repair damage from collisions, neglect, and rust.

You can purchase any of my books at your favorite bookstore or directly from MBI via the Internet at www.motorbooks.com or telephone 1-800-826-6600.

How To Build a Cheap Hot Rod (released October, 2007). Hot rods have been popular for decades, but they have become increasingly expensive to buy or build. Unfortunately, this leaves many hot rodders on the sidelines. How to Build a Cheap Hot Rod addresses the situation, showing how a hot rodder of even modest means can build themselves a cool, fun-to-drive rod. The reader will watch as the author builds a car for less than the cost of a new Hyundai, in this case a quintessentially cool Model T, a.k.a. "Track T" roadster. The book will cover the entire build-up of the Track T.

Second, the book guides the reader so that he or she can build a car of their own. The book will provide specific answers to common questions and serve as an inspiration for anyone who might want to try the same thing. Every aspect of the budget hot rod build is covered, from establishing the target vehicle and budget to finding parts, building the car, and fine tuning the finished vehicle on the road. Critical to this mission will be providing readers with an ample supply of information and leads they can use to build their own cheap hot rod, no matter what it is. Money-saving tips and step-by-step how-to sequences provide the essential information anyone needs to make sure their hot rod project gets built right, and for the right price. A full resource guide and recommendations for further reading will be included as well.

For more information on the Track T, check out the "Current" section on the Automotive Projects page.

How To Plate, Polish and Chrome (released November, 2006). Whether you own a custom motorcycle or a flamed-out hot rod, beautifully finished metal parts are the finishing touch that transforms a nice machine into a million-dollar baby. Aluminum and steel can be polished, chromed, anodized, plated, and painted, and this book shows enthusiasts how to do it. The book includes what is required, what it will cost, when to use different processes, and whether to have a professional do it or tackle the project at home.

How To Restore and Customize Auto Upholstery & Interiors (released August, 2005). Whether you are an experienced trimmer, just getting started in the business, or looking for someone to do the work for you, this book gives lots of information to make the process easier and more enjoyable. 

My fourth book, How To Build a Hot Rod with Boyd Coddington (released April, 2005).

How To Paint Your Car  (released September, 2003) is my third book. This book discusses all of the topics regarding painting your car or truck, whether you intend to do the work yourself, or pay a shop to do the work. Everything from choosing the color and type of paint, material safety and personal health issues, necessary equipment, surface preparation, paint and graphic application, to proper paint related maintenance is discussed in detail.

My second book, How To Build a Hot Rod (released June, 2003), discusses hot rod building topics from deciding what to build, establishing a budget, choosing which parts to use, and proper planning. How-to sequences with color photos cover various installation steps including chassis construction, brake installation, a/c installation, bodywork, and upholstery.

My first book, How To Build a Hot Rod Model A Ford (released February, 2001) documented the buildup of my own 1929 Ford Model A Tudor sedan. This book discusses the advantages and specific obstacles related to building a Ford Model A-based hot rod, as well as covering the vehicle's complete construction.

Magazine Articles

My first published magazine photographs appeared in the February, 1986 issue of STREET RODDER Magazine. Those photos were of the finished interior of Ron Nickel's 1927 Ford roadster. The otherwise complete feature was photographed and written by the late Steve Hendrickson, then associate editor of SRM. This "assignment," along with an eagerness to learn caught the attention of Geoff Carter who was then the editor of SRM. The rest is, as they say "history."

Following are some magazine photos from the last 20 years...

Tom Rath's 1937 Ford sedan, May 1986 STREET RODDER Magazine

Frank Yanczer's (Sun Specs) 1934 Ford coupe, November 1988 STREET RODDER Magazine

George Kruse's 1934 Chevrolet sedan, February 1990 STREET RODDER Magazine

Jerry Bourn's 1939 Chevrolet coupe, September 1991 STREET RODDER Magazine

George Keel's 1934 Chevrolet coupe, November 1992 STREET RODDER Magazine

Roger Ward's 1951 Chevrolet wagon, Summer 1993 CUSTOM RODDER Magazine

Pete & Jake's 1933 Ford Viper coupe, October 1993 ROD & CUSTOM Magazine

Willie Archuleta's 1954 Chevrolet sedan delivery, March 1994 ROD & CUSTOM Magazine

Gary Moore's 1939 Ford woodie, January 1996 ROD & CUSTOM Magazine

Tom Prufer's 1932 Ford coupe, December 1999 ROD & CUSTOM Magazine

Scroll down for a complete list of published magazine articles.