Third-Generation Corvettes

Originally published in 2001 as a hardcover version, this book is a treasure trove of reference photos and information. Another great release this month from our friends over at Motorbooks,  the title covers the third generation of Corvette, and offers some fantastic information and insight on all models, as well as the special and limited-edition trim levels.

As any artist or designer would, I have a sincere appreciation for quality reference material, and had come to rely, over the years, on my copy of the original hardcover book, for both photo references as well as production figures and facts when consulting on potential projects with clients. There's nothing better than having clear photos and the facts you need right at your fingertips, and this book excels in those respects, with hundreds of high-quality, well-lit and very detailed images.

Leading off with a Corvette "Basics" primer, we're given a run-down on the model, and brought quickly up to speed on the terms used in the book, given an understanding of the VIN and option codes, as well as part and casting numbers. If you're shopping for your first third-gen 'Vette, then this first chapter is worth the price alone.

Moving along, we're treated to a year-by-year look at the car, broken down into well-organized areas, including Body and Body Trim, Chassis, Interior, Instruments and Controls, Engines (with GREAT information on options, horsepower and torque ratings, as well as amazingly accurate technical specs), Transmissions, Wheels and Tires, and sub-components as well. Add to that sidebars and inset panels with option codes, production figures (and even list pricing for each!) and colors, both interior and exterior, and you have a tremendous field guide when shopping for your next project. And with the soft cover version here, it's a portable reference manual when combing swap meets and wrecking yards. 
With the third generation being generally the most affordable of Corvettes on the market, and rapidly gaining popularity, now is a great time to scoop up a project as investment material. No doubt about it, the book will prove one of the most important investments you can make, should you choose one for your next restoration.

All that said, it's typical, supreme-quality Motorbooks, with great, thick paper, an almost glare-free semi-matte finish to the pages, and bold print and color, making the read enjoyable in a variety of lighting situations. Truly a welcome addition to any enthusiast's library, and a definite asset in the Studio!

Grab one here and save almost 30% in our Book Store!

Collector’s Originality Guide
Corvette, 1968-1982
Tom Falconer
Illustrated. 144pp
Motorbooks
$24.99

More MOPAR Reference Material!

As a designer and illustrator, having reference material available to me is of extreme importance. I take pride in making my work as accurate as possible, and nothing beats having the correct information at your fingertips when faced with having to create the correct trim, paint or interior pattern on a piece, and to say that this book is merely good would do it very little justice.

Loaded with great information (and clear, concise photography to back it up!), this book is certainly a must-have for anyone serious about making their work accurate… and even more valuable when consulting with a client on a potential build/purchase. From identification (VIN decoding, color schemes, engine/driveline, interior and more) through historical facts, Mr. Schild takes the time to break down the E-body Barracuda and Challenger in an easy-to-digest format that is entertaining as well as informative.

There are plenty of sidebars as well, from accessory groups and production numbers, to more entertaining pieces, like the story about the Vanishing Point Challenger. Impress your friends with some great trivia from that piece alone! I have a number of reference books on the shelves in my studio, and this is a stand-out title in both ease-of-use and digestibility.

Between the numbers and references for finishes, this is certainly worth adding to any enthusiast’s book shelf, and has already proven to be a “go-to” title in the Studio.

Collector’s Originality Guide
Challenger and Barracuda, 1970-1974
Jim Schild
Illustrated. 128pp
Motorbooks
$24.99
Grab your copy here, and save almost 35%

Shop Tools You Need. Now.

Howzabout some killer new products...and all sorts of childish innuendos?

Our friends at Rad Rides have introduced some new products that will absolutely knock your socks off... from lubing up to punching holes in stuff, they've got you covered, and we have the pics and information to prove it. It all sounds remarkably dirtier than it really is... well, if you use this stuff the way it was intended, anyway. Moving right along...

First-off is the Rad Rides way to keep your project rust free, with a non-oil-based corrosion inhibitor. Simply spray it on the metal directly or on a cloth and it will seal your surface against corrosion. It will also prevent oxidation on any raw metal and seal it with no change in appearance. Imagine the uses you'd have for it out here in the desert for off-road and prerunner projects, long-term hot rod and custom work... let alone in more humid places (see that? There we go again...), and you'd have a far better method for preventing surface rust and oxidation than with straight penetrating oil or other household lubes, and a much better time when it came time to paint. After all, why add to your expense at paint prep time by having to de-grease a sloppy mess? This product is a True “Mega Penetrant” “Ultra Lubricant” “Corrosion Inhibitor” And “Water Repellent”. Troy even uses it on the Blowfish Paint when racing on the salt.

Up next is the killer tool of the year, in our opinion:

For those of you that have been waiting to purchase the unique Rad Rides “Oval Punch Flare Dies” the time has arrived. Go after a new look in punch flare design in the construction of your projects with the use of this kit. In one simple operation after using the stainless layout templates and drilling two holes you can arbor press or draw the die halves together to create these unique “Oval Punch Flares” in material up to 16 gauge steel. These dies are made out of Through Hardened Machine Steel.

Even better, the first 25 Kits to be sold will receive the stainless layout templates (a $30.00 value) for FREE as a one-time introductory offer. The complete kit retails at $1,299.99 plus shipping.

This tool gives you the chance to be one of the leaders in design change when constructing race cars, hot rods, street machines, and motorcycles.  Check out the '69 Torino below showing the “Oval Punch Flare Dies” in action:

Purchases can be made on-line www.radrides.com or call Jack at 815-468-2590 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm Central standard time. You can also check their summer show schedule to purchase it and all Rad Rides products at the events.

And why not... while we're here, have you subscribed to the Newsletter? Get on the list, and grab inside info, special deals, and sneak peeks at artwork and projects!

Cover Car!

Thought I'd throw a hefty congrats to our build team on Resilience, as the mighty Buick grabbed a cover spot on the May 2010 World of Rods Magazine!

 How cool is THIS?! Way back when World of Rods was just a glimmer in the eye of its publisher, we were one of the first to advertise in the book, and it's certainly been through some changes, growing into a very serious book, covering all aspects of the hobby, and even beginning to fill the Custom Rodder gap in some ways, thanks to the efforts of Courtney Hallowell.

This issue, Resilience grabs the cover (with a pair of Circle City hot rods and local boy Craig Smith's Liberace Roadster!), and we're just stoked about the article and David Featherston's killer photography! Huge congrats to our build team of Tim and Carrie Strange, Shawn Ray, David Neal, and, of course, our great friends and prolific car owners, Erik and Paul Hansen!

Viva la Resilience...

More, as always, on my site at www.problemchildkustoms.com

One Lap T-Shirts!

How cool is this:

I get a call from James one afternoon, and he starts to tell me the story of his Camaro, and how he runs the One Lap of America event... and I immediately think "I know the car.... and this guy's nuts to do it!"

Long story short (I know... since when does Brian do THAT??! ...it's VERY busy in the mighty Studio, and I gotta get back at it), we talked for a while, and he asked if I'd be so kind as to whip up a t-shirt to help them promote their effort, and hopefully buy a few tanks of gas, as well as some road food for he and David, his co-pilot. Suffice to say, I was sketching before we hung up.

Anyway, that's what I came up with, and we think it hammers home the whole idea quite neatly... Here's a closer look at the artwork:

The front features the One Lap Camaro logo (as seen on the back in the artwork above) on the left chest... kinda like this:

They're VERY cool, and the reception so far has been nothing short of awesome. These are high-=quality, 6-oz. tee's, and are printed by one of the best-known, highest quality shops on the West Coast... And you can grab a few by simply firing off an email to the guys at: shirts@onelapcamaro.com, and letting them know how many you'd like, and in what sizes... The cost will be $20 for the shirt and $5 for shipping and handling (within the Continental US). Pre-orders will start today and they hope to have shirts available at the Run To The Coast event the first weekend in April (Goodguys Del Mar the weekend after at the latest).

All of the proceeds will go to feeding David and James for the week; your purchase will guarantee that they can enjoy as many as 2 meals a day at some of the finest establishments ever to grace the side of an interstate.

Thanks for checking 'em out, and for supporting some true grass-roots racing gone good!

...and hey.... if I can be of use to design YOUR next killer shirt, hit me up on the site at www.problemchildkustoms.com!