The Ford Barn

Purdy Swoft · 12-24-2013, 10:02 AM

We're not trying to crucify Les, just pointing out some facts. I just prefer Brattons catalog as a reference.

MikeK · 12-24-2013, 12:39 PM

Following up on this thread's off-topic Les Andrews book comments, I'm aware of some of the book's problems, but not all. I must say that despite the shortcomings, for me the Les books are right up there as a 'must' along with the Service Bulletins and Victor Page's masterful book.

I'm amazed there has never been a viable addendum/ correction/ addition thread started here on Fordbarn. It's been talked about here several times, with some of the problems pointed out and discussed, but no single thread to consolidate it all and foster future refinements.

I guess I'd like to see something positive become of it rather than the constant Les bashing.

Purdy Swoft · 12-24-2013, 03:10 PM

No bashing here. I've mostly seen the highest praises. The thing is that many take these books as gospel, some of it just ain't so. Somebody sure as hell needs to bring some of these mistakes to light, if Les isn't going to. I'm pretty sure that Les has been well compensated for his books. I'm sure that Les is a good guy. I've often said that Les was one of the best technical directors ever for the restorer magazine. I really don't need a how to book. I prefer Brattons catalog as a quick reference for things like clearance, threads per inch, diagrams and such.

Mike V. Florida · 12-24-2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeK

Following up on this thread's off-topic Les Andrews book comments, I'm aware of some of the book's problems, but not all. I must say that despite the shortcomings, for me the Les books are right up there as a 'must' along with the Service Bulletins and Victor Page's masterful book.

I'm amazed there has never been a viable addendum/ correction/ addition thread started here on Fordbarn. It's been talked about here several times, with some of the problems pointed out and discussed, but no single thread to consolidate it all and foster future refinements.

I guess I'd like to see something positive become of it rather than the constant Les bashing.

Start one, I remember one a few years ago that never got legs. Maybe this is the time.

Kevin in NJ · 12-24-2013, 04:40 PM

I just try to point out not to trust whom some trust too much.

The steering sector diameter is one that just glaringly sticks in my head. In fact, Bratton's uses the wrong number that Les publishes. I believe that these errors have not been changed even though there have been several revisions of the book. Bratton's has not changed it even though I pointed it out several years ago.

Error have wandered through and messed up restorers for years. Before the net you had limited resources to check the books. At least today all you have to do is ask online.

Finally,

I want to be clear. I am not bashing Les. He is a valuable resource. I just have troubles understanding how some information has not been corrected through the years. It certainly would not be hard for him to put the corrections online.

12-24-2013, 10:02 AM	#21
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Original points ,how thay are made We're not trying to crucify Les, just pointing out some facts. I just prefer Brattons catalog as a reference.

12-24-2013, 12:39 PM	#22
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: Original points ,how thay are made Following up on this thread's off-topic Les Andrews book comments, I'm aware of some of the book's problems, but not all. I must say that despite the shortcomings, for me the Les books are right up there as a 'must' along with the Service Bulletins and Victor Page's masterful book. I'm amazed there has never been a viable addendum/ correction/ addition thread started here on Fordbarn. It's been talked about here several times, with some of the problems pointed out and discussed, but no single thread to consolidate it all and foster future refinements. I guess I'd like to see something positive become of it rather than the constant Les bashing.

12-24-2013, 03:10 PM	#23
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Original points ,how thay are made No bashing here. I've mostly seen the highest praises. The thing is that many take these books as gospel, some of it just ain't so. Somebody sure as hell needs to bring some of these mistakes to light, if Les isn't going to. I'm pretty sure that Les has been well compensated for his books. I'm sure that Les is a good guy. I've often said that Les was one of the best technical directors ever for the restorer magazine. I really don't need a how to book. I prefer Brattons catalog as a quick reference for things like clearance, threads per inch, diagrams and such.

12-24-2013, 04:40 PM	#25
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Original points ,how thay are made I just try to point out not to trust whom some trust too much. The steering sector diameter is one that just glaringly sticks in my head. In fact, Bratton's uses the wrong number that Les publishes. I believe that these errors have not been changed even though there have been several revisions of the book. Bratton's has not changed it even though I pointed it out several years ago. Error have wandered through and messed up restorers for years. Before the net you had limited resources to check the books. At least today all you have to do is ask online. Finally, I want to be clear. I am not bashing Les. He is a valuable resource. I just have troubles understanding how some information has not been corrected through the years. It certainly would not be hard for him to put the corrections online.