
Classic British Car Electrical Systems
Your Guide to Understanding, Repairing and Improving the Electrical Components and Systems That Were Typical of British Cars from 1950 to 1980
Rick Astley(Author)
Veloce (Publisher)
Published on 20. May 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-84584-948-1 (ISBN)
Description
Available again after a long absence!
Your in-depth colour illustrated guide to understanding, repairing and improving the electrical systems of British classic cars.
Electrical systems used in British cars in the period 1950 to 1980 have gained some notoriety, most of it unfavourable and much of it undeserved. This book shines a light on the subject, system by system, including the murkier corners. Whatever their foibles, the cars remain the cherished possessions of enthusiasts worldwide, and this book's contribution to making the electrical systems understandable and reliable will maintain the enjoyment the cars provide for many decades to come.
Based on the proven formulas of Rick Astley's previous, and much acclaimed book, MGB Electrical Systems, this book breaks down the electrical systems of classic British cars into separate and easily understandable sections. In each, the components and system as a whole are examined in theory and chronology, to show how and why they evolved the way they did. With hundreds of colour photographs and diagrams, together with fault-finding tables, the veil of mystery is removed, allowing the owner to understand, repair and improve their cherished classic.
This book is the definitive and indispensable guide to British car electrical systems, and deserves a place on every enthusiast's bookshelf.
Your in-depth colour illustrated guide to understanding, repairing and improving the electrical systems of British classic cars.
Electrical systems used in British cars in the period 1950 to 1980 have gained some notoriety, most of it unfavourable and much of it undeserved. This book shines a light on the subject, system by system, including the murkier corners. Whatever their foibles, the cars remain the cherished possessions of enthusiasts worldwide, and this book's contribution to making the electrical systems understandable and reliable will maintain the enjoyment the cars provide for many decades to come.
Based on the proven formulas of Rick Astley's previous, and much acclaimed book, MGB Electrical Systems, this book breaks down the electrical systems of classic British cars into separate and easily understandable sections. In each, the components and system as a whole are examined in theory and chronology, to show how and why they evolved the way they did. With hundreds of colour photographs and diagrams, together with fault-finding tables, the veil of mystery is removed, allowing the owner to understand, repair and improve their cherished classic.
This book is the definitive and indispensable guide to British car electrical systems, and deserves a place on every enthusiast's bookshelf.
Reviews / Votes
"Book of the Year 2009. Covers everything you're ever likely to need to know about your classic's wiring. Full color images and clear advice make this book a bargain." Classics Monthly " the go-to-guide for electrical work on your car. Practical Classics. This book is truly the definitive and indispensable guide to British car electrical systems for both British mechanics and the do it yourself enthusiasts. You'll soon find out you'll save far more thanks to the expert repair procedures provided for those expensive or hard to find components, as well as benefitting from the basic theory to help diagnose some of the more unique problems. It would [also] be wise to keep the copy in your English collector car book as it also provides invaluable get you home help when an unexpected problem arises. - Norm Mort. "an absolute must for anyone who wants to understand the black art of automotive electrics ... Buy a copy and you'll think: I'm never gonna give you up ..." - Octane (UK).More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
David & Charles
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 269 mm
Width: 206 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
771 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84584-948-1 (9781845849481)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Rick Astley
Classic British Car Electrical Systems
Your guide to understanding, repairing and improving the electrical components and systems that were typical of British cars from 1950 to 1980
E-Book
01/2016
Princeton University Press
€16.49
Available for download
Person
An electrical engineer, Rick Astley was born and educated in England. Tight budgets and a need to get to work meant he soon developed a thorough working knowledge of the many used British cars he owned; cars he later restored to an acceptable level of reliability.
Even though his professional life took him to Canada and eventually to the USA, where he now lives, through membership of his local MG club he has maintained his interest in the British cars of his youth. Rick now works part-time as an electrical engineering consultant in the Motor City of Detroit.
Even though his professional life took him to Canada and eventually to the USA, where he now lives, through membership of his local MG club he has maintained his interest in the British cars of his youth. Rick now works part-time as an electrical engineering consultant in the Motor City of Detroit.
Content
Acknowledgements & about the authorForewordChapter 1. Working safely Chapter 2. Understanding electricity Chapter 3. Sneak currents Chapter 4. Making the right connectionsChapter 5. Wire harness Chapter 6. Fuses and circuit-breakersChapter 7. BatteryChapter 8. Charging system Chapter 9. Starting systemChapter 10. Ignition systemChapter 11. Lighting Chapter 12. Instrumentation Chapter 13. Overdrive & gearboxChapter 14. Wipers & washersChapter 15. Horn Chapter 16. Fuel pumpChapter 17. Cooling & heating fansChapter 18. Miscellaneous systems Index