AMC Eagle Den Forum

EAGLE'S DEN FAMILY => Off topic => Topic started by: 89 MJ on February 14, 2024, 06:21:49 PM

Title: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on February 14, 2024, 06:21:49 PM
Would there be any interest if there was a technical book written about Eagles BY an Eagle owner? I have found lots of conflicting information on these cars and I have notes and pictures about how I did certain upgrades on my car. Some of the information is in write ups here, but that all can be hard to find sometimes. I also have years of experience with bodywork and rust repair done the right way that I could include.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: amcfool1 on February 14, 2024, 11:33:39 PM
hi, I would certainly be interested!    gz
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: Taylor on February 15, 2024, 09:42:50 AM
Good idea. I say do it and I'd like a copy too.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on February 15, 2024, 10:52:03 AM
Quote from: amcfool1 on February 14, 2024, 11:33:39 PM
hi, I would certainly be interested!    gz
Quote from: Taylor on February 15, 2024, 09:42:50 AM
Good idea. I say do it and I'd like a copy too.

Excellent. Hopefully I'll have something done this summer.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on May 01, 2024, 09:01:52 PM
Follow up question: would people rather have a hard copy or an e-book? A digital version would probably be cheaper, but you also need it to be on a device then and that means that the device has to be charged and portable. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: Still Pat on May 01, 2024, 09:26:59 PM
I THOUGHT Doug was making an Eaglepedia a while back? i don't know what ever happened with that.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on May 01, 2024, 09:47:51 PM
Quote from: Still Pat on May 01, 2024, 09:26:59 PM
I THOUGHT Doug was making an Eaglepedia a while back? i don't know what ever happened with that.

This is the first I've heard of that. Mine is more of a collection of ways to identify the year of an Eagle, what to look for when purchasing, and the modifications I've done. Basically a collection of firsthand experiences I think might help other people.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: amcfool1 on May 01, 2024, 11:30:12 PM
hi, I'm old so prefer hard copy, but any info is good info, so do what you think best. good luck,  gz
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: Trooper on May 02, 2024, 07:03:34 AM
Quote from: Still Pat on May 01, 2024, 09:26:59 PM
I THOUGHT Doug was making an Eaglepedia a while back? i don't know what ever happened with that.

https://amceaglesden.com/guide/index.php?title=Main_Page
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on May 02, 2024, 03:27:25 PM
Quote from: amcfool1 on May 01, 2024, 11:30:12 PM
hi, I'm old so prefer hard copy, but any info is good info, so do what you think best. good luck,  gz

I'm young and I also prefer a hard copy, so that was what I was leaning towards, I just wanted to hear someone else's thoughts.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: Jawbone1021 on May 16, 2024, 12:45:58 PM
Quote from: 89 MJ on May 02, 2024, 03:27:25 PM
Quote from: amcfool1 on May 01, 2024, 11:30:12 PM
hi, I'm old so prefer hard copy, but any info is good info, so do what you think best. good luck,  gz

I'm young and I also prefer a hard copy, so that was what I was leaning towards, I just wanted to hear someone else's thoughts.
I, too, would like a hardcover copy. This sounds like a great idea, there aren't really any in-depth personal articles about Eagles online, unless it's in the form of a YouTube video.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on May 16, 2024, 01:22:27 PM
Quote from: Jawbone1021 on May 16, 2024, 12:45:58 PM
Quote from: 89 MJ on May 02, 2024, 03:27:25 PM
Quote from: amcfool1 on May 01, 2024, 11:30:12 PM
hi, I'm old so prefer hard copy, but any info is good info, so do what you think best. good luck,  gz

I'm young and I also prefer a hard copy, so that was what I was leaning towards, I just wanted to hear someone else's thoughts.
I, too, would like a hardcover copy. This sounds like a great idea, there aren't really any in-depth personal articles about Eagles online, unless it's in the form of a YouTube video.
The lack of personal articles with actually experiences do seem to be lacking, which is why I want to do this project.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: Jawbone1021 on May 16, 2024, 01:52:23 PM
Quote from: 89 MJ on May 16, 2024, 01:22:27 PM
The lack of personal articles with actually experiences do seem to be lacking, which is why I want to do this project.
Yeah, it's a good idea. Would you publish it?
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on May 18, 2024, 10:11:09 AM
Quote from: Jawbone1021 on May 16, 2024, 01:52:23 PM
Quote from: 89 MJ on May 16, 2024, 01:22:27 PM
The lack of personal articles with actually experiences do seem to be lacking, which is why I want to do this project.
Yeah, it's a good idea. Would you publish it?

I'm thinking so, but I'm not entirely sure yet.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on August 26, 2024, 11:25:03 PM
Still working on the book, but I had to do an engine and transfer case swap in my car over the summer, so I got delayed somewhat.
Title: Re: Interest in an Eagle Book?
Post by: 89 MJ on October 05, 2024, 09:15:09 PM
So we are getting close to publishing and having it ready to get out to the public. I do have a couple of questions with this.
1. I'm not doing this to make money, but the price of the book will determine whether or not pictures will be color, whether or not the pages are coated, whether or not the book will be hardcover (with case wrap or linen wrap as binding options) or paperback (with coil bound, perfect bound, or saddle stitch as binding options), and whether the cover page will be glossy or matte. I'd prefer coated pages, hardcover with linen wrap, and a matte cover, but that is going to be more expensive than paper back. What is everyone's preference on these options? Is there a price that you want me to keep it under?

2. Here is a list of my chapters and sub chapters. Is there anything else you guys want added?
Table of Contents   1
Overview and Conception   6
Eagle Models   9
1980   9
1981   10
1982   11
1983   11
1984   11
1985   12
1986   12
1987   12
1988   13
Total Production Numbers   13
Year Identification   14
Body Differences   14
1980   14
1981-1984   15
1985   16
1986-1988   16
Mechanical Differences   16
1980   16
1981-1982   17
1983   17
1984   17
1985   17
1986   18
1987-1988   18
What to Look For When Buying an Eagle   19
Rust and Poor Repairs   19
Missing or Broken Parts   21
Mechanical Issues   22
Fluid Leaks   23
Engine Oil Leaks   23
Engine Coolant Leaks   23
Transmission Fluid Leaks   24
Transfer Case Leaks   24
Differential Leaks   24
Common Wear   25
Braking System   25
Engine Compartment   26
Exterior   26
Interior   27
General Exterior Upgrades and Information   29
Wiper Blades   29
Wheels   30
Bumpers   31
Lighting   32
Engine Identification   33
Front Axle and Regearing   35
Non-Disconnect Axle   35
Disconnect Axle   35
Carrier Break and Regear Information   36
Rear Axle and Upgrades   38
Different XJ Axle Options   38
Common Misconceptions   39
What is the Best Axle to Swap?   40
Why not a Ford 8.8?   41
My Experience   42
Would I Change Anything?   43
Engine Upgrades (AMC 258)   44
Carburetor   44
Ignition System   45
Valve Cover   45
Timing Set   46
Transfer Cases   47
NP119   47
NP129   47
NP128   48
Changing The Transfer Case   49
NP229/NP228   49
NP231   50
NP242   51
Suspension/Steering   52
Steering Upgrades   52
Front Suspension Upgrades   53
Rear Suspension Upgrades   54
Brakes   56
Interior   57
Carpet   57
Seats   59
Miscellaneous Restoration Tips   62
Disassembly   62
Rust Repair   62
Body Work   66
Molding Clips and Reassembly   67
Factory Pricing and Options   68
Vendors   74
My Eagle Story   76
Special Thanks   82
Sources   84

3. I'm thinking of doing 5 or so pages at the end which has a table to fill out for modifications/maintenance. The categories would be date, mileage, what was done. Do you want something like this?

4. Any other thoughts? I'm looking at starting the publishing process in at least a week because I need to go through and proofread it first. Feel free to drop any ideas between then and now.