Building the Mule Book

[TonyHuntimer]

I was looking through the latest Hot Rod magazine and ran across the article on Charley's latest 69 Camaro "Jackass"...which is awesome!

I also saw the great new book by Mark Stielow. It's over 700 photos of building the Mule. More photos than you've ever seen in all the PHR articles. I am surprised that HOT ROD magazine is the first place we found out about it. Not that HOT ROD had it, but that Mark or Charley didn't announce it here first. ...or did they and I missed it? :) I can't wait to get my copy. If I bring my copy to SEMA, will Charley and Mark sign my copy?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/buildingthemule-1.jpg

[MrQuick]

I'd like to get my hands on that...

wish they would make more Build books...they could fill a library with all of Stielow's creations.

Jackasss in Hot Rod? waaa-ohhhh looks like pro-touring might go main stream. Great, thats all we need.

[zbugger]

I want that book too....

[ss dave]

ditto

[redfire69]

Can't find it on the web site yet either...

[Damn True]

Jackasss in Hot Rod? waaa-ohhhh looks like pro-touring might go main stream. Great, thats all we need.

But Car Craft says Pro-Touring is out?

[Brandon Miller]

Oh I so need that book. And I'm a Ford guy.

Barnes and Noble has nothing on their site about the book and they usually have all kinds of stuff before a book is published.

[dropit69]

oh gotta find that book..Mule is my all time fav car..

[tom_a]

The article says exclusively through Scoggin Dickey, but I recall seeing another thread saying it would not be available till December IIRC.

[Brandon Miller]

Yeah article says $26.95 through sdparts.com It's not listed on their site yet though.

[Stielow]

Hot Rod left out the part that the book won't be available until December 2009. We have a ton of photos that didn't make the PHR build up. We also have the pictures of the twin turbo redo. I have had a lot of fun going back through the old photos and stories.

I will post when we have it published.

Thanks Mark

[Kenova]

Any plans to write a sequel Mark? Building Jackass.

Ken

[TonyHuntimer]

Hot Rod left out the part that the book won't be available until December 2009. We have a ton of photos that didn't make the PHR build up. We also have the pictures of the twin turbo redo. I have had a lot of fun going back through the old photos and stories.

I will post when we have it published.

Thanks Mark

Mark,

Thanks for chiming in. It's good to hear the real story from a good source. I can't believe a magazine published something that's not available yet. :)

[CliffS]

I know what I want for Christmas...

[Steve Chryssos]

There are so many one-off parts, systems and ideas on that car that are now production, mail order ready parts. If for no other reason (and there are many reasons) people should buy that book just to see how much easier it is to build a pro-touring car now.
Just as important, the Mule received an unprecedented amount of consecutive monthly editorial coverage in PHR. Something like 20 or 21 consecutive build up articles. I'm sure Project X has more total build up pages, but the Mule was really a step by step, start to finish deal. And it wasn't just another "Hey, buy these parts" series. While there was no shortage of cool parts, the articles focused on how to properly build a car. Cameron Evans, former editor of PHR--now with Redline Oil, and Tom Vogele also deserve credit for making it happen.

I don't think we'll ever see that detailed build-up process duplicated in magazines. Too many bureaucrats in the chain these days.

[f-body]

Not available until December 2009. No wonder I cannot find it. I will order mine as soon as I can.
I have leaned a lot from all the articles from Mark Stielow since I probably have every magazine from PHR, Hot Rod, CHP and Car craft since 1997 and some back as far as 1985.
Anyone have a list of all the builds ups and what issues that were in.
I also learned most of the stuff Stielow does I cannot afford I cannot afford most of the stuff on here is out of my range also.

I do see protouring turning into the new prostreet from a cost stand point but at least with protouring cars actually perform and not just look good like the old school pro street.

Back in 1987 when I was in high school I could not understand having a car you could not drive like you wanted or for that matter cars you would not drive. I never understood track only cars either since I was a high school kid and could only afford one it had to be streetable really streetable. Like pump gas and inspections.
I am just happy to see people build cars and actually beat on them like manufacturers intended muscle cars to treated.
Now I own 5 1974 Camaros, four of them are Z28's they are really just rolling chassis but i am not a numbers matching kind of person anyway.
Keep up the builds Mark.


There were 13,802 1974 Z28's made. I got two of them! OOPS!! Now I got 4 of them
1974 Camaro coupe
1974 Z28 restoration project
3 1974 Z28 shells (they are more of a project)
1992 Chevy Silverado (black with red interior V6 5speed) 454SS wannabe.
Anything with turbos is cool, anything with two turbos is twice as cool!
2007 Kawasaki ZX14 Scary Fast!!!

[TonyHuntimer]

There are so many one-off parts, systems and ideas on that car that are now production, mail order ready parts. If for no other reason (and there are many reasons) people should buy that book just to see how much easier it is to build a pro-touring car now.
Just as important, the Mule received an unprecedented amount of consecutive monthly editorial coverage in PHR. Something like 20 or 21 consecutive build up articles. I'm sure Project X has more total build up pages, but the Mule was really a step by step, start to finish deal. And it wasn't just another "Hey, buy these parts" series. While there was no shortage of cool parts, the articles focused on how to properly build a car. Cameron Evans, former editor of PHR--now with Redline Oil, and Tom Vogele also deserve credit for making it happen.

I don't think we'll ever see that detailed build-up process duplicated in magazines. Too many bureaucrats in the chain these days.

The great thing about the PHR build-up coverage of The Mule was that we finally got a step-by-step view of the car-building quality "bar" being raised.

[Serpa69]

Hot Rod left out the part that the book won't be available until December 2009. We have a ton of photos that didn't make the PHR build up. We also have the pictures of the twin turbo redo. I have had a lot of fun going back through the old photos and stories.

I will post when we have it published.

Thanks Mark

I know everyone in this site loves the twin turbo redo but I liked the Kinsler setup. I thought it was more road racing than a tt. I cant wait for the book.

[Rybar]

Anyone have a list of all the builds ups and what issues that were in.

Courtesy of Scott from Lateral-g:

Here they are in chronological order:

71 Mach 1
77 Triumph TR7
70 AMX 390 Auto
70 AMX 360 4spd
71 Javelin 360 4spd
66 Ford Stepside
69 Datsun 1600 Roadster
69 Triumph TR6
67 Mustang Fastback 289 Auto
66 Mustang Coupe 289 Auto
66 Lincoln Continental
67 Mustang 390 4spd
67 Mustang Fastback 351C 4brl (was going to be the first pro-touring project)
69 Boss 302
73 Vette 454
70 Boss 302 (college car)
84 SVO Mustang
66 Mustang Fastback 289 4spd (drove it to Detroit for 1st Summer internship @ GM Tech Center)
69 Camaro RS
69 Camaro RS
69 Camaro
69 Camaro (first One Lap of America car)
69 Camaro
88 Chevy Truck
95 Chevy Truck
67 Camaro (Red Witch)
69 Camaro (Thrasher)
69 Camaro
69 Camaro (Mule)
64 Chevelle (Malitude)
69 Camaro (Camaro X)

[Jesse@SDPC]

We are as anxious as you guys are to get the book in :D We will get it on our site and post up here just as soon as they show up later on. I'm glad to see how many of your guys are interested, I can't wait for my own copy.

[Bowtie racing]

Cant wait till december.. I still cant understand how such an great idea like orginal build books was did not work out? Even double the price i would bought every book.

[796spdbu]

Will it be ready for christmas delivery?

[Larry Callahan]

Any chance these arrived yet? It is getting close to Christmas.

[Bowtie racing]

Its december folks :idea:

[f-body]

Ok so its December and I went to the site www.sdparts.com (http://www.sdparts.com). SO where is the book. I looked under books sections and No book?

[Samckitt]

anyone have any luck finding this book?

[1badchevelle]

Come on someone spill it already who has them

[dropit69]

i looked all over even have friends that work at huge book wharehouse near me and no luck yet..

[cobraguy65]

Just talked to them at PRI, still no books in yet.

[TonyHuntimer]

From being in the magazine industry, I can't imagine the red tape they have to go through to get this done. Be patient. I'm sure they're doing all they can to get this done for all of us. :)

[rossmacd]

subscribing

[Speedbump]

I seemed to have made a grievous error when I made this the only item on my Christmas list... back in August. That silly move did not ensure the success I had anticipated.

I have never worked in publishing, but I have great appreciation for the poor souls that labor to bring us the articles we love. Their automotive addiction keeps them going, even through low pay and tough deadlines. Thank you, all of you.

Speaking of deadlines... and with all due respect for those from editor on down... how can we know the month of release and the exclusive distributor 6 months in advance, but not know the day of release over half way through the (alleged) release month? Anyway, I'm subscribed now... so I guess we'll all find out together.
Cheers,

[Bowtie racing]

Anything SDPC ??

[camcojb]

it has not been finished yet.

Jody

[trapin]

Hey now...we don't have to buy that book.

WE LIVED IT!

:)

[Jim85IROC]

I've got the BF Goodrich poster of the mule in the office over my garage. I love that car. I had the good fortune of seeing it at Carlisle a few years back as well. Absolutely stunning car. I'd love to get a copy of this book when it becomes available. :)

[kyle67]

Anybody have it yet? I swore I saw it at a Borders, I'm gonna run back over there today.

[Jesse@SDPC]

Not yet :( We are still looking for it! I do apologize for the lack of information and keeping everyone guessing on when it will show up. We are not avoiding telling anyone anything that we know, it simply is not here yet. We are still excited to get our own copy and read through it and we are as anxious as you guys are!

[JohnC]

Will they be selling the Mule buildbook at Detroit Autorama?

[rossmacd]

Will they be selling the Mule buildbook at Detroit Autorama?


At this point they might be selling it on the moon at about the same time we see a copy.

[Samckitt]

Anything new on this book?

[tim@sdpc]

We are as anxious as you guys are to get the book in. The book has not shown up just yet. We will keep you guys up on it as soon as we get the information. I am waiting for my own copy.

[Zanie]

still no book?

[Bowtie racing]

We are as anxious as you guys are to get the book in. The book has not shown up just yet. We will keep you guys up on it as soon as we get the information. I am waiting for my own copy.


Tim, since its supposed to be distributed by you guys , could you ask around and let us know why it can take this long ? I am sure they did not wrote it in HotRod for nothing ??

[TechAFXWill]

Hello all. This is Will Handzel with an update on the 'Building the Mule' book.

Stielow and I are behind getting the book completed, but we have the majority of it written and laid out in its final form at this time.
We are doing editing of the formatted material and preparing to go to press.

Thanks to all for showing interest and being patient--just as an FYI, we let a few enthusiasts read the 100+ pages or so we had put together about a month or so ago and all found it enjoyable and informative...so we think you'll enjoy it when we get it out!

We will let you know when we have them shipped to SDPC...

[Rod]

Hello all. This is Will Handzel with an update on the 'Building the Mule' book.

Stielow and I are behind getting the book completed, but we have the majority of it written and laid out in its final form at this time.
We are doing editing of the formatted material and preparing to go to press.

Thanks to all for showing interest and being patient--just as an FYI, we let a few enthusiasts read the 100+ pages or so we had put together about a month or so ago and all found it enjoyable and informative...so we think you'll enjoy it when we get it out!

We will let you know when we have them shipped to SDPC...

A section of the Stielow bible.....its like looking at the dead sea scrolls

[Bowtie racing]

Thanks to all for showing interest and being patient--just as an FYI, we let a few enthusiasts read the 100+ pages or so we had put together about a month or so ago and all found it enjoyable and informative...so we think you'll enjoy it when we get it out!

We will let you know when we have them shipped to SDPC...


Thank you for the update.. I more affraid at my car will be done before this gets out ;)

[Kenova]

Thank you for the update.. I more affraid at my car will be done before this gets out ;)

Well, you know what that means. You will have to build another one.

Ken

[Bowtie racing]

Anything?

[syborg tt]

I know I've said this before but this is the car that convinced me to build my truck.

[Bowtie racing]

I know I've said this before but this is the car that convinced me to build my truck.


And exactly the fire starter for my project! I would not have even thought of 1gen camaro for my next project. Building the mule series and right after that twister(and DSE) was real eye opener for me.

[pro-touring.no]

Anything new about the book?

[Charley Lillard]

Soon...really.

[zbugger]

Soon...really.

You sound so believable....

[Stielow]

Soon...really.

I would say really soon.

I will post a picture of me holding one of the first copies of the book as soon as I get them. I think you guys will like it. It has over 1000 color photos some that have never been seen before. It is over 200 pages and it covers the Mule build up, some of my old cars and a little on the Red Devil. I have read it over 100 times and it very cool with a lot of tech. It has a lot of stuff that I forgot I did. I think when people ask “what is Pro-Tour” people car refer to this book.

Sorry for the delay but this was a side project for Will Handzel and I. We started on it 3 years ago thinking we would just reprint the PHR articles. After looking at all the photos I had we rewrote all of it. Even though I started building the Mule 10 years ago the car still looks great and the build is still very relevant with great tech.

Unless the printer drops the ball we should have the volume of books by mid-March. We were hoping to have them at the Detroit Autoramma next week but some reworks delayed that.

If you are in Detroit for the Autoramma stop by I’ll have the Red Devil on display and a teaser Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational video clip running. I might even have one of the very first copies of the book!

Hold off calling Scoggin Dickey to order any books. I’ll post when we have shipped them books. They are already mad at me for saying in Hot Rod that the book will be out last Christmas and we missed that date by a lot. I know how to build a car, but doing a book is not as easy as it looks….

Thanks for being patient.

Mark

[David Sloan]

Thanks Mark
Looking forward to reading this!

[GEARHEADMUCK]

COOL! Great news!

[Stielow]

We'll have books at Autoramma in booth number 522 for $25.00 a book for sale this weekend. We also shipped 150 books overnited to Scoggin Dickey. You can order one from them for $26.95. 800-456-0211 www.sdparts.com There is also also a bunch of books shipped by truck SPDC, so if you miss the first patch more will be there next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/Untitled-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/DSCN0072-1.jpg

I'll try to hang around Thomson Automotive booth most of the weekend. If you stop by and I'm not there I'll tell someone when I will be back.

The book turned out very good. The book is 210 pages with 1184 images with over 1100 color photos. It has all the tech stories from the Mule build up in Popular Hot Roding articles. It also has many images never seen before like converting the car to twin turbos. We also added a chapter on the Red Devil to keep it current.

It has been a long time coming. I hope you guys like it.

If you stop by the booth we also have a short Optima Ultimate Street Car Intitational teaser video they sent me.

Stielow

[chaz75]

way cool.

[Jesse@SDPC]

I have them!!!!!!!!!!



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Twentyover]

I have them!!!!!!!!!!



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

But I can't order yet!! :(

Just called and they're "not in the system"

[Jesse@SDPC]

Taking care of that as we speak and also getting it on our website. I will link here for you guys when the website page is up to order them. Calling you back for your information Greg.

[Twentyover]

Literally 3-4 minutes after I posted, I got a call back from Jesse. Great customer service- Thanks :)

[Jesse@SDPC]

No problem Greg, thanks!

It's on the website now. http://sdparts.com/details/dr-whaba/whamule

[67CamNKC]

Ordered mine.....Saweeeet

[Jesse@SDPC]

Wow, thanks for all of the orders guys! We still have plenty for more orders, but at this pace they won't last long!

[Rick Dorion]

Ordered mine!

[Samckitt]

They are on the SDPC website. Just ordered mine.

[syborg tt]

Read mine on Sunday - WOW !!!

More pictures that I thought possible. Incredible documentation - Great WORK!!!!

[TonyHuntimer]

NO WAY!? The book is finally out!?

I saw activity on this thread but knew it was just more people asking when it was coming out. I wasn't about the be more disappointed by looking at what was being posted. Well, I had a weak moment today and looked. :)

I'm glad I did. I'll be ordering mine asap.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[syborg tt]

NO WAY!? The book is finally out!?

Wayaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa - the book is out and it's cool

[Rybar]

I've already ordered mine as well.

[zbugger]

Book ordered. I can't wait to look at the pictures.

[dropit69]

Just ordered mine ...Allen i can read mine to ya in chat if ya want..lol

[lowfat69]

I'm in Australia - how can I get one?

[Samckitt]

I'm in Australia - how can I get one?

Check with SDPC, see if you can order it here:
http://sdparts.com/details/dr-whaba/whamule

[65_LS1_T56]

Got mine on Suday at the Detroit Autoramma. Mark was there with the Red Devil passing them out personally. Said they came off the presses last week Thursday.
Great book, half way thru already. Tons of pictures. Worth the buy:cheers:

Nice to meet you Mark, congratulations and well done.

[The Rook]

I also got mine at Autorama. I even had Mark autograph it....what can I say I have Stielow Fever! Red Devil was absolutely perfect. I had trouble walking away from it. The book is also great, so much detail in it. Great Work!

[Jesse@SDPC]

I'm in Australia - how can I get one?

Order through the website or just give us a call. We ship to Australia all the time. Fedex will get there in just a couple days but cost more, or we can use US Mail which may take forever and has no tracking, but it's pretty cheap. We prefer not to use US Mail because of the lack of tracking.

[Speedbump]

Like Tony, I thought it was just chatter... ordered!
Thanks to Mark and Will for getting this done.

[80z28s6]

Ordered mine yesterday!!! Can't wait to get it.

[MrQuick]

Just ordered mine ...Allen i can read mine to ya in chat if ya want..lol

just make sure he doesn't have crayons around. unless you want a chartreuse colored Mule .

[67CamNKC]

Well, its in my hands!....Looks killer.

[TechAFXWill]

Thanks everyone for being patient as Mark and I put this together.
Obviously, it took way longer than we expected, but Mark was very clear on the project from the beginning: this publication would have the same level of detail, groundbreaking technology and insane performance put into every Stielow-built car.
I believe we achieved that--it is more than just 212 pages and 1200 photos. The tech tips and sage advice stashed throughout it will help make building your dream Pro Touring car easier and less expensive and also will help your car be faster and more of a pleasure to drive. Oh, and its a fun read, too.
Thanks for the kind words from those who have already gotten it--Mark and I appreciate the support!

[Samckitt]

Got mine yesterday. Great book, tons of pics.

[Rybar]

Just got my copy, this book looks killer. Can't wait to read every page while on the throne :lol:

If you guys like pictures, buy this book now!

[Larry Callahan]

Got mine yesterday and flipped through it. I can't wait to sit down and read it.

[kiwigt]

It's going global - my copy just arrived in my mailbox in New Zealand...

[Gandalf]

It's going global - my copy just arrived in my mailbox in New Zealand...

Great to hear the PT disease making it down-under!

(kiwi mate)
G.

[kiwigt]

Great to hear the PT disease making it down-under!

(kiwi mate)
G.

Yeah, a few of us Kiwis have had the disease for a while. Doesn't seem to be any cure but I'm not complaining. This book and the forum helps feed the addiction !

[80z28s6]

Got mine in the mail last weds. I can not put it down. Truly an excellent job by Will & Mark.

[ChevelleNV]

Well I almost got mine today, except they sent me a 2011 Performance Parts Catalog instead of the book..... :( know if I could just get someone at Scroggin Dickey Part Center to actually call me back to get this fixed it would be awesome.

[rossmacd]

Ordered mine yeterday. Hopefully I don't end up w/a catalog; not much would fit my Ford.

[CliffS]

How much time did it take for delivery? They only ship from Tx.
Thanks.

[John Wright]

Just ordered one myself...should be a good read

[John Wright]

Reading my copy right now.....lots of pics, looks good so far.

[BigMal69]

Ordered mine from DSE

[Stielow]

I set up a web site to sell my book. If anyone wants one for the holidays you can go to www.MarkStielow.com to purchase one with free shipping if it is going to the continental USA.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Sqov482P8&feature=player_embedded

Thank

Mark Stielow

[hotrod392]

The book is awesome, I have been enjoying it since getting an early copy at LS Fest from Will and Mark. The detail in the book is incredible, no subject is left untouched and there are professional level photographs on every topic. I can't imagine the time invested in this project.

I have to say I am impresssed that Mark can crank out the cars as fast as he does while maintaining a perfectly clean shop. My hats off to you!

If you don't have a copy, get one!

Shane

[CliffS]

second that, got my copy too.

[gak68]

Hey guys, The book has been a great read so far. I like how he has also included his personal suggestions on various areas when building your car. The one thing they did not include is what the sparco steering wheel p/n is, or atleast what the diameter is. If anybody has the info that would be a big help.

[MAP]

Hi Folks,

I agree that the book is a fascinating read. It left me frustrated in one sense, however - and no doubt once I describe why, the authors will think, "And how do we address that without quitting our day jobs?(!)" Here is why: the book describes with great detail and insight as to the, "what," but rather leaves unanswered the question, "why." This means that if the reader wants to duplicate, or come close to duplicating, the "mule," then that person will be well-informed. But if the reader wants to make a significant extrapolation from that design point, then there is not much to go on.

I'm guessing that if "why" were flushed-out in full detail, it might require ten books and an MSME on the part of the reader to make an effective transfer of knowledge. But oh, how I wish such a thing were possible...

Still, great book - no question.

Thanks,
MAP

[Stielow]

It is hard to do the "why". Sometimes it is just experiance that the other way did not work. I learn things every day and I change my mind over and over on many things. As an example I'm still redesigning my fuel systems on my project. I think we have it sorted out now but real world testing will tell for sure. Glad you liked the book.

Mark

[MAP]

Thank you - I'm glad indeed - and my frustration does not diminish the value of your book in any way; it's the nature of trying to communicate to a very broad audience about engineering themes. Just wish I could tap into your thought process so I could understand the dozens, or possibly even hundreds, of weighted pro/con factors you take into account, no doubt, for every stage of your design. Case in point: choice of R&P unit and elaboration on statement that, "I'd never go back to recirculating ball steering box" (loose paraphrase of what you wrote - I don't actually expect an answer, incidentally.) Thanks again.

Best,
MAP

[TonyHuntimer]

I set up a web site to sell my book. If anyone wants one for the holidays you can go to www.MarkStielow.com to purchase one with free shipping if it is going to the continental USA.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Sqov482P8&feature=player_embedded

Thank

Mark Stielow


WOW! Great looking book! That's a cool video too.

Congratulations on the book. I'll have to get a couple of copies.

Tony Huntimer

[Twentyover]

I think the deal is guys like Stielow are working on cars 2-3 years away from production. I believe what the process is- visualize performance cars 2-3 years away, what features/engines/transmissions/suspensions will they have, and how will that impact performance? Then plan to incorporate these features, etc, in your newest build. You'll always be a leader.

For guys like me, I just look at todays cars and pick the features, etc I want to emulate, and try to build some half-arsed version of it.

You know, with as big a butt as I have, i don't see how I can make any claim to half-arsed.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

You know, with as big a butt as I have, i don't see how I can make any claim to half-arsed.

Ahaha...Good stuff Greg. Signature material right there :cheers:

[CarlC]

Mark talks about his book in the latest PT.com podcast here https://www.pro-touring.com/content.php?258-Podcast-31-Post-SEMA-show-plus-a-bonus-interview-with-Mark-Stielow