Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1978 Chevrolet Impala, restoring cars, chevrolet impala

Question
Hi,
My dad has a 1978 Chevrolet Impala. Unfortunately we just got hit by a huge hurricane (we live in the Cayman Islands) and so the car is flooded out right now but we will be working on the engine soon, however we've been wanting to restore it for ages. It's coming up to vintage age now and is in great condition but we would love to do up the body a bit and now - obviously - fix the engine (even though before it ran like a charm).
For Christmas I'd love to buy him some kind of book on vintage Chevys that might include the 78 Impalas, or maybe just some good guide on restoring cars of that era. Do you have any suggestions on books of that time? Or just any suggestions in general about restoring this type of car? Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
ok- I think it is great that you and your DAD are goimg to do that as I wish I could have done something with my DAD but he is gone now so remember you be good to your DAD as you only get one and time goes by so dam fast , as my Son is now in the war and I was real close to him as i would tell him that i loved him all the time and him to me .but a lot of people find it hard to say that so by you and youe DAD doing that is really great and I will help you all I can at any time ok. so as far as a book i can only think of the clinton repair book but i bet that you can look up on the web for chevy  auto repair or 78 chevy repair book you will find more than you will need and if you have sea water in that motor and you are not going to rebuild it you must get all of the old oil out and flush it out good and when you get it running change that oil after apx 8/10 hours of runnin time as you got to get that salt water out.ok
good luck and ask me any time as  well as the filter to -i will be glad to help you and your DAD ok
good luck
bigw45  if you wish to e-mail me direct no prob. www.bigw45@aol.com