Welcome to the 'bolt- the place where you'll nearly ALWAYS find a wide range of opinions, and lots of good information.
My opinion: the book is okay, but written very generally. In hindsight, I wish I had checked it out from a library or borrowed it from a friend. I have it, read much of it, and seldom refer back to it. I think the resto-pack and the shop manual are far more informative for model-specific information, and since you have narrowed down your search, I think your money is better spent there. Use the book for general info like body prep how-to, powder coating instructions, or basic "do it in this order" information.
You obviously have excellent taste, judging by your opinion of "holy grail"...but then again, there will be other opinions here!
Bill
