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Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  1,476 Comments »

Basic Steps to Restoring a Car

They say that time has its effect on everything and this holds true for everything including your car. As with other things cars to tend to rust and lose their shine with time and in case you wish to get back the original luster of your car then it is imperative that you get it restored at the earliest. Restoring a car often call for patience and requires a great deal of knowledge to begin. We have listed here some basic approaches of restoring a car to its previous state.

1) You must have all the necessary tools in advance to start the car restoration. In case you miss something or do not have a fair idea then you can always seek professional help for the purpose.

2) Car restoration needs ample amount of space almost double of your garage. Normally one can keep one half for the dismantled pieces and the rest for the car itself. Keep engine, chassis, car door, and other big part in the dry area of the garage and the place should be oil free. One important point here is that number the parts in the sequence you pull them out, as this eases the job of assembling the unit as one. If possible, draw a flowchart of the disassembling process and reverse it when you join the parts. Otherwise integration of the parts can surely be a hassle. Do remember that disassembling is easier than assembling.

3) Always use the original parts for your vehicle. Although they cost a bit higher but in longer run, their efficiency is self-proven. Cheap and fake parts die away sooner. In case you experience difficulty in getting the original parts you can search the dealer through internet, or directory services. Your friends could also help you in achieving this. Be in touch with other car owners who have the same model as that of your car.

4) Put greater emphasis on the place where rust is more. Rub it thoroughly and apply the good quality primer. Always use good quality paint for the surface of your car. It is better to use an air sprayer than a traditional brush sprayer.

5) Tailor new seat covers for your seats. If you want to retain the old ones then wash them regularly. Apply polish to the dash board, steering, and other plastic and metal accessories in the interior of the car. Read car magazines to brush up your knowledge about latest available accessories to add a zing to your car.

6) Clean the engine couple of times over and wipe out all the dirt and oil stained slush. Clear the exhaust pipe nozzles. Brake gripper, tire strength, gear wire and gauge must be cleaned and replaced if need be.

After you have completed the restoration job successfully your car will surely adorn a new glitter as it was at one point of time. Last but not the least one must never be afraid to do experiments that might prove beneficial for the long life of your car.

Article written by Richard Crittendon of Automobile.com. For related information, see the recent article on the 2008 Grand Cherokee review.

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  284 Comments »

Jet-Set Extravagance Courtesy Lamborghini Reventon

Few car makers (if any) have the reputation of Lamborghini. Since the early sixties, Lamborghini has produced exotic vehicles that inspire drool and envy - including the Miura, the Countach (which helped popularize sharp-angled sports cars) and the Diablo. And, yet, the latest Lamborghini model still manages to top its maker’s reputation.

With a sleek, dark-gray (or “matte gray” as it is called) exterior, gazing at the Lamborghini Reventón is like staring into the future. Everything about the vehicle screams cool. That statement can be taken both figuratively or literally since the Reventón includes a number of unique external features designed to keep components from overheating at high speeds. Extraction fans positioned below its rear LED brake lights pull hot air from the engine, and opaque fins attached to the aluminum rims help cool the ceramic brake rotors. Other than the roof and doors (which are constructed of steel), all the body panels (and even the rim fins) are made of a carbon-fiber composite. The interior of the vehicle is no less impressive, with comfortable suede and shiny carbon fiber everywhere. But that’s not the interior’s most impressive component - that would be the dashboard display. Featuring three LCD screens, the driver can choose among various modes for the gauges - including a jet mode with a G-force meter.

If the jet connection seems appropriate, it goes deeper - the Reventón was intentionally designed with a jet feel in mind. Inspired by the stealth F-22 Raptor, one of the world’s most effective fighter planes, Lamborghini’s director of brand and design, Manfred Fitzgerald had each of his designers create a vision for the Reventón based on the jet. Fitzgerald then chose the design he liked best and sent the team to work refining it. Still, despite all the bells and whistles on the design end, in terms of performance, the Reventón actually doesn’t do much more than the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640. Like the Murciélago, the Reventón has a V-12 engine, is controlled via a six-speed manual transmission and tops out at a similar speed of 211 mph. While the Reventón has a slight edge over the Murciélago in horsepower (650 instead of 640), the Murciélago has a slightly quicker pick up time (0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds compared to the Reventón’s 3.4 seconds).

Certainly, though, no one will confuse the tag on the Reventón with the Murciélago’s $300,000 ballpark price. The limited-edition piece of automotive artwork costs nearly $1.4 million (or 1 million euros). And don’t get your hopes up, millionaires - only 21 Reventóns will be built and all of them have already been sold (with the exception of one car which will be stowed away in the Lamborghini vault). So, if not to make money (the costs of producing the vehicles doesn’t leave room for much profit), what’s the point? More than anything, the Reventón is a reassertion of Lamborghini’s high-end position in the car industry. While it may not necessarily be practical to produce a wildly expensive car simply for visual appeal in a world of economic woes and debilitating gas prices, there is something to be said for the awe of excess. And nobody does awe or excess quite like Lamborghini.

Shad Connelly,
Executive Editor -
Invention & Technology News (http://news.inventhelp.com)

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  191 Comments »

Electric Car How to Guide - The Adapter Plate

The electric car differs in operation from the regular gasoline car in many ways. First there is no internal combustion engine, there is no exhaust pipe, there is no fuel tank and the batteries are charged by the motor and not the alternator. There is another major difference in the design as well. This is in the area of the transmission.

In a conventional car, the transmission system is based on the gasoline engine. This means that power transfer from the engine to the back axle or the front axle will go though a series of mechanical gears till the wheel move from one speed to the other. In the electric car it is different. As the electric car uses batteries and motors for motive power, the engine would not be available to provide the force needed for the car to move.

There is a device called the adapter plate instead. This component will mount the electric motor of the electric car to the transmission of the old car and the clutch of the electric car. The purpose is to transfer power from the gears to the wheel in a smooth and uninterrupted manner. To achieve this, the adapter would have to be precisely made from a set of patterns. Actually, what we call the adapter plate is a combination of four main parts - It is made fro aluminum so it can resist heat and the will fit into the space that was originally meant for the flywheel in conventional cars.

The hub for the plate is made from steel fro extra strength. It is so made so that it can provide high torque for the car to carry more load or move uphill easily.

Adapter plates are made by highly specialized mechanical workshops due to the need for extra precision.

I hope you found the article informative. Are you interested in converting your car to electric? For electric car kit information as well as a great electric car resource center , visit gas2electric.net for an easy to follow electric car how to guide. Finally, drive without expensive polluting gasoline ever again!

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  210 Comments »

Tips For Electric Car Conversion Plans

With the Gas prices that keep rising, we know there will come the day where fuel will be so rare, that powering our cars with it will no longer be possible. Some intelligent people already started looking for alternative ways to power their cars. It was by way of turning their gas powered automobiles into electric cars.Many times these Gadgets are generally considered to be a step ahead of prevailing technology of their time.Many people have gone to the Electric Car Conversion. They make a Convert2ev Guide that helps you every step of the way.

Electric car conversion kits can be bought and installed easily. Of course, you need to do some research to find out whether converting your car into an electric powered car is something for you or if you should better stay away. Electric car conversion how to kits are getting more and more popular. There are people who prefer the water car technology, but there are also more and more people who believe in the electric car technology. Electric car conversion kits: motors: electric car conv electric-car-conversion-kits. Is that it would take a massive government intervention, in the form of electric cars, I found that they their power ratings tend to be in kw, with the simple conversion.

Choose a lightweight car for the conversion if at all possible, as they will require less power to propel. Choose a car that is small and very light to convert. Even an old car can be a good conversion car if it has a strong chassis and transmission in place. Choosing the proper electric car conversion kit is vital, as this is the most important part of the process.

Converting a gas vehicle to an electric vehicle, however, is not easy - even with the best electric car conversion kits. Most electric car conversion kits will come with all the essential components needed to convert a gas car into an electric car. Converting regular gasoline-powered cars to electric cars have so many other benefits as well. And naturally, it also has its share of drawbacks.

As always nothing last forever, we know our fuel supply will either be gone or we won’t be able to afford it, the Electric Car Conversion Kits How To are very affordable, the Convert2ev guides explain everything step by step, and the best part is these cars are getting around 100 to 200 miles per day depending on the batteries, and the cost to recharge each night is about 1 dollar, we all know it’s coming and changes are hard, but it’s all for the good.

Author: Jared Wadel
Find Out How You Can Turn Your Gas Guzzler Into An Electric Car…
http://www.squidoo.com/convert2ev

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  187 Comments »

While You Shop For a Lease

The following checklist was compiled to record important information while you shop for a lease, in order to help you evaluate and compare leases. If you’re responding to a vehicle lease advertisement, bring the print ad with you and compare the terms with other available offers.

Vehicle year/make/model ________

* Carefully consider all equipment and options.

What is the lease term (# of months) ________

What is the mileage limit (per year) ________

What amount is due at signing? ________

How much is the down payment? ________

What are the other costs included in the total? ________

How much credit can you get for any trade-in or rebates? ________

What is the agreed-upon value of the vehicle? ________

What is the gross capitalized cost of the lease? ________

* You can request an itemized list of gross capitalized costs and you can typically negotiate the cost of some individual items.

What is the residual value? ________

Does the lease include an option to purchase? ________

What is the purchase-option price, including any fees? ________

* Fixed-price and fair-market-value purchase options may be available.

What is the total monthly payment (including taxes)? ________

* Make sure the payment fits your budget.

What are the end-of-lease costs?

What are the disposal fees and other end-of-lease costs ________

* Some leases impose a disposal fee if you do not purchase the vehicle.

What is the per mile charge for any excess miles you drive ________

Have you reviewed the standards for excessive wear? ________

* Your lease should clearly specify these standards.

Are you responsible for the maintenance costs under the lease? ________

* You are generally responsible for required maintenance costs unless otherwise specified in the contract.

What are the insurance coverage requirements for:

1.    Bodily injury ________

2.    Property damage ________

Does the car/van leasing provide gap coverage if the vehicle is totaled or stolen? ________

If it does not, how much would gap coverage cost? ________

* Gap coverage pays the difference between the early termination payoff and the insured value of the vehicle. It does not pay for such items as insurance deductibles and past-due payments.

How will an early termination payoff amount be calculated? ________

* Different calculation methods will result in differing payoff figures.

How much in additional fees, if any, are added to the payoff total? ________

Have you asked about alternatives to the advertised lease? ________

* You can compare different lease offers.

Have you reviewed a copy of the lease? ________

* Read and understand the lease before you sign it. Make sure any oral promises are stated in the agreement.

Mark Harris has a Car/Van Leasing Directory website called and a car leasing blog which can be found at http://www.carleasingexperts.co.uk/wordpress

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  194 Comments »

Protect Your Car With Car Wax

Wax is the primary material to prevent the oxidation of the paint of an automobile. The protective layer formed by the car wax is only enough to save the paint from oxidation and it cannot form complete protection from all damage, such as bird droppings and scratches from heavy objects. Car wax also gives your vehicle a natural shine and saves it from harsh environment.

Waxing a car helps in forming a protective layer over the car which gives it great protection. Though car wax does not provide complete protection from scratches in any it does make them less visible which is very beneficial. Car wax also reduces corrosion due to water as it forms a seal on the pain through which water cannot enter. Car wax is not a permanent application and needs to be reapplied regularly for best results. The life of a good quality car wax is 3 to 4 months thus there is a need for reapplication every 3 months.

Before a car is waxed it is preferred to get it buffered with an electric buffer to remove minor scratches and nay irregularity in the paint, after buffering only it is advisable to wax the car which should be repeated every three months. The requirements to wax your car, is a good quality wax, a clean towel and a small sponge. Also your car needs to be clean and dry before you start waxing it. It is advisable to ensure you buy a non abrasive car wax so your car does not get damaged in any way Advisably you should go through directions provided on the package itself and test the wax on a small area first so as to check if it is right for your car.

While using liquid car wax, first shake the bottle well, and put small amount of the wax on the sponge to apply evenly on the car. While waxing follow a top t bottom approach as it generally considered that the bottom panel of the car are the most dirty. it is preferable to make a thin and even layer all over the car and thick layers should be avoided as due to that the shine is lost. Only use car wax on the painted, metal bits and avoid touching the rubber, glass and other parts which will get spoilt if wax is used on them.

After applying the wax evenly all over, wait for a couple of minutes before buffing it for a nice and shiny look. Car wax if used regularly is considered beneficial for the car as it reduced scratches and gives the car a nice shiny look.

Like this? See more on car wax, see http://AddictedToYourCar.com/

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  187 Comments »

The History of Classic Ford Cars

In the world of classic cars, Ford takes the name as the original leader of the American car industry. The company made its debut in 1908 with the delivery of the Model T, which sold more than 10,000 vehicles in its first year. Since then, ford has continued to produce cars and trucks that have become classics in the hearts of Americans from coast to coast.

In the era between 1908 and 1919, the company started marketing a wider variety of vehicles, including the Touring Car, the first Model T pickup, the Speedster, and the sedan, all of which the people of America embraced.

In the 1920’s Ford started the manufacturing of the Huckster, the Pie Wagon, and the flatbed truck. The company was growing in popularity and driving in America was becoming more of the standard rather than the luxury. Added to the list of classic Ford cars were names like the Business Coupe, the Woody station wagon, and the Roadster.

By the 1930’s, style was becoming a bigger selling point for vehicles, and the list of models that Ford carried was increasing yet. Classic Ford cars from that time period include the Victoria, the Pheaton, the Tudor, and the company’s first convertibles.

Newer versions of the Woody, a deluxe version of the Coupe, and a wider variety of trucks became popular in the 1940’s. With style and economy in mind, Ford continued to be the leader in the American motor industry.

Classic Ford cars from the 1950’s are still among the most favorable today. Models such as the Victoria and the Sedan were still selling strong and new models like the Galexie and the Fairline were put on the market much to the pleasure of Americans. The Ranchero also made its first appearance in the 50’s, surprising the world with its half car, half truck design.

In the 1960’s, Ford motor company started manufacturing vehicles with more power than those of prior decades. The Galaxie was increasingly popular with Ford fans all across America and the debut of the Torino and the Falcon gave those who were craving a little more speed something to look forward to. Also in the 60’s the company marketed its first ¾ ton pickups. Many of the vehicles from the 1960’s are looked at as the starting point for classic Ford cars, in the eyes of those who crave power.

The company created a reputable name for itself from the time that they first started selling vehicles, and continue to live up to that reputation today. Classic car enthusiasts from all across America have a respect for the name that is unmatched by any of its competitors. Its hard to imagine the Taurus that frequents the streets today, may just be looked as a classic Ford car someday…

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about classic Ford cars, please visit Vintage Auto Online for current articles and discussions.

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  176 Comments »

Avoid Landing a Lemon - Guide to Buying a Used Car

With the fast depreciation of new vehicles, the wise car buyer will shop for a used car rather than a brand new one. If you are in the market for a new used car, you need to know what to do to avoid buying a lemon or paying way too much for a vehicle. After all, just because a car is used doesn’t mean that it can’t be a great vehicle for a great price!

Where to Find Cars for Sale

You can find cars for sale a variety of places. Almost all dealerships have some used cars available that they received as trade-ins, even if they specialize in selling new vehicles. You can also buy directly from a car’s owner. Check newspaper and online classifieds to find cars that are currently for sale. Keep your eyes open as you drive around town to see cars that have for sale signs in their windows.

You will probably see some cars parked along the side of the road for sale. These are often for sale by individuals who fix up cars and then resell them for profit. You can sometimes get a good deal on one of these cars, but make sure you do your research before buying one. It could have a problem that the seller is hiding or does not know about.

Figuring the Car’s Value

You do not want to buy the cheapest car on the market. Extremely low prices usually are there for a reason. What you want is to find a good deal, which means a good car that is priced at the low end of what it is worth. Remember, a cheap car is likely to need costly repairs in the near future.

How can you know how much a car is worth? One resource to use to check a car’s value is Kelley Blue Book. This online resource allows you to search using the car’s make, model, year, and condition. It will show you the average selling price for cars similar to the one you are considering. Look for a car in the middle to low end of the price range shown. Keep in mind that cars priced well below the value may have an underlying problem that you cannot see when you take them for a test drive.

Decide the Type of Car You Want

The type of car you want will depend on many different factors. If you have children or anticipate having children in the near future, make sure that you choose a vehicle that has enough room in the back seat for a car seat. Many compact vehicles do not accommodate rear-facing car seats, even though they have a back seat.

You will need to decide how important fuel economy is. A large SUV will have enough room for your children’s seats, but it is going to drink gas. If you intend to drive the vehicle long distances on a regular basis, you need something a little more fuel-efficient.

As you consider the type of car you want, be sure to consider how much the insurance will be. Car insurance providers charge different rates for various vehicles based on their safety ratings and overall crash histories. Talk to your insurance provider about the rates on the different vehicles you are considering. You will find that two vehicles with very similar features will have very different insurance rates.

Mileage and Age Considerations

As you search through the classifieds for your next used car, make sure you pay attention to the mileage on the vehicle. A car with more than 155,000 miles is not going to last long. However, a car with low mileage may not be a good idea either if the car was driven poorly. Find out from the buyer what percentage of the miles were highway miles if you can. Highway driving is not hard no a car’s engine. If a car with high mileage was driven on a long commute over the highway, the engine will be in better shape than a car with low mileage that was driven by a “soccer mom” around town to the kids’ activities.

You also want to consider the age of a car. Cars, no matter what type they are, do not age well. A car that is more than ten years old is going to take your hard earned money over and over for costly repairs. Even if the car was rarely driven, it can still have worn out parts simply because the parts are old. If you need a bargain, shop for a car that is five or six years old.

The Purchase Process

Once you find a car that you like, run a vehicle history report on it. You can also ask the seller if you can take it to a trusted mechanic to get checked out. These two steps will help you avoid purchasing a car with hidden problems.

If you are satisfied that the car is right for you, be sure that you negotiate the price. Most buyers are willing to take a few thousand less than they have priced the car. Dealers always price the car higher than what they must sell it for, so do not be afraid to make a lower offer. Keep the attitude that you have many other cars to choose from, and you will be able to get a lower price.

Once a price has been agreed to, you will need to pay for the car. If you are using a loan, get a check from your bank that you can use to buy the vehicle. The title will then be transferred to you. If you are buying from a dealership, the dealer will probably handle the legal aspect of the title transfer. If you are buying from a private seller, you will have to follow the rules of your local DMV to transfer the title from the seller’s name to your name. You will be required to show proof of insurance before you can transfer the title, so be sure that you add the car to your insurance policy as soon as you have purchased it.

Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of AutoLeeg, a popular auto classifieds website.

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  244 Comments »

Save Money While Driving a Hybrid Car

A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses two or even more distinct sources of power in order to get propelled. There are all sorts of alternative power sources among which we can count wind, natural gas in liquid or compressed form, rechargeable units, wood, coal and the like. The term hybrid car or vehicle is used most frequently to refer to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in which an internal combustion engine is combined with one or more electric motors.

As pointed out in the lines above, the range of hybrid vehicles is more extended than the category of simple cars. Mopeds and electric bicycles make the most relevant of examples here. These are the simplest forms of hybrid vehicles. They combine the power from an internal combustion engine or electric motor with the power of the rider’s muscles. The heavy hybrids cover the industrial or supply vehicles such as ships, hydraulic machines, buses, locomotives and so on. Usually, the term hybrid car-vehicle is used to refer to hybrid electric vehicles. This category includes the following types of automotives: AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and many others. A gas-electric hybrid car usually takes its power from an internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel engine) and an electric battery.

The origins of the hybrid car are to be found in the early 1900s when David Arthurs created the first hybrid ever. Other than the combination of gas engine and electric motor, there are other propulsion sources used, but for a single engine only. These are also considered by some people to be similar to the hybrid car. Actually the latter should be more appropriately called dual mode vehicles (electric trolleybuses, dual mode buses, flexible-fuel vehicles, etc).

A hybrid car presents a number of advantages from the environmental perspective and there are two sides to consider here. First of all, you get to do something for the environment and humankind, but you also save money on fuel. There is a triple combination of factors that make the design of a hybrid car so appropriate for our times: first there is the combination gas-electricity, secondly, the battery comes with a high storage capacity, and thirdly, the kinetic energy wasted by braking is recuperated and reused.

Find the latest information on hybrid cars visit Hybrid Car Comparison as well as Hybrid SUVs.

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin  |  287 Comments »