Thursday, October 29, 2009

Where And How To Find Classic Car Parts By Joe Goertz

Joe Goertz

You’ve finally gotten your hands on the classic car of your dreams, but wait a minute, now you have to figure out how to get your hands on the car parts you need in order to keep it running. If you’ve worked hard at acquiring the car, then it is probably a safe assumption that finding the parts you need is high on your list of priorities.


However, you can’t just walk into a dealership and place your order for the parts you need because there is a 99% chance they are no longer manufactured by the automaker. Regardless, no matter what your taste in classic cars, whether it is for muscle cars, antiques or vintage models, if you know where to begin looking then with a little digging you can find what you need.


Here are some places where you should begin your search:


Online Auctions


Ebay is a great place to start your search for the classic car parts you need. Just about everything you could ever want can be found on Ebay, or more precisely in the case of cars, Ebay Motors. If you find the parts you need this way you’ll have to pay shipping charges, but this is just a necessary evil you will have to contend with if you want the parts; however, if you are trying to keep your costs down you can try searching the local swap meets.


Swap Meets


Swap Meets can be hit and miss, and are probably not your best bet for finding the parts you need, but it never hurts to look. You may get lucky and find just what you are in need of, and even better, probably get it for a very low price.


Classic Car Part Dealer Publications


You will often find it very easy to find the parts you need in these types of magazines; however, the downside is that it will probably cost you an arm and a leg to get the parts. This is an option you should use only as a last resort, especially if you are trying to avoid breaking the bank. Explore all of your other possibilities first and if nothing pans out, and you really need the part, or parts, than do it, but don’t just make the purchase because it is easier than being patient and looking thoroughly. You may regret your decision a week later when you stumble across the parts for a lot less money somewhere else.


Clubs and Organizations


Where there is a hobby there is usually a club or organization to go along with it, and this couldn’t be truer of classic car restoration. By locating and joining one of these clubs you can improve your chances of finding the parts you need. This also allows you the chance to network and get to know others who share your same interests, and may even own the same car you do. If this happens to be the case, they may be able to point you in the right direction on where to get the parts you are looking for. Finding these clubs is as easy as logging onto the Internet and doing a search, so there is no excuse for you not to try.


Junkyards


Okay, so having to dig through the junkyard is a not so glamorous idea, and one that you probably didn’t consider when you bought your dream car; unfortunately, you may have no choice. But look on the bright side, it may payoff big time, and if you’re lucky, your local junkyard will be entirely computerized so that all you will need to do is make a phone call to inquire about what you are looking for. You may get lucky enough not to have to go to the junkyard after all.


Whatever the case may be, you probably put a lot of time and effort into getting your car, so what’s a little more effort in order to get it running. The moment you hear that engine ignite and begin purring will make all the hard work worth it.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=102378&ca=Automotive

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Original: Porsche 365 By James Thomas

James Thomas

Sold from 1948 through 1965, the Porsche 356 was Porsche's first production automobile. Although many think of the Porsche 64 as being the first automobile produced by the German company, the 64 was never mass-produced. It was only an operable concept car and testing platform for the company's design ideas. The 364, created by Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry Porsche, was designed by Erwin Komenda. Its engine features were derived from the Volkswagen Beetle, which was also designed by the senior Mr. Porsche.


Initially the models available were a coupe, cabriolet (luxury convertible) and a roadster (a stripped down convertible). The Porsche 356 underwent several changes before being withdrawn in 1965. The most sought-after variants of the car were the 356 'Carrera' (which often sold for over $150,000), the 'Super 90' and the famous 'Speedster'. The original selling price for a Porsche was around $4,000 in the 1950s.


It was in 1954 that Max Hoffman, the only importer of Porsches into United States, told Porsche that he needed a lower cost, racier version of the 356 to entice the American driver. To this end the company created the 356 'Speedster'. It became a instant hit, featuring a low, raked windshield (easily removable for weekend racing), bucket seats, and minimal folding top. Today this car is still widely coveted and premium examples of the model have sold for over $100,000. It has also been used in several films, including '48 Hours', its sequel -- 'Another 48 Hours', and 'Top Gun'. The production of Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957. It was replaced 1959 by the Convertible D model. This model featured a taller, more practical windshield, glass side windows, and more comfortable seats.


Even as the mechanical side of the Porsche improved year after year, the basic shape of Porsche 356 remained the same and was easily recognized. The last 356B Roadster was built in early 1963, but the coupe and cabriolet models were produced every year up to 1965. The final model built was the 356C, featuring disc brakes and the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche so far: the 95HP 'SC'.


Porsche 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1965, the same year that Porsche introduced the 911. The company continued to sell the 356C in North America through the end of 1965 as a lower-cost option to the higher-performance 911. When the customers continued to complain about the high the price of the 911, which was almost twice the price of the 356, Porsche started producing the 912. This car utilized the 356 engine and was sold between 1965 and 1969.


56 years after the beginning of its production, Sports Car International named the 356C as number ten on its list of Top Sports cars of the 60's. Having stood the test of time, the 356 is a well respected and coveted car among collectors today. Thousands of 356 owners worldwide maintain the tradition, preserving their cars and through them the legacy of Porsche engineering excellence.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=105795&ca=Automotive

Monday, October 26, 2009

You Don't Ever Have To Get Lost Again With New Auto Navigation Systems. By Ernest R. Peterson

Ernest R. Peterson

I was checking out a friend's new car a couple weeks ago when I noticed that he had one of those cool auto navigation systems in it. I had seen those things in rental cars before, but hadn't actually known of anyone that had one. I asked him to take me out for a ride so I could see how it worked. Since he wanted to show off his new wheels anyway, he quickly agreed.


I kept my eyes on the auto navigation system the entire time we were on the road. My friend excitedly explained how the thing worked. Apparently, he had purchased a top of the line GPS auto navigation system that tracked the car's position using satellite. I watched the map closely, and sure enough, it was as correct as could be.


I mean, we would pass a landmark out on the side of the road while the on screen map was showing the exact same thing. I asked my friend how easy it was to find new locations using these auto navigation systems. He said all he had to do was type in an address or phone number using the touch screen menu, and the shortest route would appear within seconds.


I decided there and then that I had to check out some auto navigation systems for my own car. When I got home, I immediately logged onto the Internet to do a bit of research. I still didn't know very much about these devices, so I wanted to read a few auto navigation system reviews before spending my money. I wanted to know which brands packed the most features into each unit, which brands had the best prices, and which brands had the most favorable consumer reviews. I was able to find all of this information quickly and easily, which made shopping for an auto navigation system as peacefully as I could have hoped.


After I was satisfied that I knew enough about auto navigation systems to make an informed decision, I went ahead with my purchase. I was even able to find a website that specializes in selling auto navigation systems for much less than the retail price. I got a fantastic deal on the model I wanted, and ended up saving hundreds of dollars.


I've only had my auto navigation system installed for a short time, but it's already helped me out quite a bit. I've been able to avoid traffic, find shorter routes to the places I visit regularly, and save me money by alerting me to alternative exits when I'm driving on tollways. All in all, I can't imagine ever driving without one of these auto navigation systems to guide me when I'm out on the road.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=102442&ca=Automotive

Sunday, October 25, 2009

A Quick Car Buying Survivors Guide By Jeff Neilan

Jeff Neilan

Car dealerships are just like any other business in that they are responsible for generating an operating profit. And like any other businesses there are those that attempt to do so upfront and straight forward and... those that are... well... less than straightforward.


Without a doubt the best chance that you have to avoid contributing exorbitant amounts to a car dealer’s gross profit is for you to get your research and financing in line prior to ever setting foot on the dealership. And quite frankly, for the vast majority who has some sort of access to the World Wide Web, there is no excuse not to get yourself up to speed.


Once you are ready to go... go slowly. When it comes to putting together your deal at the car dealership, speed is not your ally. Car dealers and sales people are in-depth at putting deals together at a rapid pace... and ringing up big profit numbers... stay calm, deliberate, and focused.


Don’t crank up the negotiations on your first trip to a dealership. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the people and the surroundings. Get a feel for what type of person your potential sales person is. Remember, this is about your comfort level... not theirs.


Don’t go for the ‘Spot Delivery’. A spot delivery is when the dealer allows you to take the car ‘as yours’ before they have definitively procured your financing. This can be exceptionally devastating if you have traded in your car to them only to find out a couple days later that the dealer either hasn’t been able to get you financed or can only get you financed at a very high interest rate. Don’t put yourself in this position.


Know your budget before you go shopping... and stick to it. Don’t tell or otherwise give the sales person any idea of what your budget is. They don’t need to know this. And never shop and buy your car by negotiating a monthly payment; you’ll pay more than you needed.


Don’t proceed if you are not comfortable with any of the proceedings. Without you, there is no deal. You have the ultimate VETO power, so use it if you feel hurried, confused, or otherwise uncomfortable at all.


And finally, and this is a very important point to remember, the selling price of the new car isn’t where the dealer makes the most profit.


The financing and the trade-in (when they resell your old car) are two additional profit departments for the dealership. Also, all those add-on’s and warranties that the dealership will offer you the opportunity to purchase also include a rather large profit margin for the dealer.


Car dealerships are sales centers. They are in business to not only sell you a car but anything else they can possibly offer and entice you with as well. Do your research on the car you are thinking about, the financing options available to you outside the dealership, and know the market value of your trade (if applicable)... then take your time to find the best deal you can putting all these together.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=103024&ca=Automotive

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Import Car Show By June Mala

June Mala

The import car show is just one aspect of the burgeoning subculture that has sprung up around the idea of taking import cars and modifying them for street racing in the United States. The spread of the import car scene can now be felt all across the mainstream from movies such as The Fast and the Furious to video games such as the Need for Speed series.


Although much controversy surrounds every aspect of this subculture, the fact that it is here to stay is probably best exemplified by the growth of the import car show industry. Of course, this growth may have less to do with interest in import cars than with interest in that other topic so near and dear to the hearts of young men.


Go to any import car show, or any web site containing information about an import car show, or pick any magazine about import cars and you will be greeted by the smiling faces and scantily clad bodies of beautiful girls who have come to be known as import models. Import models pose for sexy photos that are found on web sites and in magazines, but they also make personal appearances at import car shows around the world.


The popularity of these girls almost rivals the popularity of the modified cars they are usually photographed posing over. In fact, many of the models who got their start making personal appearances at an import car show now have their own web sites.


Of course, cars and girls have gone together since long before Bruce Springsteen made a career out of singing about their connection to each other. And car magazines have always featured buxom beauties posing on hoods and roofs, so it should hardly be surprising that import car shows continue to make use of attractive young women.


What is different, however, is that where in the past the women who appeared on the covers of car magazines were relatively anonymous and interchangeable, today’s import models have become a prime drawing attraction. In fact, it is not going too far to say that many of the males who attend import car shows are there not to see the latest in car modifications, but their favorite import model. Import car shows have become a showcase for models of the living and non-living types.


The import car shows have become a jumping-off point for a whole new genre of models. And the fascination with these girls doesn’t end when the import car show leaves town. Not only do most of the girls have their official web sites featuring bios, interviews, and, of course, sexy photos, but fan sites dedicated to import car show models have also been popping up over all the internet.


Clearly there is a connection being made between the import car show, the import model and the internet. As these girls become ever more popular, expect to find the import car show becoming an ever more integral part of the import car subculture.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=105697&ca=Automotive

Friday, October 23, 2009

Buying A Car: 5 Ways To Save Money By Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis

Buying a car is an expensive thing. But, does it have to be? There are a number of things that you can do to get the car that you want for much less. Simple and a bit more complex, these tips will help you to save money in the long run. Buying a car can be affordable.


Here are five tips for saving money on your next car purchase.


1.Get your financing in order before you leave to look at cars. While many car dealerships are offering financing for vehicles, this can be one of the more costly options. Make sure you talk to online financing companies, your local bank and your credit union. You probably will save a good amount of money here.


2.Do the down payment. Even a bit of a down payment can help you to save considerably down the road. You can save a good deal of money if you invest wisely. But, adding a bit of a down payment to the purchase will help to lower the amount of principal that you actually owe on that vehicle purchase.


3.If your credit is bad, get a co signer. Having someone else that can help you to get your car is a great way to secure a vehicle for a more affordable price. This helps to lower the amount of risk that you present to the car financer. The lower the amount of risk you prove to be, the better your chances of paying less for that car.


4.Trade-ins are good too. If you have a car that you plan to trade in, you may be able to get a good price for it. To improve the amount you get, make sure that the car is as clean as possible, is running well and has been taken care of. In addition to this, make sure that you know the value of it by looking it up on the web. Know what its worth so you do not get taken. The value of the trade in will lower the amount you have to have financed on your vehicle.


5.Shop around and haggle. There is no shame in saving money. Dealers are selling cars to make a commission. How much will they make off of you? Do your homework out the type of car you are looking for and know its worth. Look at several dealerships to find the right car at the right price. Don't forget to haggle with the dealership salesmen. But, whatever you do, do not be insulting to them. That's the wrong way to get your price down.


Take these five ways to save on the next time you buy a car and you will walk way with the benefits that you deserve. You can save a good amount of financing and interest charges this way.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=102750&ca=Automotive

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Gas Powered Rc Cars By June Mala

June Mala

When it comes to RC cars, electricity saves you money, but gas makes it real. Gas powered RC cars go faster, sound more realistic and give you the thrill of the race in a way that their electrically controlled counterparts just can’t do. Of course, you have to understand that when you hear the term gas powered RC cars, you’re really not talking about gasoline.


Gas powered RC cars are actually powered by a fuel combination more often referred to as nitro. But even if you don’t actually put gasoline into the cars, gas powered RC cars still look for all the world like miniature automobiles as they zoom at high speeds around the track.


Gas powered RC cars have engines that require fine tuning and that roar with all the excitement of a full sized car. In fact, the faster they go, the louder they get, just like the real thing. The excitement of racing gas powered RC cars doesn’t end with the sounds however. As they face like lightning, vapor trails of exhaust shadow their route. That’s a sight that you just can’t get from electrically controlled RC cars.


Aside from the cool sounds and sights, there are some other differences. Typical gas powered RC cars get owe their higher sense of realism to an internal combustion engine. The “gas” is actually a nitro methane fuel mixed with lubricating oil to protect the engine. The replace for a real car’s spark plugs in gas powered RC cars is something called a glow plug.


This plug is heated by a battery-powered starter that continuously ignites the fuel, allowing gas powered RC cars to race far longer at a time than electric ones. Unless, that is, your glow plug goes out on you. Because this eventuality is not exactly unknown in the world of gas powered RC racing, it always pay to invest in a backup or two.


If you are still reading this, that means you are probably new to the world of gas powered RC cars and maybe haven’t even bought one yet. Rather than starting out with a top of the line model, you should probably go for entry-level car. Most of these models don’t need electric starters because they come with pull-starters like a go-kart engine. If you do get one that comes without this, you’ll have to invest in a starter. You have a choice here: either an electric starter box or a 12V starter with a car adaptor.


Gas powered RC cars bring the excitement of RC car racing to another level. The sounds, the sights and even the smells of a race between gas powered RC cars are so much more realistic than a race between electric cars. If you are looking to get in on one of the fastest growing hobbies in America and you truly want to experience it to the ultimate, then gas powered RC cars is really your only choice.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=105419&ca=Automotive

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

What Is Defensive Driving? By June Mala

June Mala

Defensive driving gives you the essentials on road safety measurements. All the drivers must know this simple driving fact that you can control your action(s) on most of the on-road occasions, but you cannot control or can’t even know what is happening with other drivers on the road. So, defensive driving provides ample information and knowledge to all those people who are looking for comprehensive and lifetime solutions against accidents and other on-road mishaps.


Defensive driving is also known as advanced driving. This is one sophisticated and next level type of training that automobile driver can undertake and learn to master the basic mechanics of driving. They can indeed master all the rules of roads. The aim of the training is to minimize the risk of driving by proactively and spontaneously avoiding dangerous situations despite incorrect actions or adverse conditions on the road. All these and much more can be accomplished via commitment to specific rules as the constant practice of particular driving techniques.


Well, considering the true essence and aspect of defensive driving, you would find out that it is a style of driving wherein you need to take every possible precaution to prevent any mishap from happening. Defensive driving is a brilliant way of keeping you and your family safe while driving.


So, let us take a look at some of the rules relating to defensive driving.


The first and the foremost aspect, is to become fully prepared before taking on your vehicle on the road. You need to check and ensure certain important aspects like water levels, gas, and oil and tire pressures of your vehicle. You also need to check seats, mirrors and ensure important documentations like insurance before hitting the roads.


The second aspect related to defensive driving is that you should never react to road rage and neither display it. This ensures that you don’t break traffic rules recklessly and arrive to any condition which causes harm to you or others.


It is advisable that you purchase bright colored cars. Car colors like yellow, orange or red can make your car easily visible and prominent on the roads. On an average basis, bright colored cars are less likely to be involved in an accident rather than light colored cars.


Usage of headlights is an important aspect related to defensive driving. It ensures that others can see you coming and you can also see clearly during night driving. While you drive, you need to ensure that you apply the three second rule. This rule states that you should at least maintain a driving time of 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. You should maintain this driving time all of the times. However, if the car condition or environmental conditions are bad, you should increase this driving time to 5 seconds.


While driving you should avoid the cars that reflect signs of being damaged down or are broken down. Researches and studies have shown that these cars are prominently driven by bad drivers.


Follow defensive driving and have a happy and safe driving!


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=105057&ca=Automotive

Car Rental Services Add Convenience To Your Travels By Susan Chen

Susan Chen

While on vacation, you and your family are eager to explore and to get to know the people and the culture at your own pace and leisure, but you may find the organized tours too boring and hectic, and the public transport system too confusing and challenging. To get the most out of your vacation the best solution for you may be to rent a car.


The quickest way for you to find a car rental service is to search on the internet or just to leaf through the yellow pages of your local directory or to look at the classified pages of the local newspapers. You should easily be able to find plenty of advertisements for the local rent-a-cars.


If you are unfamiliar with what car rental services are, they are services that engage in the business of renting out cars for short periods of time, most often to visitors or travelers. And the length of this rental period may vary from just a few hours to even a few weeks. Obviously this kind of car rental service does require a fee, but the rental car rates are usually quite reasonable depending on the type of rental car you want to drive, ranging from small compact cars to family-sized minivans or SUVs.


If you need to locate a car rental service, networks and branches of numerous rental car agencies can be found spread out across the entire country and sometimes abroad as well. These car rental agencies are generally located near airports or in central locations of cities. So even if you are unfamiliar with a new city, it is not at all hard to locate a car rental agency.


Not only do rental car services cater to travelers; they also cater to those people whose cars are temporarily out of service, damaged or destroyed, and also to those who may be waiting for an insurance renewal. Other than renting out passenger cars, car rental agencies also rent out heavy duty vehicles such as vans or trucks for industrial transportation purposes.


If you decide to use a car rental service you have to keep the following points in mind:


* You have to return the car exactly in the same condition as it was at the time of renting.


* You have to pay extra charges if you exceed the distance that was stipulated in the contract.


* You must be over a specific age in order to be able to rent a car. In some state this age can be as high as 25.


* Many of the agencies take advantage of GPS technology to ensure that the car is not driven above a certain speed limit or does not go beyond a specified territorial limit.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=105156&ca=Automotive

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

6 Tips For Saving Gas By Jackson Porter

Jackson Porter

In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.


Tip#1 - Start Carpooling


Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.


Tip#2 - Public Transportation


If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.


Tip#3 - Price Shop


Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.


Tip#4 - Get Moving


You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.


Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car


It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.


Tip#6 - Check your Tires


It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.


These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=103354&ca=Automotive