Archive for April, 2009.
Apr 30
In order to determine if a car is classic, a car has to be recognized by the Classic Car Club of America. Discover why many special-interest cars and muscle cars are improperly classified as “classic” with help from a former automotive technology professor in this free video on classic cars.
Expert: Bob Ricewasser
Bio: Bob Ricewasser is a former automotive technology professor, and an avid car collector.
Filmmaker: Nathan Boehme
Duration : 0:1:21
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Technorati Tags: Auto, batteries, Car, cars, clutch, fuel, how, information, maintenance, parts, pistons, pumps, questions, transmissions, work
Apr 30
This is the original Eagleman commercial from 1993. Considered by some the worst commercial created, it has been featured on the David Letterman show, the BBC, local news and across the internet. More information here http://www.rdrproductions.com/eagleman_insurance_bio.htm
and here
http://www.theeagleman.com
Duration : 0:0:28
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Technorati Tags: Chicago, Commercial, Eagle, Eagleman, Insurance, Worst
Apr 30
Learn how to mix regular body filler when doing body work and restoring a car in this free DIY car-restoration video from our expert mechanic and body shop owner.
Expert: Doug Jenkins
Bio: Doug Jenkins runs Doug Jenkins Custom Hot Rods in St. Louis, where he restores classic cars and creates mild to wild custom street rods. He races a 1972 Corvette in the SCCA performance rally series.
Filmmaker: Ross Safronoff
Duration : 0:1:23
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Technorati Tags: automotive, body, Car, Classic, hot, repair, Restoration, restore, rod, shop
Apr 30
watch in high quality: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI1rpJ9LvS0&fmt=18
Styrkeprovet 2008 Solbacka Stjärnhov, only cars older than 1926.
Duration : 0:9:38
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Technorati Tags: 2008, Cadillac, Car, Classic, cranking, Ford, hupmobile, meet, nash, Old, reo, solbacka, start, starting, stjärnhov, styrkeprovet, tulin, up, vabis, Vintage
Apr 30
At the 58th annual Old Car Festival in Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI, hundreds of antique autos took to the streets throughout the day and well into the evening. Instead of the usual static display of cars behind ropes, visitors get to see, hear and smell these historic treasures in operation.
Duration : 0:9:14
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Technorati Tags: Car, Festival, Ford, Greenfield, Model, Museum, Old, Village
Apr 30
What is a Government Auto Auction and How Can You Benefit from One?
Have you ever known a guy who suddenly becomes the owner of a fancy sports car even though you know that he couldn’t possibly afford such an expensive car? Well obviously, something fishy is going on here. How could he possibly have a better car than you and how can you get your hands on such an awesome ride?
In truth, that guy probably didn’t win the lottery nor did he sell his soul to the devil for a new car. Ask him where he got his car and he’ll probably say that he got it at a government auto auction.
There are lots of tales going around about government auto auctions. You might have heard about people getting outrageous deals for Ferraris, or some other similar story, but how much of this is true?
What is a government auto auction? How do the cars and various other vehicles end up there? Most importantly, how can you take advantage of a government auto auction and get a good deal on a car?
It is common practice for the government’s many different agencies, such as the FBI or IRS, to seize the various belongings of criminals and tax evaders. This can include wide array of stuff like real estate, furniture, antiques, artwork, and of course cars and various other vehicles.
This government seized property is then put up for auction, allowing the more law abiding people to purchase these items, often for far less than their general market value.
Government auto auctions have been around for some time now and is experiencing an ever increasing rise in popularity. People have caught on to the many advantages that can be gotten from getting a car through an auction.
They have realized that although it may not be as glamorous as buying a brand new car straight from the dealership, it can be a more practical and economical approach, especially considering the skyrocketing prices of cars these days.
Vehicles can end up in a government auction from a variety of ways. They can be the vehicles that once belonged to criminals or were used an some sort of illegal act. This means that you can be the new owner of a genuine getaway truck!
They can also be the repossessed cars of the poor souls who couldn’t pay their numerous government loans or taxes and ended getting raided by the IRS. Because all these cars come from such a variety of different sources, the pre-owned cars put up for auction tend to be very diverse.
Cars can be of all sorts of make and models, and since crime lords tend to drive some pretty slick rides, you can sometimes find some really exotic luxury car models like Cadillac, Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Jaguar, and Porsche among others. Occasionally, there might even be a rare vintage car or custom jobs that can’t be found anywhere else.
One thing about pre-owned cars in government auctions is that they’re sold as-is. This means that the vehicles can, and often do, have some flaws in them. Some caution and a fair bit of inspection should go into buying from an auction.
The other type of cars found in auctions are retired government fleet vehicles. Since the government likes to regularly renew their fleet vehicles, they put the old ones up for auction. These can be made up of old service vehicles or retired police cars but nothing mad for military use, so those looking to bid for a tank will be disappointed.
The government also auctions off any surplus vehicles that are no longer needed in order to save on maintenance cost. While none of these vehicles are as exotic as repossessed ones, they are very well maintained and are generally safer buys.
Government auto auctions are conducted regularly and in most areas. Check your local newspaper or the internet for information and lists of upcoming auctions.
While it is possible to get a really great deal at an auction, it’s unrealistic to expect to buy a Lamborghini for $100. Most vehicles have minimum price, and anything for less than $500 has some problem or is just a piece of junk. There are also the used car salesmen, who often frequent these events, to compete with.
All in all, a government auto auction can be a tricky affair. Be sure to do your homework regarding the vehicles and auctions in general before you jump into one. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of getting a really good bargain.
Cordel Dietzig
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/government-auto-auctions-and-how-can-you-benefit-from-one-66651.html
Apr 30
Think About it
knowing about a burglar’s three worst enemies—light, time and noise—can help you protect your home from crime. A burglar won’t find your home an “easy mark” if he’s forced to work in the light, if he has to take a lot of time breaking in, and if he can’t work quietly.
“Case” Your Place
Take the time to “case” your house or apartment, just as a burglar would. Here are a few questions to get you started:
1, Where is the easiest entry?
2, How can you make it more burglar resistant?
Trim trees and shrubs near your doors and windows, and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but privacy is a burglar’s asset. Consider trading a little extra privacy for a bit of added security. Force any would-be burglar to confront a real enemy—light. Exterior lights, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
How can you slow burglars down? Time is a burglar’s enemy, too. A burglar delayed for four or five minutes is apt to give up and try for another, less difficult location. Simple security devices—including such ordinary equipment as nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts—can discourage intruders and keep them from entering. How about noise? Try to make the general prospect of robbing your home a noisy job. Noise is that important third enemy of the burglar. Many types of alarm systems are available, with detectors to be mounted on doors and windows. Deciding just how much home protection you need—and can afford—is a personal judgment. Ask your police department or sheriff to have someone survey your home and advise you about suitable protection. Are any of your valuables – such as a painting, a silver collection or an antique chair-easy to see from outside? Rearranging your furnishings might be advisable if it serves to make your homeless inviting to criminals! Incidentally, should you ever need to report a burglary or file an insurance claim, a household inventory – a listing of your furniture and major personal belongings – could be a valuable document?
Consider Some Specifics
reducing the risk of break-ins is simply a matter of making your home less inviting to burglars than other homes in the neighborhood. It’s up to you. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material, and each door must fit its frame securely. Remember, if it is placed in a weak door, even the most efficient lock will not keep out a determined burglar. A peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is safer for identifying visitors than a door chain. Sliding glass doors present a special problem because they are easy to open, but there are locks designed for them. A broomstick in the door channel can help, but don’t depend on it for security. Deadbolt locks are best. Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by “pinning” the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside. For windows at street level, consider iron grates or grilles. For windows opening onto a fire escape, metal accordion gates can be installed on the inside. Make the Extra Effort.
Here are some “home security habits” to develop and practice:
A, Establish a routine to follow in making certain that doors and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on.
B, Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers, or announcing your personal plans in want ads or public notices (such as giving your address when advertising items for sale). Notify police if you see suspicious strangers in your area.
C, Handle your keys carefully. Don’t carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot. Don’t hide your keys in “secret” places outside your home – burglars usually know where to look.
D, Remember special vacation tips. This is a clear giveaway that the owners are not home. When going on vacation, leave blinds open in their usual position. Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office. Lower the sound of your telephone bell so it can’t be heard outside. Arrange to have your lawn mowed or your walk shoveled. Stop newspaper deliveries. Ask a friend to pick up “throwaway” newspapers and circulars. Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in your living room and bedrooms at appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a timer. Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what’s happening in your area – working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.
…And Remember This. Confronting a thief in your home is frightening.
Follow this advice:
1, Run away if you can and call police.
2, Lock yourself in a room if you can’t escape.
3, Cooperate and stay as calm as possible should you find yourself face-to-face with a burglar.
Ralph Winn
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/burglar-alarms-56831.html
Apr 30
Over time, the media has elevated the popularity of various vehicles by highlighting some of the fictional rides that have graced the pages of novels, the lyrics of songs, the 30-minute TV show, and the silver screen. Whether Fred and Wilma are peddling around in their signature rockmobile, James Bond gets away with his gadget cars or the Beach Boys bring life to the Little Deuce Coupe, it’s sometimes hard to forget that many of these fictional cars really don’t exist. Below are a few examples that have gained fame throughout the years.
Batmobile
In both the Batman television shows and movies, the superhero-on-the-go often hopped into a sleek, customized vehicle that provided protection for his Bruce Wayne alter ego. Equipped with heavy armor plating and a high performance engine, the evolution of the Batman series displayed increasing levels of gadgets. To reach increased speeds, the Batmobile sometimes offered rocket boosts, while additional weapons and a computerized assistance helped to keep villains at a distance.
KITT
The talking car that aided David Hasselhoff’s character, Michael Knight, navigate through a sea of enemies and bad guys was a Pontiac Trans Am. The television series focused on a high-tech approach to entertain the audience. Numerous fans watched the show just to see what KITT would do or say next. The popularity of the show even helped to boost Pontiac car sales as the verbal wonder could drive without a passenger and even displayed its own set of entertaining stunts.
Christine
Stephen King has produced numerous novels that have become popular movies; the same is true with the 1958 Plymouth Fury that seemed to have a mind of its own. Christine was the name given to the car that appeared in the horror novel (with the same name) published in 1983. Driven by supernatural forces, the antique auto created havoc in both the novel and the movie.
Herbie
Several Disney movies and cartoons have focused on Herbie the Lovebug, which was a Volkswagon Beetle that made its first appearance in 1969. Just like Christine, the red, white, and blue striped car with a “53″ on its side could also drive without assistance and had a reputation for acting on its own. Most of the time, the car was featured in some sort of racing competition.
General Lee
The television series and movie named the Dukes of Hazzard showed main characters, Bo and Luke Duke soaring through the air, causing mischief with their get-rich schemes. Their vehicle of choice was a colorful Dodge Charger that allowed the cousins to complete high jumps in almost every episode. The car is also known for its controversial Confederate flag decoration.
Gabriel Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/the-5-most-famous-fictional-cars-of-all-time-114930.html
Apr 30
The car ruined that part of my garden, ran over antique metal pail that was my grandpa's, rusted out nails and boards sticking up all over the place for someone inc. me to step on. I need surgery on my neck and am extremely limited to anything anymore. Family knows about it and I'm sure seen damages. Family was notified at time of accident. 911 was called as well. It's been 1.5 weeks. A couple people came out and took pictures of the dent on the house, but nothing regarding cleanup. There are heavy logs and marble stepping stones to move back, etc. I'm restricted to lifting only 2.3 lbs. per my doctor. What should I do? I asked twice about it already. Should I withhold rent, etc.? Help! It's a mess. Who cleans and can I get reimbursed for my plants and garden ornaments, etc?
First off, thank you all so much for your time to answer my question, they were all so helpful. Secondly I should have stated as far as the driver of the car, he bolted while I was on with 911. I found out yesterday the car was stolen. I wish my family would come together to help, but I guess it's a busy time of year, or times have changed. I'm in a constant state of discomfort for I have tried to clean up a bit but ended up with a migraine from my neck problem. Thank you again! God bless and happy holidays.
The insurer of the car, & the driver, must make compensation, but, you must place the claim for your goods, and the landlord for his…
That 'mess' will be restored to the scene before the accident, as much as possible, or compensation made to approach it… No one may profit from the accident, only be restored to prior status.
You should not withhold rent, except where the suitability for human habitation or the worsening of your living condition are involved, and you hire out repairs, AFTER having written the landlord with a certified letter, so you have a return notice that he received your complaint.
You need to give him the minimum time to respond and correct the problem, as specified by the laws of the jurisdiction you are in. Many places it is ten (10) working days. Others vary up to 30 days! Check with your lawyer, barrister, in your town…
Apr 30
Im 16 and i want an old 72 chevelle or a 71 nova but i dont know how much insurance would cost?
I know this isn't what you want to hear, but the answer is A LOT. No company wants to be competitive on 16-year-olds, and with a hot car, you might not even be able to get coverage. You'd be wise to set your sights somewhat lower for a few years.
Between insurance (if you can get it) and fuel, you'd get eaten alive.
