Cars, etc. (GEARHEAD)

[BSWB]

My guess is he had a really good insurance policy...

You can either laugh or you can cry. You might as well laugh

Still a shame though, obviously irreplaceable cars.

[OldAIMGuy]

Excellent!

I lost a wheel off my '59 Frogeye Sprite during a race at Mid-Ohio years ago. The front hub had disintegrated its bearings and eventually it broke the brake disk and just wandered off on its own to watch the rest of the race from a nice hill.

However, it didn't join its buddies in the Tyre Grandstands like in that video!

Thanks,
Tom

[Churak]

Texas wildfire wipes out collector’s 175 classic cars
Eric Gay/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Car collector John Chapman surveys the losses at his home, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, in Bastrop, Texas. Chapman lost more than 175 cars to the wildfires.123ASSOCIATED PRESS

A vintage car collector personally felt the wrath of one of the most destructive wildfires in Texas history.

While John Chapman’s home in Bastrop, Texas, was only singed and had some smoke damage, the vintage-car collector lost about 175 vehicles he kept in a garage or under pole barns.

His losses included about a dozen Corvettes and a Shelby Cobra.

As ashes swirled and tree stumps still spit flames, the 70-year-old Chapman pointed out the melted remains of a 1966 Pontiac GTO, a ‘57 Chevrolet pickup and a 1947 Studebaker pickup, and said: “You can either laugh or you can cry. You might as well laugh.”

“The house is safe, my wife and I are alive and good, and I’m not going to worry about it,” he said.

On Wednesday, firefighting crews began to gain control of the wind-stoked blaze that has raged unchecked across parched Central Texas for days, leaving hundreds of charred properties in its wake and causing thousands of people to flee.

At least two people have died in the wildfire, which destroyed nearly 800 homes and blackened about 45 square miles in and around the city of Bastrop, outside Austin, the state capital.





http://www.wheels.ca/columns/article/799774

[Montero_red]

Thats a good one...



Red

[PMS Witch]

A short (44 second) video taken on lap 47 of 50 at a racetrack. It shows an amazing coincidence. . .

Tyre

Cheers, PW.

[Montero_red]

I would recommend MECUM auctions I know of a few guy who have done very well going this rout. One guy I know sold his 62 Super Duty Swiss cheese Pontiac Catalina for $625,000 through these guys.
It would smart to move these cars quickly if the nursing home finds out about them after the 100 day are up they will seize them. I KNOW IT HAPPEN TO A FRIEND JUST A FEW YEARS AGO. They don't even bother to let you know what is going on, there just gone one day. and there not a darn thing you can do about it.

http://mecum.com/


Red

[dc_350]

Need some ideas here please...

In a nutshell:

My wife's mother just went into an assisted living facility so we are in the process of disposing of assets...that includes 5 vehicles:

1957 Metropolitan Nash - 82,538 miles - Completely restored to original specs. (with guidance from Metro Pit Stop in So. Cal)

1984 Eldorado with stainless steel top - 52K original miles

1929 Model A - Coupe with rumble seat perfect interior show quality

1930 Model A also with rumble seat

Model T - 1922 - Black, imagine that. Again the paint is perfect. Wooden wheels.

Any ideas on how to get the best sales price for these cars? We have contacted a consignment company in the Bay Area (the cars are in So. Cal.) but their suggested listing prices seem low...

Appreciate any input...thanks!

[Stocks4John]

Anybody have a questimate what it should cost to have a shop change a thermostat and gasket on a 2003 Grand Prix?

[originunknown]

Rented a Kia Sorrento to buy new freezer at Costco. Fit perfectly!

[PMS Witch]

A 27 second video featuring a Tug or War between two trucks. . .

Tug of War

Cheers, PW.

[originunknown]

Wow! That is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I don't feel so old anymore nor does the Park Avenue
;)

[kumqwatt]

Two classics :

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/bcvideo/1.0/iframe/embed.html?videoId=100000000895665&playerType=embed

[originunknown]

Talked to mechanic today that has serviced Park Avenue for over 12 years and I think that I will stick to what has served me best over the last few decades.

[originunknown]

Reading a few online articles, I am getting the impression that overall the Elantra could be my best choice. Now the real question is about parts and labour. Will they be more expensive than the Honda Civic? I suspect so but ...

[originunknown]

Honda Civic vs Elantra (or Sonata) Hyundai

Starting to think of buying a new economical car to replace 1991 Buick Park Avenue or at least as a major stand-by car.

Are parts more expensive for Honda than Hyundai and which is a better buy long term (5-7 years)? Somebody said Honda would retain value better long term. Toyota Corolla has been a stalwart for years but definitely more expensive to buy initially. Is servicing much more expensive on a Honda than a Hyundai? Any other alternative such as Chev Cruze that you might consider instead?

Thanks all for any feedback!
ou

[OldAIMGuy]

Interesting article on the auto industry, it's "overhaul" and who paid the bills:

http://advisorperspectives.com/newsletters10/Through_the_Looking_Glass_with_Steven_Rattner.php

Best regards, Tom

[BOREALIS]

MODEL T ASSEMBLY LINE

This is a great video showing the first assembly lines at the original Ford auto plant.

[OldAIMGuy]

I managed to get about 16 laps in at Road America this last
weekend in my "new" '33 Street Rod.



This is Factory Five Racing's newest component car. I took
delivery last July and had it painted by October. So far this
Spring, I've just been doing odds and ends on it to make it more
roadworthy.

The car drives almost as well as my race car on the track. Street
tires being what they are, it did quite well through the corners
and was very happy to kick up its heels on the long R.A.
straights.

This is the only "motion" photo I have of the car so far, but a
buddy who followed me around on Saturday took some video and
stills. I'll attempt to post them here when I get copies.

Here's the car in the paddock.


(Ford 5.0L, bigger F.I. and throttle body, Aluminum GT heads,
Tremec 5-Speed, Ford 8.8" rear end with Detroit "TruTrac"
differential, 4 wheel disk brakes, Coil-Over Shocks on all four
corners)

The car weighs in at about 2250Lbs without a driver.

Lots of fun!

Best regards, Tom

[MSC290]

Advance Auto Parts Deal





http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home___

[dropdeadfred]

Is this you guys?

[BOREALIS]

Mr. Ed's OLD CAR PICTURES

http://mred-old-cars.blogspot.com/

And check out Mr. Ed's profile for many more links:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/05163475136036950668


Washington, D.C., 1906. Senator George P. Wetmore, Rhode Island


Miriam Battista, child star of stage and screen, age 10 in 1922. Washington DC


LARGE image of above photo:
http://www.shorpy.com/files/images/30293u.jpg

[BOREALIS]

I agree. The Model T made a significant contribution in the early years of the automotive industry.



VIDEO: Assembly and Driving of the Ford Model-T

Ford Model T - 100 Years Later

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

Speeding tickets suck for sure.

I recently bought a new Chevy Colorado PU with a 300 HP V8.

First week or so I had to have a louder exhaust, so I had a new cat back system installed on it.

That thing sounds great and will really run.

No tickets yet but it's only a matter of time.

Phil

[OldAIMGuy]

Nah, Didn't get it done in time for NorthWoods Shelby Club this year. Next year for certain. It'll be cheaper than getting any more speeding tickets!!!!


TV

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

Really nice looking ride, Tom.

You had it on the track yet?

Phil

[OldAIMGuy]

Some Fords can be fun.................



'93 Ford 302 C.I. block, Ford GT intake, plenum, and heads, Tremec 5-speed trans, Ford 8.8" rear axle hung with 3-Link suspension on coil-over shocks. Front suspension is inboard cantilever coil-over shocks w/ unequal upper and lower A arms.

Just finished in late Sept. About 500 Mi. on it since.

Best regards,
Tom

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

I don't like fords at all, but I don't see how the model T could be included in the list.

Phil

[BOREALIS]

The 50 Worst Cars of All Time




On the 50th anniversary of the Ford Edsel, TIME and Dan Neil, Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive critic and syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times, look at the greatest lemons of the automotive industry

Read More » http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1657686,00.html

View the full list for "The 50 Worst Cars of All Time"

Full List
1899-1939

1899 Horsey Horseless
1909 Ford Model T
1911 Overland OctoAuto
1913 Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo
1920 Briggs and Stratton Flyer
1933 Fuller Dymaxion
1934 Chrysler/Desoto Airflow

1940-1959
1949 Crosley Hotshot
1956 Renault Dauphine
1957 King Midget Model III
1957 Waterman Aerobile
1958 Ford Edsel
1958 Lotus Elite
1958 MGA Twin Cam
1958 Zunndapp Janus

1960-1974
1961 Amphicar
1961 Corvair
1966 Peel Trident
1970 AMC Gremlin
1970 Triumph Stag
1971 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Two-Door Hardtop
1971 Ford Pinto
1974 Jaguar XK-E V12 Series III

1975-1989
1975 Bricklin SV1
1975 Morgan Plus 8 Propane
1975 Triumph TR7
1975 Trabant
1976 Aston Martin Lagonda
1976 Chevy Chevette
1978 AMC Pacer
1980 Corvette 305 "California"
1980 Ferrari Mondial 8
1981 Cadillac Fleetwood V-8-6-4
1981 De Lorean DMC-12
1982 Cadillac Cimarron
1982 Camaro Iron Duke
1984 Maserati Biturbo
1985 Mosler Consulier GTP
1985 Yugo GV
1986 Lamborghini LM002

1990-Present
1995 Ford Explorer
1997 GM EV1
1997 Plymouth Prowler
1998 Fiat Multipla
2000 Ford Excursion
2001 Jaguar X-Type
2001 Pontiac Aztek
2002 BMW 7-series
2003 Hummer H2

COMPLETE LIST
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html


http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1658545,00.html


MORE; Best & Worst Lists

Special Reports
Best Websites
Worst Cars
Time 100
Time 100 Roundtable
Design 100
Best Inventions
Best TV Shows
Top 10
ALL Time 100

[Chrisau]

I think I'd take it to a local body shop first and get an estimate. It'll give you a starting point anyway. Good luck!

[beigledog]

I'm not sure if anyone still reads this board, but I thought I'd post this here since every time I try to post on talkzilla it tells me the message is blank (when it's really not).

I was the victim of a hit-and-run today. I was at the gym and someone hit my car in the parking lot. There isn't a ton of damage, but I think I need to fix it. The driver's-side fender is dented, probably 8-10 inches long, and the paint is chipped. I've called Geico, but it isn't worth making a claim because we have a $1k deductible and no information from the person that hit us.

Any suggestions about what I should do? The dent looks like it could be popped out (any suggestions would be helpful), but I don't know what to do about the paint. With our harsh winters I need to get this taken care of ASAP.

[dropdeadfred]

This is crazy, crazy crazy


Subaru WRX STI 530 HP

[beigledog]

That's the plan. I don't even care. I'll just keep pumping oil into the Saturn until we find a good deal on a bigger car and we'll let the Saturn die. I'm glad to finally get rid of it.

I'll definitely let you guys know before I buy.

[PMS Witch]

I just read on Silicon Investor that Ikea may be buying General Motors. For customers handy with tools, one of their cars may be an option. . .



Cheers, PW.

[BullNBear52]

Congrats on the baby. Time to let the old Saturn go with the new baby. You need a reliable car with room for the new addition for the next couple of years.

Before you buy let us know what you're looking at so you don't get stuck with a lemon.

[Id_Jit]

Question #1: How many miles on the Saturn?


Question #2: Before the oil leakage started: Was the engine *burning* more oil than usual? How many miles per quart?


Question #3: At the time of the present ring diagnosis or the valve cover gasket replacement:
*Did They Check The (Positive) Crankcase Ventilation System?*

Some gasses of combustion will leak past the rings into the crankcase. This is normal. The crankcase is open to the valve cover area (oil from the camshaft and/or rockers on the head drains back to the crankcase/oil pan area for recirculation).
There is a system to suck these gasses back into the intake manifold and burn them through the engine. If the Crankcase Ventilation System is nonfunctional or weak, the air pressure builds seeking a weakest point to vent. Sometimes this point is the valve cover gasket, taking some oil with it.
Bad rings can allow excess leakage to overpower the PCV system though.


Question(s) #4: How did they determine that the piston rings were bad?:

Compression test? If so, what were the numbers by cylinder?
Cylinder leak-down test? If so, what was the percentage of leakage by cylinder?

Neither of these tests is purely definitive as leakage could be caused by valve not ring leakage. The leak-down test can be more definitive *IF* the mechanic takes the time to use his “calibrated ear” to listen for air leakage noise from the intake manifold, exhaust, and PCV outlet from the engine. Yup. A subjective diagnosis.


Id

P.S.
Congratulations on the announcement of the future arrival of a “Rug Rat”.
May you and your spouse bank all the sleep that you can before the happy arrival.
You’ll need all that sleep plus a lot more after the arrival.

[no3putts1]

Congrats on the new baby!

Go over to talkzilla, a lot of car help there for you.

http://cars.talkzilla.com/?mdc=108

[beigledog]

My 97 Saturn

I've talked about 97 Saturn on here many times. Well this may be the last.

I took it in for some engine work in December so that I could pass state inspection ($400).

I then took it in again in March for a valve cover gasket repaid ($350).

I took it back on Tuesday because I was getting an oil leak. There was a pretty decent amount in the garage floor. They tightened everything up with the valve cover gasket again and cleaned it all up and set me up for an appointment this morning. They call me an hour ago and tell me that the piston rings are shot and they want to do a complete engine rebuild for $1600. I said no way.

I'm now looking for a new car. I'll probably just keep pumping oil into the Saturn until I get the new car and stick an oil pan underneath in the garage. I want a 3-5 year old midsize import (Nissan, Toyota, or Honda), but I think my wife wants an SUV for the new baby on the way. We'll see what happens.

[PMS Witch]

TOOLS EXPLAINED

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.

WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, 'Oh sh -- '

ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their holes until you die of old age.

SKILL SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.

PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.

BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for lighting various flammable objects in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.

TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.

BAND SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to cut good aluminum sheet into smaller pieces that more easily fit into the trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws and butchering your palms.

PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short.

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit.

UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in use.

DAMM-IT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling 'DAMM-IT' at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.

With thanks to Harleyboy on the Jokes thread, PW.

[no3putts1]

Here is a website that discusses what you are asking:

http://www.dunloptires.com/care/widthRatio.html


This was provided from sister website talkzilla,

you would like it there, stop by sometime.

[no3putts1]

I'll stop by there and see if I can get you an answer.

[SIIX]

have not went there yet.. it on my "to do list" though..

[no3putts1]

Did you find a answer?

Anybody help you out over there??

[SIIX]

thanks

[no3putts1]

Go to :

http://cars.talkzilla.com

(Cars.Talkzilla.com is the latest and greatest auto community on the web)



somebody there will have an answer for you.

[SIIX]

Anyone know what the widest tire you can put on a stock 17in chevy truck rim is?

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

The only body panel that was not bent up was the trunk lid.

Phil

[BullNBear52]

You're right it was. Looks like you could have saved at least one headlight.

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

It was really sweet, and the girls loved it.

Ah the memories.

Phil

[originunknown]

sweet ride!

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

It was a '69 Chevelle, Aztec Gold with a black vinyl top. It had Keystone mags with white letter tires.

350/300, 4 speed close ratio Muncie tranny, positraction rear, 355 gears.

It would hold it's own against the SS 396/325s.

TalkZilla still has some free lifetime premium memberships available, but they won't last forever.

You might as well sign up.

Phil