I received a call from my most trusted mechanic telling me frankly that my beloved car was not going to last too much longer. After many years behind the wheel, I am caught between buying a new one or to keep on trucking through, especially because this car is so sentimental.
Before I cash in on a new car ( I am thinking something bigger than my 2-door) I am going to take it to a few other mechanic-friends to have them look at it. If you have customers who are debating, friends, family, perhaps even you!, here are a few articles that help weigh out the pros and cons of owning a beloved yet conflicting vehicle.
http://lifehacker.com/should-i-repair-or-just-replace-my-old-car-484335393
http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2290904/when-do-you-it-is-time-to-buy-a-new-car-and-stop-repairing-your-old-one-buy-or-repair
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/04/25/is-your-car-worth-repairing
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/forum/ask-a-mustachian/at-what-point-do-you-stop-repairing-a-car/
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/diagnosing-car-problems/mechanical/should-i-replace-or-repair-my-car.htm
http://genxfinance.com/should-you-repair-or-replace-your-old-car/
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/02/03/when-to-replace-your-car/
Monday, January 20, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
winter blues so I google best beach vehicles
Yes, I live in Cleveland, Ohio. I love this city! However, I am also a BEACH fanatic. I can't seem to get time off during winter this year, which is a bit of a downer, but I can day dream of a perfect surf day. Who knew so many people put the right surf days with the perfect surf cars? I found so many lists of dream surf vehicles, beach bum vehicles, camping, summer exploring; the perfect beach cars, both past and present. I have put a list together of these "lists" -ones that I agree with. I also compiled the 'in general' best beach cars.
http://www.surfline.com/surfing-a-to-z/surf-cars-history_915/
http://www.surfermag.com/blogs/culture/best-surf-cars-ever/
http://www.theinertia.com/surf/best-eco-friendly-cars-for-surfers/
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/pictures/best-vehicles-for-beach-driving#slide-3
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/best-vehicles-for-summer-active-sports
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/29/surf-cars_n_4339859.html
1. The All Around Bestie- The Jeep Wrangler
I really don't have to explain this. From being a convertible while off-roading during both high and low tide, this 4-wheel drive no nonsense car is on everyone's list, both new and old models.
2. Take Ya Tops Off-The Convertible
Is there a better way to start catching up with the sun even before you hit the beach? Any convertible will make the cut, though there is emphasis on the chrysler 200, mustang convertible, and the miata.
3. Honda Element
The Honda Element gets great ratings for its space (totally enough room to sleep in), its 4 wheel drive, capacity to hold on top, and it's pet friendliness.
4. Let's Get Vintage-Toyota Pick Up, and the Toyota Van of the '80's and '90's
Its got everything, and on everyone's list of favorite memories.
5. Volkswagen Vanagon
A camper and traveling device in one! The surfer's perfect apartment.
6. Australian Holden
This car makes me think of the Beach Boys, forever and always.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The Ford Mustang Boss 302
A blogger posted "Rare Mustang Boss 302 Emerges from Garage" on Yahoo's Automotive 'Motoramic' site yesterday, showing great pictures (see above) of the 1969-1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. I knew a guy in highschool who had vamped up a vintage 1973 Blue Ford Mustang that looked verrrrryyyyy similar to this, especially interior wise, so I became interested-I didn't know at first the difference between the two.
After some research, I found out the at the Boss 302 is very different from my friend's 1973 ride. (See below for my friend's Mustang)
The Mustang Boss 302 is a high performance variant of the latter, used more for racing, meant for the popular late '60's trans am racing. It was designed by Larry Shenoda, a former GM employee, in 1969-1970. The special features on the exterior include the 1969 'c stripe' and the 1970 'hockey stick stripe'. The reason for the name? Larry called it "the bosses car" while designing a top secret vehicle. The car pays homage to his boss, the GM President Bunkie Knudson.
This car is featured as a collectors item for Hot Wheels-Mattel. It is also featured as an Australian Touring Car with Allan Moffat.
Wanna see the full blog for this found treasure? Check it out here:
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Common Fuel System Diagnostic Mistakes
For full article, see Auto Service Professional: http://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/
Article provided by Airtex Products, LP 30 Nov/Dec Issue
1. Replacing without diagnosing
-Don't treat the car like a previous car who had the same problem.
-There are 1,000 components in a vehicle, and there could be 1,000 different problems associated with it.
2. Not enough juice
-Low voltage/poor ground can cause low pressure and flow.
-Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3. Jumping to conclusions
-Make sure you understand fuel system before diagnosis, even if you have treated similar vehicles.
-Faulty driver module can affect fuel pressure without fuel pump being the cause.
4. Same problem, different day
-You "fixed" the problem, but the car is still not up to par. You need to start the diagnostic process over, or the customer will come back.
5. Grounds, grounds, grounds
-An electrical current must have a signal (power) & a return ground wire to work.
-Installing a great system where there is poor ground will ultimately have the customer returning, it simply will not work.
For more tips and tricks of the trade, log onto www.autoserviceprofessional.com! :)
http://gentlecar.tumblr.com/ FOLLOW-GREAT PICS!!!! Stole these two:
Singer Porsche 911 in NYC
Article provided by Airtex Products, LP 30 Nov/Dec Issue
1. Replacing without diagnosing
-Don't treat the car like a previous car who had the same problem.
-There are 1,000 components in a vehicle, and there could be 1,000 different problems associated with it.
2. Not enough juice
-Low voltage/poor ground can cause low pressure and flow.
-Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3. Jumping to conclusions
-Make sure you understand fuel system before diagnosis, even if you have treated similar vehicles.
-Faulty driver module can affect fuel pressure without fuel pump being the cause.
4. Same problem, different day
-You "fixed" the problem, but the car is still not up to par. You need to start the diagnostic process over, or the customer will come back.
5. Grounds, grounds, grounds
-An electrical current must have a signal (power) & a return ground wire to work.
-Installing a great system where there is poor ground will ultimately have the customer returning, it simply will not work.
For more tips and tricks of the trade, log onto www.autoserviceprofessional.com! :)
http://gentlecar.tumblr.com/ FOLLOW-GREAT PICS!!!! Stole these two:
Singer Porsche 911 in NYC
1974 Lamborghini Urraco
Friday, December 20, 2013
Hippie Van Is Gratefully Dead
OH NO, Say it ain't so, the Volkswagen Bus is ending production today, after 63 years of adventure. What is called, "the iconic hippy bus" has been kept alive, with over ten million produced since 1950. The Volkswagen Bus is almost identical to the 1967 models, rarely fluctuating in taste, interior, and make.
For awhile, Brazil has been the only company to manufacture these vans. The country's upcoming safety regulation changes are a huge factor with the production of the Kombi-the universal term for the Volkswagen Bus. The Kombis once came customized as campers, passenger bus, sleeping utility vehicles, the ultimate adventure wagon for cross country travelers. Usually, the vans are sold for $22,000, but the final edition will sell for around $36,000.
We will forever treasure this iconic vehicle as a reliable, fun, and wonderful roadie. Many lovers of this vehicle have commented, and here are just a few:
"End of an era, to be sure!"
"If you thought Hippies were sensitive before......wait till you see the down pour of tears at this news! They definitely have their following though, I let a friend store her old one at my place and at least three people a year stop buy begging to purchase it.
Imagine how many kids with names like Star, Moon and Sunshine were conceived in a cloud of Maui Wowwy in these old tin cans?"
"I hope someone gives one to the Smithsonian In DC. That thing is as much a part of our History as the Model T,, Pontiac, and General Motors"
"I've had a couple of them, One was a 1978 champagne edition..Large sunroof, corduroy seats, and a fuel injected Porche engine, that had plenty of power on hills or anywhere. It was a wonderful vehicle, and though Volkswagen never advertised them as being good off road, they should have.. I redesigned mine for camping and took it anywhere... High clearance and a very low 1st gear, it was the perfect camper. It also had a factory gas heater.. I never should have let it go.."
News provided by MSN Autos see full article here: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--volkswagen-bus-production-makes-final-stop-in-brazil
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
9 Notable Cars in 2013
As the 2013 year closes, General Motors has created a list of the ultimate, the beautiful, and the most futuristic cars on the market. Half of these, sadly, are worth over 1.3 million dollars, so I won't be purchasing any of these on the list. As you will see below, vehicle engineers are now mixing retro with futuristic, bringing back swing up doors, large front grills, and classic Hollywood hoods, but increasing horizontal lines, flat top and backs, and large, sleek wheels. For the complete 26 car list, you can find it here:
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/most-significant-cars-of-the-2013-auto-shows?icid=autos_4993
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/most-significant-cars-of-the-2013-auto-shows?icid=autos_4993
1. 2014 Chevrolette Corvette Stingray Convertible (My Favorite-I am a convertible girl, what can I say)
2. McLaren P1-Genvea
3. Porsche 918 Spyder
4. Acura VSX Concept
5. 2014 Chevrolet Camaro
6. Ford Atlas Concept
7. 2014 Jeep Cherokee
8. Giugiaro Parcour
9. Ferrari LaFerrari
Now, for the average joe, thankfully MSN Auto also came out with a 2013 best used car list!
This can be found here:
Happy car hunting to all, and to all a good night!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Speedboys: A Fantastic Blog, Among Others
Stumbled upon this Italian blog today and cannot stop looking at all of the vintage pictures. THERES SO MANY OF THEM!! Anything from fashion, bikes, trucks, motor bikes, surf, art.... the culture side of the automotive industry at its coolest. Take a look here at:
http://thespeedboys.blogspot.com/search/label/motorcycles
Other fantastic ones that I found today? I am posting them here and on My Blog List. Please comment if you find better!!!
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