1967-68 Shelby GT-500: When Shelby’s ‘Stangs Moved From Race Grid to Cruise Strip
December 31, 2008
1967-68 Shelby GT-500: When Shelby’s ‘Stangs Moved From Race Grid to Cruise Strip
by: David Bellm
Let’s face it, some like their performance cars raw, some like them with a healthy dose of seasonings and side dishes. And sometimes a machine’s recipe evolves from one style to the other.
That was certainly the case with one of ex-racer Carroll Shelby’s most famous cars. For 1965, he began production of hopped-up Mustangs at his shop in California. For those first couple years, his ‘Stangs, called GT-350s, were barely-disguised competition tools.
With a road-racing suspension setup, high-strung small-block V8, and lack of a backseat on which to haul buddies, those original GT-350s weren’t a popular pick with the burger-joint crowd. And that was fine with Ford, at least at first — Shelby’s cooperation on the Mustang was initially sought to give competition credibility to Ford’s pioneering ponycar, which GT-350s did handily by winning sports-car races.
But starting with the ‘67 model year, Ford began expecting Shelby’s machines to speak to a more mainstream performance crowd — the typical muscle-car buyer.
Carrying Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice
December 30, 2008
Carrying Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice
by: Sintilia Miecevole
Carrying car insurance is a crucial decision for anyone on the roads today. With so many drivers on cell phones, eating fast food and even watching TV while at the wheel, it isn’t unusual to find yourself in a “fender bender” or serious wreck. Having car insurance can make such an ordeal a lot less stressful for you and your family.
Car insurance, in plain English, protects you and your family financially if you ever have an accident in your car. You have a contractual agreement with your car insurance company. If you pay the premium you agree to in a timely manner, the car insurance company will cover your losses in the event of an accident.
Car insurance is typically made up of these three specific types of coverage: property coverage, liability coverage and medical coverage.
1. Any damage which occurs to your car in an accident will be covered by property coverage. Property coverage will also be used if your car is stolen.
2. Anything you are legally responsible for, such as when other are injured or their property is damaged in an accident determined to be your fault, will be covered by liability coverage.
Qualities of the Most Soothing Motorcycle Gloves
December 30, 2008
Qualities of the Most Soothing Motorcycle Gloves
by: Maricon Williams
Nobody wants to travel while freezing in coldness, isn’t it? Thus, we have to don motorcycle apparel. Aside from coldness, it also protects us from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), heat, pricks, falls, injuries and other dangerous elements.
Motorcycle apparel is composed of helmet, jackets/vests, gloves, pants and boots or any other riding footwear. For the hands, we have motorcycle gloves. There are different types of gloves. Most of them are worn depending on the weather. Summer gloves uses thin lining and are not water-resistant. They come in vibrant colors. Rain gloves, obviously, are for rainy seasons. They are usually made of plastic. They can get slippery and bulky. However, they are often cheap and are easy to carry along. Winter gloves are thick and will really keep your hands warm during winter. Racing or medium weight gloves are oftentimes lined. They are stylish and comfortable. No wonder why racers are comfortable having them in each race. The last type is the fingerless gloves. Wearing can be comfy. However, you can also get nasty sunburn.
How Good are you in Choosing Motorcycle Helmets?
December 29, 2008
How Good are you in Choosing Motorcycle Helmets?
by: Maricon Williams
The most controversial motorcycle apparel is the helmet. Perhaps, everyone is familiar why it is controversial. To reiterate, a lot of riders are not in favor of wearing the same - that makes it very controversial compared to the rest of motorcycle apparel. Nevertheless, as for me, I will never compromise my safety and very life by not wearing a helmet.
Join me and rate yourself on how well you know motorcycle helmets and in choosing the best of its kind
There are different kinds of motorcycle helmet. Full face helmets are identifiable because of their protection around the chin thus, giving maximum protection. However, they can get humid and vaporous. Open face or three quarter motorcycle helmet, on the other hand, protects the side of the face and the ears. Often, its visors are detachable. The drawback is that it offers no protection for the chin. Another kind is the hybrid helmet. This helmet can be opened on the chin part. Moreover, it is advantageous to those who wear glasses. Motocross helmet varies from the rest of the helmets because it includes a dirt cap. In addition, wearing of goggles can be done. Finally, we have shorty or half helmet, this is the simplest form of helmet. It offers no side and chin protection. It comes in flamboyant colors and design that will suit well with a cruiser or custom bike.
How do Experts Choose Motorcycle Jackets?
December 28, 2008
How do Experts Choose Motorcycle Jackets?
by: Maricon Williams
Experts choose the best. This is the reason why we rely on them whenever we need advice and details. These details need not be lengthy or verbose. Moreover, it has to incorporate all the essential information about the topic.
Same thing with other motorcycle apparel, jackets must also give both comfort and protection. However, there are some areas that need special attention. Let us discuss them one by one.
1. Ventilation. Air circulation is necessary especially during summer where the heat of the sun can hurt the skin and can also result to a sweaty and uncomfortable ride. Riders can purchase jackets that have ventilation zippers with them. These zippers are usually found under the armpits and other ventilation holes to allow air to circulate. Be sure that suit integration is applied to the jacket. A Velcro or a zipper at the back can provide considerable comfort. Pockets can also be added - the more, the better.
2. Material. Motorcycle jackets may either be leather or non-leather. Leather is the most famous material for jackets. However, mesh is now also widely used specially in warm season. Dupont Cordura, a form of nylon with a scale going up to approximately 1000 denier, can also be used.
Toyota Parts Online Features High Quality Parts for Toyota’s Top Models
December 27, 2008
Toyota Parts Online Features High Quality Parts for Toyota’s Top Models
by: Mark Clarkson
Toyota Parts Online is a leading auto parts distributor dedicated to OEM-quality Toyota parts for various Toyota models, old and new alike. Looking up to Toyota, the biggest and the leading Japanese automaker and the fourth largest in America, Toyota Parts Online is proud to supply the finest quality and perfect-fit replacement auto parts to wide range of Toyota car users. Like Toyota, this top Toyota Parts Discount store cares for your satisfaction more than anything else and it is committed to continuous improvement to give you only the best service and highest quality automotive parts.
Fervent passion in making top-caliber autos underlies every Toyota vehicle; thus, you can expect the best from each Toyota vehicle the most up-to-date technology, the smartest exterior and interior design and the best fuel economy and efficiency. No wonder, each Toyota masterpiece vies successfully in the very competitive auto industry dominated by American and European cars. Various vehicles carrying Toyota’s name have made it to the top; among them are Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander.
Ride Saving, Butt Comforting Motorcycle Pants
December 26, 2008
Ride Saving, Butt Comforting Motorcycle Pants
by: Maricon Williams
Here comes the rain… On the next block the beaming sun is blazing harshly. What will save the rider’s day?
The sun, the rain, wind and sand can sometimes be obstacles to an exciting motorcycle escapade. Good thing we have motorcycle pants to comfort us!
Motorcycle pants come in many variations. Regular motorcycle pants are like normal pants only that they give extra protection especially on the butt. Overpants allow the rider to wear his work clothes underneath. They also give the rider flexibility to adapt to the weather. The most popular among the riders is that made of leather. It is not only durable but trendy as well. In rainy days, riders can also lean on rain pants. These pants are made thin plastic to keep water off of you. Finally, motorcycle pants also have this ‘jean look’ pants. They have this ordinary jeans look and feel only that they meet the standards and protection when riding. You wear it without others noticing that they are actually motorcycle pants.
Catalytic Converter Fires: A Real Danger!
December 25, 2008
Catalytic Converter Fires: A Real Danger!
by: Matthew C. Keegan
Driving down the street with the setting sun at his back, Bob Cummins navigated around parked cars and fire hydrants to find the right place to park. It just wasn’t something that was easy to do - finding a vacant spot - on his narrow, winding suburban street. Wedged between two business districts, Bob’s block was frequently filled with cars from outside the area, taking away from the already limited on street parking. While he knew he could simply pull into his own driveway and park, he also knew that he’d have to move vehicles around later when his wife, Susan, returned home with the kids.
Glancing out of his right mirror he noticed it and slammed on his breaks. A car pulled out of a spot down the street behind him and its driver pulled into a nearby driveway and exited the car. Bob slowly backed up halfway down the block and slipped his Volvo XC90 into the empty spot. A little tight, he thought, as he left just enough room between the driveway in front of him and the car behind him for his SUV. Within moments Bob left the comfort of his Volvo and stepped inside the foyer of his center hall colonial.
Nissan: 40 Years in North America
December 25, 2008
Nissan: 40 Years in North America
by: Matthew C. Keegan
The North American market has seen some bold changes by Nissan over the years. Originally imported under the Datsun name, Nissan cars in Canada and the US made the switch over to the new name in the early 1980s and the company hasn’t been the same since. A broader line up and the introduction of the luxurious Infiniti brand in the late 1980s changed the face of Nissan tremendously. The winners are consumers everywhere who can get a great vehicle for a fair price.
It was in 1965 when the first Datsuns arrived in Canada. Who could forget the 1600cc 510 wagon with a 4 speed manual transmission? The only thing that could kill this car was rust and a rust bucket it was at that. Or, how about the 620 pick up? A great little hauler that is in a league of its own. My personal favorite was the 720 pick up truck equipped with a diesel engine. A good, sturdy truck that really sipped fuel.
2006 Ford Taurus: Swan Song
December 24, 2008
2006 Ford Taurus: Swan Song
by: Matthew C. Keegan
The 2006 model year will end the heralded Taurus name and for this writer it is a bittersweet time as Ford retires what once the best selling car in all of America.
When Ford introduced the Taurus along with its cousin the Mercury Sable in the mid 1980s the car represented a radical departure from the standard American car of the day. Fairly large, front wheel drive, and very aerodynamic, the Taurus quickly rose to the pinnacle of the American car sales charts and was the best selling car for several years in a row. A much delayed “reskinning” did not occur until 1996, some ten years after the Taurus and Sable were first released. The new style, perceived by some to be ugly, quickly cost Ford sales as newer and more modern Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords out gained the line. Slight changes in style incorporated with the 2000 model year took some of the edge off, but by then the Taurus was considered to be too old and outmatched by the competition.
