Sshot Rods

I've read many blogs on "How to build a Rat Rod " and have wondered if any of them have any truth over others. The truth is in fact that many beginners as well as seasoned veterans build these cars and the only "rule" should be, how cool can you make it. Now, be sure that you don't confuse them with Hot Rods, which are generally classic hot rods that are pretty and shiny lots of chrome. And don't confuse them with Muscle Cars. You know, Camaros, Gtos, Corvettes, etc, you get the picture. Rat Rods are your old, rust bucket looking car. It can be very primitive, looking like your typical jalopy.They are all custom, built to the owners taste. Some say the more of a rust bucket, the better.[..]

The 1970 Plymouth Hemi-cuda was a redesign that eliminated all echoes of the Plymouth Valiant that had once been the foundation for the Barracuda styling. The fastback design was done away with in favor of coupe and convertible styling. The shorter, wider version of the Plymouth-Chrysler B platform resembled the Dodge Challenger, a new body type for that year. This "E" body barracuda did away with the "economy car" bad rap. The high performance versions were marketed as 'Cuda and had larger engine bays that could accommodate Chrysler's 426 Hemi engine. Engine options included two six cylinder engines and six different V8s. All of the Hemi equipped cars were given upgraded suspension[..]

Ok, now that you have him/her interested in going on a date with you, the next thing you need to consider is where to go. Here's a list of some places to go for that first date, where if things go right, a second date is almost guaranteed! 1) Museums - The best part of going through museums' great halls is that, in addition to the exhibits, you and your date can chat about anything that inspires you. Because museums tend to be quiet, it is a great place to get to know one another. How else could you discover that he/she has the same tastes in art? Another advantage is that museums are generally easy to get to, usually inexpensive (some are even free!), and there may be a quiet place to[..]

Are you having a hard time getting dependable car shipping services for your new vehicle, or maybe one you've had in a garage back east for a while? Consider a reliable car transportation company which can use an enclosed or open vehicle trailer -- whichever is most suitable for your particular automobile. Vehicle shipping is easy when this kind of method is used. Gone are the days when you and a friend could just affix your old car to a tow bar and haul it hundreds of miles across country, from coast to coast. There are too many routes that can be super busy, and too many other autos and trucks on the different roads, and a lot of upgrading of infrastructure going on. The thought[..]

It's that time of year again! The weather is warm and craft shows are starting to be scheduled. Are you ready to start looking for events? We all know how profitable a craft show can be. Offline events are perfect for getting the word out about your business and making new contacts. What could be better than hundreds of shoppers walking right up to you and saying hello? The most difficult part of a craft show is actually locating them before all the tables are booked. If you have never attended an event before, be prepared to spend several shows stuffed in the very back at a last minute table. Many of us start out like this, but as soon as you get on "the lists", your table location WILL[..]

If you are getting ready to paint your car or are just considering the option the first thing that you need to know about painting cars is that not all colors will work for all cars. If you think about cars that you have seen driving around town you can probably think of quite a few different cars that made you think what were they thinking painting the car that color. Even if a particular color is your favorite color, you might need to choose something else because of how it will look on your car. One of the first things that you need to think about when picking the color for your car is what types of colors will work best for that car. To get an idea on paint color you can look up the[..]

Red led lights and other lighting sources like them are becoming super popular. I have seen a dramatic increase in the automotive world of modifying vehicles with the led lights the most. Are Red LED Lights illegal under my car to drive with on? I hate to say this, but yes they are most likely illegal. And the main reason being, that they are the same color as the law enforcement and emergency vehicles lights. That is a main law in most states. That the colors of the emergency lights used on vehicles other than emergency vehicles only, are illegal. In my opinion that is just for the best. But a lot of people forget about the whole idea of having the lights on when your not driving. As in[..]

2010 Audi A5 Overview Introduction Perfectly elegant and aggressive all at once, the A5 is Audi's two-door, four-seat luxury sports coupe. For 2010, an equally stunning Cabriolet model joins the A5 lineup, offering the additional pleasure of open-air cruising. The A5 is available in four configurations: 2.0T quattro Coupe, 3.2 quattro Coupe, 2.0T quattro Cabriolet and 2.0T FrontTrak Cabriolet. All 2.0T models are powered by a new 211-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the 3.2 quattro Coupe gets a 265-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine; both feature FSI direct fuel injection. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and available paddle[..]

  Take a look around you, especially on the road. You will see a swarm of luxury cars from major car manufacturers gracing the streets. Whether cars have become cheaper or people are earning more money is a different discussion altogether. We are only interested in knowing what modern luxury car brand appeals to what kind of buyer.   Automobile market has been segmented according to buyer preferences. Cars belonging to the same segment will essentially have almost the same features with the only differentiating factor being the family they come from.   Most major car manufacturers represent some buyer perceptions and it is the typical character associated with their brand name that[..]

One of the most sought after brands of performance cars has once again produced a vehicle that is set to attract the attention of American car buyers. The Audi of America, the North American subsidiary of the German auto maker, has introduced the new Audi R8 and to date, it is the most advanced sports car from the company. The Audi R8 is the first truly mid-engine car from Audi and is set to hit showrooms in the United States this fall. Recently, Audi of America announced the price of the sports car when it becomes available to all Audi consumers. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the high performance vehicle will start at $109,000. That price is for the base model[..]

A lot of people these days, guys especially, feel that once they begin to start a family, they also have to get rid of their "fun" vehicles and start driving the quintessential minivan/SUV/Etc.  This, thankfully, is not entirely the case.  While there are certainly situations where only a large vehicle will suffice, there are several sporty, enthusiast models available that actually double as a family transport quite well. One of these vehicles is the Subaru WRX STi. The STi is, all things considered, a serious, no-holds-barred car in terms of street-going vehicles.  It comes from a long line of rally-bred performance cars, and the road version applies some very impressive hardware[..]

Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent, loves fast cars. He has put a classic GTO in one of his videos, and is collecting a stable of both new and old performance cars for himself, and to put in to additional music videos. These include several Lamborghinis and Ferraris, and one his most recent additions is a Pontiac G-8. This new "classic car" from Detroit shows the renewed interest by both car manufacturers and the public in stylish, powerful cars. Many of the cars highlighted in current music videos are things like a Bentleys, Phantoms, and Ferraris. Mr. Jackson decided to look at some of the new offerings coming out of Detroit in evaluating those cars in the same way that you look[..]

It has been a daunting task for American auto makers to come up with a model which is affordable as well as appealingly compact. Foreign companies have done what was required in this segment of the market as they have a reputation for good quality as well as reliability. Keeping this in mind Dodge introduced the Neon. It was made to be fun to drive and it was engineered in such a way so that it could be handled well in the corners. A powerful engine, given that it was an economy car, was also provided. It also had a distinct look to it which is considered by many as cute and what was more appealing was that it was cheaper than many of its competitors. All these features packed in the[..]

Introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model in North America, the Ford Focus was the car to replace both the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer as the new compact performance vehicle designed more towards the European style of performance compacts. Not only was the Focus known for performance, but a vehicle that could deliver respectable performance and horsepower and still provide conservative fuel management at a very reasonable price. Originally offered in both a three (3) and five (5) door hatchback, the ZX3 and ZX5. Or you could purchase a four (4) door sedan, the SE, LX, and ZTS. It would later be changed to the ZX4 in 2005. These Focus models were available from 2000 to 2007 along with another[..]

OK, you are out with your tuner chaps and they're chatting about heel and toe pedal work and you ask yourself, "what is heel & toe pedal work?". You might be mis-lead into believing that you use your heel to press the gas pedal while using yourbig toe to press the break pedal. It turns out, the term comes from older car engineering, where the gas pedal was on the left of the pedal assembly and you COULD use your heel with your toe that way. Obviously, thats no longer the case. So, the difficulty of performing heel & toe driving is lessened by getting special performance driving shoes which are designed for heel and toe pedal work; hence, heel and toe performance driving shoes.[..]

There is a beast lurking under all of your hoods just dieing to get out.  Release that power and let your engine roar. Lets’ face it.  Life is hectic.  I don’t know about you, but I am always on the go.  On average, I probably spend over five hours a day in my car.  Driving to and from work, restaurants, friends’ houses, etc. takes a lot of energy.  If you live in Los Angeles then you know what I’m talking about. Forget making it anywhere in less than 25 minutes—even if it’s just down the street.  I suffer from overwhelming feelings of anger while sitting in traffic, a condition commonly known as road rage.  Working is stressful enough, not to[..]

Many people are not aware of the concept of "short term car insurance." All they know about is the standard six to 12 month policy. However, what would you do if you had to drive for just one week and needed the necessary insurance? Would you go through the hassle of the standard auto insurance policy. Probably. But that's just because you don't know about short term car insurance. Basically short term car insurance is a kind of insurance which provides security cover for the car and driver for a maximum of 6 months. You need this kind of insurance if you require temporary auto insurance coverage. Even if you are planning to rent a car for the weekend, getting this type of insurance[..]

The dual 12 inch subs and enclosure were really on my hot list when thinking of buying a car system. They are a descent brand that is somewhat new to the field. They hold a descent structure to their designs while holding one of the top appealing car audio products out there in my mind. Once dipping my toes into the car audio field, there wasn't a way out for me. It all started with my buddy asking me to go to a bass competition one day because I was super bored. I was somewhat dreading it, but was bored out of my mind. Who would of thought this car audio thing was going to blow my mind away instead? Hair tricks, shattering glass, ear bleeding sound levels. I was now addicted. I had a[..]

When you have had your car for a while on the one hand you have the benefit that it is a trusted vehicle that has served you reliably over the years. Nowadays the manufacturing quality of products has improved a lot and unless you have handled your car very poorly it probably is good for a few more years of service. Yet on the other hand over the years the car becomes familiar and to an extent boring. And also with the latest cars appearing in glitzy ads you may be tempted to trade in your car and buy a new one. But you have another option that doesn't cost as much. You can do up your old car with body kits and give it a dashing new personality. Not only will you save money on buying a[..]

I have seen many people talk about OBD-II emissions tests on various web forums. Often with a puzzled: "I failed readiness!" or "Do I have to do an OBD-II test on my 1994 vehicle?" Since OBD-II has replaced or will replace sniffer tests for 96 and newer vehicles in most states, I thought I'd dump some introductory information about OBD-II emissions tests for people. I don't get into the details about OBD-II, the various protocols, or how to tune an OBD-II vehicle here. Only what to expect in the emissions process. First, some really quick background: California required emissions control systems (Catalytic converters) on cars sold in California starting the 1966 model year. This was[..]

Engine Tuning (ECU Modifications) The ECU (also known as the Engine Control Unit) is basically the brain of your vehicle. It controls amongst many other things all the ignition timing and fueling settings and would have been setup by the manufacturer in the factory with economy, reliability and drivability being the main priority. By re-programming it (better known as remapping), the settings can be altered to produce more power from the engine it controls. Chip Upgrades and Remapping Modern uprated ECU chips, from the many reputable aftermarket tuning companies can improve the drivability and torque curve all the way through the revs. It should not effect the fuel economy or reliability[..]

Lets' face it. Life is hectic. I don't know about you, but I am always on the go. On average, I probably spend over five hours a day in my car. Driving to and from work, restaurants, friends' houses, etc. takes a lot of energy. If you live in Los Angeles then you know what I'm talking about. Forget making it anywhere in less than 25 minutes--even if it's just down the street. I suffer from overwhelming feelings of anger while sitting in traffic, a condition commonly known as road rage. Working is stressful enough, not to mention having to deal with my girlfriend. That's why I try and make my commute as quick and smooth as possible. I need some sanity in my life. Screaming at the[..]

There was a day when finding inexpensive aftermarket injectors to support 500-600rwhp were tough. There were few options for high impedance style injectors, other than the Ford Motorsport 42lbs or MSD 50lb units. The aftermarket fuel injector industry has progressed rapidly over the past several years and as a result there are many brands and sizes available for most performance enthusiasts. Larger injectors are necessary to support higher horsepower levels on modified cars. As a rule of thumb the following equations are useful when selecting the right size injector to support the required horsepower level. To calculate the size for a particular application: - Injector Flow Rate (lb/hr)[..]

Hot Wheels diecast models are the fun alternative to collecting real cars. With model cars you can drive them any time and you do not worry about dents or scratches. You can find virtually any model of car as a scale model. Here are 3 easy steps to get started as a collector. Think of what are your favorite real cars and then use those to pick out your first Hot Wheels diecast models. If that exotic German or Italian supercar is just out of reach, you can own it in scale model. You can build a garage of exotic or limited edition cars that would rival any billionaire's collection. The make new, old and concept cars now. If you want to collect cars from the 40's, 50's, 60's or 70's[..]

Premiums are often considerably higher for motorists under the age of 21 years old even if they are responsible drivers or not, which has lead to one car insurance expert to say,  "I believe the industry must work together to find a formula that recognises those who are able to demonstrate they take a responsible approach to driving." Some insurers are uneasy to offer insurance cover for drivers under the age of 21 years old, with some organisations extending this to people under the age of 25 years old. Insurance spokesman Simon Douglas said, "One out of every five young drivers suffers a crash within their first year of driving and young drivers are 10 times more likely to be involved[..]

St. Cloud, Minnesota holds a great amount of car enthusiasts which makes it a great place to purchase or trade cars. Usually in the state of Minnesota, a large number of modified cars is out of the ordinary because of the icy cold winters. But for some odd reason the number of modified cars is fairly high. With the economy as bad as it is, there are tons of people out of jobs. As sad as it is to say, this makes for outstanding deals on buying vehicles. The common saying goes for this, "One man's problems are another man's solutions." I use the city of St. Cloud as an example because I live here and have just found a great deal on a vehicle and feel the need to share how I did it. I[..]

Through the years, car exhaust systems have played a significant role in helping sporty cars achieve "hot rod" status. These "after market modifications" are heralded by auto enthusiasts everywhere who are seeking to achieve the highest performance levels possible with their cars. You can put the performance back into your vehicle by carefully choosing only the most select performance exhaust parts for your vehicle. The 1973 movie classic, American Graffiti, underscored what people thought about their cars: we simply love them! Featuring a heralded battle between a souped up '32 Ford Coupe and a sporty '55 Chevy, the movie projected quintessential American values of fast cars, good[..]

Having the interiors natural, well maintained, and pleasing can do wonders in enhancing your riding experience.   Though having such an environment is not that hard, majority of car owners find it hard to maintain their original upholstery. If you are one of them and eager to safeguard your seats and add appeal to your interiors, Genuine Leather car seat covers are for you. Genuine Leather car seat covers are custom tailored auto accessories and provide desired protection and elegance inside your vehicle. Seats occupy most of the area inside your car and if the seats are well maintained and cozy, it's natural that you would love the moments inside your automotive. The uncomfortable[..]

The use of car seat covers is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle's interior in good condition. Car seat covers are an excellent investment if you want to retain the value of your vehicle and keep it looking clean and tidy. Car seat covers have many benefits and are practical as well as nice to look at. No more sticking or burning on your hot vinyl seats, or the fear of unsightly stains appearing on your upholstery. Besides protecting your car's seats from the sun and general wear and tear, you can wash them in the washing machine when they become dirty. Car seat covers are available in a wide range of styles and fabrics, from warm and woolly to cool and comfy. Styles are available[..]

If you walk down any street in America today and you will encounter a variety of vehicles. Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs line the streets and keep us mobile. Newer cars are becoming easier for people to obtain and most people prefer to keep them in good condition. One of the best ways to care for your vehicle is to purchase and use a car cover. Car covers are often used to protect your vehicle. Coming in both custom and standard variations, there is a car cover available for your vehicle. Car covers are used for a variety of reasons. It is better to have a car cover for your vehicle than not unless your vehicle sits in a garage. Standard car covers are ready made covers available at[..]

Sadly, sometimes floor mats are not a top priority for vehicle owners. There are those who want to buy the jazziest model around, select the most fashionable color or a vehicle that offers a great mileage or comes with features such as power steering, shock absorbers and many other accessories. While a lot of consideration goes into selecting the model, the custom car covers and the seat cover for it, but not much thought is given to automobile floor mats. But that should not be the case. For example if you go out of town frequently, maybe on a weekend trip, there can be a lot of soil and mud on the carpet of your car. Also, those staying in areas where it snows or rains quite a bit need[..]

Car mats are used so that the car floor does not get dirty with use, as the driver might have to get into the car in all kinds of weather - slush, mud and dirt can spoil the interior. Car mats are very useful particularly during rains and in dusty places when cleaning the car interior otherwise becomes a difficult task. Car mats can just be removed and dusted at one's convenience and they do not spoil the carpet flooring. Car mats come in a variety of materials, the most common being rubber. These are made of heavy-duty rubber and have a good grip at the bottom. These mats fit the car interior perfectly to avoid discomfort while driving. Since most of them have anti-skid features on the[..]

Quality seat covers is one of the most important auto accessories you must have. Having the effective seat covers can enhance your driving experience in several ways. However, there are certain basics that you need to consider when it comes to get quality seat covers. There are many external and manmade factors that cause serious harm to your seats. These include dust, water, claws caused by kids and pets, UV rays and friction that cause severe wear and tear. Quality car seat covers can effectively prevents these hazards from harming your car seats. So, what are the qualities your seat covers should have? Though markets are flooded with wide varieties of car seat covers, small numbers of[..]

Having showroom-new car exteriors is every car owner’s wish.  There are people who want to keep their cars appealing all the time. However, in order to maintain such an appealing look, it takes due consideration and wise decision on your part. If you are passionate about the look of your vehicle, custom car covers may provide you desired protection. Cars have to undergo several abuses. There are varieties of manmade and natural hazards that damage your vehicle severely. The dirt/dust and other pollutants widespread in atmosphere cause make the exteriors of car dirty. The trapped heat and moisture cause rust damage to the paint and finish as well. Apart from these hazards, there are[..]

d="body"> You've just purchased your dream car. After many months (or even years) of saving, you are now driving home from the car dealership and you suddenly realize, "How am I going to protect my new investment". If you don't have the luxury of keeping your car inside of a garage, a car cover will help protect your automobile, both the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Even if you do keep your car in a garage, but don't drive it very often, a car cover is still quite beneficial. It will keep dust particles from sticking to you vehicle and potentially damaging your car's paint job. A car cover protects your car from the elements in all four seasons. It will prevent the snow from[..]

Car seat covers play an important role in protecting your car seats. The seat covers are instrumental when it comes to make your driving comfortable and enjoyable. The seat covers come in varieties of designs, models, purposes, quality, look, price ranges etc. Basically there are two types of seat covers. The universal seat covers and custom seat covers. The universal seat covers are made to suit most of the car models. These are relatively cheap but don’t provide perfect fit. Neither do they come in many choices. That’s when the need of some customized car seat covers arises. The advantages of car seat covers over universal counterparts are many. First, these offer perfect[..]