Sunday, December 09, 2007

The Butterfly Effect - A look at Vertical Doors

Ever experienced the "Butterfly Effect?" Now you can with the addition of some aftermarket vertical door conversion kits for your ride!

How about something remarkable. Something never before experienced by most drivers. Something that makes waves. How about the butterfly effect?

Butterfly doors, also known as vertical door or lambo doors, originated to solve a problem. The Lamborghini had a very wide base, and a traditional door design would not allow for easy entering and exiting, especially if parked next to anything. They devised a door hinge system that lifts the doors vertically, and only slightly out war, clearing the door of the opening, and also allowing the wide body car to still fit in traditional spaces.

These doors catch a lot of attention. When door open vertically, you get the "butterfly" effect, making waves wherever you are. People stop and notice these types of modifications because they are rare, unique, and very appealing. These kits are now available for most cars, and come as a universal kit that can be fitted to almost any vehicle. Some of the kits will require a little body work, but others are a direct bolt in. The hinges, gas shocks, and hardware may not look like $750 to $1000 worth of materials, but the finished results is well worth the money for most car enthusiasts and tuners.

We suggest professional installation for these types of kits, mainly because in a lot of cases, the inner fender wells need to be rolled or modified to fit the new brackets and hinges. Most of the kits are adjustable enough to create a unique vertical opening while keeping it fairly easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Look for kits that allow for both vertical and horizontal adjustments to be made for the best possible combination of style and comfort.

Butterfly doors are becoming the craze at most tuner events and shows. Some cars look better than other with the mods done to them, and you can probably find images of your car model with them installed somewhere on the internet. I would suggest seeing a finished product before investing the money. The kits are in most cases completely reversible if you are unsatisfied for any reason, or intend to sell the car at a future date.

If you want to turn you ride into a real showstopper, these kits are the way to go. They come in manual and automatic varieties, and if you are interested in purchasing your own lambo vertical door kit, visit www.majesticmodifications.com for the latest products.

Vertical doors are a great addition to any show car. Vertical Doors, Inc. is credited with the patent on the design we are most familiar with. There have been several company create similar products marketed under the product "type" called vertical doors. They are also referred to as butterfly doors, or 90 degree doors. Either way, they give our daily drivers a nice exotic sports car look.

There are some varieties of doors out there that will fit the bill if you are looking for that extra something to add to your show car. There are the traditional "vertical" doors which open vertically. See picture below. These kits use specially made brackets and gas shocks to open the doors outward slightly, then upwards. They can be adjusted to open further our before going up to make it easier to get in and out of, as a common disadvantage to the door kits is the increased difficulty of getting in and out of the vehicle.

There are other types of door modifications that can be done, such as "suicide" doors that open exactly the opposite of traditional doors. The hinges are moved to the other side of the door opening so it swings the other way. Also a cool upgrade.

Still my personal favorite is the Dalorian style door as seen in back to the future. These doors are hinged in the center of the roof, and raise straight up allowing for easy access in and out of the vehicle. This type of modification would call for some extensive mods to the roof system, as well as some fabricated doors, but I wouldn't put it past Majestic Modifications to try it in the future.

If you are interested in trying to install your own vertical door conversion kits, be warned, it can be tricky, but here is a guide to help you in the process.

1. Lift the hood and remove left and right shield of front wheel.
2. With the door open pull out the rubber hose connecting the door and the door frame, draw out and cut the wire (wrap the two ends of every cut wires with friction tape and record the given numbers. If the wires are long enough, it 's not necessary to cut.) and then remove the rubber hose of the wires.
3. With door closed remove the factory top door hinge.
4. Test and draw the placement of the mechanism. Pay attention to the moving way of the swing arm and ensure the swing arm up to 90° not to touch the shield or fender. So the mechanism must be in a proper height, which can be tested by the shield.
5. Grind the installation placement of the chassis or hammer any extrusions that may hinder the base plates from sitting flat. You may also grind and cut the base plate and door plate as needed. B. After grinding the installation placement, test the proper distance with the shield and check and observe any places that may prevent the base plate and the swing arm from moving. In this situation you must draw a line around the base plate when it is in the proper, and then cut or hammer along the perimeter till not to hinder. C. In cars with small spaces between the chassis surface and the fender there will not be sufficient room to install. It can be solved as follows: with the position of the base plate determined, draw a line around the base plate when it is in the proper position, and then cut along the perimeter to allow the base plate to slide below the surface.
6. Determine the holding position and space. Draw the position of the safety arch on the base plate and cut it. Cut a slot in the chassis to accommodate the arch, and if the base plate is below the chassis surface for your application make additional space for adjustment with a hex key.
7. Next you should cover the base plate, door, and the rest parts of the door mechanism in welding deflection paper with the exception of the surface of the surface that will get welded for the surface protection.
8. When the door mechanism clings to the chassis, door place, and moves smoothly and is proper in both horizontal and vertical direction after testing again, weld spots around the perimeter of the base plate and the door plate. When you feel the welds are sturdy enough, remove the down door hinge. You may observe and test whether the door is in the correct motion and position by swinging it out and up manually. Now you can make adjustments at the door outward motion screws, safety set screw and door height screws etc. on the door mechanism.
9. Determine and draw on the shield or fender the position space of the swing arm's motion and cut it. Test it again and cut the inner lip to provide clearance for the swing arm.
10. Once you are satisfied with the operation and placement like opening, closing, lifting and falling of the door and door mechanism, hammer the hinge center axis of the mechanism from top to bottom and then remove the door. Make a strong weld around the entire perimeter of the base plate and door plate. (Parts must be prevented from broiling of the high temperature while welding.)
11. Grind and scuff the welds surface and mask the undercoat paint and top coating to prevent rust.
12. Lube the moving surfaces of the door mechanism with heavy waterproof grease and then close the door, align the hinge holes and interpose the center axis to the holes form top to bottom and then hammer it well and smoothly.
13. When the door is open up to the maximum angle, clear up the wires. Measure the wires and connect to the required length with other wires if it is not long enough. Remember to connect with the numbers while cutting and to mask the joints with the insulation tapes. With the wires plaited into cluster, fixed at the bottom of the swing arm with plastic and string.
14. Open the door and rotate it to the highest point, screw two ball joints into the swing arm and gas spring connecting plot respectively with gas spring screws and then determine and mark the spot where the ball joint will get mounted on the chassis.
15. Put the door down for now and disconnect the gas spring ball screw form the gas spring connecting plot and then hammer or grind the fixed position of the connecting plot and weld it well on the fixed place. Paint for dust prevention.
16. Open the door to the highest point and screw the gas spring ball points into the connecting plot and lock the ball points on the swing arm tightly at the same time. And test the doors motion. The swing arm should be parallel and not interferes with the gas spring or other parts when the door moves up and down.
17. With the door closed, test the door's horizontal motion until the door is aligned with the latch and closes perfectly. Adjust the safety arch until the door mechanism no longer interferes with the shield or fender when the door out all the way horizontally. Then set the horizontal motion screws to correspond with the angle that the safety arch rubs the inside of the lifting arm when up. The closer you make these two adjustments, the more sturdy the door will feel going up and resting in the vertical position. Set the vertical height limiter adjustment as high as you wish provided that the door does not hit the shield or other parts.
18. If the door panel and/or door metal hits the shield or comes too close to the shield on the way up it must be cut. If the door panel must be cut first mark a line that will allow clearance. Then peel back the upholstery, make the cut and wrap the upholstery over the new edge with spray adhesive.
19. Test it again until no any hinder and satisfied with everything; seal the screw adhesive to all the screw points.
20. Mount the shield, fender etc. and put down the hood. And you are done!

About the Author
Majestic Modifications is the complete car customization concept, specializing in auto parts and accessories, air intakes and performace upgrades, body kits and vertical doors, glow gauges and interior accessories, wheels and tires, mobile video and electronics.

Factors to Consider When Buying Acura body kits

Cars are beautiful objects that can take us places or we can make them look exotic. The Acura is one car where a body conversion can make an interesting difference. The various Acura body kits which are available will provide you with a host of options to try out. You can see various types of these body kits at prices which are relative to the kit. You will also find a host of places where you can buy these car body kits.

There is one factor you should take into account before you charge headlong into buying Acura body kits. This factor is the make and model of your car. While there are universal Acura body parts, certain parts will need to have a custom look. This look can only be achieved with the use of correct model and make, kit parts.

Once you have checked this option out the next step is to decide where you will do your shopping for the best Acura body kits on the market. As there are a number of options you might want to list the changes you want made to your car and the maximum price you are willing to pay. While this can narrow your options initially it will give you an idea of what to look for.

Once you have made this list call or visit the nearest auto body shop and find out if they sell Acura body kits. Once you have ascertained this fact you can proceed to the next step. This is looking to see if the various parts you require to give your car a complete face lift are available. The next step is to find out if the body shop will be able to install and paint your new Acura body part.

The body kits which have been made for Acura cars can be installed onto your existing car body using a welding method. The Acura body kits also have the option of being screwed on to your car bumpers. Now that you understand the procedure that is involved you should decide exactly what you are looking for. As you want a really great looking car it is best to choose the various accessories that will provide a complete look to your new Acura car.

The various different parts that are available for Acura body kits can sometimes make your decision making difficult. To help you out with this dilemma there are body kits which will fit only certain makes and models of Acura cars. Choosing one of these Acura body kits and coupling this choice with universal body parts will absolutely give you a brand new car.

About the Author
Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Car Kits for Years. For More Information on Acura Body Kits, Visit His Site at Acura Body Kits

Upgrade Your Vehicle's Suspension System For Shocking Results

Dissatisfied with your car's ride? How does increased safety and a smoother ride sound? Discover the many benefits of installing a new suspension system.
If you are looking for a performance pick me up, a new suspension may be just what the doctor ordered. A rugged lift kit can provide clearance and strength for navigating rough and rocky terrain, while a set of lowering springs can enhance cornering and handling on the road. No matter the case, your suspension should be inspected and maintained periodically for optimal safety and performance.

Volkswagen said it right. "On the road of life, there are passengers and there are drivers." Not every driver wants a sports car. There are plenty of people content with their stock parts and the performance that comes with them. My grandma's 83' Corolla for example, is more than enough car to get her to art classes and friends' houses. But then there are automotive enthusiasts; drivers who are looking for the most from their car. Guys, and occasionally girls, who get behind the wheel and push their machine's limits until every last drop of performance has been squeezed out, like a person with OCD wringing a toothpaste tube until every last molecule is expelled. Odds are, you are like me, and fall somewhere in between.

Just like everything else, suspension systems are so technologically advanced that they can be adjusted by the turn of a screw. So if you're about to take on the curves of the Pacific Coast Highway, with the quick adjustment of a knob, you will be able to handle every twist and turn thrown at you. Done with the bends? In a few moments you can loosen up your suspension for a more relaxed ride.

Have you ever grabbed breakfast on your way to work and taken a sharp turn only to find your grande-skinny-mocha-frappachino spilt all over you lap? When you turn, weight is shifted in the opposite direction by gravity trying to compensate for the force. This is known as body roll, and consequently is the coffee-spilling culprit. Lowering springs reduce your car's center of gravity, and therefore reducing resistance on the chassis through the turns. The result you might ask? Quicker steering response and feeling like your car is glued to the road. It is important to realize your expectations and desires when shopping for new springs though. Higher spring rates will give you a tighter suspension, but will stiffen up your general ride. Basically, you will turn on a dime, but feel every nook and cranny in the road. Softer springs will still increase performance, but won't nearly affect overall ride quality as much. For the most part, I don't like extremes. I would advise against installing some really stiff springs unless you have a separate track car or are willing to put up with a bumpy ride.

I would also recommend upgrading your shocks as well. They are another component of you suspension system and crucial for the smoothness of you ride. Shocks serve two purposes. They absorb any larger than average bumps so the shock isn't transferred directly to the car chassis. Secondly, they keep all of your wheels planted on the road at all times. This means your car would turn into a rolling death trap without them. The shocks dampen vertical motion your car experiences from rough surfaces. Without shocks, your car would wallow all over the road until you got sick or it fell apart...or both.

About the Author
I'm currently running a set of Eibach Lowering springs with Edelbrock shocks. Design your own suspension system to cater to your specific needs. -Mike Rosania

Suspension Lift Kits - The Only way To Avoid Problems With The Potholes

I am 21 and come from Germany. Now I have to do an internship in the U.S. for 6 months that takes place in San Diego. I love this city! Everything is so different from my home in Germany and everyone knows that different things are better things. And to be honest this saying is true in my case. I love the beaches here, the weather and of course the people. They are so friendly and open minded. We have had the best parties here during my first days after my arrival. But one thing is definitely better in Germany; the condition of the streets. We spend so much money on the improvement of the roads and highways that it is nearly ridiculous, but I didn't fully understand the advantages of this policy until I came to the USA.

In Germany, there are no damages to the car and no sudden scares due to road holes during drives. It is awesome. But here in the USA it is quite the contrast. There are road holes everywhere and you must take care to avoid all the threats of these. This is why I asked a few guys what to do with my car. I have a Cadillac Escalade and I am not willing to destroy it within the first two months. So, one of my American friends gave me some advice. He said that suspension lift kits are able to lift my car so that it can not touch the ground when driving over a pothole. Beside this great benefit, it also makes my car look great. So I found two benefits from just one piece of advice. Is this not the American dream? Maybe not yet, but you just have to imagine two hot girls sitting in the car and watching a fat flat screen and playing PlayStation during the drive; I think then your dream came true.

But I want to tell you more details about the suspension lift kit, because I think my friend is right concerning the benefits of it. There are some that include custom body spacers, steering extensions, bumper brackets and more. And that is not all, they account for relocating stock parts, such as front and rear bumpers, for a lift that looks great and functions well. Another benefit for me, since I'm not such a car freak, is the fact that you can install it by yourself in 1 day with basic tools and moderate mechanical skill. I think these attributes are enough arguments to buy this stuff. And I think I will buy it as soon as possible and possibly I take it with me to Germany. Of course I do not need it in order to avoid the difficulties with the road holes, as I mentioned, but it looks so great. And looking great is a benefit in each country!

About the Author
I found a very good selection of Suspension lift kits online. I prefer Skyjacker lift kits because they are good quality for a good price. - Tim saunier

4 steps to choosing a kit car project

So you are toying with the idea of building your own car from a kit. You have some basic mechanical skills and a standard toolkit. You even have a bundle of cash burning a hole in your pocket. But there are so many car styles to choose from, where do you even begin?
Well, you need to work through the four basic steps to choosing the right kit car for you and you can’t go wrong.

Step 1 Set A BudgetThis is by far the most important step and one that you need to spend some time working through. Kit cars come in all budget ranges, from the Locost at just a few hundred dollars right up to serious sports cars like the Ultima, where the only limit to the cost is you.
So it is vital that you set a budget and stick to it. Even within a project there are so many little things that can eat up your cash if you let your enthusiasm run away with you. Shiny bits cost money!

Step 2 Select A Kit Car StyleTo narrow down your search for the ideal car kit you will need to look at your driving style as well as the use to which you will put your completed car.
If you are looking to take your vehicle onto the racetrack then you can forget about building a classic tourer such as a Beauford.

However, if you love to blast along leafy country roads with the wind in your hair then a Cobra replica could be your ideal choice.

Step 3 Gather InformationNow you have a set budget and a specific car style in mind you now need to gather all the information you can in order to narrow your choices down to the last handful.

To do this, your first stop should be the manufacturers’ website. Here you will find all the cold, hard specifications you need to give you an idea of what the finished car will be like.
Then you need to dig a little deeper. Check out the Owners Club to see if there are any underlying problems with the manufacturer or assembly difficulties. Getting involved with the Owners Club is possibly the best investment of your time as they have already been down the path you are intending to take and can help you when things get tough.

Now you need to seek out as much information as you can from a wide variety of sources, such as forums, independent review websites and magazines. Don’t believe everything you read but let all this give you an overall view of the car and manufacturer.

Step 4 Visit The FactoryBy now you should have a shortlist of 2-3 cars. It is time to hit the road and pay the factory a visit. Most kit manufacturers are small time operations, so it is essential that you call ahead of time to book an appointment.

Once at the factory you can get the chance to actually get behind the wheel! Not all factories have a test car sat around for you to inspect and they may call on the services of a previous car builder to offer their car for inspection.

If the factory is holding an Open Day sometime in the near future then make this a priority trip as you will generally see a variety of vehicles from a number of enthusiastic builders. This is where you can see the full potential of the kit car you are intending to build.

The only step you now need to take is to make your final decision and place your order with the factory.

About the Author
Mark Heywood is a kit car enthusiast and runs the Kit Cars and Replicas website where you will find a number of kit car reviews and videos.

Accessorise your car and let it scintillate

If you don't mind shelling out hefty amount of money to buy a swanky car then why not you spend some more pennies to give it a customized look so that it does not vanish in the multitude of cars zinging down the road! But you may wonder─ how you can give your car a personalized look! Well, the answer lies in car accessories. Whether to beautify a car or to make it comfy, auto accessories can render you with valuable help.

To stylise your car from inside and outside, you will have plenty of accessories available in the market. What more, some car accessories are made by keeping the security factor in mind? Adding them to your car means not only maximising the comfort level but also minimising the risk factor. Thus, there are alloy wheels to make the car scintillating. On the contrary, there are security alarms to keep you warranted on any unwanted danger.

In similar fashion, if exterior body styling is there then interior car styling is also available. Roof boxes are one of the most handy car accessories. It increases the luggage bearing capacity of the car. Smooth, shiny, yet handy, this is how roof boxes are described. And truly, they beef up the beauty of the car substantially. Some other car accessories are there available in lovely designs and great colours. They include kid-friendly gizmos to help you make the car full of entertaining elements for kids.

The Internet is probably the best place to buy car accessories. It provides you with an unlimited access to products and goods that you needs to customise your car. Taking a trip to the virtual world of online market, you can have a look at the plethora of options available in car accessories. So, you can make your pick without facing the hassles of making any physical movement.

About the Author
The author is a automobile writer specializing in automobile and car accessories products and has written authoritative articles on the car accessories industry. He has done his Master in Business Administration and is currently assisting directcaraccessories as a car accessories specialist.

Monday, December 03, 2007

High quality Nissan Altima Parts

The Japanese automaker, Nissan has been producing high quality cars since 1934. They have shown their success as one of the top three Asian rivals of the "big three" in the U.S. In fact, they are presently the third largest Japanese car manufacturer. The success could not have been possible if not for Nissan vehicles such as the Altima. Top-of-the line Nissan Altima parts make sure that the vehicle performs efficiently. The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car often attributed as the next generational model of the Nissan Bluebird in 1957. The name Altima was initially a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in the Caribbean before 1992. By 1993, the Altima was introduced as entirely a new Nissan model. Nissan Altima parts are continuously being developed evident in the four designs in the generational models of 1993-1997, 1998-2001, 2002-2006 and 2007-present.

The current model of the Altima had a few modifications implements on a number of its Nissan Altima parts. Some of these include the new and upgraded front as well as rear suspension. The 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood, capable of producing 270 horsepower, is also part of the package. It also has various great Nissan Altima parts accessories and houses, most probably influenced by latest technological trends: the push-button start, bluetooth capability for cell phones and parking camera. An Altima coupe was also introduced later on. It was said to be Nissan's first two-door Altima ever. It featured newer Nissan Altima parts like a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan. The coupe version was offered in two engines. One is a a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine. The other is a a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine.

The Altima model was also used as the base model for Nissan's first hybrid car. Nissan had an agreement with a rival company by using its hybrid technology. The hybrid version of Nissan Altima has a 2.5 liter engine, CVT and an electric motor. It also boasts fuel efficiency of 42 mpg in city driving and 36 on the highway.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

The Most Versatile Truck and Auto Accessories: Mud Flaps

Mud flaps, also knows as a splash guards, are more than just your standard rubber variety truck and auto accessories. It is more than a useful quality auto accessory that protects your truck from flying dirt, slush, or road debris. The mud flap has become a blank slate where a driver can plaster his or her personality in the form of great truck and car accessories that can protect as well as make others laugh.

A classic image found on these truck and car accessories is recognized as "The Mud Flap Girl". Who hasn't seen this buxom silver silhouette of the long-legged beauty, one leg crossed over the other, hair blowing in the wind? This famous character was based upon the well-known model Leta Laroe. She was created by Bill Zinda of Wiz Enterprises in Long Beach, California, to promote his line of truck and auto accessories.

Another character commonly seen on truck and car mud flaps is Yosemite Sam, pointing his guns with the caption "Back Off!" or, "All Fired Up". Other classic Warner Brother's characters that have been used include Daffy Duck and Tweety Bird.

Classic mud flap characters have become such a part of pop culture, that they've moved out of the arena of car accessories, and started appearing in commercials and on TV. One such commercial appeared during the 2006 Superbowl, and featured the Mud Flap Girl and Yosemite Sam driving off in a Honda Ridgeway.

Arizona officials were apparently not amused, and have proposed legislation banning both cartoon creatures due to a perceived political incorrectness, regarding sex and guns. Currently, the legislation about truck and car accessories has been thwarted.

This means that auto accessories and mud flaps can be embellished with the image of your choice. And this will remain to be true, as long as that law doesn't pass.

Manufacturers know a good thing when they see it, and customized truck and car accessories such as mud flaps are big money makers for truck and auto accessories. If you don't want Yosemite Sam or the Mud Flap Girl, you can have your own mud flaps customized with whatever you want on quality materials to continue protecting your truck and showing everyone who you are at the same time.

Currently, custom mud flaps seem to be most popular on company vehicles. Anyone ever caught behind an 18 wheeler on the highway or following a commercial van in city traffic, knows how effective a custom mud flap can be, if it used as an advertising tool. Companies wisely invest a little extra money in this truck and auto accessory, thus creating a advertisement on wheels that proudly displays the company name and phone number on eye catching mud flaps.

There is a lot to be said about these protective rubber truck and car accessories hanging off the back of someone's truck or car. Truck and auto accessories have never been so versatile, useful, and smart as mud flaps. Choose your design, spruce up your truck, and head on out to show off your style!

About the Author
Alex Springton is an expert in auto mechanics and understands the importance of a well maintained vehicle. Alex has had good experience using automotive shop management software from Winworks and recommends their auto shop management software to other mechanics for car repair estimates, fleet maintenance, and shop scheduling.

Truck and Auto Accessories; Splash Guards

The main function of the mud flap is to keep dirt, slush and other debris from being kicked up by your truck's tires, protecting both your truck and the windshields of the drivers behind you. Usually, people don't pay much attention to mud flaps, but these days, the standard variety of truck and auto accessories have become yet another form of automotive self-expression.

The most iconic of these truck and car accessories characters is simply known as "The Mud Flap Girl". We've all seen her before: She's the buxom silver silhouette of a long-legged beauty lounging with one leg provocatively crossed over the other, hair blowing in the wind. Bill Zinda of Wiz Enterprises in Long Beach, California, created this famous character to promote his line of truck and auto accessories and based the character upon a famous model named Leta Laroe.
Another famous character to make an appearance on these truck and car accessories is Yosemite Sam pointing his two cartoon pistols with a caption beneath declaring, "Back Off!" or, "All Fired Up". Other Warner Brother characters have also made appearances, such as a frightened Daffy Duck and an overly upset Tweety Bird.

These mud flap characters are so engrained in our psych that they have gone beyond truck and car accessories and began appearing in commercials together. One famous commercial created for the Superbowl in 2006 had the Mud Flap Girl and Yosemite Sam driving away in a Honda Ridgeway.

Sadly, it appears that both of these figures have been targeted by legislation, when officials in Arizona tried to pass a ban on the two icons on the grounds of political correctness (one promoting sex and the other promoting gun violence). For the time being, the legislation on these truck and auto accessories has been struck down.

As long as that law doesn't pass, you can find quality auto accessories and mud flaps that can have anything on them from your favorite sports team logo to the picture of your dog.
Manufacturers know a good thing when they see it, and customized truck and auto accessories, such as mud flaps are big money makers. If you don't want Yosemite Sam or the Mud Flap Girl, you can have your own mud flaps customized with whatever you want on quality materials to continue protecting your truck and showing everyone who you are at the same time.

The most popular use of custom mud flaps nowadays are for company cars. If you've ever been caught behind a large semi on the highway, or maybe stuck in traffic behind a moving van, you may have noticed that mud flaps are an effective advertising tool. Most companies spend a little extra in this truck and auto accessory to manipulate their vehicles to carry their company name and phone number on mud flaps.

More than mere truck and auto accessories, mud flaps can be a unique form of showing off who you are or acting as a clever bit of advertising. Never before have truck and car accessories been so interesting, versatile and amusing - while it protects!

About the Author
Terry Bolton is an internet publisher of automotive stuff. Read his useful and popular articles about how to buy used cars online as well as car parts the cheapest way.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Installing lift kits

If you are thinking of buying lift kits its important to understand first what it is. A lift kit is a vehicle modification that is used to lift either the suspension or the body. Installing lift kits will make the wheel wells of your vehicles to become higher so you can install bigger tires that are at least two sizes larger than stock. Currently there are two types of lift kits in the market, the body lifts and suspension lifts, each with their own advantage and disadvantage.

If you are in a tight budget you might want to consider body lifts. Body lift kit is inexpensive and made up of blocks and spacers. Offroaders does not usually prefer this kind of lift because it does not change or improve suspension or increase travel. Body lifts kit can increase the wheel wells so you can use larger tires but you might need to invest in raising the bumpers and other modifications to your car to accommodate the body lift.

On The other hand, suspension lift kit improves the clearance between the axles and ground as well as creates greater travel. By replacing the front and rear leaf springs and shocks the suspension lift kit can raise the suspension of your vehicle. If you also want to improve the articulation of your vehicle a good suspension lift kit is the right answer. Suspension lift kit will cost you a little more compare to body lift kit but you will surely love the results once you installed a suspension lift kit. Height, handling and ground clearance are some of the advantages of installing a suspension lift kit. There are lift kits as high as 18 inches but usually people prefer the 4-inch or 6-inch lift kits. Extreme lifts are not advisable because it can compromise safe handling and it is usually installed for showcase or hobbyist cars only.

Another thing to consider when you want to install lift kits is re-gearing. Installing lift kits and getting bigger tires will make your speedometer and odometer off. You can check the internet for ratio charts to give you an idea of what kind of gearing you will need for your vehicle. Re-gearing is important because it will keep the mileage of your vehicle as close to stock as possible.
Prices of lift kits vary from one manufacturer to another depending on the model and type of lift kit. Aside from the price of the lift kit you should also consider added cost for re-gearing, tires and modification cost to check if you are still on your budget. You can also try to talk first with your mechanic just to give you an idea of how much you will have to spend for the entire modification.

Before installing a lift kit you should always remember that the higher you raise your vehicle the less stable it will become specially in making sharp turns at high speeds. The recommended lift kit is 4 inches above this will make your vehicle less stable in sharp turns or lean more in banked turns such as freeway interchanges and off ramps. If you decide to install a higher suspension lift kit it is important to re-familiarize yourself with your vehicle because accidents can happen in split second such as avoiding an accident, debris or other reasons.

You might want to pay a mechanic or a trustworthy shop that specializes in 4x4 gears than installing it by yourself. There are a lot of shops out there that specializes in installing lift kits and other modifications. Do not forget to check with your dealership for warranty issues of your car before installing lift kits.

About the Author
Thanks for reading my article. If you would like to shop for truck parts and accessories visit http://www.4wheelonline.com Thanks.

Jeep Lift Kit for Suspension Miseries

All vehicles have to contend with road shocks. One way or another. This is pretty evident in the case of car models designed to handle the errant mass of rough terrains commonly attributed to off-road driving locations. Jeeps, in particular, number among vehicles that are most often subjected to such frightful indignities. How does road shocks figure into a driver's daily worries though? For drivers out there who know a thing or two about the ins and outs of the suspension system that lie under the hood of cars, road shocks happen to be its number one enemy. After all, the function of the suspension assembly is to reduce if not precisely eliminate, road shocks from the panoply of experiences one associates with the labor of driving.

However, there are instances when even the talents of the suspension system at hand is not enough and this entails a ride on the bumpy side for drivers unlucky enough to have their Jeeps succumb to such ills. An effective measure to take against these misfortunes is to have a Jeep Lift Kit handy. How will this ensure supremacy over the road shocks? Simple. The Jeep Lift Kit will improve the reception of the suspension system to the knocks and bumps. With a Lift Kit, the Jeep will be able to take on tracts that require steeper ascent, descent as well as breakover angles. In addition, the vehicle will be distinctly qualified to pull off higher ground clearance. All these are possible without the Jeep showing even the slightest sign of trouble.

These kits can also improve on the suspension structure in a manner that allows for bigger tires--which are great for off-road explorations--to be employed. Thus, bigger tires mean better chances at mobility. Jeep Lift Kits vary so consumers had better be on the look out for the right match for their vehicles when on a buying jaunt.

About the Author
John Garret is an automobile mechanic who knows every crook and cranny of his truck. He's also a vintage car enthusiast, and he's dedicated to fixing and restoring them. He is a motorist who believes in continuous research and improvement.

Suspension Lifts Kits--Your Truck's Answer to Platform Shoes

Suspension lift kits have come along way since the days when desert rats modified their rigs with axle blocks and add-a-leafs. Today's suspension lift kits are so technically advanced that it takes an engineering degree to make any sense at all, and it continues to get more complex. Modern truck builders use complicated set ups to try and find the balance between ride quality and off-road performance.

The aftermarket suspension industry is the only place to start when looking to lift your truck. When the off-road scene took off few decades ago, folks began tinkering with their truck's suspension. A few entrepreneurs quickly caught on and as the industry grew, their businesses grew right along with it. These days suspension lift kits are big business.

Whether you wanna lift your rig for a cool look, better performance or towing big loads, the market has every option covered. You can spend a few bucks on some performance shocks and simple brackets to completely change your rig's height and look. You can also opt to ditch the stock springs and shocks altogether for a set of adjustable air bags. Or, if so inclined, you can go with something like a 15" body and suspension lift kit that requires an air-traffic controller to pull into your driveway.

In order to get a smooth road ride and improved handling for off-road use, you'll need to get a quality lift kit. All kits will give you more ground clearance, of course, with the increased wheel travel helping to smooth the trails. A quality kit will include performance shocks that not only rebuff bumps and ruts; they can do wonders for your on-road handling as well.

When serious off-roading is in order, a full-blown suspension lift kit is the only way to go. The most affordable kits lift both the front and rear of your rig between 2 and 6 inches. The better kits replace shocks and springs; and depending on how high you're going, they may replace steering knuckles or add differential spacers to maintain factory-like handling. Many lift kits don't require welding and can be installed in your driveway, but most manufacturers encourage you to seek a professional for the installation.

Whether you use your rig for work or play, a high-quality suspension lift kit lends a major change to your rig's altitude and attitude. Looks and performance are both seriously altered, hopefully for the better. There are a lot of kits and styles available, so careful consideration must be taken to meet your lift needs and stay within your budget. Luckily, an eager suspension industry is waiting to serve you.

About the Author
When it comes to adding a suspension lift kit to your truck, it pays to be a curious and frugal shopper. There are a few fly-by-night outfits whose products could be down-right dangerous. It's best to stick with industry leaders like Fabtech Lift Kits or Pro Comp. These

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Suspension Systems...What's the Difference?

Just under that hood, we find our engines with different systems, the cooling system, transmission system, brake system, and many more other systems that helps run our vehicles. These systems are responsible for giving us a smooth ride, whether a car, an SUV or a truck you are driving - the most important of which is the suspension system. If your vehicle is installed with a high quality suspension system, every ride will be relaxing and safe. A standard suspension system is made up of coil springs, shock absorbers or struts, series of bars--traction bars, anti sway bars, and other linkages.

The coil spring is usually made up of an elastic material formed into a helix. They are coiled around the strut. They absorb the motion of the wheels by compressing and expanding. When coil springs become older, they sag and it reduces the ride height and ride comfort. In some cases, even new cars do not give you easy turning and cornering. It leaves you coil spring replacement as the best choice. Factory made Toyota coil springs, Honda coil springs, Mazda coil springs are engineered as a compromise between comfort and performance.

Though the coils springs constantly suppress the applied weight during a bounce, it cannot face the total impact of the bouncy ride. The shock absorbers reinforce them. It is a device that controls excessive spring motion. They lessen the impact of vibratory motions my distributing the kinetic energy. Shock absorbers are now sensitive to velocity. It offers more resistance to faster suspension moves. When your shock absorbers are not properly maintained and eventually are worn out, you need to get new ones. Faulty shock absorbers cause unnecessary bouncing, and swaying. Almost every brand of car offers their own shock absorbers for their vehicles and for other vehicle compatible to it.

The struts shares the work of the shock absorber, another work it does is that, compacts all other parts of the suspension system. These parts include the spring seats, steering knuckle, shock absorber and coil springs. Some signs of damaged struts are swaying, too much bouncing and bottoming out of tires. Quality struts are what you need when this problem arises. If you own a VW, new VW struts will work as good as the original one. With SUVs like the jeep, you need tougher struts and the jeep struts will suit you best.

For better launching, turning, braking and high speed stability, traction bars are added to the suspension system especially when your vehicle is a truck or an SUV. They have bigger tires and it create big torque loads. The traction bars' arc must be in line with the spring when it elongates during compression to prevent suspension bind. When choosing traction bars, you need to consider its geometry, strength of design and the material used. Lakewood Traction bars offers a great deal if your traction bars are already worn out.

Another bar, the anti-sway bar or the anti-roll bars also works with the struts and the shock absorbers. It is a metal rod that widens the entire axle and joins each side of the suspension. It creates a level ride by transferring movement from one wheel that goes up or down to the other. Suspension kits contain anti-sway bars and it is always ready for installment when something goes wrong. When your suspension system is properly maintained and if needs replacement are replaced with superior quality parts, your drive will always be of the highest quality of safety, performance and comfort.

About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Mercedes Benz AC Condenser for a cool car ride

As automotive history suggests, a Mercedes Benz is indeed a "cool" ride. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest auto makers in the world and it has produced vehicles that could testify the evolution of the car. The unique but specifically elegant design of every Mercedes Benz car has become a trademark of luxury. It is what the kids of this generation would call "cool". But knowledgeable drivers do not just go for all that hype. They know that once the hood of a Mercedes Benz is opened, they will understand why kids dub them as the "cool" cars.

The Mercedes Benz has different systems for the different functions that make the car work. But the most critical is the parts that comprise these systems. Rest assured that Mercedes Benz makes quality car parts, from its engine up to the Mercedes Benz AC Condenser. This specific car part is responsible for keeping the "cool" in the cool Mercedes Benz ride. Each of these Mercedes Benz AC devices is crafted with the highest quality so that the air conditioning would not falter to deliver the comfort one needs in a Mercedes Benz automobile.

The air conditioning system of a Mercedes Benz car is comprised of a compressor, the Mercedes Benz AC Condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. If you have ever used a can of compressed air to clean computer components, you will know that the bottle gets very cold in a short amount of time. This is due to the rapid expansion of the compressed gas. The same thing happens in the car's air conditioning system. Refrigerant (also known as Freon) is compressed in the compressor and turns into a hot gas. In the Mercedes Benz AC Condenser, this hot gas is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the expansion valve. As the Freon goes through the expansion valve it returns to a low-pressure gas and rapidly cools in the evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator and cools the air that eventually blows out through the vents.

From time to time the air conditioning system needs to be recharged to bring it back up to maximum efficiency. Sometimes a leak may cause loss of refrigerant and will need to be fixed before refilling. It may be difficult to tell if a leak is present without specific test equipment, so it is always better to seek professional help. As the air conditioning system is responsible for the temperature inside one's Mercedes Benz automobile, it is crucial that he maintain it periodically. Problems can be fixed but if ever replacement would be needed, one may easily find Mercedes Benz air conditioning parts in the market. Specifically, the Mercedes Benz AC Condenser is provided in the industry for the maintenance of the cooling system of a Mercedes Benz. One must always take necessary actions to preserve his Mercedes Benz's quality of performance.
The aesthetic appeal and drive performance of each Mercedes Benz automobile are treated with the highest value so that these would work hand and hand to give its patrons the balance and synchronization needed in an automobile. Automotive parts of Mercedes Benz vehicles are incorporated with highly engineered concepts so that each would serve and function according to the Mercedes Benz standard of services and functions. And people openly appreciate it, no matter what age, or from what background---because Mercedes Benz understands a cool car, so they make them.

About the Author
Miranda Restelle is a freelance writer and car enthusiast. She believes that women should see the beauty and style in cars, as they see the beauty and style in fashion.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

What Are Your Body Kit Options?

Car owners take a lot of pride in their vehicles. If you know a bit about altering your car, such as installing body kits, then finding your dream vehicle will not be that difficult. If you find an automobile that is almost perfect, but the lines aren't quite right for your tastes, then you can make a few alterations and wind up with just what you want.

There are many types of body kits that you can install in your truck or car. You can purchase kits for installing side skirts and fenders, roll pans and rear spoilers, to name just a few. A little bit of alteration can really go a long way towards the satisfaction you will ultimately get out of your vehicle.

If you want to make your auto a bit more sporty-looking, then rear spoilers are a good idea. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for this addition, and rear spoilers come in different styles, depending on which angle you prefer. When you decide to upgrade your vehicle with a spoiler, however, be sure that you have it custom-crafted to your vehicle's exact specs and that it fits your trunk lid snugly. You should also be sure you match the color of your paint precisely. Of course, you may actually want a new paint job. If that's the case, the best time to have your car painted is after you've made all the additions to your car that you want to.

A roll pan is probably the item that will alter the look of your vehicle more than any other addition you could possibly make. A roll pan will smooth out the back end of your vehicle. The traditional "diving board" bumper look is hard on the eyes because it makes your vehicle much too busy. If you decide to purchase a roll pan, expect to pay around $170 or more. However, make sure the roll pan's shape fits your vehicle and is ready to be painted to match. In addition, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the styles of roll pans that are available for your model.

Side skirts and fenders are a great additional kit if you are planning to install a roll pan, because they will also smooth out your vehicle's lines considerably. Side skirts and fenders are the part of the car beneath the doors. The basic car comes off the assembly line looking blocky, but adding a bit of decoration can really make the vehicle more attractive. However, just because side skirts and fenders are decorations for your vehicle, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be able to take a punch. Chances are, they will at one time or another. Expect to pay from around $170 up to the neighborhood of $500 for these accessories.

These are nowhere near all of the neat alterations you can make on your vehicle. You can install beautiful bumper covers and air dams, side view mirrors and many other parts to make your truck or SUV the envy of everyone on the road. The choice is yours!

About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and free quotes from a list of car insurance companies.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Style It High With a Volvo Spoiler

Safety and luxury have been the topmost priorities of the Swedish automaker Volvo when it comes to producing their vehicles. Along with this, they also have been committed into making cars that are environment friendly, and that which would adjust to the climate of the areas in Scandinavia. That was actually their original concept when they began their automaking and have since then stuck to that concept.

They have produced countless numbers of automobiles and with that they were able to continuously improve the cars they make. Although their vehicles' horsepower range from a 150-300hp, they were never known for their speed ability, when they very well could. It was because they still believed in the concept of safety and luxury, and they were never wrong on sticking to that. It was because the people of Scandinavia warmly welcomed the concept, and when they started exporting what they have to offer, the same treatment was shown to them worldwide.

It was not only the engines, the performance, and the makes of the cars that they keep improving. They also paid just as much attention to the exterior accessories they produce as they know the importance of these things. One of which they proudly offer to their loyal clients is their Volvo Spoiler.

They know the importance spoilers bring with regards to the aerodynamic aspect and so they make their Volvo Spoiler with only the best quality and much effort. A spoiler has the important role of decreasing the lift, minimizing the drag, and in increasing the amount of force that pushes the vehicle's tires to the road surface.

Though these spoilers are usually found in race cars, Volvo didn't take for granted the fact that these have already been a common attachment to regular cars as well. They made their Volvo Spoiler not just an important part of any of their Volvo makes but also an aggressive accessory for which any car having it will stand out amongst others. With little, if none at all, negative aerodynamic impact, they turned their luxury cars into luxury sports car, fitting both the elite and adventurous kind.

About the Author
Amanda Nealy is a 26-year-old proprietor of a local car rental service in Montgomery, Alabama. Amanda is the daughter of an automobile designer, and inherited her father's passion for cars of all kinds.

What Are Your Body Kit Options?

Car owners take a lot of pride in their vehicles. If you know a bit about altering your car, such as installing body kits, then finding your dream vehicle will not be that difficult. If you find an automobile that is almost perfect, but the lines aren't quite right for your tastes, then you can make a few alterations and wind up with just what you want.

There are many types of body kits that you can install in your truck or car. You can purchase kits for installing side skirts and fenders, roll pans and rear spoilers, to name just a few. A little bit of alteration can really go a long way towards the satisfaction you will ultimately get out of your vehicle.

If you want to make your auto a bit more sporty-looking, then rear spoilers are a good idea. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for this addition, and rear spoilers come in different styles, depending on which angle you prefer. When you decide to upgrade your vehicle with a spoiler, however, be sure that you have it custom-crafted to your vehicle's exact specs and that it fits your trunk lid snugly. You should also be sure you match the color of your paint precisely. Of course, you may actually want a new paint job. If that's the case, the best time to have your car painted is after you've made all the additions to your car that you want to.

A roll pan is probably the item that will alter the look of your vehicle more than any other addition you could possibly make. A roll pan will smooth out the back end of your vehicle. The traditional "diving board" bumper look is hard on the eyes because it makes your vehicle much too busy. If you decide to purchase a roll pan, expect to pay around $170 or more. However, make sure the roll pan's shape fits your vehicle and is ready to be painted to match. In addition, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the styles of roll pans that are available for your model.

Side skirts and fenders are a great additional kit if you are planning to install a roll pan, because they will also smooth out your vehicle's lines considerably. Side skirts and fenders are the part of the car beneath the doors. The basic car comes off the assembly line looking blocky, but adding a bit of decoration can really make the vehicle more attractive. However, just because side skirts and fenders are decorations for your vehicle, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be able to take a punch. Chances are, they will at one time or another. Expect to pay from around $170 up to the neighborhood of $500 for these accessories.

These are nowhere near all of the neat alterations you can make on your vehicle. You can install beautiful bumper covers and air dams, side view mirrors and many other parts to make your truck or SUV the envy of everyone on the road. The choice is yours!

About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and free quotes from a list of car insurance companies.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Making Your Car as Perfect as can be

Man by nature has no contentment. Concrete examples are the inventions of scientists. They invent because they feel something is lacking; something is wrong; or simple, because they are not contented.

The continuous evolution of more high tech mobile phones is another example. Each model comes with different features; more refined, highly innovated. One day you saw a walky-talky. Then suddenly you see smaller cellular phones. Then within the blink of an eye comes cell phones with cameras, videos, instant organizer, internet connection, and so on.

The automobile industry isn't free of discontentment. Before there were "old school" cars like the Beetle, and the Oldsmobile cars. Now, the industry has Toyota , Mitsubishi, Acura, Volvo, Hyundai, Isuzu, Honda, Kia, and BMW and so on. People continue to gravitate to highly innovated sedans, convertibles, trucks, and so on.

As the quest for perfection continues, custom car enthusiasts gather for an annual show, the Performance & Style 2007.

For its part, Honda makes subtle innovations in an Accord model which is sold only in Europe and Japan. Then, it is repacked for sale in the United States as the Acura TSX with Acura performance parts.

An American custom car maker buys the TSX. He removes all the innovations and proceeds to spending thousands of dollars on JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) parts just to turn the car into an exact duplicate of the original Japanese domestic model.

If finances permit, he might still make another move to innovate this. He might even move the steering wheel to the right-hand side of the cockpit, as it would be in Japan.

Ian Worrall, who works at Creative Car-Tunes, which is a custom car shop in Lemoyne asserted if one has to ask the question, Why go to all this trouble?, he will never understand what customizing is.

Last weekend at Carlisle Fairgrounds, was the Performance & Style 2007, which was presented by Carlisle Events. It is an annual gathering of custom car hobbyists and professionals.

Thousands attended the said event to show off their customized cars and trucks and to see the latest in all things hip, trick, dubbed, flipped, pimped and tweaked.

Neil Tjin, one of the nation's best-known people who customizes compact car, displayed his Tjin Edition Honda Fit, Nissan Skyline and Pontiac Solstice.

To know what customizing is, better not miss this show next year and witness several innovative ideas from car enthusiasts.

About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Making Your Car Look Great With Honda Body Kits

For the many people who use Honda cars there are interesting ways of making your car look great. The Honda body kits that you can buy are one answer to having a fantastic looking car. With these kits for the car body you can turn your ordinary looking Honda into a personalized car. The most important feature of these body car kits is the paint job that is applied, once the new parts have been fitted on.

When you start your hunt for the perfect Honda body kits there are several types of kits that you can encounter. These kits will include spoilers for your car, ground effects, air ducts and many others. When you look at these different parts you should also take a look at the price range that you can buy the various kits for.

To help the owner of Honda cars choose the right type of accessories and body kits for their car make and model the different Honda body kits are available for the different years. This means that if you want to outfit your car with body kits for that particular year you will be able easily find these kits. Also you can use universal body kit parts in combination with the Honda body kits that you have just bought.

This possibility allows you almost unlimited choices and varieties of fixing your Honda car up. The best fact about buying these various Honda body kits is that you can change the look of your car for a small amount as compared to buying a new car or even looking at the various sports cars which are very affordable.

The many different types of Honda body kits and their accessories can be found both on the internet and also at your local area custom car builders. From these various locations you should gain an idea of the various kits that you want to buy and their full price. This price range should include that of installation and the professional graphic paint work to the body of the car.

To give you an idea of the various Honda body kits that you can buy you should see what can be installed for a typical Honda vehicle like that of a Honda Civic. These kits will include the Xenon body kits, Avenger body kits and Bigmouth body kits to name a few. While these types of body kits may not be available with all of the Honda cars you are bound to find some that will not only appeal to you but ones that are compatible with your car.

The best fact that can be found with using Honda body kits is the near unlimited creative process you can go through. So if you feel the need for speed why not look to changing your car and life style with Honda body kits.

About the Author
Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Car Kits for Years. For More Information on Honda Body Kits, Visit His Site at Honda Body Kits

Monday, February 19, 2007

Kit Cars

Kit Cars are cars that can be purchased in kit form and assembled at home. It is common for Kit Car enthusiasts to obtain their material from several "donor cars". There are a lot of Kit Car enthusiasts out there and people enter the Kit Car hobby for different reasons. Working with your hands and assembling something from the beginning can be extremely relaxing and riding in a car that you have built yourself is an indescribable experience. Kit Cars are however not for everyone, and if you know that you become frustrated by having to change your wind shield wipers a Kit Car might not be a wise idea.

Assembling a Kit Car can be a way of getting a cheaper car, but you should keep in mind that you will need a place to work in as well as the necessary tools. A lot of Kit Cars are assembled not primarily because they are cheaper than ordinary cars, but because a Kit Car can be made to suit your own particular needs and fill niches where it is hard to find ordinary cars. One of the most well known Kit Cars is for instance the Dune Buggy. The Dune Buggy is also known as Beach Buggy and Sand Rail. This Kit Car is not intended for high ways; it is a recreational vehicle that can be used on beaches and sand dunes where ordinary cars experience problems. The Dune Buggy is small and low-weight and has much larger wheels and tires than a normal car. The engine is mounted on an open chassis that is perfect for hot summer days at the beach. The Dune Buggy is usually constructed from older Volkswagen Beetles.

Kit Cars are also popular due to the possibility to create a car that resembles historic or contemporary cars. One of the most frequently replicated cars is the AC Cobra. The original AC Cobras was powerful and stylish Anglo-American sports car that was creating during the 1960s. In 1968, the last Roadster platform was produced which put an end to the AC Cobra since the AC Cobra was built on this platform. The public had however taken a liking to the potent and beautiful AC Cobra and Kit Car enthusiast started to build their own AC Cobras. Today, there exist more Kit Car AC Cobra cars than original AC Cobra cars. Some of these Kit Cars are exact replicas while others are only inspired by the original AC Cobra. Some replicas can even be said to be improved versions of the original AC Cobra, since the Kit Car builders can utilise the inventions and automobile engineering advances.

About the Author
The Kit car enables you to have the car of your dreams, You can for exampel use a Hummer kit to build your own hummer to cruise around the city and country in. You can also take your kit Hummer and modify it to create your own custom Hummer.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Assemble Your Own Sports Car

If you want a racy looking car, but don't desire any of the current mainstream manufacturers cars, why not build your own? There is a large selection of sports self built cars, ranging from the uncomplicated Locost right up to Replicas of the Worlds top Supercars. This article tries to give you a taste of what you could be sat behind the wheel of if you choose to assemble it yourself.
So you have chosen to construct your own kit car, but where do you take the first step? I suggest that you check out a few models that take your fancy from a selection of manufacturers. Taking for example, a Countach replica, there are a wide range of build options as well as budget and skill requirements. So you will need to set a budget and look at your own capabilities before you make a final decision on a specific manufacturer.

Now, you may want to check out the manufacturers Owners Club. Many have websites or forums where you can chat to other builders or check out would-be difficulties you may have. If the kit manufacturer offers poor support or badly finished components, the forums are where you will find out!

Now you should have a shortlist of potential high performance car projects, a budget to work to and a reasonable idea of the mechanical skills you need. You should now pick a kit. In order to make a choice, I suggest that you go to the kit car shows or manufacturers open days and chat to other kit car builders. Remember, they have important experience in building your chosen model and can supply advice if you should get stuck with a particular problem.

Once you have placed your order for a kit, the work really begins. Even before the kit arrives, you should locate the cleanest, most mechanically sound donor car that you can. The better the donor, the better the finished kit car you will have. All required mechanical parts should be removed and cleaned as per the kit builders instructions. If you are not totally happy with the condition of a part then it should be thrown away and replaced. Don't take risks with your safety. It is a good idea at this stage to get insurance cover for your kit project.

For most kit cars, putting together the car is relatively stress-free. Any manufacturer that has sold more than a few kits will have a detailed manual detailing every phase, in the right order. If you have questions then ask the manufacturer, Owners Club or forums. You will be surprised at how helpful your fellow kit builders are. It is in the manufacturers own interests to assist you as much as they can, and many have dedicated helplines for this task. After all, when you drive the car, you will become a traveling advertisement for their product.

Now that you have assembled the car you will need to ensure that any testing and paperwork is in order before taking to the highway. Again, the manufacturer and Owners Club are the ideal people to put you straight.

When you drive your completed sports car on the road, you will feel a sense of pride as you drive a hand crafted car that you built yourself.

About the Author
Mark Heywood runs Premier Kit Cars, a website dedicated to helping enthusiasts select and put together their own high performance cars.

How To Build Your Own Sports Car

Cars have long since been held as a fascinating piece of engineering and the vehicle has come a long way since the invention of the wheel. Boys and to some extent girls are into playing with cars from a young age and for many this fascination goes on to become a hobby. Some collect, others learn to drive and drive as much as they can, yet others turn their driving passion towards racing and other car oriented sports. In the sporting arena we have the sports car enthusiasts who will do anything to be with their cars.

Another category is the sports car fan and drivers who have graduated to actual production of these cars. They will go on to build cars from scratch to resemble some of the most valuable and rare cars in the history of cars. These are called kit car owners who go the distance to make quality replicas of the original vehicle. Now the end product looks almost indistinguishable from the original. Take the famous Cobra - it has a lot of takers.

There is something to be said about getting the tool box out and building your own replicar. Some actually revel in the challenge that this hobby brings with it. You also get to create your dream car without spending a fortune on it. Replicars facilitate building your own car ground upwards using a kit body along with a common mainstream automotive base and other parts. In itself the world of replicars is a different world altogether which comprises builders and fans. They hold rallies and get togethers where there is a lot of interaction and a lot of ideas are exchanged and most tend to find parts that they need and another does not. Not only does this hobby encourage more socializing with like minded people it also brings with it a heady mix of people from different walks of life and one gets a chance to learn about different aspects of replicars and others' experiences.

A personally-built car means you have a very clear idea of your car's capability and limitations. So the success of your car depends on your ability to have understood what you have made and to use it to its optimum strength. Of course there is always the option of buying your favorite classic model and driving it around but to build a replicar and then use what you have put together is a feeling only true enthusiasts can understand. These classic cars models sure make heads turn and they come with interesting stories too. Replicar enthusiasts and kit car builders are the ones who really know what driving is all about as they are both the creators and the users.

About the Author
Jackson Porter is a staff writer at Automobile Enthusiast and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Environmental Central.
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Improve Your Ride With Eibach Pro Kits

What do you like most about driving down an empty highway? Seeing the sun rise? Punching the accelerator and gunning down the endless stretch of road? Rocking to the pulse of punk rock while you make a turn? These things, of course, are the common answers that come to mind, but we never for once think that there might be something else besides these that we take extreme pleasure in and that is comfort. Some of us take for granted the ease which we drive our cars in when in fact it is this comfort that allows us to enjoy the experience of driving in the first place.

Imagine driving a car that has a weak suspension system. You'd be bouncing in your seat every time there's a hump in the road and you'd find yourself cursing at the existence of potholes. It would be, suffice it to say, an incredibly rough and bumpy ride. That's what suspensions prevent from happening. It turns a potentially nightmarish experience into a smooth cruise. But of course, you shouldn't put all the weight on your suspensions. There are a number of suspension system upgrades that you can do so that your suspension system can operate with high level of precision and ease. Among these are pro kit systems. Auto pro kit additions most common to cars are lowering kits. Eibach Pro Kit is a prime example of this one. What do pro kits like Eibach Pro Kit do?

Kits like this lower your car, hence the term. Why is that such a good idea? What is the advantage of driving a lowered car than a car that depends on its factory suspensions? A number of things certainly but foremost is that of stability. It's the law of gravity at work, after all. A lowered car will be better at managing rocky road conditions than one that is higher simply because the center of gravity is lowered. This makes the car less resistant to tipping over or to spinning onto its back when an accident occurs. The car, in turn, becomes more stable. That's one advantage of ground-hugging cars. Having this feature perks up car performance since the car is now better equipped to handle turns on the road. You now have a better handle on all those curves you used to hate. In addition, because of these Eibach Pro Kits, sudden breaks in the middle of the street won't be a problem. Ever found yourself stepping on that break pedal while going 80 on the road because something leaped in front of your headlights? No more worries about taking an unprecedented nose dive into the dashboard. Your pro kits will serve to absorb the energy from the road and get rid of it without causing undue distress to your ride. Shorter and stiffer springs most often constitute lowering kits -we say shorter and stiffer than factory suspension springs, by way of comparison. So, for a smoother ride and enhanced handling, the easiest way to achieve them is to go for pro kits like Eibach Pro Kits.

About the Author
26-year-old Binky is a coach at a call center company, and discovered it wasn't for her. She has realized that her bank account is now adequate to pursue what she wants, which is photography. She plans to go on a photo-op and tour the Philippines.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Fixing those springs for Celica GT-S

In hooking up a car, a set of lowering springs is a must. The springs have to be firm, but not too stiff. How many times have you seen lowered cars bouncing up and down? or more specifically, while the car is moving? When the car bounces, its contact patch gets inconsistent, increasing the chances of the tire losing complete grip, which is definitely not good. If the tire were to skip off the pavement for a split second while going into a turn, you could lose control of your car and wreck it. Eibach has been manufacturing springs since 1951 and they make performance springs for almost every car out there. Two kits are offered for the Celica GT-S: Pro-Kit and Sport line. Pro-Kits would have lowered the car a little more than an inch. If you are on going with larger 17-inch wheels, Eibach recommends that you go with Sport lines, which lowers the car 1.8 inches up front and 2.4 inches out back. When using the Sportline kit, it is highly suggested that Eibach's alignment kit is installed to bring the camber specs back into spec.

Here are the steps in fixing the spring for Celica GT-S from the folks at superstreetonline.com:

1. Start off by removing the rear interior panels.

2. After the panels are out, remove the bolts holding the strut/spring to the strut tower.

3. Same goes for the front assembly.

4. Remove the lower bolts that hold the lower control arms to the upper links. Don't try and push the LCA down to facilitate room for the removal of the strut/spring assembly.

5. Moving to the front of the car, use a strap to hold the axle in the tranny. When removing the strut, gravity pulls the suspension out to full droop, and can potentially yank the axle out.

6. Pull out the strut/spring assembly.

7. Mark each strut to be sure you don't mix them up.

8. Measure the bump stop and trim off the appropriate amount. Eibach includes instructions on how much should be trimmed.

9. The bumps top sawed the appropriate amount off. The reason the bumps top is shortened is to give you additional suspension travel. Since the car will obviously sit lower, you'll lose a bit of travel if you leave the bumpstops at their stock length. Do not remove the bumpstops.

10. Put the washers and remain the hardware back on the strut, paying close attention to the order.

11. The top of the strut shaft has a flat portion that you need to pay attention to. A lot of times, users will just smash the upper mount and be happy with a force fit. Don't do it Chip!

12. Install the OEM rubber dust boot and upper mount. This is the front assembly, but the same thing goes for the rear.

13. Before you tighten down all the bolts, be sure to align the spring seat properly. Then it is done!

If you need to know more of this, visit the site on Eibach Brand.

About the Author
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Truck Accessories

Custom Trucks have never been so popular. More people than ever are now buying trucks and not just to be used on a farm or to haul cargo.

A truck can be customised to reflect you individuality and there are many truck accessories to choose from in today's market.

Some of today's trucks are on par with prestige cars and with the truck accessories you can buy either as an upgrade from the dealership as part of the initial purchase or later down the line as an add on make the ride comfortable and relaxing. Gone are the days when trucks were purchased simply as a utility to haul cargo from one place to another.

Whilst it's possible to obtain truck accessories from the manufactures of the vehicle it is far easier and more often than not far cheaper to shop around online. The added advantage of shopping online for your truck accessories is that you don't have to trudge miles to your nearest garage or dealership only to find that they don't have that particular part in stock. You then find yourself making a return journey days later to pick the part up when it finally arrives.

Ordering your truck accessories online will not only gives you a broader selection to choose from but allows you do it from the comfort of your own home. Normally the part will arrive within a couple of days of it being ordered.

There list of truck accessories is endless. You can customise both the interior and exterior. Designer seat covers and floor mats are available where you can even have your company logo or loved ones name embroidered on them to give your truck a unique and personal touch. Custom truck interiors can also include LCD TV's, sleeping bays, pivot seating and so on.

The exterior of your truck is equally as important as the interior. There are a variety of truck accessories available for the exterior which include fender flares, grille guards, hood figures, mirrors, cargo nets, splash guards, steps, spoilers, tire covers and graphics and logos. Try to get the right mix of for your vehicle as too many extras will look completely over the top and ridiculous.

Make sure you buy your truck parts from a reliable source. If it's over the internet check the feedback from other customers who have used the same website and remember to read their returns policy.

If it's a private sale make sure you get the goods before you hand over the money. If it is a main dealer be prepared to pay full price for your parts.

About the Author
Vicki Churchill writes for http://www.custom-truck-interiors.com, a site that specializes in Truck Accessories Customising Your Truck, Truck Hire, Truck Parts & Types of Trucks

Custom Car Parts

There are lots of people who like to change how their cars look and perform. For these people buying various custom car parts is part of trying to attain their ideal vision of a great car. For this reason you can find these individuals looking through many different car parts magazines and the internet. This is all in the hope that they will find the various custom car parts that are desired by them.

Now even though these people are willing to spend long hours overhauling their cars and they don't mind spending money on their cars, they do want quality items. To get these parts these individual will spend some time researching the various car parts just to ensure that the needed specifications are available so that these parts can be installed in their car.

Unlike many ordinary car parts custom car parts can be bought separately so that they meld together with different brands. Now even though these parts are from different models there is a good chance that they will still provide excellent quality performance. One of the best ways to find the good quality custom car parts is in many ways the internet.

With this facility you can look for various custom car parts that you want from all around the world. This means that you don't necessarily have to buy all of your custom car parts from the same country or even the same manufacturer. What you will have to do is to see if these individual parts have the ability to integrate with other parts that have a different style of manufacturing.

In addition to these facts you will need to see whether these internet custom car parts can be returned if you find any defective parts. Generally you will find that very few internet companies allow returns or exchanges. So if you are willing to take this risk, you can consider buying the various custom car parts that you want from internet stores.

You can also see if there are car parts and accessories stores that can provide you with the service of installing custom car parts in to your car. This avenue may be more preferable to many people as you can actually talk to someone who has the knowledge and experience in dealing with these situations.

At the end of your venture into having custom car parts you will have learned many facts that will be of help when you need to install these various parts into your car. All of the various custom car part items that you have bought and the ones that you have yet to purchase will play their part in making your car perform even better than ever.

About the Author
Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on custom car parts, visit his site at http://www.merpetsales.com/caraudio/