JULY AUTOMOTIVE ARTICLES
========================================
How to Keep Your Car Safe From Thieves
By John Newcomb
In the recent past, incidents of car theft have been on the rise in spite of the development of modern technologically advanced gadgets. However, there has been a shift in the manner of the theft. In some cases, the thieves steal valuable stuff lying inside the car like stereo player etc. While it is relatively difficult to steal the whole car itself, goods can be stolen quite conveniently.
So, if you are in the habit of leaving behind your laptop in the car, then its time to stop doing that. Remember, these small time thieves are looking for anything that might fetch them some money be it a cellphone or some other electronic gadget. As mentioned above, a variety of safety products like a steering lock are available in he market. To add to the safety of your car, just follow a simple list of do's and dont's.
1. First of all, avoid leaving any valuables in the car. Sometimes, out of sheer laziness, you might be tempted to just leave your laptop behind. But you have to be cautious.
But in a situation where you cannot take your belonging with you due to certain obligations, always remember to hide them under the seat so that they are not visible to a passer by. It must not be evident that there is something worth stealing in your car.
2. Invest in some kind of technological gadget that ensures the safety of your car. You could either go for an immobiliser or a simpler lock according to the model and specifications of your car.
3. Pick your parking spot well. Avoid spots that are deserted or dark. If possible, always park your car in an area that is heavily populated and has some pedestrian traffic all the time. It is always easier for thieves to steal things in a dingy area with a few or no people around.
Last but not the least, always be on the lookout. Even while you are driving keep your doors locked and windows up. Never leave your wallet in plain sight. You have to understand that if someone sets his or her yeys on your stuff inside your car, he or she will ultimately damage your car in addition to stealing goods from it.
Get insider tips and techniques to help you in overcoming panic attacks at my website:
www.OvercomingPanicAttacksEasily.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic License Plates
Research on electronic license plates is considered to become a possible revenue source for California. The first official step was made through the bill California senator Curren Price has proposed. License plate advertising is hoped to generate enough money to help cover the huge deficit of the state of California. Such a plate would be similar to an ordinary license plate, displaying the license plate numbers and letters when the car is in motion.
However, the display is digital and when the car is stopped for four seconds, the license would display an advertisement on one portion of it. ID Numbers will still be displayed even when the car is stopped. Besides ads, the plate could display Amber Alerts in emergency situations.
Such a device could mean a new source of revenue for the state of California. Other states are also financing research for such technology, but senator Price suggested that California Department of Motor Vehicles could be the first one to implement these plates. Smart Plate is one firm that is already involved in developing electronic license plates. Development will probably continue when the bill is passed.
An electronic plate could offer drivers the possibility of displaying custom messages such as their favorite sports team. This way, the plate will not be just a way of advertising but also a method to show support for other organizations.
On such a plate, you could program any message to express your political beliefs, alert other drivers that you have a baby on board, or that you are a senior citizen or new driver. You could even advertise your business, products, services or website.
An electronic license plate is powered by the car's power system, and includes a memory chip for storing relevant information. This chip communicates with a main computer system of the agency you select. Removal of the plate can disable the car. In addition, a report of theft could be displayed if such a message is entered into the main computer system. The downside is that there are already electronic license plates used as blurring devices. Such gadgets can conceal numbers and letter of the original license plate. There will always be people looking for ways to hack the system and evade law inforcement. In addition, bumper repair prices could increase dramatically once you use such a system.
Electronic License Plates are already available as durable metallic brackets and use a LED light that is weatherproof and function as additional break lights. You can program 5 messages with 250 characters per message. E-plates have been used in the UK to display car information number and there are products that are self-powered and can display the ID of the car independently of the power systems of the car. Such plates break up when attempt to remove them are made by unauthorized agents and the status displayed is changed.
While some people think it is useful, such digital plate might result in more annoying traffic. If however, you like advertisements, you will not have additional sources of fun while driving.
Dennis runs Car Dealer Check a site that provides user generated Car Dealer Reviews and information on California Car Dealers.
---------------------------------------------
1969 Mustang For Sale
By Daniel Legal
Ford had beaten all other automakers to the punch when they introduced the Ford Mustang in 1964. The Mustang was an immediate success, and Ford was generating a fortune in a market with so little competition. However, within three years, that all changed. The Mustang was facing stiff competition from the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird among others.
While the 1969 Mustang was in the design phase, sales of the Ford Mustang had plummeted, and it was clear that the company had lost its muscle car crown, at least temporarily. Therefore, the upcoming Mustang was critical, so Ford focused a great deal of resource toward putting a 1969 Mustang for sale on the market that would once again change the automotive landscape.
The 1969 Mustang for sale to the public had to be what some in the company referred to as a "killer street car". In other words, while Ford may have innovated muscle, they rested on their laurels while GM defined it. Ford now had to get back to what had made the original Mustangs so exciting, and give the 1969 Mustang for sale the muscle and vibe it needed to draw attention away from the Camaro.
Perhaps the 1969 Mustangs greatest aspect is that it managed to be new and exciting visually while still being instantly recognizable as a Mustang. Automotive critics of the time called it "more adult" and "more serious" than the Mustangs referred to as the "late 65s". Even today, it's tough to argue with that assessment. The 1969 is a mean machine, and it looks it. This is a bullet ready to smoke that car you're driving right off the line.
Advancement for the Mustang in 1969 also came in the form of living up to the company vision of "models for specific segments of the market". In doing so, the 1969 Mustang for sale offered the widest choice of models and powertrains not only among Mustangs but also among all muscle cars. Perhaps at the time no one except visionaries within the Ford fully appreciated what that would mean. In retrospect, it is clear that building the Mustang presence throughout the automotive market helped establish it as the de facto sports car of choice in the U.S.
Under the hood, Ford started with the 200- and 250-cubic-inch V6 motors that generate 115 and 155 horsepower, respectively. The base V8 option was a 302-cubic-inch motor that produces 220 horsepower. The big-block 390 hammers out 320, down five horsepower from the version that Ford included in the 1968 model. The top option was once again the Cobra Jet 428 that Ford conservatively rated at 335 horsepower with or without the optional ram-air induction.
There were also four distinct special models of the 1969 Mustang for sale. These included the Mach 1, the Boss 302, the Boss 429, and the Shelby. While the standard models sold best, these models forged the Mustang's iconic status. The Mach 1 fastback boasted a 351 V8 with dual exhausts, and it had the handling suspension to match. Ford designed the Boss 302 as a "killer" fastback called the Trans Am until Pontiac claimed the name. The 302 Boss V8 produced 290 rated horsepower at 4600 rpm, but actual horsepower was a lot closer to 400. The Boss 429 was the costliest non-Shelby to date, but this one never lived up to the hype due to a chassis that couldn't live up to the car's maximum output. Likewise, the Shelby, while winning style points, lost performance points due to weight that limited performance. Modern enthusiasts are able to overcome these limitations though.
Dan Legal is a member of the web team that runs the website LemonFree.com Cars. LemonFree is a car search engine which currently has over 2 million new and used cars for sale. If your trying to locate a 1969 Mustang For Sale; trust LemonFree to help you find your next car today!
----------------------------------------------------
Chevrolet Camaro - One of the Most Popular Cars for Modification in the Automotive History
By Harry Rockwell
The Chevrolet Camaro was a compact car introduced in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors at the start of the 1967 model year as competition for the Ford Mustang.
Although it was technically a compact (by the standards of the time), the Camaro, like the entire class of Mustang competitiors, was soon known as a pony car.
Though the car's name was contrived with no meaning, General Motors researchers found the word in a French dictionary as a slang term for "friend" or "companion." Ford Motor Company researchers discovered other definitions, including "a shrimp-like creature" and an arcane term for "loose bowels"! In some automotive periodicals before official release, it was code-named "Panther".
Four distinct generations of the car were produced.
Generation 1
1967
Sharing mechanicals with the upcoming 1968 Chevrolet Nova, the Camaro featured unibody structure. Chevrolet offered the car in only two body styles, a coupe and convertible. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options including three main packages were avaible.
* RS Package included many cosmetic changes such as RS badging, hidden headlights, blacked out grill, revised taillights and interior trims.
* SS Package included modified 5.7 L (350 in³) V8 engine (first 350 in³ engine ever offered by Chevrolet), also L35 396 in³ "big block" was avaible. SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping and blacked out grill. It was possible to order both - RS and SS packages to receive RS/SS Camaro. In 1967 Camaro RS/SS Convertible Camaro with 396 in³ engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race.
* Z28 option code was introduced in 1966. This option package wasn't mentioned in any sales literature so was unknown by most of the buyers. The only way to order Z28 package was to order base Camaro with Z28 option, front disc brakes, power steering and Muncie 4-speed transmission.
Z28 package featured unique 302 in³ "small block" engine, designed specifically to compete in the Club of America Trans Am racing series (which required engines smaller than 305 in³ and public availablity of the car).
Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290 hp (216 kW) while actual dyno readings rated it at 360 to 400 hp (269 to 298 kW). Z28 also came with upgraded suspension and racing stripes on the hood. It was possible to combine Z28 package with RS package. Only 602 Z28's were sold.
Generation 2
The larger second-generation Camaro featured an all-new sleek body and improved suspension. The 1970-1/2 Camaro debuted as a 2+2 coupe; no convertible was offered and would not appear again until well into the third generation.
Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969 with the exception of the 230 in³ (3.8 L) six cylinder -- the base engine was now the 250 in³ (4.1 L) six rated at 155 hp (116 kW).
The top performing motor was a L-78 396 in³ (6.5 L) V8 rated at 375 hp (280 kW). (Starting in 1970, the 396 in³ big block V8's actually displaced 402 in³ (6.6 L), yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badging.) Two 454 in³ (7.4 L) engines - the LS-6 and LS-7 - were listed on early specification sheets but never made it into production.
Besides the base model, buyers could select the "Rally Sport" option with a
distinctive front nose and bumper, a "Super Sport" package, and the "Z-28 Special Performance Package" featuring a new high-performance 360 hp
(268 kW) 350 in³ (5.7 L) cid V8.
1972
The 1972 Camaro suffered two major setbacks. A UAW strike at a GM assembly plant in Ohio disrupted production for 174 days, and 1100 Camaros had to be scrapped because they did not meet 1973 Federal bumper safety standards.
Some at GM seriously considered dropping the Camaro and Firebird altogether, while others were convinced the models remained marketable. The latter group eventually convinced those in favor of dropping the F Cars to reconsider, and Chevrolet would go on to produce 68,656 Camaros in 1972, the lowest production numbers for any model year.
Generation 3
1982
The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions (three-speed on the earlier models), five-speed manual transmissions (four-speed manual transmissions in 1982, and some 83-84 models), 15 or 16-inch rims, hatchback body style, and even a four-cylinder engine for a brief period (due to concerns over fuel economy).
The Camaro Z28 was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1982.
1985
In 1985 Chevrolet introduced a new Camaro model - the famous IROC-Z, called after popular racing series. IROC-Z Camaro featured upgraded suspension, special decal package and Tuned Port Injection system taken from the Chevrolet_Corvette Third generation Camaros also had a suspension system that was more capable in corners than the previous generation.
The Camaro IROC-Z was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985.
Engines
* 1978-1981 5.7 L (350 in³) Small-Block V8
* 1982-1985 2.5 L (151 in³) Iron Duke L4
* 1982-1984 2.8 L (173 in³) LC1 V6
* 1985-1989 2.8 L (173 in³) LB8 V6
* 1990-1992 3.1 L (191 in³) 60 Gen II V6
* 1982-1992 5.0 L (305 in³) Small-Block V8
* 1985-1992 5.7 L (350 in³) Small-Block V8
Generation 4
1993
1993 began the fourth and last generation of Camaros, lasting through the 2002 model year. Production of the fourth and final generation was moved from GM's Van Nuys, California assembly plant to one in Ste. Therese, Quebec in 1993.
Though the car would no longer be produced in the US, the new design which incorporated lightweight plastic body panels over a steel space frame, and a better suspension, further improved upon the Camaro line.
From 1993 to 1997 the Camaro was available with the LT-1 engine, the same Generation II small block V8 used in the Corvette, although in slightly de-tuned form.
In 1996, the long-discontinued "SS" option was resurrected and in 1998, the
all-new LS-1 engine Generation III small block was offered on the SS and Z28 Camaros, marking the end of the Generation I small block V8 that had
its roots in Chevrolet's 265 in³ engine of 1955. Unfortunately, sales were below expectations, and production of the Camaro ceased in 2002.
1998
1998 saw a new head light design for the Camaro. The new design removed the
previous recessed-light design present in the 1982-1997 Camaros. The faux air intakes on the hood were also eliminated. In addition the LT1
engine was removed and instead an LS1 in its place.
Engines
* 1993-1995 3.4 L (208 in³) 60 Gen III V6
* 1995-2002 3.8 L (231 in³) 3800 Series II V6
* 1993-1997 5.7 L (350 in³) LT1 V8
* 1998-2002 5.7 L (350 in³) LS1 V8
2002
2002 marked the last year of the Chevrolet Camaro and was also the 35th anniversary for the Camaro. This milestone was celebrated with a special anniversary car modified from the factory by SLP. The anniversary package was only available on the SS (Super Sport).
Engine modifications were available in addition to the 325 hp (242 kW) engine which all Super Sports produce. Silver racing stripes down the hood and trunk lid made the car more noticeable than ever--especially against the Bright Rally Red paint (the only color available with the anniversary package).
The car also had the slogan attached to it "Leave a Lasting ImpreSSion" and had the logo embroidered in the seats. The car was only available as a convertible or with T-Tops. 3,000 Camaros with the anniversary package were produced for the United States and 152 for Canada.
Though production Camaros were never as fast as the flagship Corvette, the car cost less than half as much and was easily modified. If its frequent inclusion in automotive enthusiast magazines is any indication, the Chevy Camaro is one of the most popular cars for modification in the automotive history.
Throughout its history, the Camaro shared its internal body and major components with a sister car - the Pontiac Firebird.
----------------------------------------------------
Chevrolet History and Classic Chevy Cars
One of today's major American car makes, Chevrolet, was founded nearly 100 years ago. Louis Chevrolet was a Swiss racecar driver who had created his own automobile designs. William Durant, the founder of General Motors, had been forced from GM management in 1910. Durant began producing Chevrolet's designs in 1911 as a way to rebuild his own reputation. By the end of the decade, Chevrolet's success had allowed Durant to buy a majority of GM shares, Chevrolet had become a part of the GM name, and Durant was president of General Motors. Though Chevy began as an independent company, the company became part of General Motors in 1916.
Because of Chevrolet's beginnings, every vehicle, car, or truck, especially in the early years, was based on the original Ford designs, including the Model T. From there, though, two vastly different car companies emerged. In these early years, Chevy was known for technologically innovative designs and unique styling. Entering the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T, Chevrolet and Durant created important models that would become quite important to automobile history. The 1914 "Classic Six" boasted a 4.9 L, 6-cylinder engine, with a top speed of 15 miles per hour. The Model D V8 roadster was introduced in 1918, the first in a long line of Chevy V8 engines.
Chevrolet first used its now-famous "bowtie" logo in 1913; it was said to been inspired by wallpaper Durant saw in a French hotel. The Chevrolet company played an important role in the beginnings of the auto industry in America. Chevy is widely known for some of the most memorable vehicles ever produced, like the Corvette, one of the most recognizable vehicles sold in America.
Chevrolet is especially well known for its influence on American automobiles during the 1950s and 1960s. The story of the Bel Air, Chevrolet's premium car model, began in 1953. The Bel Air was notable for its use of chrome molding, both inside and out, which would soon be seen on nearly every popular 1950s and 1960s automobile. Many Chevy models of the mid-50s remain wildly popular among car collectors today. Take, for example, the '55 Chevy, available in convertible, hardtop coupe, and 2- or 4- door sedan versions. At the time, it was said to be far superior in style to any available Ford or Plymouth automobile, particularly due to its chrome accents and classic, refined look. The small-block V8, introduced in 1955, remains in continuous production to this day. Other Chevy innovations of this era included the first fuel-injected engine in 1957.
Chevrolet was the first American automaker to build more than 3 million vehicles in one year, doing so in 1964. In 1966, Chevrolet unveiled its all-new Camaro, which would become a hit during the 1967 model year. By the end of its very first model year, the Camaro had joined the "pony car phenomenon," and the first Camaro SS version became the pace car at the Indy 500.Today, both the '55 Bel Air and the Camaro remain two of the most highly sought after classic cars, not to mention the most recognizable. The Chevy name has earned the loyalty of its owners, and thirty and even forty-year-old Chevy models are very popular both on the roads and in classic car shows, a tribute to their durability and classic appeal.
Classic Pedal Cars specializes in premium quality pedal cars. All our pedal cars are stamped steel, not plastic and will last for years. Our 55 Chevy Pedal Cars would be a perfect to start any collection!
----------------------------------------------
Cars - Ford and Chevy, Still Reeling in the Years
By Pier Kenzie
Henry Ford, arguably the most famous name in cars, founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903. His cars were cheap and mass produced by a loyal work force with with highest wages of any industry at the time ($4.00/day).
By 1908, Ford's Model-Ts "Tin Lizzies" were filling the roads. Ford's goal had been to create a car large enough for the entire family to enjoy weekend outings, together. Easy to maintain, and affordable (4 months salary for an assembly line worker); the Model T changed the way the World moved. You would no longer both live and die within 5 miles.
It is uncertain exactly when and what was the first automobile, and who invented it. In 1769, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot of France created the first self propelled road vehicle. It cruised along at just over 2 miles per hour powered by steam.
In the United States, Oliver Evans patented the first automobile on record (also a steam engine) in 1789. It is debated as to whether steam powered road vehicles can be categorized as cars. Those who do accept the notion of steam powered cars call Nicolas Cugnot, of France, the first inventor of the automobile with his self propelled tricycle. Proving very popular for locomotives, the steam engine added too much weight to be feasible for the road.
Sometime between 1832 and 1839 Robert Anderson of Scotland is said to have created the first electric car which also proved to be heavy, slow and expensive. Both the steam engines and the electrical engines were abandoned in favor of gas-powered vehicles. During the early 1900s, the electrical cars had had good sales in the United States, but with the improved system of roads, people wanted cars that could go the distance.
The invention of gas fueled cars is generally credited to Karl Benz of Germany in 1883. In 1926 Benz merged companies with Daimler-Maybach and began manufacturing their legendary cars.
The United States had the Duryea Brothers who formed their automobile company in 1893. Ransom Olds, debuted his Oldsmobile in 1902 and in 1903 Henry Ford was in production with his Ford Motor Company, expanding Olds' assembly line concept.
Automotive development continued rapidly into front engine vehicles with rear wheel drive. Engine size, power and speed became a major focus of car companies as people became enthralled with the "Merry Oldsmobile" and the V8 engine.
Beginning in 1911, Chevrolet was known for innovative designs and unique styling. Entering the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T, Louis Chevrolet and William Durant created models that would become part of automobile history. The 1914 "Classic Six" boasted a 6-cylinder engine with a top speed of 15 miles per hour. 1918 saw the first in a long line of Chevy V8 engines.
Chevy is widely known for some of the most popular classic cars ever produced, like the Corvette - one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world. Chevy models of the mid-50s remain wildly popular among car collectors. The '55 Bel Air, available in convertible, hardtop coupe, and 2- or 4- door sedan versions was considered superior in style to any other vehicle at the time, particularly due to its chrome accents and classic, refined look. The small-block V8, introduced in 1955, remains in continuous production to this day. Chevy innovations of this era included the first fuel-injected engine in 1957. In 1966, Chevrolet unveiled the Camaro that would become the pace car at the Indy 500.
In 1916, 55% of the cars in the world were Ford Model-Ts. This is a record that has never been (nor likely will be) broken.
In 1964, Chevrolet became the first American automaker to build more than 3 million vehicles in one year.
-----------------------------------------------