Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming

Author: himfryang

Source: articlesbase.com



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Please edit the article to focus on discussing the work rather than merely reiterating the plot. (July 2007)Dragon Ball Z: Broly's Second ComingJapanese box artWritten byTakao Koyama (screenplay)Akira Toriyama (story)StarringMasako NozawaBin ShimadaTakeshi KusaoY?ko MinaguchiMayumi TanakaJoji YanamiMusic byShunsuke KikuchiRelease date(s)March 12, 1994(1994-03-12)Running time52:00LanguageJapanese and EnglishPreceded byDragon Ball Z: Bojack UnboundFollowed byDragon Ball Z: Bio-BrolyDragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming, known in Japan as ???????Z ??????!????????? (Doragon B?ru Zetto Kiken na Futari! S?p? Senshi wa Nemurenai ,lit. "Dragon Ball Z: The Dangerous Duo! Super-Warriors Never Rest"?), is the tenth Dragon Ball Z feature movie. It was released in Japan on March 12, 1994 between episodes 220 and 221. It is the sequel to Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan. It was released in North America in 2005.In 2007, FUNimation re-released this movie and Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan on Blu-ray. Both feature full HD 1080p (or 720p) resolution with digitally remastered animation, and an enhanced 5.1 surround mix.SummaryThe film opens with a Saiyan Space pod flying through space and crash-landing on Earth. The crash causes a small crater to appear, and a Super Saiyan crawls out: Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan. As the weather gets colder, Broly's power decreases, and he reverts back from his Legendary Super Saiyan form to his mastered Super Saiyan form, until he finally loses consciousness and turns back into his normal form. Water pours over, and freezes, trapping the sleeping Broly and preserving him.Seven years later, Goku is deceased having sacrificed his life to save the Earth and his second son, Goten, as well as Trunks and Videl are looking for the Dragonballs because Videl wants to see Shenron. During their search, they find that there is a local village called Nataday that is ruled by a priest, who always seems to think that everything in the world is a curse. The residents of Nataday village claim that they are usually terrorized by a monster, and their only source of help is the priest's preaching.Goten, Trunks and Videl decide to make a plan to rid Natady Village of the monster by leaving food for it and hiding in a chest next to it. However, Trunks and Goten's hunger gets the better of them and Trunks sneaks an apple, but Videl doesn't allow Goten to do so, eventually smacking him across the face and causing him to cry a lot. Goten moans and cries (actually pretending) while Videl attempts to apologize, until she finally gives in and hands him a piece of bread.Then, the monster appears, and turns out to be a dinosaur. After playing around with the dinosaur, Goten and Trunks kill it, and share the meat with Videl and the villagers. The priest is then rejected by the villagers for not being a competent savior, and thrown out of the village. With Nataday village now a peaceful place to live, Goten, Trunks and Videl depart to continue their Dragonball hunt.However, unknown to them, Goten's cries shatter a layer of ice, the same layer of ice which Broly is encased in. Broly awoke in the ice due to Goten's crying (As it reminded him of Goku's crying, which Broly hated Goku for) and shatters the ice, enraged and emerging as a mastered Super Saiyan.Night time falls as Goten, Trunks and Videl fall asleep so they can continue their quest the next day to bring Shenron out. Early morning Videl is awakened by loud explosions in the distant and takes off flying to investigate the explosions by the nearby lake. Here, Videl is confronted by a huge, young man with white trousers, earrings, a red belt, no top, and blond hair: Broly in his mastered Super Saiyan form.While Broly and Videl confront each other, Goten and Trunks see what is happening, and try to convince Broly to stop. But when Broly sets his eyes on Goten, his rage comes to the surface, because he mistakes Goten for Goku, due to their similar looks and cries, as well as Broly's deteriorating mental state. Broly turns his attention to Goten and Trunks who then both proceed to transform into mastered Super Saiyans. Broly battles them both, pounding them seriously.During the battle, Goten's eyes fall on the nearby last Dragonball, so Trunks tries to distract Broly by mooning and taunting him while Goten gets the Dragonball. Unfortunately, Goten tries to summon Shenron behind a waterfall so that Broly doesn't see him, and Shenron does not appear. 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Replacing Worn Out Shocks and Struts

Author: Matthew C. Keegan

Source: articleage.com



One of the a lot of alarming things you can do as a disciplinarian is to
neglect your vehicle's abeyance system. If it is time for
you to bandy out your shocks or struts don't delay or you could
cause cogent assurance problems for you, your passengers, as
well as for pedestrians and added drivers and their passengers.
Taking your car to a shock backup abundance is consistently one way
to break the problem, but if you wish to save yourself some
money as able-bodied as yield pride in a job you accomplished yourself,
there is annihilation added advantageous than adage to yourself, "I did
the work!"

So, why should you alter your shocks at the aboriginal assurance of
trouble? Well, appropriately alive shock absorbers accumulate your car's
tires in acquaintance with the alley and accommodate a beanbag from road
impact. Shocks stop accidental rebound, abate sway, and
improve the administration of your car if braking, cornering or
driving on asperous roads. Shock absorbers absolute the biking and
the addendum of your vehicle's springs by putting a arrest to
unremitting bouncing.

Finding the appropriate shocks or struts for your car involves
asking yourself a few questions:

Does my car appear able with shock absorbers or struts? Both
do basically the aforementioned thing, but they are altered in that
shocks are artlessly one allotment of your abeyance arrangement while
struts are your absolute abeyance arrangement absolute of upper
ball joint, shock, and bounce in one unit.

What blazon of ride am I acquisitive to accomplish with my new shocks or
struts? Monroe
Shock Absorbers, one of the arch names in the
business, offers a array of shock and strut models depending
on what your adapted ride abundance akin is, the blazon of vehicle
you own, or whether you are consistently cull something or not.

Bilstein
Shocks are accepted accessories on Mercedes Benz
automobiles and on baddest General Motors models; they are
considered by some as alms a exceptional akin of performance
capabilities.

For off roading purpose, Rancho
Shocks are the leaders in accouterment abundant assignment shocks
for ablaze trucks and SUVs. Many accede Rancho Shocks as being
the best aisle assignment shocks on the market. Both Monroe and Rancho
are endemic by the aforementioned company, Tenneco-Automotive, but their
market accent is absolutely different.

Purchasing shock absorbers or struts can absorb some serious
shopping about for the weekend mechanic. If you purchase
directly from an online wholesaler, such as Car Parts
Stuff, you are acceptable to apprehend the greatest accumulation as the
better ones acquirement anon from the manufacturers, cutting
out the average man and his top mark ups. Aftermarket stores
will acceptable backpack what you want, but if they use third party
suppliers, you will pay added for the convenience.

Wherever you go, amuse accomplish abiding that you can acknowledgment the parts,
if needed, and alone boutique those online retailers who accept free
shipping accessible and online administration continuing by. Don't mess
around if it comes to backup shock absorbers and struts.
Your car and the lives of you and others are too admired for
you to avoid by acid corners.

Johnson Outboards

Author: Trish Dougherty

Source: articleage.com



Something's Wrong…Now What?
Mr. Fisher calls the 1-800 number to ask questions about parts for his Johnson outboard motor. He loves everything about his new boat, and so far he and the family have enjoyed many weekends on the sleek craft. The kids have been having a great time at the lake, and the wife has stopped adding to his honey-do list now that they're out on the boat every Saturday. He's caught more fish than ever with the new boat, and feeling fine. But early last week, the engine started to make a funny noise. So he called the 1-800 number, and has been on hold ever since. The Mrs. is asking when he'll be finished fixing the boat, and in truth he hasn't even looked at it yet. What does he know about boat engines, after all? Finally, he slams the phone down in disgust. No one at the 1-800 number is going to help him. He might as well fix the thing himself…
Repair and maintenance on anything mechanical isn't easy - it isn't supposed to be. The more we learn and grow as a society, the more complicated mechanics and technology become. Finally, even your Johnson outboard motor is so complex that you feel you need to have a degree just to figure out why it's not running, as it should. Once you have discovered that it isn't out of gas, you're stumped. The owner's manual is confusing and doesn't explain a thing. Where are you supposed to turn?
What Are The Options?
Taking the boat to an expensive repair shop is often considered a last resort. Why pay so much money for something that you should reasonably be able to fix yourself? The only problem is, you aren't quite sure how to fix it. But you do know you don't want to pay someone else. So what's the next move?
Sometimes, all you need is a good place to get started. Take a look inside your owner's manual. It won't be interesting reading by any means, but it's a good idea to read it over nonetheless. The manual will advise you on proper repair and maintenance. If that doesn't answer your questions, though, there are still resources available to you.
Calling around, perhaps to the manufacturer or to some local boating shops that carry parts for your Johnson outboard. Simply ask if there is someone available to whom you could pose questions about repair and/or proper installment of replacement parts. Most people would be happy to try and help, or offer some good advice. Granted, some people will not be able to help at all, and it might take a good deal of calling around before you turn up any valuable information, but it will be worth the effort eventually.
But if you still do not feel satisfied, there are a number of good Internet sites out there that will provide information. Any search for Johnson outboards will yield results, though it might take a little digging before you turn up anything that can truly help. If you aren't very good with computers, you probably won't even want to try this.
If You Absolutely Cannot Do It On Your Own If you do not feel confident servicing your Johnson outboard on your own, by all means seek professional help. Mechanics and boat repair shops abound, and should only be considered to be a last resort when one is strapped for cash. A professional is always your best bet when it comes to repair on your Johnson outboard, because you'll want only the best for your boat.
Everything from annual maintenance to simple and complex repairs is a whole lot easier when you have a helping hand to guide you. Working on your Johnson outboard without having the proper knowledge will most likely do more harm than good, and what good is a boat that does not run properly? Don't waste your time calling companies on the phone, talking to expensive mechanics' shops, or trying to replace parts all by yourself. You want your Johnson outboard to last and last, and knowing the proper maintenance and repair techniques is one way to be sure that it will. Taking good care of your boat, using the right parts, and understanding what you are working on will help you take your Johnson outboard to the lake time and time again.
Trish is the author for http://www.sterndrive.info - Get more information on OMC Parts Stern Drive Tech Drawings.

How To Make Your Own Offroad Supercross Racing Track

Author: Phoenix Delray

Source: articledashboard.com



Are you interested in participating in a fun sport? If so, there is a good chance that you may find what you are looking for in supercross motorcycle racing. Supercross motorcycle racing is an action packed sport that uses indoor, manmade tracks as a racing surface.

This surface is often filled with a number of jumps and other obstacles. Although your dream may be to become a professional supercross motorcycle racer, it may not always be able to come true. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the sport; you can enjoy it on a recreational or an amateur level.

Although it would be best to find a local supercross or motocross track, that cant always happen. As popular as supercross motorcycle racing and motocross racing is, not every city and town has a track. If you are unable to find one of these tracks, you may still be able to participate in offroad biking or racing. You can easily do this by making your own race track. This is definitely possible, especially for those with a fairly decent amount of property.

If you have access to an indoor facility, one that is about the size of a football field, you may be able to create your own indoor supercross racing track. If not, you may have to settle for an outdoor motocrosslike track. Whichever track you decide to make, you will find that the construction is often just as exciting as the racing.

This is because you will get to control your racing surface. Essentially, this means that you can have as many jumps as you would like, as well as other fun obstacles. Although it is fun to develop your own supercross or motocross racing track, you will also find that it is a large amount of work.

The good news with making an outdoor track is that you will already have the something in your favor; different conditions. Depending on the type of property that you are building on, you may already have a number of small hills or rough terrain. If so, this would make building your track a little bit easier. Whether you are building an indoor track or an outdoor track, you will need to have dirt. Dirt is essential to the building of a motocross track. Luckily, you can find it at a number of locations.

In addition to getting dirt from your own property, you may also be able to get it from other homeowners or business owners, especially those that are doing some remodeling. The only problem with this is that you will have to find a way to get the dirt to your track.

Once you have found a way to get the dirt to your track, you will need to start building it. This process will involve a lot of creativity. If you do not already have obstacles in mind, you can easily familiarize yourself with some designs. You can do this by using the internet to your advantage.
By studying pictures or videos of supercross or motocross races, you should be able to get a feel for the track, as well as racing or riding on it. It is amazing some of the ideas you can come up with just by looking at pictures or by watching videos.

When making your own supercross or motocross track it is important to remember that you will rarely get things right the first time. It takes a lot of trial and error to build to the perfect offroad racing track. However, once you finish that track, you will likely be pleased with your decision to start the project, as well as proud of the results.

The Beginning Of The End

Author: David Atkin

Source: articleage.com



The most common mistake that I hear of when people are restoring their cars is, they didn't stop to think about what they want to use the car for after it's restored, most people don't understand the difference between a show car and a driver, there are a lot of differences between the two jobs for a person who is restoring the car, and this is why a lot of restoration projects never get finished.
Just think for a minute, all the cars that you see for sale that say the car is 90% restored, it's usually because the person doing the work has gotten in over their head, and just can't finish the work, and this stems from not planning the job properly, so do yourself a favor and first, think about what your favorite car is, and then begin your hunt for that car.
Once you locate the perfect car for your, the one that just makes you all giddy, just like a little school girl, then buy the car and bring it home, once you have it in your possession, before you do anything to the car think about the task at hand, is it more fun for you to drive the car everyday, or would you rather win some trophies and prizes at a car show, because one is not conducive to the other.
It's a fact of life that your driver will get door dings, rock chips, and maybe some scratches, it just happens when you drive your car, a show car my see a journey to the drive in on a weekend, but for the most part, the most driving it will do is, on to and off of a car trailer, preferably an enclosed trailer, and therefore will not get door dings, scratches and the like, if it does, you won't have much luck winning those trophies at the shows.
The restoration is a lot more costly for a show car also, due to the fact that, when you build a driver, you can get away with certain short cuts on the car, like rather then replacing quarter panels and fenders, you repair them, usually on a show car you'll opt to replace all the parts that you can with new ones, and a driver does not need a flawless paint job, whereas a show car must have flawless paint, interior, and mechanical workings.
Below is a list get things done right.
1) Get some plastic containers, and label them for the different areas of the car such as.
A) Engine Compartment and place all the parts from the engine compartment in it, label each part with a piece of tape with the parts name on it, also if possible take pictures of the placement of the parts before you remove them from the car, and put these pictures in an envelope in the same container as the parts, or put them in a file cabinet in your hose with a label for each area of your car.
B) Repeat this process for every part that you remove from the car, be sure to keep all the old parts for reference at a later date.
C) You'll end up with a lot of labeled parts, but if you do this, it will insure that you'll be able to put the car back together.
2) As your tearing the car down be sure to inspect all the parts thoroughly to determine what you can still use, and what needs to be replaced, remember that this is an old car, so it's pretty much impossible to get some of the parts, this means that you'll have to fabricate them yourself, or if you can't do that, you'll have to farm the job out to a professional. If your trying to save money, you'll want to do as much of the work as possible by yourself, if you have friends that want to help and have the time, you can draw off their knowledge also.
3) You'll need to keep in mind that a restoration will take a long time to complete, so if your in a hurry, don't even start the job, it can take hundreds or even thousands of hours to complete the job, and if you rush it, you will end up losing some quality that you could have otherwise had.
4) Now this is a big one, be 100% sure that the car that your planning on restoring is the right car for you, if you have doubts about rather you like it enough to spend the time on it and give it the love and attention that it needs to complete the job, maybe you'd better rethink the idea of restoring this particular car, it needs to be exciting and make you all giddy when you think about it, so you won't lose interest and just junk it. This car needs to something that you can't live without.
5) Give some serious thought to what your planning on doing with the car, because this will make a huge difference in the way that you restore the car, will it be a daily driver, or a show car, you can get away with a few things on a driver, but if you try it on a show car, you'll never win any trophies at the shows. A few facts about it are that a driver will get scared from daily use, it will get door dings, rock chips and the like, where the most driving a show car will see, is on and off the trailer, and it will get no dings, chips, or the like.
I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.
Learn About Classic Car Restoration Automotive Business Alliance Muscle Car Restoration
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Atkin

How To Keep Your Car Gleaming New... Always!

Author: Fantic Carro

Source: articleage.com



It's a great feeling to buy a new car. Everything's gleaming new
and the smell of fresh leather lingers as you drive. You even
catch yourself constantly stealing glances at the reflection of
your shiny new car.

How about 12 months later? Does your car still look new or does
it look dull, tired and old? How can some people keep their cars
gleaming new while others look old 12 months out of the showroom?

The trick lies in how you care for your car. It is easy if you
know how.

1) Wash Your Car Every Week

Dust and dirt will accumulate on your car's paintwork. Nothing
much you can do to prevent it. The only answer is to wash it!
This is especially true if your car was exposed to rain. If you
leave it to dry under the sun, it will leave watermark stains on
your paintwork. These are very tough to remove later.

To wash your car, get a clean & soft terry cloth or use a cloth
diaper. You can easily pick it up at the baby's section in your
favorite departmental store. If you want something fancier, then
get Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe cloth
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-1.htm). Apart from cloth,
you'll need a quality car shampoo. I use Meguiar's NXT
Generation Car Wash (http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-2.htm).
It's cheap and will last you quite some time.

First, hose off any dirt, mud or grime from your car. Then mix 3
caps-full of shampoo with a small bucket (20 oz) of water. Use
your cloth to apply it to your car. It's best to use circular
motions. Wash off the shampoo with a clean cloth/cloth diaper
under running water. Once you've cleaned off all shampoo
residue, wipe dry your car with a new cloth/diaper, making sure
all panels are wiped completely dry.

Since brake dust accumulates on your rims, clean it with some
shampoo as well. Since you'd normally spend more time inside
your car than admiring the paintwork, it makes sense to vacuum
your car interior when you wash your car.

2) Wax Your Car Every Month

You can either send your car to an auto detailer for waxing or
take the DIY route. If you have an hour or two to spend, then
try waxing it yourself. It's really not that difficult.

Make sure you wash and dry your car before waxing. It's best for
you and your car if you park it somewhere shady while waxing it.
Use a quality carnauba wax like Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech
Wax (http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-3.htm). Apply the wax
in a circular motion onto your car with the included sponge.
Apply the wax on one section at a time, remembering the
sequence. Finish applying it on the entire car.

Then, use a dry soft terry cloth/cloth diaper to wipe off the
extra wax. Begin with the first panel you worked on and go on
from there. Make sure you shake off any excess wax that
accumulates on your cloth. It's easier to wipe off wax when your
cloth isn't itself caked with wax. Finish wiping the entire car.

Check for any remaining wax residue and clean it off.

Make sure to wash your cloth with liquid softener to prepare it
for your next use. This ensures there isn't any remaining dirt
that might scratch your car the next time you use the cloth to
wax it.

3) Apply Tyre Polish To Complete The Look

Spray your tyres with Meguiar's Hot Shine High Gloss Tyre Spray
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-4.htm) to complete that
shiny, wet look. It's easy to apply with the trigger spray and
you'll can do it in less than 5 minutes. Having shiny tyres
really makes your car look newer.

4) Apply Leather Conditioner To Protect It

If your car comes with leather seats, make sure you clean and
condition it at least every other month. Meguiar's Medallion
Premium Leather Care conditioner
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-5.htm) will do the job.
Wipe the cleaner/conditioner onto your leather seats with a
clean terry cloth/diaper. Leave for 15 minutes before wiping off
any extra residue. This helps to keep your leather supple and
smelling like new

For your vinyl surfaces (dashboard, door interiors, etc), do the
same thing but use Meguiar's Vinyl & Leather Cleaner/Conditioner
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-6.htm) instead. Your
interior will remain looking brand new.

5) Show Off Your Nice & Shiny Car

Your car will continue to look brand new if you follow this
routine. Your friends and family will admire your "new car" even
though it's 3 years old. The best thing? You'll fetch higher
prices when you sell your car next time. With it's gleaming
paintwork and spotless interior, you won't have any trouble
getting a buyer for your car.

P.S. The writer is not affiliated with Meguiar's. He is just a
satisfied customer.

Fenders To Last A Lifetime

Author: Bailey Gordon

Source: articledashboard.com



When speaking of fender flares, tailgates and bed rails, Bushwacker is a clear standout among other brands. Bushwacker fender flares is among the top, if not the number one, choice of SUV, Jeep, and truck owners.

All motor owners work in keeping their pride and joy spotless and squeaky clean. Some even spend bundles of minutes or even hours cleaning, wiping and shining their cars. SUVs, trucks, and jeeps in particular generally get more action on the road than most models since they are designed to endure the most extreme conditions. Often, these vehicles are used on long trips and on very rough roads, where debris and dirt is sure to fly all over the sides of your car. This makes these types of cars more susceptible to mud, dust, water, and other grit and debris.

The Bushwacker fender flares deflect this unwanted dirt and splashes from your exteriors. They have stylish, curved designs, and there are several types of Bushwacker fender flares: street style, "OE" style, extend-a-fender-style, and pocket style. Bushwacker fender flares are also designed specifically according to vehicle and year. So no matter what type of truck or SUV or Jeep you own, there's a Bushwacker fender that will surely fit your vehicle. Bushwacker fender flares are engineered to fit to every kind of trim line, sheltering even large wheels and tires.

Bushwacker offers protection to your truck, and while it ward off unwanted splashes from the sides of your vehicles, that protection does not come at the expense of your vehicle's smashing good looks. In fact, it's the other way around. Since Bushwacker manufactures fender flares that can be painted to match your exterior, it enhances rather than decreases that mean, off-road look that a truck should have. However, if you want to paint the fender flare yourself, it is recommended that you clean the product with a high grade degreaser first. Clear coating is optional but is highly recommended after painting.

Bushwacker fender flares are made of Dura-Flexฎ ABS plastic, a durable and flexible material exclusive to Bushwacker. Dura-Flexฎ ABS is a high impact, low temperature thermoplastic that can bend, but the rigid nature retains the original shape. This material allows the Bushwacker fender flares to take a lot of abuse, yet they still maintain the shape. Bushwacker is so certain of their durability that they offer a limited lifetime warranty (covers the life span of your vehicle). All Bushwacker fender flares and Bushwacker Jeep fender flares are given an elegant, black-matte finish. Most fenders fade and becomes chalky and cracks with natural wear and tear, but Bushwacker found a way around this glitch. They added the Bushwacker fender flares with UV-rays protection, making it practically free from discoloration and chalking that plagues most fender flares.

Installation of Bushwacker fender flares is a piece of cake: Bushwacker fender flares are patented with a no-drill process. They provide the necessary hardware and there are easy to follow, illustrated installation guides on the Bushwacker website that you can download according to vehicle model.

Honda Ra107: Off With The "elephant Ears"

Author: Evander Klum

Source: articledashboard.com



In Barcelona, Spain last week Honda F1 team has tested its new aerodynamic design which was in the form of "elephant ears".

The Honda RA107 which was driven by Christian Klien with its protruding elephant ears on its front nose was following the heels on MacLaren's nose-straddling front wing. Unfortunately it seems like the elephant ears are not really meant for racing, the Honda F1 team has set the slowest time of the day. The team has finally decided not to push through with their new aerodynamic design since it has done nothing to enhance the performance of their car.

According to Jacky Eeckelaert, engineering director, "The main purpose of our test programme this week was to evaluate different aerodynamic configurations which have been developed in order to improve the braking stability of the car. The braking is definitely better now and the lap times have improved and become more consistent, but there is still a long way to go to bring the team back into contention."

Honda, second largest auto seller in Japan and maker of high quality Accord body kit, has been working really hard to correct the problems of the new car since the start of the season especially in terms of the car's handling performance.

According to some reports the team is currently working round the clock to develop a new car which would be launch hopefully next month in time for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Although the test didn't go well for the Honda team it proceeded remarkably for some teams like for instance David Coulthard and Red Bull Racing has been able to grab some attention by posting a new track record with a time of 1:21.066. The quick lap happens during the qualifying simulation wherein the RB3 was running on a minimal amount of fuel just before it hit the circuit.

Pedro de la Rosa of the McLaren's was 2-10ths back as he tries to test the new front wing of the team's car which would make its debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in two weeks time. Felipe Massa of the Ferrari team was able to finish with the third fastest time despite a mechanical failure that has interrupted his drive in the morning. And as expected of Ferraris they have finished the week recording the fastest time, three out of the four testing days.

Giancarlo Fisichella, the driver for Renault was the fourth quickest with Robert Kubica completing the top five. The driver for Toyota, Ralf Schumacher finishes as the sixth fastest.

About Honda
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or Honda for short is a Japanese engineering and engine manufacturer corporation. It is renowned for its automobiles and motorcycles. It has also surpassed Nissan as the second largest distributor of autos in Japan.

Honda also manufactures other products that include trucks, robots, scooters, jet engines, and jets, ATV, electric generators, water craft, lawn and garden equipment, marine engines, as well as aeronautical and other various mobile technologies. The high-end line of cars of Honda is sold under the Acura brand for China and North America. And just recently the company has ventured into the domain of mountain bikes and they have produced the first-of-its-kind bike that makes use of an internal gear changing system in the Honda RN-01 G-cross.

In addition, Honda is also the world's largest producer of engines, building more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year. It was in the year 2004 when Honda started producing diesel motors that were very silent and does not required the addition of particulate filter to pass the emission standards.

Honda has its base in Tokyo. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange, Tokyo Stock Exchange and exchanges in Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Kyoto, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Fukuoka. Honda has subsidiaries in California and Canada plus it also forms a number of joint ventures around the world which include Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company in China, Hero Honda Motorcycles India Ltd., and Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan.

Paying Tribute To Dead Relatives With Suspension Lift Kits

Author: Steven Duvall

Source: articledashboard.com



Ben Franklin, that crusty old crawdad of American Democracy, may have been bright, but does that mean that his maxim about death and taxes is unquestionable? Not entirely. Grover Norquist and the other patriots down at the Americans for Tax Reform offices are hard at work doing away with the tyranny of the IRS. However, not even the tag team efforts of Newt Gingrich and Leo Strauss could eliminate the natural act of bucket kicking. Faced with the unavoidable specter of death, the question that all of us must ask ourselves is how should we mourn the passing of our loved ones? Crying is unavoidable at first. I'm not ashamed to admit that I bawled an oil-drum's worth of tears the day that the Gipper left us for that big movie set in the sky. But what comes next?

When my father passed, I couldn't get out of bed for three days. I just laid on my side sobbing and my only nourishment came from Nutella and Gatorade. One idea kept running through my mind as I was holed up—I couldn't let my pa be forgotten. When I re-emerged, I knew exactly what I could do to immortalize my old man. I would lift my rig in his honor. Sure, I could have donated a marble bench in his honor down along the lakefront promenade where he used to love to stroll. But I couldn't stomach the idea of all those strangers plopping their rears down on the everlasting memorial to the man who breathed life into me. And think of the farts! Too indignant.

After the cremation, I got down to business researching the different suspension lift kits on the market. I looked into Fabtech, Superlift, Trailmaster and Rancho, but I was weirdly drawn to the Skyjacker lift kits. It's hard to explain, but I could almost see my dad's smiling face in the profile of the cast iron steering knuckles. The connection I felt was so strong that I even tried to get in touch with someone over at Skyjacker about having some of my father's remains injected into the Platinum 9000 Shocks I was going to get. No one seemed to take me seriously. It's probably for the best, though. Who knows what kind of havoc those little bits of bones might reek on the wafer valving.

The installation took a couple of days, but that's because I was trying to work as reverentially as possible. For the finishing touch, I broke out my Dremel and etched my dad's name, Ralph, into the crossmember. He'd have been damn proud. And on the maiden voyage, I drove my mobile memorial over to the lakefront promenade for a couple of laps. Thanks to the 5" of extra ground clearance, hopping the parking lot curb was child's play. Even on the stairs leading down to the walkway, the shocks didn't fade or foam out. It was like dad's spirit was buttressing my every maneuver.

I am a man who thrives on tradition, and I plan on championing this new custom. For example, I really could use some steering stabilizers and a set of desert tires, and I have a couple of ill aunts out on the East Coast who I'm sure would appreciate being venerated in my chassis. Everyone wins.

Ford: Restoring Prestige and Honor

Author: Matthew Keegan

Source: articleage.com



The Ford Motor Company, along with rival General Motors, has been going through a time of severe testing due to concerns about product quality and relevancy, profits, and long term viability. The net result is that Ford is planning on closing numerous plants and will lay off as many as 30,000 employees, a historic cutback that may only be the tip of the iceberg. Is Ford finished or will the company be able to regain strength and compete successfully in the years ahead?
Ford has certainly taken its lumps and for good reason. Profits in the North American market are nonexistent with losses actually in the multibillion dollar range. Despite the red ink, all is not lost for the "blue oval" as the company remains very profitable overseas. In addition, its three U.S. divisions have much to offer if some serious changes are incorporated. Here are my suggestions for change:
Ford -- The strongest division for the automaker is the one that bears its name. Ford's strength is in its line of pick up trucks and SUVs. Select car models including the Mustang and Fusion are also strong sellers. Ford's weakness can be found with its small car line, the Focus, and with dated models including the Crown Victoria. Better for Ford to scrap their small car lines altogether and import cars from Mexico or overseas. In addition, the company should concentrate on overhauling the Crown Victoria and introducing an all new Ranger compact pick up truck. Finally, Ford is getting out of the minivan business as crossover vehicles, such as the all new Edge, will replace that category. This latter retreat is wise as the category is saturated and the expense of developing a successful new minivan can be diverted to concentrate on shoring up other product lines.
Mercury -- Many have been predicting that Ford would scrap its Mercury division altogether. However, among the many management decisions announced recently indicate that Mercury will stay. Together with Lincoln, the two brands are weak and are in need of much assistance. Mercury cars for decades have been nothing more than reworked Ford models therefore its brand identity has been diluted. It is time for Ford to help Mercury come up with a clearer "personality" and a line of vehicles that are inspiring, not boring. A good start would be to develop a car all Mercury's own, such as a retro Cougar coupe.
Lincoln -- There was a day when Lincoln and Cadillac battled for preeminence for sales leadership in the American luxury car category. Lincoln long ago ceded the fight to Cadillac, a GM division with new and exciting products. Currently, Cadillac outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1 and does battle with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. For Lincoln, a new Town Car is needed plus a decision must be made regarding just how much the division should rely on trucks and SUVs to identify the brand. Currently, Lincoln line up includes more truck models than cars. Reviving a historic model, such as the Continental, could be a smart choice and putting some money into the LS is another. Curiously, the make is changing the name of its newest model, the Zephyr, to the MKZ after only one model year.
Ford is floundering and it is particularly noticeable in two divisions, Mercury and Lincoln. Its Mazda connection, which has yielded several models including the Escape and Fusion, has been a success. Tapping its Volvo association to help with larger cars and with engineering would be wise and Ford should work closer with its Jaguar division to produce additional vehicle lines. The current LS, derived from the Jaguar "S Type" is an example of an earlier collaboration that wasn't utilized to its fullest extent.
All hope isn't lost for Ford, but the company's image has been tarnished. The seed of greatness remains, but the company must act quickly in order to regain consumer confidence and stop the ever deepening erosion of its sales base to foreign makes.
Copyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer covering new cars, the classics, auto parts and accessories, insurance, and more. Matt suggests you find great performance auto parts for less by shopping online today.

Mazda Cx-9: Looks Better, Drive Nicer, And Oh So Quiet

Author: Kraig Johanssen

Source: articledashboard.com



Mazda has launched its CX-9 to fill the role that was once occupied by minivans. It is no secret also that most young car buyers thinks of minivans as an abomination probably because they have grew up riding their parent's minivans so owning one is like buying their mom's or their dad's car which is definitely not cool.

Fortunately there are SUVs and CUVs that are as useful but not as un-cool as the minivans. SUVs have become the choice for many but lighter crossover vehicles are also gaining popularity attributed to the increasing prices of gasoline plus the unnecessary weight of truck-based SUVs. CUVs on the other hand are unibody vehicles based on car platforms, and are considered to be more efficient and much easier to maneuver as compared to big SUVs.

The CX-9 is actually a large CUV just like the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX although not smaller than minivans but their sporty looks subdued their size. The chassis of the CX-9 is derived from that of the Mazda 6 while its basic architecture and many components such as its Mazda head gasket are shared with the Edge and the MKX. Moreover the CX-9'swheelbase is 2 inches longer than that of the Ford Edge's. The CX-9 is offered in three trim levels and prices start at $29,035 while the top of the range loaded Grand Touring has a price tag that comes close to $37,000.

The CX-9 also looks a great deal like the smaller CX-7 that you would probably mistaken them for the other especially when they are parked near each other. The CX-9 has a striking looks provided by its sharp nose, sloping windshields, and tapered roofline that contributes to a wedge-shaped profile that looks as if it was polished by the wind. The CX-9 bulging rear fenders that look like powerful haunches cover the fat tires. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the CX-9 while the twenty-inch wheels are offered as an option. Bu the Grand Touring model comes with the twenty-inch models.

Likewise, carefully executed styling details are manifested throughout the vehicle like for instance the taillights are trimmed with chrome while the rear hatch is made convex. The interior of the Touring model test car also contain a nice blend of wood-grain trim; stain finished accents plus piano black panels.

The Mazda's door panels possessed curved ribs that mimic those of the center stack, and power window switches that are mounted on the ribs. There is also nothing to complain with regards to the instrument panel since it is cool at night. The main gauges have red numbers accentuated by a ring of blue light. Moreover, blue LEDs light the door handles and cast a soft glow on the center of the console.

And that best thing about the CX-9? It's tight, solid, and quiet. It is powered by Ford's 3.5 liter V6 and it's rated at 263 horsepower. It easily accelerates through crowded highways and the engine does its work producing very minimal noise. Its six-speed automatic transmission is flawless while the optional all-wheel-drive system continues to do its functions without a hint that it is providing traction to all four wheels.

The CX-9 on the road might feel a little heavy for the first few miles but for the duration of the trip it becomes easier to drive. It is also stable and quiet at highway speeds. The CX-9 possesses a wide cabin with an easy slide second row seats made for easy access to the third seat. By sliding the second-row seat forward increases the third seat legroom. The center console has a power outlet and a jack for an MP3 player.

The rear cargo is extensive especially with the rear seat folded down. The top-hinged rear tailgate was relatively heavy to close. The starting price of the all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model was $33,875. If additional options like power sunroof and six-disc CD player are to be included its price tag would reach $36,955. The warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Tacoma Header: Engine Power

Author: Andrew Goodes

Source: articledashboard.com



Improving engine performance is a never-ending goal for most car owners. After all, every vehicle owner wants to utilize only the maximum power from his or her beloved vehicle. Full-on performance enhancement, however, can sometimes be unattainable to the budget-conscious. In such (and most) cases where money is a major concern, prioritizing the more important and effective car performance modification steps is vital. And do you know what should be the topmost in your list of vehicle improvement steps? Installing parts that effectively remove exhaust dirt which diminishes performance. And there's no better auto part to do that than the Tacoma Headers.

How does the Tacoma Header work? Being a free-flowing, multi-tube system, the Tacoma Header allows exhaust pulses to travel freely to the exhaust collector, removing anti-performance exhaust dirt in your Tacoma. Along with a high performance cold air intake and high-flow air filter, the Tacoma Header reduces exhaust backpressure for air to flow more easily out of the engine. It basically provides each cylinder in your engine with its own mini exhaust pipe that pipes exhaust pulses away from the cylinder head into a downstream exhaust collector. Overall, your car's air intake and exhaust system is improved.

In the early days of performance exhaust making, engineers would weld up pipes until they get to find the perfect mixture that most enhances vehicles' power and torque. Fortunately, welding up is not anymore a necessity today as the brains behind Tacoma Headers are now able to master the technique even without the welding process or the aide of computer dynos and mandrel-bending machines.

Are there options with Tacoma Headers? Yes. In fact, not many auto parts companies develop headers with as much variety as Tacoma Headers. Tacoma Headers feature the latest innovations in design for added function. Designed through the use of the latest CAD technology with mandrel-bent pipes, Tacoma Headers have improved, sleek gas flow looks. Plus, of course, style. Coming in with different shapes, sizes and finishes to suit any car's needs, there's always a Tacoma Header for anyone. Tacoma Headers also come in various coatings, such as in high-quality black paint finish or in silver coating specially developed for rust and corrosion resistance.

Installing a Tacoma Header takes no challenge at all as each set of Tacoma Headers is complete with all the bolts, nuts, gaskets and hardware needed to finish installation. Hence, going to a parts store in the middle of installing to complete the process will never be the scenario.

True, those fancy high-end part modifications such as the throttle bodies, high-flow injectors, and turbos get the air and fuel into your motor, but if you don't have the Tacoma Header installed to help the burned gases get out, you're not feeling the full results of your efforts. Toyota always makes sure you get only the best parts such as Tacoma Headers -- to get your money's worth. With the Tacoma Headers, not only do you get top car performance, you'll also have that satisfied smile while cruising around with your beloved wheels.

Pontiac's Yates Finds Proper Finding To Compete At The Top

Author: Anthony Fontanelle

Source: articledashboard.com



Jim Yates, a veteran racer of Pontiac, is optimistic and excited about the new race program of the company. He said, "I am used to competing at the top." Yates even does continue, "The only way to continue to do that is to find the proper funding."

Yates added, "Rather than stay out here surviving on a shoestring budget, trying to get to the next race, and not being able to afford the people, the parts and the things we need to be competitive, our attitude right now as a team, is perhaps we need to take a step back. I am confident, that given this situation, if we focus all of our energies on searching for funding instead of racing, when we do come back in a week, a month, or a year, we can go out there and compete at the highest level."

As the 23-race NHRA POWERade tour departs from the Atlanta Dragway and moves outside St. Louis at the Gateway International Raceway for next weekend's event, Yates finds himself at a racing crossroad. This situation, involving the search for the very precious source of funding, has bothered several drivers before.

As a fact, funding is deemed the lifeblood of any professional racer. This is why Yates is looking forward to having precious funding. The veteran racer remained upbeat and optimistic as he prepares his Pontiac GTO for a racetrack where he has had success in the past when he was able to best Allen Johnson for the win in 1999 as well as finishing as a runner-up to Warren Johnson both in 1997 and 2001.

The two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion noted, "I think that we have some great opportunities in the future and my plan is to explore every one of them - hopefully without missing a beat, or a race. Contrary to some reports, I'm not quitting or retiring," Yates said. "I want to race, (son) Jamie wants to race, (wife) Toni wants to race, Grumpy (engine builder Bill Jenkins) wants to race. We love to race and we think we have something good together. Unfortunately, not only do you need half-inch wrenches in your toolbox, you also need money in your toolbox. It's no secret that to run at the winning level of Pro Stock it takes the proper funding and in the past we have proven that we've got the talent to run with the best cars out here."

Yates added, "We had some very positive opportunities lined up at the end of last year, but, unfortunately they just didn't work out. As a result, it left our program in a hole financially. We still love what we are doing and we are still the same talented team that has won POWERade championships and national event races in the past. Bill (Jenkins) continues to improve the horsepower in our engines every week and our new Pontiac GTO is working better than ever. We're really excited about our program and the potential we have and we'd love to have the money to stay out here and race."

"My plan is not to go home, sell our race cars, sell our tractortrailer and go get a job. But if we don't have the finances to come out here and race at the level we're used to, then we're going to go home, park our stuff and spend seven days a week looking for a sponsor so that we can come out here and once again take our place among the top Pro Stock teams in the country. Unfortunately, you need money to race with the top teams; talent only goes so far," Yates continued.

"We've been in a good position with the six-race program we had with Sea Ray Boats and WileyX Eyewear, and we've got that extended for a couple more races, which is really good for us," Yates added. "Beyond that we've got three deals working that could carry us through to the end of the year. I've been working really hard on an exciting program for next year, and we're probably thirty days from finding out if that's going to happen, but unfortunately, no one has signed on the dotted line yet."

Yates' resume, as powerful as the EBC brake rotors, is among the Pro Stock pits. He has been racing sixteen years, has finished in the top five of the POWERade points eight times and finished in the top ten fourteen times. Yates also has won 25 races, been a runner-up 33 times, has won two POWERade championships, and qualified at No. 1 at 29 events.

He concluded, "We are very optimistic about our opportunities but we'll have to take a wait-and-see approach for the next few weeks. As a team we expect to come out here, qualify in the top half of the field, win rounds on raceday and be in the 'Countdown' by Indy. We had a really great season last year. Our objective this year is to be in a position where we're able to compete as a top-half car and win rounds and win races."

2007 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500

Author: Joe Hayes

Source: articleage.com



Produced in unison by both Carrol Shelby and the SVT team (what the hell else does SVT have to do?), this car will most likely push the already insanely popular Mustang to never before seen popularity.
Head of SVT, Hau Thai-Tang, along with Carrol Shelby have stuffed the extraordinary 5.4-liter, DOHC, 32-valve supercharged V8 from the Ford GT super car under the Mustang's hood. Final horsepower numbers have not yet been announced, but Thai-Tang hints it will be "Well over 450 hp, closer to 500." Look for 450-plus lb-ft of torque too. Whatever the final numbers, it will be insane. Engineer Thai-Tang, who did a stint at Newman-Haas Racing, sums up the powertrain by saying: "It's gonna be a monster."
Taking it's looks from the 1968 GT500, and adapting much of the 2005 Ford mustang GT-R prototype, this is one intimidating snake. Sure to give Corvette and Viper owners a run for their money, these looks are not deceiving. The agressive nose and hood not only look good, their functional. The front splitter creates downforce, holding this beast to the road as it corners aggressivly at high speeds. You'll find the hood has built-in heat extractors, helping to dissapate warm air away from the supercharged four cammer engine. A pair of racing stripes are optional, and make their way agressivly through the center of the car. I do believe stripes add horsepower too, although I don't think Ford engineers accounted for them (you know I'm joking right? Nevertheless, stripes are all too cool).
In the rear a low-profile decklid spoiler provides alittle helpful downforce at high speeds, and includes an integrated third brake light. Alittle further down you'll find that "SHELBY" is spelled out in large badges, and the gas cap medallion features a Shelby Cobra GT500 logo. I'd say thats worth at least 5 horsepower too.
The interior is totally decked out in jet black and deep red leather. Top of the dash, on the door panels, center arm rest, shift boot, and even parking-brake handle is black leather. SVT Red leather seating surfaces and door panel inserts provide a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performance enthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into the seat backs finish off the new edge interior.
The rest of the interior takes it's cues from the 2005 Mustang, pretty much it's an upgraded version of the new Mustang's interior and even has titanium faced MyColor gauges (yep, Ford's still installing the neat little color changing thingy). One subtle, but unique difference will be the tachometer located on the right side of the instrument panel, as opposed to the left side like you would find in the GT and V6. The chrome accessories inside the cockpit have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts of the six-speed T-56 Tremec transmission.
But wait folks, theirs more! Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars help the GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes. GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with "Reverse L" lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle. To match the awsome handling ability, SVT fitted some of the biggest brakes in the business to the GT500. Fourteen-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors up front and 13-inch discs in the rear continue SVT's legacy of great-braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 19-inch wheels (what, no dubs! Ahh, they'll do I suppose) wrapped in a set of high-performance tires.
All in all, I'd have to say "Job well done" to the Carrol Shelby and the Ford SVT team. Considering Shelby hasn't worked on a Ford project since 1970 and SVT was, well not doing anything anyways(insert crazy rant about not having a Mustang Cobra or Ford Lightning for 2005 here). It's great to see that Ford didn't just sit back and enjoy the success of the '05 Mustang, their really going after the performance car market now. To top it all off, Ford expects to set an MSRP of under $40,000 - which makes the Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra GT500 (say that 10 times real fast) an entry level supercar in my book.
Could it get even better? Ford's even planning on producing a convertable in 2007, with many improved features over the previous Mustang convertables. With a stiffer chassis design and more lightweight than ever before, it's sure to be a huge hit as well. Mustang fans around the world are anxiously awating the release of the GT500, unfortunately it may not be an easy buy. Although the sticker will be under $40k, don't expect to be buying one for that. With just 7,500 to be produced each year they'll probably be some insane price gauging. Yay for capitalizm.
- Written by Joe Hayes. Images courtesy of Ford Motor Company. Sources from accross the internet. http://www.moddedmustangs.com
Joe Hayes http://www.moddedmustangs.com

Mini Harley Chopper Scooter: Not For Kids!

Author: Alexes Lebeau

Source: articledashboard.com



With a name like Mini Harley Chopper Scooter, anyone would misconstrue this as a kid's bike. The truth is that this bike should not be ridden by children without parental supervision. As a matter of fact, the Harley Davidson company strongly advises that parents should not allow children under the age of eighteen to ride this vehicle without adult supervision.

Not for the highway

With its sophisticated and slim structure, it is no wonder that the Mini Harley Chopper Scooter presents quite an appeal to many motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this bike is not for made for the highway. Because it is lightweight, it is very sensitive to movement and one can easily lose control of it. You can't really take it to the highway because the Mini Harley Chopper Scooter only runs at a speed of 50 to 60 miles an hour and cannot compete with the big trucks and speeding cars.

A bike worth showing off

This Mini Harley Chopper Scooter can definitely be shown off in your neighborhood. Driven at very low speeds, this can be used for recreational purposes and going around town running some errands.

Every Mini Harley Chopper Scooter comes with a Harley Davidson logo and a decorative fairing on the space between the handlebars and seat that depicts a burst of flames. This sleek, little bike can come in many colors -- red, black, silver and yellow chrome.

The Mini Harley Chopper Scooter has a small two stroke engine which does not consume a lot of fuel. The engine is also relatively quieter and purrs like a kitten instead of the loud and disturbing noise that other choppers make. It also comes with an electric ignition that has push button starter and has a speed of 2,200 rotations per minute.

Because the Mini Harley Chopper Scooter has front and rear disk brakes, it is a very safe bike that makes it impossible to pull a wheelie. It also comes with a set of stock parts that include a head light, rear and brake lights, turning signals, rear view mirrors, an electric horn, a speedometer, a battery gauge, high beam lights and an odometer. It also has a plush seat that can carry as much as 300 lbs even though it is very light weight. A custom charger and tool kit are part of the package.

Buy One or Make One

A Mini Harley Chopper Scooter can easily be bought online. Just place a bid on E-bay. Because a Mini Harley Chopper Scooter can be a bit expensive, one can also create a mini chopper by transforming a bike or a mini bike by putting some add-ons like paint, engines, windshields and exhaust pipes. It can be cut to form the low front ends that characterizes a mini chopper. It can be given a shiny finish by plating it with aluminum, chrome or nickel. Some people even use fiber glass fillers to create a glossy surface that can be decorated with airbrush art. Parading your own work of art around town will give you a greater feeling of pride and contentment. After all, you put a lot of work in creating such a masterpiece.

Nerf Bars And Truck Side Steps - One Leg Up On the Others With 5 Main Features

Author: Andrew Bernhardt

Source: articleage.com



Side tubes, nerf bars, step bars, running boards. Whatever you call 'em, they look great and work even better. The need for side steps has grown as trucks and SUVs have gotten taller. You'll discover a number of features and benefits with a set of side steps, including:
- A stable extra boost up into your cab
- Safe stepping in any weather
- A variety of shapes and styles
- Heavy-duty materials for overall strength
- A multitude of finish choices for a smooth and tough appearance
- Sturdy mounting in a matter of minutes
Nerf bars, side tubes and running boards are sure to give a boost to tired legs and your vehicle's looks, too. That's right, nerf bars and running boards sure look cool and they do give a welcome step to hard worked legs. But they also help protect your vehicle's body from those inconsiderate folks that swing their doors open without a thought. They'll think twice next time after slamming into a solid nerf bar.
A guide to the extra boost provided by side steps
Whether you've got a low-rolling midsize SUV or a monster truck, you could probably use a solid step beneath your door for an extra boost when you need it. Nerf bars and running boards can be a welcome sight after a tiring day at the job site or an energy-sapping stint at the office. Think of your other riders, too. The sturdy stepping place provided by a set of nerf bars or running boards is a great measure of safety and peace of mind for your younger or older passengers.
Side steps are built to handle frequent use, too. They bolt-on to your vehicle in a pre-existing mounting position on the frame. This makes for sturdy installation that can handle whatever your passengers' feet dish out.
Side steps also boast incredible weight capacity. The typical set of nerf bars can hold 300lbs. or more at a time, supported by the steel construction and heavy-duty frame mount brackets. Most running boards boast an aluminum support frame beneath the stepping surface, giving these side steps a weight capacity of up to 500lbs.
The basics of safe stepping in any weather with side steps
Wet weather can make for unstable footing everywhere. That's why nerf bars and running boards feature treaded pads that help you get a grip on the step before climbing into your vehicle. These all-weather pads feature a grooved design that channels water away from the stepping surface.
Beyond providing a non-slip surface for stepping, nerf bars and running boards keep the mess from getting to your vehicle's carpet. The treaded pad is an excellent place to wipe your feet, while the tube or board itself becomes an ingenious tool for knocking off the mud.
The all-weather step pads stay in place with heavy-duty adhesive that's sure to hold for the life of your tubes. Plus, they're installed to recesses in the board or tube, meaning the strength of your step isn't compromised with a cutout.
The basics of side step materials
Nerf bars typically use thick-wall steel tubing to get their strength and durability. Either cold-rolled carbon steel or stainless steel are the metals of choice, with the carbon steel only used on powder coat models.
Running boards feature molded polymer top surfaces. It's a high-strength plastic, supported underneath by an integrated aluminum frame for added rigidity. That's how the wider, thinner running board can support more weight than standard tubes.
Ground Clearance
Side step thickness varies greatly, especially among nerf bars. For standard tubes and steps, non-lowered trucks and SUVs will have no trouble. Lowered trucks and SUVs may have clearance issues with any tubes or steps. And, only full-size trucks can tackle jumbo-sized 4" nerf bars. Just another thing to keep in mind when deciding to customize your ultimate driving machine.....:)
Andrew Bernhardt writes copy and does aftermarket accessory research for AutoAnything.com. Visit their website for more information regarding nerf bars including makes like Westin nerf bars and other side steps.

Pro's and Con's of Daytime Running Lights

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Ford: Restoring Prestige and Honor

Author: Matthew C. Keegan

Source: articleage.com



The Ford Motor Company, along with rival General Motors, has
been going through a time of severe testing due to concerns
about product quality and relevancy, profits, and long term
viability. The net result is that Ford is planning on closing
numerous plants and will lay off as many as 30,000 employees, a
historic cutback that may only be the tip of the iceberg. Is
Ford finished or will the company be able to regain strength and
compete successfully in the years ahead?

Ford has certainly taken its lumps and for good reason. Profits
in the North American market are nonexistent with losses
actually in the multibillion dollar range. Despite the red ink,
all is not lost for the "blue oval" as the company remains very
profitable overseas. In addition, its three U.S. divisions have
much to offer if some serious changes are incorporated. Here are
my suggestions for change:

Ford -- The strongest division for the automaker is the
one that bears its name. Ford's strength is in its line of pick
up trucks and SUVs. Select car models including the Mustang and
Fusion are also strong sellers. Ford's weakness can be found
with its small car line, the Focus, and with dated models
including the Crown Victoria. Better for Ford to scrap their
small car lines altogether and import cars from Mexico or
overseas. In addition, the company should concentrate on
overhauling the Crown Victoria and introducing an all new Ranger
compact pick up truck. Finally, Ford is getting out of the
minivan business as crossover vehicles, such as the all new
Edge, will replace that category. This latter retreat is wise as
the category is saturated and the expense of developing a
successful new minivan can be diverted to concentrate on shoring
up other product lines.

Mercury -- Many have been predicting that Ford would
scrap its Mercury division altogether. However, among the many
management decisions announced recently indicate that Mercury
will stay. Together with Lincoln, the two brands are weak and
are in need of much assistance. Mercury cars for decades have
been nothing more than reworked Ford models therefore its brand
identity has been diluted. It is time for Ford to help Mercury
come up with a clearer "personality" and a line of vehicles that
are inspiring, not boring. A good start would be to develop a
car all Mercury's own, such as a retro Cougar coupe.

Lincoln -- There was a day when Lincoln and Cadillac
battled for preeminence for sales leadership in the American
luxury car category. Lincoln long ago ceded the fight to
Cadillac, a GM division with new and exciting products.
Currently, Cadillac outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1 and
does battle with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. For
Lincoln, a new Town Car is needed plus a decision must be made
regarding just how much the division should rely on trucks and
SUVs to identify the brand. Currently, Lincoln line up includes
more truck models than cars. Reviving a historic model, such as
the Continental, could be a smart choice and putting some money
into the LS is another. Curiously, the make is changing the name
of its newest model, the Zephyr, to the MKZ after only one model
year.

Ford is floundering and it is particularly noticeable in two
divisions, Mercury and Lincoln. Its Mazda connection, which has
yielded several models including the Escape and Fusion, has been
a success. Tapping its Volvo association to help with larger
cars and with engineering would be wise and Ford should work
closer with its Jaguar division to produce additional vehicle
lines. The current LS, derived from the Jaguar "S Type" is an
example of an earlier collaboration that wasn't utilized to its
fullest extent.

All hope isn't lost for Ford, but the company's image has been
tarnished. The seed of greatness remains, but the company must
act quickly in order to regain consumer confidence and stop the
ever deepening erosion of its sales base to foreign makes.

Gm Oshawa Plant Tops Productivity List

Author: Anthony Fontanelle

Source: articledashboard.com



During the past years, Toyota has been leading the host of car manufacturers in the US in terms of productivity. Recently though, American carmakers are gaining on the Asian car-making giant. A study recently published showed that the most productive plant does not belong to Toyota but to General Motors. That distinction went to GM's Oshawa assembly plant which is located in Ontario, Canada. Aside from the Oshawa plant, four of GM's assembly facilities landed on the top ten list of the most productive car assembly factories. The study was conducted by Harbour Consulting which is based in Troy, Michigan.

"Topping the Harbour Report is a great achievement at a time when productivity is a critical challenge facing Canada's economy," says Arturo Elias, the President of General Motors of Canada. "This really shows what can be accomplished with constant focus and it is a testament to our great employees at GM Canada," he added further.

The said assembly plant produces General Motors vehicles such as the Buick Allure - a mid-size car - and the Pontiac Grand Prix - marketed as a personal luxury car. The Oshawa plant is also tasked with assembling the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and the Impala. The Camaro which General Motors will resurrect for the 2009 model year will also be produced at the assembly facility according to GM. These vehicles and other components such as the GMC pickup alignment kit, body kits, and other accessories are what General Motors hopes to anchor on its turnaround plan.

According to the study, Toyota's assembly plants took 29.93 work hours to manufacture its auto parts and assemble a vehicle. Meanwhile, Nissan took the second spot with an average of 29.97 hours in assembling a single vehicle. Nissan topped last year's list of the most productive car companies. The figure for Nissan though was only estimated by the consulting firm since the third largest Japanese car manufacturer declined to provide them with data for 2006.

Honda, the second largest Japanese car manufacturer, landed on the third place with about 31.63 hours spent on assembling a single vehicle. Honda is also reported as the carmaker to show the best improvement from 2005.

General Motors is fourth on the list with an average time of 32.36 hours spent on building a single vehicle. The gap between the leader Toyota and General Motors showed that the largest American car manufacturer is gaining on the Japanese firm. DaimlerChrysler AG follows General Motors on the list with an average of 32.9 hours spent on manufacturing and assembling car parts. The Ford Motor Company finished last with an average of 35.1 hours. While Ford posted the lowest productivity rating, their productivity improved by 2 percent as compared to 2005.

Ron Harbour, the president of Harbour Consulting, said that the gap between the highest, Toyota, and the lowest, Ford, is at 5.17 hours. Compared to 2005, the gap is two hours better. In 2005, the gap between the most productive and the last on the list is 7.33 hours. The reason pointed out by the study for the closing gap is the result of the workforce reduction implemented by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. The said step made the companies more productive although in terms of sale they are still performing at a low level compared to the three Japanese car manufacturers.

Installing a Motorcycle Fork Stabilizer

Author: Jim Noss

Source: articleage.com



The benefits of installing a Superbrace motorcycle fork stabilizer
You may ask yourself, what is a motorcycle fork stabilizer and why do I need one for my motorcycle. These are very reasonable questions to ask especially since you have expected the motorcycle manufacturer to have given your motorcycle the highest performance suspension components available. I hope to answer these questions and many more within this motorcycle fork stabilizer article.
I first became aware of motorcycle fork stabilizers from the Cycle Solutions (http://www.CycleSolutions.net) motorcycle forums. Several members of the forum suggested that this was a aftermarket part to install on your motorcycle. Being both curious and ignorant I asked questions. Is this just a cosmetic "Bling" piece or does it actually serve a purpose. I received responses from some skeptics saying fork stabilizers were snake oil and did not add any added performance handling to your motorcycle. The majority of responses were from seasoned riders and racers that swear by the performance handling improvements of a fork stabilizer. So now this peeked my curiosity even more since credible motorcyclists were endorsing this aftermarket suspension part.
I decided to check out the available fork stabilizer products on the market. With the help of the Cycle Solutions forum, I received several options of manufacturers. Of which , the majority of people highly recommended the Superbrace Motorcycle Fork Stabilizer. I personally never heard of Superbrace and kept asking questions and receiving advice, testimonials, and photos concerning the Superbrace. I have compiled the following information from my research with the intent to help the reader become more informed as a consumer.
Essentially, the SuperBrace motorcycle fork stabilizer is designed to stop the forks from flexing and vibrating. The brace provides better stability, superior aerodynamics and a more streamlined look than other multi-piece braces on the market. Once you install the Superbrace you will have unbelievable handling. It's a night and day difference. The best part of having a Superbrace installed on your motorcycle is the long-term effect. You will then get 20,000 miles out of you front tire. It is an investment that will pay you every year.
Now my research led me to trying to understand exactly what was meant by fork flex. How could these strong front forks bend and flex. Being very doubtful that this was possible I discovered the following about fork flex:
Fork flex is the main reason why a rider incurs speed wobbles, unstable handling, road sensitivity problems and tire cupping. Superbrace eliminates fork flex and allows the fork assembly to cycle in a straight line. Now I understood fork flex and how the Superbrace would help to eliminate this issue. Ok, so what. I install my Superbrace and the fork stop flexing. What exactly does this mean? By eliminating fork flex, you will immediately notice the following performance suspension benefits:
ท Reduces low and high-speed wobbles. ท Improves stability in tight cornering.
ท Improves tire life and reduces cupping.
ท Decreases sensitivity to rough road surfaces and rain grooves.

So how does it work? The purpose of a fork brace is to reduce "fork-flex". Fork flex can lead to poor suspension performance, poor steering accuracy, and headshake. A fork brace can significantly reduce these issues. The reasons and benefits stated above are what convinced me to get a Superbrace for my Kawasaki ZZR-1200 sport touring motorcycle. Some of the non-performance related issues which helped me decide to purchase this brace were:
ท Every Superbrace is made of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and machined to a tolerance of + or - .002 of an inch, with a polished finish. ท Ten-minute easy installation. ท Competition proven by world-class racers.
Now if that was not enough, I found out that the manufacturer, Superbrace, stands behind their product with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. Enough said, I order my part from my friendly online store and wait for the UPS man to arrive. Now I am thinking, how do I install this part. Surely it has to involve removing the forks, wheels, etc. I read up on the installation for this particular product and was very please to find the installation would be a quick 10-minute task. Even given my average wrenching skills. The following describes the basic installation procedures for the Superbrace fork stabilizer:
SuperBrace Fork Stabilizer General Installation Notes
1. Place motorcycle on center stand. (If your motorcycle in not equipped with a center stand, place a block device under the stand to make the motorcycle as upright as possible without it being over center.) 2. Remove any existing fork bridge or brace.
3. Remove any existing plastic fork guards (if applies).
4. Disassemble SuperBrace.
5. Loosen axle pinch bolts.

Assemble SuperBrace 1/8" below fork seals. NOTE: Should the fender prevent installing the SuperBrace at this height, place a piece of paper (such as this instruction sheet) between the SuperBrace and the fender and follow the next step.
Torque SuperBrace bolts to 10 ft. pounds. (Remove paper if used)
Re-torque axle pinch bolts to factory specification.
IMPORTANT: Before riding, bounce the front end of motorcycle and cycle the suspension to insure brake lines and horn Do Not contact the brace. It may be necessary to move or purchase after market brake lines and horn.
Once I received the item via UPS. The install went as planned. I was first impressed with the simple ease of installation on the fork. It was only a few minutes and I was ready to take the bike out for a test ride. After riding with the Superbrace all summer, I could not get over how much the Superbrace improved the handling and riding of my motorcycle. The bike felt firmly attached to the road, it held a line so much better, a lot less vibrations and wandering. The steering was noticeably crisper. I also noticed the steadiness of the bike in braking. I did notice the front used to howl at speed, with the fork stabilizer on, the howling ceased. It is a completely different feel. Overall a very positive effect on the motorcycle.
I highly recommend the Superbrace fork stabilizer if you want an instant performance item on a motorcycle. Too many times I see people throwing money away on items for looks only and are not investing in a tested peformance accessory that can add not only to the looks, but to the handling, performance and to riding stability.
Contributing author to Cycle Solutions http://www.CycleSolutions.net http://www.KingpinCruisers.net

Jimmie Johnson Scores Chevrolet Its 4th Impala Ss Victory

Author: Mike Bartley

Source: articledashboard.com



James Kenneth Johnson, popularly known as Jimmie Johnson, took his fourth victory of the season and the ninth for Chevy in an atypical day race at the Richmond International Raceway. Rescheduled from Saturday night due to rain, the 300-mile, 400-lap race witnessed the Chevy Impala SS drivers brush the top four finishing spots. To stress, seven out of top ten finishers were Chevy drivers.

Johnson, the driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Impala SS and the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion, has this to say: "This means the world to me to win here. We haven't been that strong here. It reminds me a lot of Indy last year where we came back and we were able to beat a track that's tough on us. I think this car has been an opportunity for myself and for the team to kind of learn the right setup; feeling the right the rhythm at this track. We did well at being here. I was hoping one-two-three for Hendrick Motorsports, it was awesome racing with my teammate Kyle Busch."

In his rookie year, Johnson became the first rookie in the Cup series to sweep both races at a track when he won both races at the Dover International Speedway. He became the first rookie ever to lead in the point standings. In addition, Johnson is the only driver to finish in the top five in the standings in his first five full seasons.

How does it feel to wear the Virginia Tech hat? Johnson said, "I feel honored to win this race here in Virginia. Obviously what took place, no one could ever describe. It's just so sad, I don't even know where to start. I didn't go to school there, have a lot of close friends that did, great people that work at Hendrick Motorsports that have and certainly want to dedicate this win to them."

Johnson ran near the front for most of the race, taking the lead for good with 20 laps to go. With a performance likened to that of ACT, he finished ahead of teammate Kyle Busch, the driver of the No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Impala SS and Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 FedEx Impala SS, who finished second and third, respectively.

Jeff Gordon, the owner of Johnson's Impala SS, finished behind Hamlin. Another teammate of Johnson, the driver of the No. 24 DuPont Impala SS, kept his points in the driver with his fourth-place finish. Johnson's win pushed him up to second place in the standings up from fourth.

Richmond's race was the fourth race for Chevy's new Impala SS race car. The Impala SS has won all four new-generation race car events this season with Hendrick Motorsports - Johnson's team. Chevy drivers also hold nine of the top twelve spots in the series standings. Additionally, Chevrolet has won nine of ten races in the '07 series to date and leads in the Manufacturer's Cup chase with 87 points.

Finishing second was Kyle Busch, the driver of No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Impala SS. "That was a good run for our Kellogg's/CARQUEST Impala SS. You know we struggle in qualifying with these things but we seem to get it when the race turns around so we also want to thank all my sponsors and all the people that are behind us," Busch quipped.

When asked whether his car fell off on the last restart or Johnson's car just got better, Busch said, "Well both. I think mine fell off a little bit and his got better, because we kind of gapped out. Normally we could run together but the restart before I was a little bit better than he was and I got a good start and I got down in one and two and got a good jump on everybody but that last caution came out again. I think he would have caught us anyway. He was a little bit better overall than we were but it's still a good day for Hendrick Motorsports - one, two, four, I believe."

Denny Hamlin, the driver of No. 11 FedEx Express Impala SS and finished third in the event, noted: "We definitely had an up-and-down day but for the most part our car was pretty good. We were coming on there at the end and got caught behind a lot of cars. It seemed like the fist couple of cars could clear and we just had a tough time running on the outside. For the most part I was happy about it. The FedEx Chevrolet was a winning car there at the end but we just didn't have the track position."

Driving No. 24 DuPont Impala SS is Jeff Gordon who finished fourth. Describing his race, Gordon said, "We've got to be proud of that. This has been one of our worst tracks. To come out here in the top five just tells you what kind of improvements we've made with the DuPont Chevrolet team. We had great track position and we were able to maintain that. That probably helped us out for the most part. At one time I thought we had the car to beat and then we made some adjustments trying to keep up with the changing conditions of the track and just lost it."

He added, "I've got to congratulate Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch. Those guys drove one heck of a race. We're so proud to have those guys at Hendrick Motorsports. I was trying so hard to get that one-two-three Hendrick finish but just couldn't pull it off. Denny Hamlin drove a great race as well. Congratulations to Jimmie and all those guys. We'll just take our top-five and move on from here."

When Your Automotive Mechanic Does Flat Rate Billing for Auto Repair and Truck Repair in Tampa

Author: Business Local Listings

Source: articlesbase.com



You cannot avoid auto repair or truck repair no matter how well you maintain your vehicle. You will still need to bring it to your automotive service center for auto inspection, engine repair or car transmission system repair some time. Perhaps you may need to have some of your car parts replaced with AC Delco car parts, or perhaps you will just need auto oil change. Whatever automotive service you will need, your mechanic will either use hourly billing or flat rate billing. Both are acceptable billing methods in Tampa. But what difference does it make?Hourly billing is self-explanatory. Your automotive mechanic and automotive service center will bill you for the exact number of hours spent working on your vehicle. Flat rate billing, on the other hand, is based on how much time a flat rate book says a certain type of repair takes when done by the average professional mechanic. The flat rate book is an automotive industry standard that is used everywhere and not just in Tampa.Flat rate billing becomes a problem when some clients believe that they are being scammed when they are billed for a three-hour repair that the mechanic finishes in just two hours. The clients think they should, therefore, be billed only for those two hours. They should take into consideration, though, that the three hour period specified in the flat rate book is the industry standard in doing such type of repair. This means that the average professional skilled mechanic will take three hours to do the job properly. If the particular mechanic was able to finish it in two hours, and the repair was done well, it just means that this mechanic is exceptionally skilled and perhaps has had long experience in such types of repair. The time and study he has invested in preparing himself professionally up to that point accounts for the speed with which he did the task. It is only fair that he be duly rewarded for it.If clients fear being scammed, that could be possible with hourly billing, as well. Without the benefit of a flat rate book, clients will not have any idea on how much time it should really take to do a certain type of repair. For all you know, the automotive mechanic could spend four hours on a task that should take only an hour. Even if you do have a flat rate book at hand, the automotive mechanic who is being paid by the hour will not have any incentive to do the job faster even if he has the capability to do so. It will be to his best interest to extend the task to the maximum time possible.With flat rate billing, therefore, both the client and the automotive mechanic are at an advantage. The mechanic can work at his real pace and if he finishes earlier than expected then the client can drive off much earlier, too. The mechanic can then take on other jobs and the client has lost less downtime.There are times when the mechanic can even be at a disadvantage with the flat rate billing system. With very new car systems, sometimes the manufacturer’s estimate of how long a certain repair should take is quite tight considering the fact that mechanics have not had enough time yet to master its innovations. It would not be farfetched under such scenarios for mechanics to take even more time than specified in the book. This means they are on the losing end of the deal.So if your automotive mechanic in Tampa uses flat rate billing, do not blame him for it. You are not being shortchanged for as long as you are getting the highest quality of auto repair or truck repair.

Guy's Automotive

3049 W.Hillsborough Ave.

Tampa, FL 33614

Phone: 813 353-1537

Fax: 813 353 1568

Email: guyskiver@msn.com

Website's: www.AUTOREPAIRINTAMPA.COM, www.AUTOREPAIRTAMPA.NET

Car Radiator Replacement Solutions

Author: Matthew C. Keegan

Source: articleage.com



My first attempt at a more difficult auto fix-it project
involved replacing the blown radiator on my '78 VW Rabbit
Diesel. Let's just say that I was a little "green" in this area
and it was only with the help of a good friend that I was able
to complete the task without resorting to calling a garage to
finish the job. Still, it was a good experience for me and I
believe that it is one job I could successfully tackle again in
the future. You can too provided you purchase reliable OEM parts
and get instructions that are easy to follow.

Back during the time that I owned my VW, the number of parts
stores carrying in stock Volkswagen parts was fairly limited;
the internet was in its infancy so shopping around for the best
deal wasn't something that I could do. The local VW dealer had
the part, but their prices were stratospheric. I simply did not
have the funds available to buy one from the dealer so I ended
up snagging a radiator off of a junked Rabbit. Big mistake! It
turned out that the junked car's radiator leaked and the cap did
not quite fit. I never found out why it was that way, but the
junkyard dealer did refund my money. Fortunately, a local garage
ended up having a decent used one available; we installed that
one without too much of a problem.

Of course, I worried about the replacement part as it wasn't
warranted and it looked, well, quite used. Sure it was no
BMW
radiator so I did not have to pay a mint to have it
shipped in from Germany nor was it a pricey Honda
radiator fresh off the boat from Japan. Certainly, I
counted myself blessed. Still, I found myself frantically
watching the temperature gauge particularly on hot days when I
ran the a/c at full blast. I was sure the "new" radiator would
give out once again, so I pampered the car as much as I could.

Fortunately the options today for the consumer are better than
ever before. Your choices include:

1. Ordering your part from a dealer as long as you are willing
to pay full freight and then some.

2. Visit an auto parts store and see if they have the part on
hand - this can work if it is a Jeep
radiator, but you can expect that your Isuzu radiator
will involve a 2-3 week back order.

3. Go to the junkyard and hope that your part can be found and
is in excellent condition. Yeah, right.

4. Finally, you can order online through an established and
reputable dealer who does not have the overhead of maintaining
expensive brick and mortar stores. Prices with select online
dealers are competitive and usually involve same day shipping at
no extra cost to you.

As for the Rabbit, I traded it in for a new car only months
after replacing the radiator. Had my replacement part purchasing
options been better, I would have held onto it a bit longer.
Shoot, at 50 miles per gallon the 'lil bunny would be a jewel to
have on hand today!

Creating Unique Automotive T-shirt Pictures

Author: Anthony Palmieri

Source: articleage.com



Abstract:

In these days of digital cameras, and on-line photograph
development companies, individuals can be even more creative and
create custom T-shirts or other cool items. Adding a personal
touch into family pictures as well as other loves such as cars,
and pets makes your T-shirt even more unique. If you walk around
at many automotive events such as World of Wheels, New England
Dragway, or NASCAR, auto enthusiast proudly wear a T-shirt that
shows their interest, supporting Ford, Mopar, or Richard Petty.
These shirts you see are usually mass produced. Now whether you
have a Mustang, Camaro, street rod, or other custom vehicle you
can proudly wear it. This article will give you some basic ideas
that will help you transform your pictures into T-shirts that
are different, unique and personal.

Creating Unique Automotive T-shirt Pictures
----------------------------------------------

A low cost digital camera coupled with some imagination can open
the door for you to create unique picture clothing with images
of your family and pets all the way to your special autos and
motorcycles. For a few years now the home user could use special
iron-on transfer paper to print a picture on a home printer then
iron it on to clothing. It looks great initially, however, it
tends to be stiff, and after a few washes fades. High end
T-shirt printing was expensive, and restricted to large
companies that were making many many of the same T-shirt. As
with most technologies, as they evolve they improve and become
less expensive.

The most common technique for printing onto fabrics was silk
screening, which is an expensive processes that is not cost
effective for an individual looking to create only one or two
shirts. A process called sublimation has gained more popularity
and is available through many of the on-line development houses.
Sublimation uses special inks called sublimation ink. This ink
is used to print your photograph on a special transfer paper,
and that along with heat, and pressure transfers the image to a
variety of materials such as cotton and polyester (T-shirts ),
metals, plastics, ceramics, and special high temperature
plastics such as Plexiglas, Mylar or melamine. Sublimation ink
is unique where it has the ability to convert from a solid to a
gas without going through a liquid form moving into the fibers
of the fabric. This conversion and ink transfer process creates
a crisp color with a highly defined image that is very durable.

Now that you the individual, have all this capability
available, what can you do with it? The basic starting point is
to take a digital picture and send it as is to one of these
houses to create a standard photo shirt. Lets go beyond the
standard picture and create custom pieces of art for yourself
that you can proudly wear.

Software packages like Adobe Photoshop have many capabilities
that allow you to customize your pictures. The question often
asked is well what should I do? The intent of this article is to
give you a few ideas to spark your creativity and see what fits
your personality. Our focus at www.PalmieriConcepts.com has been
on automotive art, so we will use automobiles for examples,
although these ideas can be applied to family portraits,
pictures of your loving pets, and even landscapes. You can
exchange the word "car" for dog, cat, boat, girlfriend, etc.

When you are taking a picture of your car, do not just think
about what you see in the viewfinder, but think about the final
composition. Also think about other T-shirts that you have seen
and what you liked and disliked. A few questions to consider are:

1. Will the car be a stand alone in the picture? 2. Will there
be multiple images of the car merged together? 3. Will there be
multiple cars? 4. Will there be different elements of the car
used such as emblems? 5. Can the car be used as both a
background element as well as a foreground element (Car overlaid
over the engine as a background.)? 6. What unique features stand
out? 7. What angles will look best? (Stand on a ladder to get
that down view.) .... and the list goes on.

Taking a digital picture does not cost you anything until you
print it out, so I recommend that you take many pictures at
different angles, and of all key elements. Looking through the
viewfinder gives you only one perspective of the final picture,
however, once the image is on your computer screen your mind
will open the door to an unlimited world.

Things to consider when looking and photographing a car: 1. Is
there a large surface such as a sloping trunk with a minimal
amount of details? If so, this may make a great background where
you could overlay a side view of the car on the trunk. To add to
the personalized component, keep the license place in the
picture so it ties the picture to the owner.

2. Are there any distinctive features such as a massive open
grill as on many pre 1965 cars? This may also make a great
background to overlay a side view of the car in the grill.
Keeping any logos or license plate adds to the personalized
impact.

3. Many of the older cars have trim pieces that are art in
themselves. Take for example a 1958 Bel Air. The front fenders
and sides have bullet like trim that would make a great border.

4. Do not just focus on the exterior of the car, think about the
interior. How about those detailed and distinctive dash boards
and large buss like steering wheels. These also make a great
backgrounds. Imagine the car centered in the steering wheel
where you get a glimpse of the gages. Or for that fantasy effect
for a performance car, edit the speedometer to show a high
speed, and slightly blur the car to represent the speed.

The points above are general picture guidelines, but when
composing a picture for print on a fabric you must remember that
fabric does not have the depth and color representation of photo
paper to show the details. Fabric also has a matt finish so
these additional points must be kept in mind.

1. Keep the T-shirt image less busy, meaning, focus on the car
image, and less of background.

2. To minimize a hard edge around a square picture, have the
picture blurred or faded around the edges so it fades into the
fabric, This can be done by taking a straight edge and adding 10
pixels (on a 200 DPI) of fade, or even creating an irregular
outline like a irregular cloud fading into a fabric.

3. Try to make the foreground bold colors "BOLD" so the car
stands out.

4. Complement the picture with some descriptive text to further
personalize it, even if it is just the year of the car, or if
you are lucky to have 2 of more cars, even a saying such as
"Just cant have one!"

5. Lastly, remember to add that small text at the bottom with
your name for the added personal touch.

This is a brief list of things to consider, and in time your
mind will run with the endless possibilities. Your biggest
challenge will be to weed through those ideas, do some
experimenting and pick the best ones.

For some examples of what is described here, refer to
www.PalmieriConcepts.com in the "Examples" and "T-shirt"
sections. Look at these examples think about how you can apply
these to your own work. Have fun!