Muscle Cars: How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car

Author: Alex Baumm

After the World War II, muscle cars became an instant hit, as motorists and car buyers aimed to acquire vehicles that would showcase and show great power and speed. The term was basically a name description of what the car was to the industry.


Muscle cars were considered the instruments to bring back the glory and profitability of the global car industry. Muscle autos were hugely popular in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.



With the emergence of many other car brands and more superior car models, muscle cars are now nowhere in the map of global cars. However, there are still some of those vehicles that are in circulation within the market.



Those muscle autos are now considered novelty and collectors' items. If you happen to own one, it surely would be your interest to improve and revitalize the look and performance of your old car. Thus, you would certainly find ways on how you can rebuild and modify your muscle auto.



Here are some suggested procedures on how you can rebuild and revitalize the look and feel of your muscle autos. Take note that some auto detailing techniques may already be familiar to you, especially if you are into regular auto detailing.



1. Plan the restoration process ahead of time. Muscle cars are important and are sensitive cars. Any error or mistake on the rebuilding and auto detailing procedure could greatly harm and alter the overall appearance of the exterior of the car.



Thus, it would be advisable if you would do a research and ask experts on what to do right about your muscle auto. Make a simple list of things to do and do a checklist to serve as a guide as you do the rebuilding and modifying process.



2. Spend time and more effort rebuilding the body of the muscle cars. Pay particular attention to details. The overall body of the car should be given more care and proper treatment. Do you need to modify and do little changes at the engine and the overall system?



If you are not too familiar with it, just leave it to the experts. Just tell them what you want, what you aim and what you intend to do and let them do the rest.



3. Settle to do a major auto detailing. When the insides of the muscle autos are modified and improved, take time to do a major auto detailing process.



When you auto detail muscle cars, you aim to revamp and overhaul the total exterior and physical package of the vehicles. Repaint. Spend to repair damaged parts. Check the wheels. In no time, the muscle autos would look as awesome as new again.



4. To wrap things up, check the overall electrical system of the muscle autos. Pay attention to the electrical wirings responsible for the proper functioning of lights and horns. Make sure the battery is functioning well.



5. There is no need to change the overall physical appearance or the assembly of the body packaging, not unless you want to remodel your muscle autos. If you do so, your muscle cars would cease to be muscle cars and should be called through other names.



As your muscle cars take a new rejuvenation and look, always remember that muscle cars would not ever function like the modern powerful cars. During their time, muscle autos were the most powerful vehicles on the road.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/muscle-cars-how-to-rebuild-and-modify-your-muscle-car-344973.html
About the Author

Alex Baumm, member of the Carclubtalk Car Club. More than half a century has passed, so do not think Muscle Cars are still as superior. They would definitely make as good collectors' items, though. Ask your questions about Auto Detailing etc.

Choosing the Right Tire For Your Rat Rod

Author: Art Tupaczewski

Get A Sneaker For Your Squeaker

When choosing the correct tire for your project, you need to keep in mind a few things:

1. Comfort

Are you doing a lot of driving? If you are, then you might want to keep a taller tire with moderate air pressure. This is no problem for a Rat Rod
or some Muscle Cars. A tire with a wide sidewall has some give to it, giving you a gentle ride . Plus most Rat Rods have fat whitewalls and need
a taller tire to be able to show it off. Smaller sidewalls or "rubber-bands" as they are referred to are hard on comfort and driveability, but are
excellent for handling and are mostly seen on Resto Mods and most Hot Rods. These wheels go from 17" to over 22'.

2. Performance

As we mentioned previously, taller sidewalls do not handle as well as a low profile tire. Most people in Rat Rods are not
exactly tearing up the mountain roads at breakneck speeds. Nor is anyone really thinking about going much
over 65 mph in a jalopy. Most modern Hot Rods and Resto Mods have modern suspension and or air suspension and with
the proper wheel/tire set up can reveal Corvette-like handling.

3. Looks

And most important of all, how will my rust bucket look? Again, as we said before, fat whitewalls are traditional Rat Rod tires. Wrap
them around a set of 14 or 15" steel wheels and you are set. Muscle Cars always look good with the factory wheels. For extreme
originality, some go to the extent of getting the reproduction bias-ply tires. Although not as good as a radial tire, they serve the
purpose, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in some spare wheels with a good radial tire for consistent driving. Modified Muscle Cars
also called Resto Mods are very popular with their use of big wheels, skinny tires. Many wheel companies are offering reproduction
style wheels at a bigger size so as to improve the handling and not sacrifice looks. Hot Rods go to the extreme with large wheel sizes.
These are usually high dollar billet aluminum wheels. Keep in mind, high dollar wheels wear high dollar tires!
I hope this is a good guide to get you started in the right direction for your quest to find the right wheel and tire combination.
Come visit us at http://www.ratrodauthority.com.com for ideas, parts, vehicles and anything to do with Rat Rods, Muscle Cars, and Hot Rods.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/choosing-the-right-tire-for-your-rat-rod-2653941.html
About the Author

Started by Art Tupaczewski, his experience in the auto body industry lead him to devise a way to find
that "specialty part" for your car quickly, easily, and cost effectively. Whether just starting
out, or a seasoned veteran, http://www.ratrodauthority.com has what you need.

After analyzing the marketplace, Art figured out an efficient way to get what you need fast and correct
from the comfort of your own home. His website is the most user friendly and is designed to tell you exactly
what you need to know so you can get back to your project. No guesswork and up to the date
products allow you to move at a rapid rate and checkout quickly.

Whether its an exhaust for your lead sled, wheels for your jalopy, or tires for your Chevelle or Camaro,
you can rest assured knowing that you found the only place to shop for your car.

So always remember, from rust buckets to hot rods, the rat rod authority is available 24 hours a day, 7

Ford Mustang – The First Generation Models for your Restoration Project

1964 was the banner year that Ford Motors unveiled a new breed of car at the World's Fair in New York.  With the belief that a small sports car would be the next hot ticket, Ford made strides to make it one of their automobiles.  Understanding that true success would come with volume sales, a two-seat design was dropped and Ford introduced the 1965 Mustang based on the Falcon with numerous options to give buyers the opportunity to customize their purchase.  At the base price of $2,320, the Mustang racked up over 22,000 in sales its first day, 417,000 in the first year and surpassed the one million mark in March of 1966.  The attention was now on the pony car, and is the only class of muscle car that still exists today.  The Ford Mustang is the only original pony car to remain in uninterrupted production.


1964½-1965

The first Mustang model, the early 65 or 64½, available as a coupe or convertible, featured a base 170 cubic inch six-cylinder engine with a three-speed floor shift transmission.  Optionally a 260 cubic inch V-8 engine in addition to a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic Cruise-O-Matic transmission was available.  1965 was also the debut of the Shelby GT350 Street, a high-performance Fastback 2x2 Mustang, featuring a modified K-code 289cid V8 engine with 306 hp.  Engine replacements were made and are often referred to as late 1965 models, switching out the 170 cubic inch with a 200 cubic inch version with increased horsepower.  The 260 cubic inch was replaced with a 289 cubic inch with 200 hp, with an optional four-barrel solid-lifter which produced 225 hp, or the "Hi-Po" which generated 271 hp.

Indentifying an Early 1965 Mustang

An Early 1965 Mustang, or 1964½ to enthusiasts, was built between March 9th and July 31st 1964.  Identifying features are a factory-equipped generator starting system and a generator charge light (later 65 models used 'Alt' light), a 170 ci V6 (U-code), a 260 V8 (F-code), or a 289 V8 (D-code) engine, large horns mounted on the frame behind the radiator, a brake light pressure switch on the master cylinder, a two-speed heater with center 'off' switch, and the front hood features angled edges that are not folded which were modified in the later 1965 models to a rolled front edge.  Another difference is that the passenger seat in the early 1965 models was in a fixed position.

1966-1968

Slight moderate changes to the 1966 Mustang were to the grille and wheel covers, along with a new instrument cluster and revised side scoops featuring chrome trim and three wind-splits. 1966 was also the year that the millionth Mustang was sold.  Changes to the 1967 Mustang were major going for a more muscular and aggressive look and feel.  Changes include a full Fastback roofline, longer nose, triple tail lamps, a wider chassis and bigger grille.  The release of the Shelby GT500 with a 428 cubic inch V-8 with 355 hp was also in 1967.  1967 was also the last year the Ford block letting appeared across the front edge of first generation Mustangs (The lettering was re-added in 1974).  1968 saw the release of the 302 cubic inch V-8 engine to replace the older "Hi-Po", with a mid-year release of the 427 cubic inch engine, along with the 428 Cobra Jet engine aimed at racing enthusiasts. Front and back side markers and shoulder belts were also added to the 1968 model in accordance with Federal regulations, and this was the first year that the rear view mirror attached to the windshield instead of the frame.

1969

Body style changes in 1969 included a longer body for a more aggressive muscle car appearance. The title Fastback was dropped and Sportsroof was adopted.  A new 302 cubic inch engine with more than 220 hp was released, and a 351 cubic inch Windsor generating 250 hp with a two-barrel carburetor or 290 hp with a four-barrel.  Special-Edition Mustangs available in 1969 were the Boss 302, 429, Shelby GT350, GT500 and the Mach 1, all with performance engines.

1970-1973

Changes to the 1970 Mustang were minimal with only the addition of a ram air Shaker hood scoop.  The 1971 model was a foot longer than earlier Mustangs making this the biggest Mustang and heaviest by 600 pounds.  The Mach 1 was the only special edition Mustang to make the cut and remain in the line-up.  1972 saw no changes to the body style, and the Sprint model, featuring red, white, and blue exterior paint and tape styling was released.  In 1973, the fuel shortage and newly introduced emissions standards brought an end to the muscle car era; designers moved away from the Falcon platform and discontinued the convertible.
This is seen as the end of the first generation of Mustangs.

About the Author

By: James R.M. Brent

James grew up coveting classic Mustangs with the idea to one day own one from each year. While that never quite worked out, James was able to assemble an online Mustang Parts site to make sure that those who are restoring their Mustangs can find their parts and accessories. You can visit his site at restoremustangs.com
A lifelong Mustang enthusiast penned this article; I recommend restoremustangs.com for Mustang parts.

(ArticlesBase SC #3629496)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com:80/ - Ford Mustang – The First Generation Models for your Restoration Project

How To Find Classic Car Parts

In the old days if you were looking for a classic car parts you would have to drive from one wrecking yard to another, having to search each wrecking yard yourself. How times have changed, now every wrecking yard has a computer that will not only tell the computer operator if that classic car parts is available, but also where to find it.

So now you can sit in the comfort of your own home and search the world for the part you are looking for. Most often times the definition of a classic car includes the numbers that were produced, since this figure has a direct relation on its classic value.




How to Find Classic Car Parts -The Internet 

The internet is definitely the place to begin when you are searching for a classic car part. You will be able to search the world for this part but in some cases you might want to keep the search area close to home because of the size/weight of the part. Most of the people advertising parts for classic cars on the internet have a web page that allows you to search by year, make, and model.



How to Find Classic Car Parts - Your Local Newspaper 

Since an engine or transmission can be very heavy, finding one close to home that you can pick up might save you a lot of money. Another comfort from buying locally is that you are able to inspect it with your own hands.



How to Find Classic Car Parts - CraigsList

Craigslist has become one of the most popular ways to buy or sell anything. The very successful goal of the company is to eliminate the middleman and thus give everybody concerned a great deal.

How to Find Classic Car Parts - E-Bay 

E-Bay has become the largest middleman in the world, by taking just a little commission from the seller. E-Bay has a very nice feature that allows the looker to see how each E-Bay provider has provided for his customers over time.

Classic Car Clubs and Associations 

Another great source for finding classic car parts is to join an organization like the "Antique Automobile Club of America." By joining the oldest and largest automobile historical society, you gain instant access to the thousands of members who might have the part you are looking for.
On the other hand, if you specialize in one brand of car you might be better served by joining the club that only deals with your particular brand of car. Just think of the enormous possibilities that exist within an organization where everyone owns the same car: the sharing of common information not only you but all members of the club.

About the Author

By: lisa lucero

If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article's author on cordless radar detectors and top radar detectors.

(ArticlesBase SC #2178508)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How To Find Classic Car Parts

Tips for Buying Classic Cars on Craigslist

Are you a classic car collector or are you considering taking up this great hobby?  If so, you may look for classic cars for sale to expand or start your collection.  Craigslist.org is a great place to find these vehicles for sale, but how can you get the best deal?


Mix up your search phrases. 

One of the best ways to find classic cars on Craigslist is to choose good search phrases.  If you are looking for something in particular, like 1949 Mercury, use that vehicle name as your search phrase.  If you are just looking for classic cars in general and seeking out the best deals, use a general search phrase.  “Classic cars,” is a good start.  The more search phrases you try, the more results you will get.


Ask lots of questions.

Buying classic cars are tricky.  To ensure you get a good deal, always ask the seller lots of questions.  Start by asking them about the vehicle.  When did they purchase it?  Where did they purchase it?  Has the vehicle just sat in their garage or did they attend classic car shows?  Has any restoration been done?  It is best to read all vehicle descriptions carefully, but sometimes sellers don’t include as much information as you need to make a decision.  That is why asking questions are recommended.  You can use the answers to some of your questions to ensure the selling price is fair.

Ask to see pictures. 

In fact, ask to see lots of pictures.  Classic car owners take great pride in their vehicles, but some car owner’s aren’t necessarily hobbyists or collectors.  These individuals may not have taken the best care of the vehicle.  For that reason, ask to see pictures.  Most times, Craigslist sellers only post one or two pictures.  It is reasonable to ask the seller to send you more via email.  Don’t just examine the car, but the background too.  You can gain a lot of insight into the seller and their pride and care styles by looking at the condition of yards, homes, or garages in the background.
The above mentioned tips can help you find good, quality classic cars for sale on Craigslist.  Since classic cars are sometimes difficult to find, you may need to expand your search to include other nearby cities or your entire state.  If so, download a Craigslist search tool that allows you to perform multi-city, statewide, or nationwide searches.

About the Author

By: Adnan Masood

Click here to download a Craigslist search tool that you can treat as your own classic Craigslist car finder!

(ArticlesBase SC #1071755)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Tips for Buying Classic Cars on Craigslist

Classic Cars - Buying Guide to your Ideal Car

• Buying your Classic Car

Buying a classic car is fairly straightforward, but you do need to take care in deciding exactly what type of vehicle best fits your needs. It’s no good buying a classic MGB if you want to use the vehicle for family outings (with kids and dogs) to the beach. Equally, a Ford Cortina 1600E might tick all the practicality boxes if you’re a single bloke – but does it have the same effect on your street cred as a gleaming MK2 Jaguar? Key practical considerations therefore need to be: Number of seats, number of doors, hard-top of soft-top, boot space – and even image!

• Where to store your classic car

How you store the car is also a major factor. Unfortunately, most ‘old’ cars simply don’t stand up to the weather like new ones, so you’ll need to keep your new classic in a garage or lock-up to maintain its appearance. If, like most people, your garage is full with anything BUT a car you’ll either need to clear it out or factor in the cost of renting a lock-up in your budget.
If the car needs some work doing on it, you’ll need space to move around the vehicle (especially under it). And if you’re thinking of keeping it outside, covered with a tarpaulin, think again! Damp rises, putting your car at risk – and how will you fancy doing your vital maintenance work in the pouring rain or driving snow?

• Car condition

The condition of your chosen classic car is a major consideration. If you have a background in engineering, welding or metalwork, a rusting old heap will hold no fear for you. Classic car magazines are full of adverts for a huge array of potential classic vehicles, and this should be your prime hunting ground. The key is to be realistic about what you can take on. A full restoration project is one thing – but it might be much more sensible to take on a project that’s been part completed, and just needs a few spares to get it back on the road.

Equally, you may find a ‘bargain’ for just a few hundred quid, that may well be worth £15k when complete. But spending hours trying to find irreplaceable body parts, or having to outsource specialist elements of the rebuilding project to experts, will soon make you wonder whether it was all worthwhile.
A sensible option when buying your first classic car is to spend a little more, but go for something that is presentable even if it takes a little longer to find the car of your dreams.

• Where to find classic cars

The internet has made it easier than ever before to track down a classic car. Previously, buyers had to scour shop windows for likely purchases or buy specialist magazines, but now simply typing ‘Daimler Sovereign’ or ‘Austin Healey ‘ into Google is likely to bring up results. You’ll find specialist dealer sites, individuals using auction sites like e-bay, even portals aggregating all the classic car websites in one location.
Magazines are still useful, as they often provide added information by way of features about restoration. While the internet is great for finding vehicles quickly, printed media usually go into much more depth about the joys and pitfalls of classic car ownership.

• Preparation before plunging

Having found a few potential purchases, now you need to do some homework to make sure you don’t end up with ‘a lemon’. While you’ll have some comeback if you buy from a dealer, classic cars are unlikely to be sold with a warranty and if you’re buying from a private individual you’ll have even less rights.
This is why you need to have a series of key questions to ask on the phone, or by email, with the seller to make sure you build up an accurate history of the car. Example questions could be – Why are you selling the car? How long have you owned it? How often is it used? Does it come with any spares? Do you have any receipts for MOT’s or work that’s been done? Where has the work been done? How easy is it to find spare parts and can they recommend any local suppliers? You might want to know if the car runs on unleaded fuel, or if it can be easily converted, as leaded petrol is expensive and has limited availability in the UK.

• Viewing your car

Other MUST DO’s on your viewing:
If you’ve progressed to a viewing, choose a time to see it during daylight. Avoid seeing it in the rain too, even the worst classic car has a certain appeal when it’s sat in the half light with the rain bouncing off it. And think about taking along an expert. You could enlist the paid services of an AA or RAC inspector, but by using internet forums you can usually find a classic car club member close to you who’d be delighted to give you the benefit of their experience (often for the price of a pint of real ale!).

Hopefully, this list of simple Do’s and Don’ts will help you take the first steps to buying a classic car. Trying to cover everything would take all day, but the key things to remember are:
Look underneath the car. Check for signs of sagging, which might indicate suspension or chassis problems. See if all the tyres match. Look for signs of bodywork repairs, especially paint retouches (black and metallic colours are very difficult to match). Check the body all over for rust and rot, or cracking in the example of fibreglass-bodied cars, like Lotus. Lift up the carpets if you can, checking the floor pan and joint to the inner sill. Start the car from cold. Go for a test drive – look and listen for knocks, grinding, and smoke which may indicate oil escaping and burning. Look out for a soft or lazy clutch and check to see whether the car has a tendency to pull to the left or right.

Take time to consider what’s best for you Don’t be afraid to ask for advice Ask plenty of questions Be thorough with your inspection.
Follow these rules and your first foray into classic car ownership should be a joy, not a disaster.

About the Author

By: Steven Greenwood

Please feel free to view our selection of articles including car reviews, buyers guides and news. Sureterm Direct specialise in competitive classic car insurance. Obtain a cheap Classic Car Insurance quote online from one of the UK’s most competitive insurance specialists.

(ArticlesBase SC #1290416)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Classic Cars - Buying Guide to your Ideal Car

Classic Cars for Sale – A promising business

Have you ever been in love with the old classic cars of yesteryears, if so, then here is some piece of valuable information you can use to get going with your love for classic cars. The enormous amount of Internet business that is on since several years now has bought around all the more good news for old timers, the classic car classified advertisements help them find the best olden cars they might be ever looking for.
If you are lucky one to already own one of those beautiful classic cars and want to earn some good money from it, than you can post your ads in classic car classified on several automotive networks or websites where you can get easy money and profit sharing in the business. Several years, back it was nearly difficult to find some car dealer but now with Internet bandwagon, you are all high and dry with several options and good bargaining power as well.

The Classic cars are those cars that are older having classical olden looks, they have those typical sightings that we cannot find or see in our modern cars. For modern classics, you can opt for the cool looking Porsche 944 that is commonly termed as modern classic cars. The Internet provides several options where you can list your classic old cars for sale on automotive networks absolutely free of cost. These networks work in accordance with the demand of automotives from its members, they do no charge you anything. You have to just register with them once and keep listing all the classic old cars for sale as many as you want. There do not levy any transaction costs to the amount of business you do on their site. You need to be really be careful while driving classic cars because most of these cars usually lack in basic safety features like crumple zones, rollover protection or seat belts. You have to be equally be careful while handling the steering and suspension and also concentrate equally on the brake performance of the car.

If you are currently looking for classic old cars for sale, then the newest options available over the web are 1967 Pontiac GTO, 1967 Ford Mustang, 1971 Chevrolet SS Camaro, 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS, 1965 Ford F100, 1190 Mazda RX-7, 1966 Imperial Crown convertible, 1949 Chevrolet pickup, 1955 Oldsmobile 88, 1951 Ford F2, 1973 Chevrolet Nova, 1938 Ford Club coupe 454, 1966 Imperial Crown convertible, 1940 Packard 110 sedan, 1957 Chevrolet Belair 2dr post, 1929 Ford Model A Station Wagon and many other models. Be careful if you are looking to buy Classic old cars for sale from Internet resource, make sure that you are dealing with a reliable resource online.

About the Author

By: TOM

Classic Car Junction
Online Portal for buying and selling of classic cars, Vintage Cars, Antique Cars, muscle cars.

(ArticlesBase SC #2889043)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Old Cars for Sale – A promising business

Joining a Classic Car Club

Classic cars are as beautiful as they are rare many people are known to love them. To these individuals, collecting such cars is their favorite pass time. The lengths individuals go to just to have certain car makes in their possession is amazing. Some individuals search far and wide to get classic cars. It is interesting that classic car lovers also spend huge amount of money just to keep their cars in top shape. They love their cars so much that they have formed classic car clubs.

A classic car club may be defined as an association of people who are brought together by their love of classic cars. It is concerned with the maintenance, refurbishment, presentation and enjoyment of classic cars. One major benefit of joining a classic car club is that an individual is able to link up with other individual with a similar interest in classic cars and share ideas and information. Tried and tested technical advice and maintenance tips on classic cars may only be obtained from individuals who own classic cars. Meeting other individuals who love classic cars and all they represent is sure to add to an individual enjoyment of owning a classic car.


By joining a classic car club one is guaranteed to take part in classic car exhibition and events. In addition, the clubs also hold weekly brunches, cruise nights and monthly club meetings. The biggest advantage about these functions is that they also involve family members and close friends of the car enthusiasts. Cruise nights in particular serve as forums to attract new member's ad also raise awareness about the clubs. Accordingly, these are opportunities for families to spend quality time together. Furthermore, the functions present the opportunity to meet many new people and improve on their social skills. This is also an opportunity for one to grow their car collection. Here, one gets to liaise with individuals who may be selling their classic cars.


The only way that an individual can keep abreast with all activities and events relating to classic cars is only by joining a classic car club. While some clubs may only restrict participation in class car events to their members, others are comfortable welcoming all classic car lovers. Joining a classic car club is one way in which individuals can give back to society. Individuals who are members of classic clubs do not just congregate, marvel and/or show off their cars. Different classic car clubs also organize such events as car rallies where members compete to raise funds for various charities. This way, the clubs encourage their members give to the less fortunate. The benefit in this case is that individuals leave fulfilled; they have done something good for someone else.


One can join a number of classic car clubs. All that is required for one to become a member is the submission of an application and payment of membership fees depending on the club. Next time you are invited to a cruise night, go! It is the first step towards realizing benefits experienced by individuals who are members of classic car clubs.


About the Author

By: Levi Quinn

Do you need to find some extra cash in your budget? Visit Auto Insurance Rates Direct for fast, free rate comparisons from top insurance companies that can lower your car insurance payment and put more money in your pocket.

(ArticlesBase SC #1067188)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Joining a Classic Car Club

The Value of a Classic Car

When a classic car drives by on the road, you cannot help but to stop and admire it. They are breathtaking, unique, and coveted by many. For some people, a classic can bring back memories from their youth and for others it inspires a dream to own one of these fine cars. Classics do not come cheap and you will pay a pretty penny to own one, especially if it has been restored. So what makes a car a classic and why are they so valuable?


A classic can be defined as a car that is twenty five years or older, but this is a very vague classification for a classic. There is more to it than simply the age of the car. Older cars that were really popular during the time they were manufactured can now be classified as a classic. Old cars that are hard to find because they are rare or were limited editions are often called a classic. A lot of muscle cars, rare, and limited edition models are often classics.

The value of a classic increases as the desire to have one goes up. There is an inverse relationship between desirability and rareness and the amount of value they are worth. Limited editions are often the most valuable classic because a lot of people want them but there are few available. Some common classics that are widely available because they used to be in mass production are less valuable.

Askmen.com came up with a list of the ten most expensive classic cars. To make the list, the cars had to be at least twenty years old and had to be on the market for a "quantifiable amount." Here is the list of expensive classics and the value that was compiled by askmen.com starting with number ten.

10.    1956 Ferrari 860 Monza – Valued at $2.5 million
9.       1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider Corsa - $2.53 million
8.       1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $3.63 million
7.       1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 - $4.07 million
6.       1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe - $4.4 million
5.       1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo B - $5.6 million
4.       1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM - $6.5 million
3.       1931 Type 41 Bugatti Royale - $8.7 million
2.       1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $16.6 million
1.       1954 Mercedes W 196 – Valued at $24 million

As you can see, these classics are worth millions of dollars. If you have a rare or limited edition car in your garage, it could be worth millions twenty years from now.

About the Author

By: Chapman

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com
.

(ArticlesBase SC #2911655)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Value of a Classic Car

Customize Your Classic Car - Paint Your Own Rims

Paint your own Rims? Who would have thought something previously done by professionals could be done in your own home.

While, the concept of painting your own rims has been around a few years now, many questions pop up of how to do it and I thought I would share my own experiences with painting my Integra stock rims. I have read up many examples of how to do this, but my first time trying was this year when I chose to refinish my winter rims. I was quite please with the outcome.

First, what the hell do you need to paint your rims? Paint of course. This is where Duplicolor comes in with their wheel paint. They offer paint colors to match your style coming in white, gunmetal, classic silver and bronze as well. I chose to do mine in gunmetal leaving my lip the stock polished style look. So here are your options:

So you chose your color, bought your paint and are semi-ready. First, you need to sand down your rims. Why? This gives the surface a rough texture so the paint has something to adhere to. Reference the article to polish your rims on how sanding of the rims works. The only difference with this is how far you want to go. In my case, being winter rims painted I chose not to go through the process of stripping the paint on the rims completely. I simply sanded down the surface with 300 grit sandpaper ensuring to make everything sanded equally. This gives the rough surface required for the paint to adhere, and as long as your rims had no damage it should be good enough.


Your rims are sanded; you have your paint and now are ready. First, make sure you clean all sanding dust off the rims and ensure a totally clean surface so the paint will stick and not flake off after your first drive out with your newly painted rims!!! Here are my rims washed and ready to completely dry before painting:

My rims are masked off with newspaper and masking tape. Of course you want to do this so you don't turn your tires into the color you are painting. I don't want gunmetal painted tires. Also if you look close enough, you will know that the lip has been masked off as well. So I carefully applied the masking tape on the lip to protect it from being painted as well. Also, you know the little thing you pump your air into, mask that off as well unless you want that to have a color change as well

The rims are dry, you have masked off what you don't want painted and now you are ready. Put some newspaper on the ground and place the rim on top of the newspaper. You don't want to paint the concrete underneath the rim so keep it clean with the newspaper.

Now apply your first coat of paint. Let the paint dry well and next day admire your handiwork and results.

About the Author

By: Steamboat L. Salter

$100 Month Car Payment Vancouver - $100 Month Car Payments Edmonton - www.secondchancefinance.ca

(ArticlesBase SC #236007)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Customize Your Classic Car - Paint Your Own Rims

Classic Cars with High Quality Performance

Classic Cars are still a hit amongst people. The performance of these classic cars may not be as good as new ones but people still buy it for their beauty. ClassicCarJunction.com, has plenty of such classic cars, waiting for you. Some buyers want to buy these cars because of their elegant and timeless designs. On the other hand, some purchase it because of the powerful engine capacity. These classic cars are available at reasonable prices.

Many classic cars owners showcase their car in various exhibitions held in the city. These cars may or may not be in good working condition. People simply buy them because they love the old vehicles. The demand of such cars is increasing very rapidly. They are loved by both young and old generation. Hence, don't be surprised if you see a lot of auctions in your city for these classic cars. So what makes a classic car? One must take a look at its engine, coach work, and its luxury accessories. The engine of this car is really powerful and the performance too is intriguing. Intricate coachwork is the most common feature of classic cars.

A car is called classic if it is 25 years or older. You will get thousands of old cars online. Classic cars are popular because they have everything that you'd yearn for in an ideal car. All these conditions are quite vague; every one has his own reason to call a classic car. Some of the famous old cars include Corvette, Chrysler New Yorker and Austin A40, etc. The Corvette model has all the features of a sports car. Many consider it as the best convertible car around. Manufacturers launched a new edition of this car with some additional styling. This car is become really famous amongst American classic cars enthusiasts.

The Chrysler New Yorker is the one of the best selling classic cars. It is the most popular model of Chrysler. This was the car that made the company famous in no time. In the late 30s, this car was ranked as the most efficient car. This reputation is still retained. Apart from this, Austin A40 is also a popular middle sized car. In the 50s and 60s, this car was manufactured in Britain. People like this car because of its classy and reliable look.

If you have been following the automobile industry for a long time, you must have noticed that all new cars have borrowed a lot of ideas from classic cars. Automotives industries use latest techniques and current style to make a brand new car. If you are planning to purchase such classic cars then be wary of the fact that you might have to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance. But you will certainly turn a lot of heads when you drive this car on the streets. Most of the people use this car to grab attention. Get ready to explore world of classic old cars, as they are being hailed in the automotive market due to their rising demand. So get your own classic old car today, that has something you were passionate about.

Classic Cars the website deals in classic cars and provides some of the important pearls of cars for sale manufacturing companies. These cars are quite strengthening and have touch of older royal look. Its unique shapes become popular in all over the world.

Restoring Classic Cars

When it comes to cars, you cannot get any better than restoring classic cars. Even car enthusiasts that did not grow up in that era know these cars just as well as the cars we see on the road today. Sadly, we see less and less of the classic cars on the road today due to age, weather, and neglect.


Because of this, restoring classic cars is a very popular, although expensive, hobby in the United States. There are a slew of companies that offer replacement parts when restoring classic cars for the popular ones such as the Mustang, Camaro, and Corvette. If you are on a budget, you may also get lucky at your local junk yard or Pick-and-pull to find the parts you need. Due to the scarcity of some parts, or the desire to have an original piece of factory equipment, you can find many forums or clubs dedicated to restoring classic cars with members that are willing to either trade, sell, or give away parts they do not need. If you are the proud owner of a classic car that is in need of some love, restoring classic car can be easier and more affordable than you think.

There are a slew of companies that offer hiring for many of the popular classic cars such as the Mustang, Camaro, and Corvette.

Due to the cost of having a classic car for a few days or even hours, you can find many forums or clubs dedicated to classic car hire with members that are willing to share the best deals.

If you are the proud owner of a classic car that is in need of some use, hiring your classic car can be a good way to face the cost of restoring classic car.


About the Author

By: Shirley Warren

Shirley Warren is associated with Internet Marketing of Hero Events which is specialized in organizing Classic Car Events (trials and tours).

(ArticlesBase SC #3509287)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Restoring Your Classic Car

How Pre-Recording Can Help Your Auto Restoration Process

If you have ever attempted to restore a car, you know how quickly you can get loss in a sea of auto parts once you begin the process of disassembly. Suddenly, you have a variety of auto parts strewn over the shop floor while you furiously try to remember what goes where.


One very simple way to prevent this state of confusion is to simply take pictures of the parts that you plan on disassembling, before you begin. You can do this by using photographs, videos, or both.

One of the first things that every restorer should have is a digital camera. The prices of good quality digital cameras have fallen so low that almost anyone can afford one.  In performing an activity that can be as complex as restoring an auto, a camera is an essential part of good record keeping.

You'll want to take general photos of the entire car before you begin any work on the car. You'll also find it useful to take photos of original and restored cars that are of the same or similar make as yours. And you'll especially want to take a photo of any complex auto component, before you disassemble it.

This will be of invaluable help when you have to reassemble it to its original configuration. And lastly, long after the auto restoration is completed, you'll undoubtedly enjoy reliving and reminiscing your successful efforts in rebuilding and restoring your classic car.

If you have a video camera, this can be an even better media to keep records of your restoration process than a digital camera. As you disassemble the car, you can use the camera to record problems that you're encountering such as rusted components, missing parts, non-original parts, and so on.

You'll need a remote control switch to ensure that you conserve digital memory by only recording your comments that are pertinent to the restoration process. You may, at times, have to reposition the video cam to get the perfect view of the car component you're describing but usually you'll be working on one section at a time, so this won't normally be a big problem. A video cam is also good because you can easily extract still photos from them if you want to store them in a file folder for reference.

This process of pre-recording the state of the car before you begin to work on it is especially valuable for first time auto restorers. But it is also a great tool for those old hands who have restored cars for years.

About the Author

By: Carl Phillips

For many more articles like antique car collector and classic car price guide, on restoring automobiles, please visit out website.

(ArticlesBase SC #3482761)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How Pre-Recording Can Help Your Auto Restoration Process

Classic Cars Insurance

Lockton Insurance - Tailor made policies for you.
Lockton insurance company is a premiere insurer in UK. The company offers varied high net worth insurance products to individuals that are tailor made to suit their requirements. The company is providing financial protection to many people from different walks of life with its distinct and highly valuable product repertoire of insurance policies. So, if you too want to buy an insurance policy from a reputed and experienced insurer then Lockton is the name to trust upon. Here are a few different types of Lockton Insurance policies provided by the company:

• Classic cars Insurance- The policy covers classic cars. Mostly classic cars participate in rallies and other such events. The policy covers you for loss or damages due to an accident in such events. The company takes care of the repair bills if anything unfortunate happens to your car in a rally.

• Expatriates' car insurance- Finding a good insurance policy meeting all your needs can be difficult in a foreign country. Lockton insurance provides car cover to expatriates in such a situation. The policy provides cover anywhere in the world and includes accident, fire and theft risks, windscreen repair and protection against riots, armed robbery etc.

• Home insurance- Your home is vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters and Lockton provides home owners protection against such losses. The policy covers damage to the housing structure and loss and damage to its contents in a range of situations to provide peace of mind to the owner.

• Accidental Death and Disability- Lockton insurance provides cover to its organizations against death or disability due to an accident. The company provides policies for accidental death, keyman, personal accident and sickness and HIV/AIDS among others.

• Medical Tourism- Lot many people in UK are opting to go to abroad for their surgery and treatment. Lockton provides peace of mind to such patients by providing a wholesome cover against complication on or after surgery and for legal expenses due to malpractice claim.

Lockton Car Insurance truly provides many innovative products suited to the modern life style. So choose a cover for you as per your need and live with complete peace of mind.

About the Author

By: Marry Lassey

For someone who loves antique cars, there is nothing more pleasurable than cruising down in a one. A classic car lover finds nothing more exciting than collecting antique vehicles and showing them off. But then, one must not forget to properly insure his priceless possession. The classic car insurance is quite unlike the regular automobile insurance. Thus, it is very important to choose an insurance provider which specializes in classic cars. http://carinsuranceclassic.co.uk/

(ArticlesBase SC #3445529)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Classic Car Insurance

Original Bumper Stickers Add Authenticity to Classic Cars

Lori Ferber chuckles when she recalls the story of a collector who proudly showed off the 1932 Nash Coupe that he had just spent over $30,000 restoring to its original condition. "You could see the care and love that went into restoring that old car and making sure that every possible part was authentic and original", says Lori. But then I looked at the bumper and saw the Vote for FDR bumper sticker on the back of the car and my heart sank".

When Ferber explained to the car owner that the bumper sticker wasn't authentic the collector was stunned. "How do you know" he asked. "Because in 1932 the familiar silk screened bumper sticker had not been invented yet! explained Ferber.
As a prominent dealer in political memorabilia for over 35 years she has heard it all.
Bumper stickers have become such a part of life that it's hard to remember to remember a time when they didn't exist.
The modern day bumper sticker is often credited to Forest P. Gill, a printer and inventor who lived in Kansas City, Missouri. Early bumper stickers were not really stickers at all. They were typically cardboard or metal signs that were attached to car bumpers with string or wire.
It was not until the late 1940's that bumper stickers truly caught on as adhesive backed stickers came to market as well as Day-Glow colors that attracted attention. Prior to that bumper stickers were printed on water activated papers that became sticky when water was applied. The advent of easy to use and easy to print pressure sensitive adhesive stickers helped make the bumper sticker as popular as it is today.
The most popular early use of self adhesive bumper stickers was advertising vacation spots. Hotels and tourist attractions considered them to be inexpensive giveaways that promoted their locations. The stickers were often 15" wide by 3 ¾" high.
It wasn't long before politicians and political parties discovered that bumper stickers were an inexpensive way to promote their candidates and political views. The addition of a bumper sticker to a private car became a mainstream endorsement for a candidate or political view. A political bumper sticker shows that the owner is involved in his or her community and passionate about their candidate.
Bumper stickers from the days of Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower  are particularly attractive to collectors of political memorabilia and while these early versions are scarce they can still be purchased for under $20 says Ferber.
Ferber says that each week she gets orders from all over the U.S. and overseas from collectors and restoration specialists that want to add that special finishing touch to their automobiles. Car buffs are often shocked to learn that they can purchase an original and authentic bumper sticker from the 60's, 70's, 80's for less than $10 – often for less than a non-authentic one.
Collectors can visit Ferber's bumper sticker gallery at http://www.loriferber.com/categories/bumper-stickers.html


About the Author

By: Lori Ferber

Lori & Steve Ferber having been selling and collecting presidential memorabilia for over 35 years. They specialize in collectibles, souvenirs and memorabilia for all U.S. Presidents and operate a website at www.loriferber.com

(ArticlesBase SC #3346648)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Original Bumper Stickers Add Authenticity to Classic Cars

Tips For Restoring Classic Volvo Cars

Do you remember your old family wagon and Dad being under the hood with his car repair tools and trying to put in a new radiator or starter? With the new technology today, cars have become much harder to repair yourself, as vehicles have come a long way in the past 30 or 40 years. You will need a quality mechanic that works for Volvo with special factory Volvo tools and diagnostics for the difficult jobs. Although even a beginner can make some regular routine repairs with some small tips.


Tools required for the Trade

1. Without the proper car repair tools it will not be possible to work on your Volvo car. You should buy tools as you get better with them because they are very expensive. Some basics you will need in your toolbox for repairing your Volvo is a set of screwdrivers, pliers, a breakaway torque wrench, grease gun, ramp, and either a Chilton/Haynes repair manual for the model of your Volvo.

Fire Extinguisher.

2. Make sure that your attitude is one of self confidence. A lot of places in the country don't even have Volvo dealers and auto shops. It is much better if you are able to perform as many repairs as possible yourself. Have a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure your area is well ventilated, set your parking brake as  well and block the tires if your car is running, and disconnect the negative battery cable, perform all of these precautions when you are working on an electrical system. Things you should not do.

Don't Overtorque.

3. The nuts and bolts in your car should not be under or over torqued. Usually when people are installing things themselves they tend to use too much torque, often when installing things like spark plugs. When you over tighten you can change the spark gap, and if you do not tighten enough you can cause overheating. Another thing you should remember not to do when you are doing it yourself is cross-threading. Thread your fasteners in correctly and make sure they are lubricated. If you encounter any resistance when trying this simply repeat the actions over again.

And of course, as when you are working on vehicle, make sure that you are not smoking or wearing any loose clothes. If you do not feel completely and totally confident in making the car repairs with your tools on your Volvo, then do not attempt to make them yourself. Unless you know entirely what you are doing, do not try and make repairs on your air-conditioning system, especially on the newer Volvo cars. This may seem silly to you but make sure not to leave your keys in the ignition of the car whenever you get out of it. Sets of keys are commonly locked in the newer versions of the Volvos as the door locks have the tendency to engage when the driver side door is closed.

About the Author

By: lexoremman

E-T Carlin a former airline Captain. His job took him around the world and gave him many insights and friends within this hobby. Internationally and nationally known as knowledgeable and cunning in the car restoration niche. You can get more tips and info at ==> http://www.classicvolvorestoration.com/
Volvo car || repair tools

(ArticlesBase SC #3298932)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Tips For Restoring Classic Volvo Cars

Using Subcontractors On Your Classic Car

As you begin to plan out the restoration tasks for your classic automobile, you are probably wondering if you should attempt to do all of the restoration yourself, or if you should call subcontractors and farm part of the tasks out to them. The benefits of restoring a vehicle by yourself is attractive for many reasons. From a financial standpoint, you will save a lot of money by doing the work yourself.


A certain amount of ego comes into play as well. If you rebuild it yourself, you'll be able to proudly point to the restored car and take the full credit for rebuilding it. Doing the work yourself also lets you do the work exactly the way you want it done. You know that you won't be taking any shortcuts to get the work done and can be assured that the work quality will be of the highest caliber.

However, on a realistic level, not too many of us actually have all of the necessary skills that would be needed to do our own automobile restoration. After all, what percentage of us could perform with necessary skill the upholstery, welding, painting, or mechanical  work that needs to be done? At some point most restorations will require an expert's touch that is beyond your level of expertise.

In this situation, what exactly are your options? Well, what many amateur restorers finally decide to do is to outsource some of the more specialty work to a subcontractor. And if you do it correctly, it's an investment and tradeoff well worth making.

If you want to get the best outcome from dealing with subcontractors, there are a few guidelines to abide by.

If you can possibly avoid it, don't hire a subcontractor outside his area of expertise. For example, if you require someone well versed in 1940 era Ford engines, do not hire a general automobile mechanic who sometimes dabbles in engines. As an alternative, try to find a subcontractor that is an expert in working with Ford engines from that general era. Can't find one? Then look for a subcontractor in Ford engines overall. The bottom line is try to find a subcontractor who is used to working with components on the specific classic car that you own.

If you have never worked with a specific sub-contractor before, you will want to talk to some of his clients and see actual examples of his work. Photographic can be doctored and are therefore not reliable. If you're not satisfied with the quality, continue your search.

You want to get at least five references from satisfied customers of his. Call them and talk to them. Ask about the timeliness and quality of the work they received and any other concerns that you may have.

After you have located a sub-contractor and made the decision to try him out, request from him a written detailed work, price, and time estimate of the work that you are asking to be done. If he is not willing to give you a "written" estimate, you should probably pass on having him do the work.

And, make certain that you inquire about warranties and guarantees of their work. You may or may not be able to get a warranty on parts. But a confident subcontractor will have no problem guaranteeing his level of work.

Try not to think of subcontractors as simply a necessary evil. Alternatively, try to see them as partners in the rebuilding of your auto. Subcontractors can be a great asset to you and potentially save you loads of time. And in many cases the use of subcontractors may be the only way you can get your auto restoration finished.

About the Author

By: Carl Phillips

Carl Phllips writes car restorations articles such as classic car pricing and classic car value. Please visit his site for additional contributions.

(ArticlesBase SC #3260455)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Using Subcontractors On Your Classic Car

Maintain your car body rust free and strong

The body of your car is made up of plastic, steel and fiberglass sometime. There are some advantages and disadvantages of each material and it is compulsory to care for all kind of body parts.
Plastic is flexible, durable, and can be molded into complex shapes unlike steel. Steel is cheap and strong, but can rust when unprotected. Rust is the most common problem in all kind of automobiles body because the rust can work from inside of the body of the car and it's too late to show up once. Mostly rust proofing is applied while building the car and the new cars are built with very good rust proofing but the olds cars can rust easily. You can use the new full body kit for preventing the rust for your car.

Make sure you have a reputable shop do the repair work and insist on original equipment parts.  The original parts are very important for the automobiles because the duplicate and cheap parts can be failed anytime and can harm other parts. Cheap import parts can put you and your family at risk. The car requires a good paint and coat of wax. The wax should have UV protection just like the sunscreen you use at the beach. The suns UV rays are your paints worst enemy. You should park your car in the shade whenever possible.

There is some prevention which can help you to protect your car and it will shine for a very long time. Rust proofing is an option but if the rust has already started just covering it will not stop it and the existing rust should be removed first. The first one is for protecting the paint of your car. You can wax your car and this will keep the car paint protected but the other sides of body cannot be protected through wax. The inside is often neglected on older cars. One should wash the underside of the car while washing the car and it is essential during winter for washing out the salt used to melt the ice on the roads.

One should make sure that all drain holes around the hood and trunk are clear.  Because of these holes the water can exit and the trunk and the hood will remain safe of the rust. Also check your weather stripping around all openings for rips and tears.  Water will sneak in where you least expect it and eventually rust away your car.

You should use the exterior body parts for the total prevention of rust because the new parts are specially designed for keeping the car rust free and safe. These car body kits can be purchased as full kits or separately. These parts are strong and can improve the beauty of the car such as carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber trunk, fiberglass hood, fiberglass trunk etc.

About the Author

By: autobarber.com@gmail.com

Autobarber.com - The place for you to change your car as you like. My car, My world! Car body kits, exterior car products, carbon fiber hood etc parts are also available.For more information please visit: Car body kits

(ArticlesBase SC #3176713)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Maintain your car body rust free and strong