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Ford Crown Victoria: Change Is Good

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:55:46 +0000

One of the most well known names in autodom is poised to get its first major overhaul in nearly thirty years. Fords Crown Victoria, introduced in 1979, has had only minor changes since its introduction, but a new plan by Ford to overhaul the crown jewel of its fleet is apparently in the offing. Thanks to government assistance Australian to be exact the new Crown Victoria will be a clean break from the current model and will help to spawn additional models for siblings Mercury and Lincoln. Yes, you may not have considered a Crown Victoria up to this point, but the coming new Crown Vic may just change your mind about that.

You have to go back all the way to the late 1970s to when downsizing was a term used by the auto industry to describe a shell game where large cars were dropped down a notch in size to sit on a platform slightly smaller than the previous model. Indeed, throughout the 1970s Fords full size offerings the LTD/Galaxie 500 were huge beasts of burden. By the time the then new Galaxie 500 Crown Victoria was released at the end of the decade, Ford was playing catch up to General Motors who had earlier mastered the whole downsizing strategy.

Initially, the Crown Victoria had a broad appeal for drivers wanting a big car with all of the trappings. As time went buy the car grew less and less desirable as consumer tastes changed, but the Crown Victorias style did not. As a pursuit, government, or fleet vehicle the Crown Victoria has done very well, but Ford has only made modest improvements to the car over the years. Indeed, Americas #2 automaker has invested heavily in trucks, vans, SUVS and select cars, but the Crown Victoria quickly began to show its age. Todays model is terribly outdated and it hasnt had a thorough refreshing in more than a decade, so an overhaul is warranted.

Fords impetus for change is coming from an unlikely source: a foreign government. According to news sources, Fords Australian operation has received a $1.4 billion grant from Australia to build a production and research facility that will be used to design and build several new models. One of the Australian cars slated to benefit from this move will be the Ford Falcon, a full sized car that will become the basis of the all-new Crown Victoria.

While some have theorized that the new Crown Victoria will be built in Australia and imported to the U.S., this is unlikely to happen. Instead, Ford will expand the Falcons production to at least one U.S. plant, make some technical refinements, and sell the car as a Crown Victoria. It will be targeted to police departments and fleet buyers primarily with some residual sales for personal buyers. In addition, the Crown Victoria will spawn a new Mercury Gran Marquis while a slightly stretched and much more elegant version of the car will become the replacement for the current Lincoln Town Car.

Yes, the Crown Victoria is well past its useful age. Thanks to some help from down under, the 2010 model should be a refreshing change. At least Ford hopes you will think so.

Pickup Truck Accessories

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:51:04 +0000

No matter what make of pickup truck you own, chances are you want to change it from the way the factory supplied it. Whether you use your vehicle for work, off-road play or some of both, you can find performance parts, accessories and customization products to make your pickup truck unique. When you want your pickup truck to look and perform better, accessories will help you customize it.

While it’s possible to get some accessories from the Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan or Toyota dealer where you bought your truck, you will find a much bigger selection of items online. You may also get better bargains shopping this way. Some popular makers of pickup truck accessories include Lund, Westin, Dee Zee, Outland, Auto Ventshade, Warn, Saddleman, Thule, PIAA, Vector, Wolo, Deflecta Shield, Pilot, Hoppy, Grizzly and Protecta.

Exterior accessories

There are many types of exterior pickup truck accessories to enhance the appearance of the outside of your truck. They include air dams, bras and masks, bug shields, bumpers, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hood ornaments, hoods and scoops, mirrors, racks and cargo accessories, roll pans, running boards, splash guards, tool boxes, truck steps, tire covers, visors, wings and spoilers and wiper cowls. Select items that will complement your truck’s basic lines and that will work well together instead of looking cluttered.

Interior accessories

Installing interior accessories is all about improving the comfort level when riding in your truck. Some examples are 12 volt accessories, cargo trays and liners, consoles and racks, dash covers and trim, door accessories, floor mats, horns, instrument panel covers, pet accessories, seat covers, seats and steering wheel covers.

How about adding some electronics to enhance your ride? Choices include CBs and scanners, cruise controls, GMRS radio, GPS and navigation systems, power inverters, radar and laser detectors, remote starters, security systems and antennas. You might also want to upgrade the standard radio that came with your truck to a stereo CD or satellite radio system.

Accessories cushion the load and improve the ride

Trucks are all about hauling things, so why not do it in style? Pickup truck accessories for your truck bed include cargo control, bed mats, bed liners, bed protection, bed rails, tailgate accessories and tonneau covers. You might also want towing accessories like hitch balls, hitch mounts, hitch covers, hitch steps, hitch wiring, hitches, tow hooks and straps, towing mirrors, winch accessories, winches and winch mounting systems.

By improving your pickup’s suspension and brakes you make the ride both smoother and safer. To do this, you might need anti-sway bars, bars and arms, bushings and shackles, hubs, lift kits, lowering kits, shocks and struts, skit plates and trusses and springs. Adding more lighting not only improves the truck’s appearance, it also improves safety. Some typical lighting pickup truck accessories are accent lighting, auxiliary lighting, back-up lights, bulbs and lamps, driving and fog lights, headlights, interior lights, light bars, light covers, light guards, marker lights, neon lighting, spotlights, taillights, tow lighting and wiring, turn signal lights and warning lights.

Electrical and exhaust systems are essential

If your pickup won’t start, it doesn’t matter how good it looks. If you’ve got this problem or fear it might happen, try buying alternator accessories, battery accessories, battery chargers, chassis wiring or jump start systems. If the problem is on the exhaust end, you might need catalytic converters, exhaust systems, exhaust tips and extensions, headers or mufflers.

To do all this work yourself, you’ll need some tools and equipment. Useful items include tire pressure gauges, car care products, computer software, creepers and seats, diagnostic equipment, engine hoists and stands, garage and parking accessories, jacks, stands, ramps, paint, sanding materials and abrasives.

And once your truck is tricked out to your heart’s desire, get out your camera. You’re going to want to showoff your new, improved truck to all of your friends.

Ford Bronco II: Shining Through Despite Criticisms

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:42:45 +0000

Sold between the years 1984 to 1990, the Ford Bronco II was built and manufactured to be a compact sport utility vehicle. It was actually built to be a compact complement of the full sized Ford Bronco. It was also targeted so as to be the direct competitor to the Chevrolet S 10 Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee.

This vehicle held a 94 inch wheelbase that was very similar to the Volkswagen Beetle. The mechanical parts were very much similar to the Ford Ranger pickups mechanical components. The first models came out equipped with a 2.8 liter V6 engine which was very much similar to the 2.8 liter engine that was used in the Ford vehicles marketed and sold in Europe. Come the year 1986, the Ford Bronco II came introduced with a 2.9 liter EFI V6. It has been said that this engine was doomed from the beginning with design flaws. This engine often suffered from premature cylinder head failure and loss of valve train lubrication as well. This happened when the valve train lubrication was not rigorously maintained. However, Ford was able to see this flaw immediately and it acted upon changing or correcting this flaw in the soonest time possible. Come 1989, this mistake was already corrected. However, the Ford Bronco II had already accumulated unattractive comments and a not so good reputation to potential buyers. These buyers were concerned about the safety of this vehicle.

This vehicle has also been reputed to tip over during some situations because of the high center of gravity. Later on in 1991, the Ford Bronco II platform underwent a major redesign and was released to be wider and longer. However, despite the bad kind of reputation that this vehicle received, the Ford Bronco II still continued to be actively sought by customers and patrons who are looking for a cheap, solid and compact sports utility vehicle. Of course, these buyers would have to do some work on it but the replacement parts and engine could be found easily for the Ford Bronco II could have an engine swap with the Ford Ranger.

Ford Bronco: More Than Just OJ Simpsons Speed Chase Vehicle

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:59:54 +0000

Ford Bronco: More Than Just OJ Simpsons Speed Chase Vehicle

Starting from the year 1966 up until 1996, the Ford Bronco lived for a good three decades. This vehicle is actually a 4 x 4 sport utility vehicle. And it has had four distinct generations.

Originally, this vehicle was designed and crafted with being a strict competitor in mind. And come the time that it was introduced, it was then competitor to the Jeep CJ 5 as well as the International Harvester Scout. Come the late 1970s, the Ford Bronco then came to be a competitor for the Chevrolet K5 Blazer as well as the Dodge Ramcharger. Come the 1980s, this vehicle was accompanied by a much smaller Ford Bronco II. However, this small sibling only stayed in the market for just a couple of years. As for its last generation, the world knew the Ford Bronco as a large vehicle that was based on the newer Ford F series.

Why is the Ford Bronco so well known? Well let us just say that it was the very same vehicle model that the infamous OJ Simpson used when he traveled during his low speed chase with the police through the Los Angeles Area. It was also the very same white Ford Bronco that was a 1993 model used by Al Cowlings. Now that is the Ford Bronco in popular culture for you.

The person who gave the Ford Bronco life was Fords product manager Donald N. Frey. Frey was also the very same person who designed the Ford Mustang. After the design comes the production and it was Lee Iacocca who got this vehicle ready to roll of the manufacturing and assembly plants. A unique vehicle on its own, the Ford Bronco did not share any part with any other vehicle.

According to J. Mays, Ford Motor Company groups vice president for design, True to its heritage, the Bronco is a tough and genuine SUV thats all about function. Its like a claw hammer in a box full of department store, battery operated, plastic, power tools.

Ford Aspire: More Than Just As Aspiration

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0000

From 1994 up until the year 1997, the Ford Motor Company sold the Ford Aspire. This was a subcompact car that has been made available with two options as per the number of doors. One held three doors while the other one held five doors. The entire body of the Ford Aspire was crafted by the Kia Motors company with headquarters in South Korea. The engine as well as the engine components was from the Mazda automobile corporation located in Japan. It is very interesting to note that this vehicle has been sold and marketed as the Kia Avella in Asia. However, if you travel to Japan and Australasia, you would be surprised to find out that the Ford Aspire is known there as the Ford Festiva. It is just one vehicle however it has been sold under different names.

The average fuel economy for the Ford Aspire is some 30 miles per gallon which is quite a different number from what the manual says. The manual claims that it can take up to 45 miles per galloon. Aside from that interesting fact, the Ford Aspire is also very much favored for parallel parking. Also known for their resistance to submit to mechanical breakdown, these Ford Aspires have been known to have the capacity to run in excess of some 200,000 miles without having to undergo major repairs.

Upon its introduction in 1994, the Ford Aspire held a five speed manual transmission as well as an automatic transmission. This vehicle is a front drive car. It generally comes with a 63 horsepower engine with four cylinders. For the two-door model, the Ford Aspire sports fog lights, a rear spoiler as well as different types of seats made available. As per the Ford Aspire that sports four doors, it holds a power rack and pinion steering. Through the years, many changes have been done to the Ford Aspire. The list includes the removal of the front spoilers, and adding in of body-colored window moldings, rear spoilers, fog lamps, tachometer, a unique instrument cluster, special seat fabrics, special door trim fabrics, and center roof pillars. There also are changes like new front bumpers, new rear bumpers, headlamps, turn signals, tail lamps, and wheel covers. Its design has been proven to work well in allowing a fairly large amount of cargo. If the rear seats are folded, the cargo is expanded greatly.

Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts manufactures and sells performance parts and accessories for Ford vehicles. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts strives to be the ultimate source for auto parts and accessories for the Ford Aspire as well as for Ford vehicles. The stores product line up for the Ford Aspire accessories, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, electrical parts, transmission parts, mechanical parts, service tools, and a variety of other upgrades and parts that compliment the vehicle. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts extensive array of maximum quality Ford parts are available at great wholesale deals.

Motorcycle Tank Bags Can Provide Extra Storage Space

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:32:19 +0000

If you plan to hit the road on your cruiser for a few days, then you will need all the storage space that a motorcycle can possibly afford. Realistically speaking, on its own a bike does not offer much. That is why there is a range of saddle bags and bags for the sissy bar. After you have got yourself these, what next? Motorcycle tank bags are the natural extension.

As the name suggests these bags sit around your tank. Most of them are magnetic and have ears that you can clamp in place once the bag has been positioned in the way you want. The method to fix them is simple: you simply have to hold the bags by their ears, place them the way you want to and then click the ears in place so that the position is locked.

However, these bags by virtue of sitting on your tank can often scratch the surface. This is not because the bags per se are made of abrasive material but because dirt and debris can get in between the bag and the bike surface. Quality tank bags therefore have a special padding that keeps the paint safe.

But this scratching is not just a phenomenon that happens with only the tank bag.

Saddle bags can scratch off the paint too. There are precautions you can take to minimize the chances of scratching. The most obvious thing to do is keep the surface thats touching your bike clean so that there is no abrasive grit to do the scratching.

Also, never place the bag on the tank and then move it around to get the right fit. This movement is bound to cause scratching.

Your best bet to prevent scratching is to actually put a protective material between the bag and the bike so that there is no contact between the two. One solution available in the market is a rubbery mesh. This material lets the magnet of the bag cling on to the bike and yet forms a protective layer between the two. This material is both cheap and easily available. Get yourself a roll and cut an outline of the bags bottom on it. Then put this cut piece between the two for a snug fit.

This will give you extra storage space without spoiling the looks of your bike.

Ford: Restoring Prestige and Honor

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:14:39 +0000

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. Fords strength is in its line of pick up trucks and SUVs. Select car models including the Mustang and Fusion are also strong sellers. Fords 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 Mercurys 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 wasnt utilized to its fullest extent.

All hope isnt lost for Ford, but the companys 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.

Flex Fuel: Will You Bite?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:42:25 +0000

All the talk about gas-electric hybrid vehicles is overlooking another area where fuel economy can be realized. No, I am not talking about diesel engines and I am not even thinking about hydrogen power. Instead, corn powered vehicles are coming into their own. Thats right, ethanol, a fuel that has a history going back a full century, may be the fuel of the future. Is ethanol a good choice for a fuel source? Ill let you be the judge of that!

Back during the days that Henry Ford was building cars, he designed his Model T to run on ethanol, a fuel that is typically derived from corn. His idea was to give the driver a choice between gasoline and this particular alternative source of energy. Historically low gas prices however, made the need for ethanol pretty much a moot point at that time. Why fuel up with ethanol when gas was being sold for a quarter or less?

For its part, the U.S. government has long held that ethanol is a good fuel source and has mandated that vehicles built since the early 1980s, have the capacity to run on E10 ethanol a blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Since the 1990s another type of ethanol, E85, has been receiving plenty of press coverage. This fuel is made up of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. Thats right, a truly alternative fuel source derived from corn.

With E85, only specially designated models can run on this type of fuel. No, they arent some odd looking vehicles like the Honda Insight, instead they are every day vehicles including the Dodge Durango, Mercedes C240, Chevy Silverado, and other select models specially outfitted to accept E85. These FFVs, or flexible fuel vehicles, are distinctive models that can run on E85 or on unleaded gasoline. They can also run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline from an 85% ethanol/gasoline mix on down.

E85 does affect fuel mileage for the typical vehicle with fuel economy dropping as much as 10% depending on the model. At face value this can look like a bad thing until you consider the following:

1.E85 fuel prices are much lower than straight gasoline. Depending on the station, as much as one third lower. So, even with the reduced fuel economy many drivers are saving as much as 25% on their weekly fuel bills.

2.E85 burns clean. Remember, this is a chiefly corn based product. With only a minimal amount of gasoline used, E85 is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

3.E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The biggest problem in America today when it comes to energy consumption is our overdependence on foreign oil. E85 is developed in the U.S. thanks to our abundant and extensive corn belt. By using E85, you help farmers in Americas heartland instead of oil rich sheiks in the Middle East.

Currently, in some areas of the country E85 stations are few and far between. However, as the number of E85 models being built continues to grow and consumers accept E85 as an alternate fuel source, more stations will be built. E85 availability is high in the middle of the country so motorists have more choice in there. Regardless of pump availability, a FFV can run on straight gasoline when E85 is not available.

So, will you take the bite and purchase an FFV? Perhaps a few years ago you wouldnt have considered one, but with rapidly rising fuel prices, worries over global warming, and frustration over our dependency on foreign oil, an FFV is worthy of everyones consideration.

Flat Tires Need Not Be A Burden

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:43:32 +0000

When your cars tires go flat, this kind of situation should not be a burden for you. After all, most cars already come with spare tires and a jack, along with other odds and ends that would help you facilitate changing your tires in no time at all.

To change a tire or a couple of tires, park your car first in an area where the ground is level. Do not forget to put on the parking brake. If your car is equipped with a manual transmission system, place it in gear. Turn off your engine for there is no need for it to be turned on and running. However, if you have parked in an area where there is an incline, put a huge rock or a wheel chock beneath the opposing wheel so that you would not find your car rolling down the incline.

This is now the time to take out your spare tire as well as a tire iron and the jack. If you have to remove a hubcap, do such. Then, loosen the lug nuts on your wheel. Do this before you place the jack in your car. Make sure that you loosen each and every lug nut that connects your tire to the wheel. But do not unscrew them completely. As long as the lug nuts are loosened up and not unscrewed completely, that would do.

Then, start jacking up your vehicle. To be safe, check your car owners manual for the specifics on the location as per where you should put your jack. And when you jack your car, make sure that you raise your car a little higher so that you can not only remove the old flat tire but you can also put in the new tire.

When the car has been jacked up fine, you can now unscrew completely the lug nuts. And after this, you can remove the flat tire. Get out your new tire and put it where the old one was. Then, place back the lug nuts and tighten them up.

After this, you can now lower the jack and remove it. If you have a hubcap, you can now put it back on.

Flat Tire Fix It

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:31:35 +0000

Flat tires are one of the most common troubles that car owners and vehicle drivers encounter. This happens mostly when the owner or the driver do not give much attention to the cars tires. Keeping your cool when your cars tire runs flat would help you out a lot. After all, the situation could be remedied in no time at all.

First off, you should turn your cars flashers on as you slowly pull of the road. Make sure that you park your car in an area which is away from any traffic. But it is also important that you are visible from the road and not secluded. If possible, try to find an area that is flat and level. Parking on inclines could make changing your flat tire quite a challenge. When you have already found your spot and have safely parked your car, make sure that you do inform other motorists that you are in some kind of car trouble. Put up your flares.

Your car could actually roll while you are trying to fix the flat tire so it is important that you put on the hand brake of your vehicle. Also, put the transmission of your vehicle in park or in gear. And when you have done so, start collecting the items you would need to change the tire the spare tire, a leverage pipe, the jack, and a lug nut wrench. And before you start tinkering with the flat tire, place a large rock or a huge piece of wood beneath all the other wheels so that your car would certainly not roll.

Loosen the lug nuts on your flat tire using the lug nut wrench. This should be done by turning the tool counterclockwise. Loosen them but do not completely remove them. And when all are loose, then is the time to jack your car up. Make sure that the car is elevated slightly greater so that the new and full tire could fit in when you put it in. Then remove the loosened lug nuts. You can now remove the flat tire and put the new spare on. Tighten the lug nuts and make sure that everything is tight. You can put down the jack and certainly be on your way.

We care for cars. Read our articles to help care for yours

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