Archive for July, 2009
Friday, July 31st, 2009
Real Snuffy asked: If you choice from any automobile ever made, from the very first one (antique cars) to latest , which one would you pick as your “dream car”?
Just FYI, I’d like to have (for one) one of the few existing Tuckers. Or a Phantom Corsair.
William
Tags: Antique Cars, Automobile, Dream Car, Phantom Corsair, Tuckers
Posted in Polls & Surveys | Comments Off
Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Jade Simpson asked: Nowadays, some people think that an antique car doesn’t belong on the wide-open roads. It could still hit the road and be driven, but people think that it isn’t much compared to the fancy and larger cars that are available on the market these days.
But for some people, it is considered as a good collection and for others, vintage cars are much more of a hobby since they are thinking of the return for their investment in the long run because vintage cars are much more expensive than that of the new models on the market, and actually the market price can go up because of its uniqueness and the historical facts of these cars. One example is the Porsche Spyder, it still hits the road and catches attention, this is indeed a very expensive vintage car, and only a number of people own one.
The following are some guides to collecting vintage cars as well as saving money.
1. You can still buy a vintage classic car; first it should be acquired through dealership.
2. Another thing is to browse the internet, find websites that offer affordable prices but still have good quality, moreover, you can ask your friends, they might know where you can actually get one, making it cost free.
3. If you’ve considered buying a car, start by seeing the advertised car, you can also ask for photos.
4. Examine the cars, make sure they aren’t rusted, rust is inevitable, but then make sure that they aren’t eroding the important parts.
5. Seek assistance from a knowledgeable mechanic when you aren’t aware of the cars parts and accessories, they will serve as a great help to finding your vintage cars.
6. If you decide that the car is worth buying, you must ask for help from a trained technician to examine the inside of the vintage car.
7. Take a test drive and see if the machine is in tact and working.
8. Lastly, seek help from the vintage car associations when you need to assemble some parts of your vintage cars, as a matter of fact they help the vintage car owners to find the parts which are missing to complete the vehicle. You can find new companions with them, they will help you with your problems, they can also tell you how much money, time and even give a little wisdom and expertise you need to restore your vintage car.
Antique cars are the pioneers of the modern vehicles today; they represent a part of history. Politicians, celebrities and prominent people and even the ordinary ones have ridden these model antique cars during the last two decades. Try to look around, ask advise from the experts and see if there is a vintage car you can bring home. Always try to research, you will save money as well, by then you can have the vintage car you’ve always dreamed of.
Nancy
Tags: Advertised Car, Antique Car, Car Associations, Cars Parts, Classic Car, Fancy Cars, Matter Of Fact, Mechanic, Porsche, Saving Money, Spyder, Tact, Test Drive, Uniqueness, Vintage Car Owners
Posted in Hobbies | Comments Off
Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Carl Phillips asked: Most classic car lovers who attempt to restore cars do so out of love for the automobile and what it represents to them. Many also do it for the pure challenge and personal satisfaction of restoring an object to its former glory. Although it’s possible to make money restoring and selling antique autos, few do it for the money alone.
If you’ve never before attempted to restore a classic auto, here are some tips to save you money and aggravation before you lose yourself in your hobby.
Before you do anything to the car and especially before you spend any money, take an appraisal of the car and determine exactly how much restoration you want to do. Do you want to restore it EXACTLY to the state it was in when it came off the assembly line? Do you merely want to restore the shell and interior of the car to its former state, but completely modify and soup up the engine and internal parts? Do you want the car to be driveable or do you simply want a showcase car? The time to answer these questions is now, before you even begin to think about the next step.
With the answers from step one in hand, estimate and write down all of the materials and parts you’ll need to restore the car to its desired state. Of course, you can’t know everything that needs to be done until you actually get under the hood and start to work with the body, but do the best you can with what you know.
If you are not mechanically inclined, you’ll have to find or hire someone to do the inspection for you. If you happen to live nearby an automobile restoration shop, you can often get one of their mechanics to make a house call and inspect your car for a fee.
Now find a good price book or a respected automobile restoration expert and begin pricing the replacement car parts. And don’t forget online research. The prices of many car parts can be found on the Internet.
If you are planning on contracting the car restoration to a shop, price the labor costs also. This may take some time, but when you’re done, enter all of your figures into a spreadsheet and compute the estimated total costs. Then, just to be conservative and account for unexpected repairs and cost overruns, increase the total amount by 50%. The final tally may shock you. But at the very least you won’t be surprised when money begins to drain from your checking account.
Here are some of the problems you may run into while attempting to evaluate classic car and price parts:
It’s not unusual to be unable to locate all of the parts that you need. Car parts become available when they become available, and some antique car parts are extremely rare. It this is the case you will either have to settle for a substitute part or wait for an authentic part to hit the market.
You may find the perfect car part that you need but it’s in another city or state and needs to be shipped to you. Make sure you include shipping prices in your parts estimates. Some people and companies use transportation costs as profit centers and the resulting price may be more than you expected.
As you know, rust is the enemy of cars. Body rust is not something to be too concerned about – you are doing an automobile restoration after all. However, rust on structural parts can bust a hole in your budget big enough to sink the entire restoration project. So make a special note to look for evidence to look for rust in the wheel arches, roof pillars, floor, and so on.
For those of us who love cars, finding and restoring antique autos can be one of the most enjoyable hobbies around. Just be sure that you don’t go broke while enjoying it.
Joan
Tags: Antique Car, Assembly Line, Automobile Restoration, Car Restoration, Cars, Classic Car Lovers, Mechanics, Money, Personal Satisfaction, Replacement Car, Restoration Expert, Restoration Shop, Shell, Showcase Car, Whe
Posted in Cars | Comments Off
Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Levi Quinn asked: The storage of your valuables directly affects the kind of condition they are in come the future. Antique cars are items that need to be stored with strict care and maintenance. It’s not enough to throw a car cover over top and leave it for years on end. That kind of activity will only help to age your car and cause it to deteriorate. Classic and vintage cars grow rarer all the time. If you have one in your care, it’s important to treat it like the piece of history that it really is.
Your classic car should be detailed regularly, even when sitting in storage. It does not take long for dust and dirt to build up and stick to the paint. Cleaning both inside and outside is strongly recommended. Use only products that are specified for cars and indicate that they are safe on all automotive surfaces. A wax job before the car goes into storage is always a good idea. Good wax can protect the paint by coating it with a wax layer that prevents dirt and other things from bonding to your paint. It is one of the best ways to care for your antique car at all times, when stored or when in use.
If the car will be in storage for an extended amount of time, it is suggested that you always drain the fluids out of the car. Contaminants can settle in the fluid and it will grow thick and sluggish over time. Drain it all out before storing your classic car, then refill with all fresh fluids if you decide to drive it again or use it in a car show.
Mice can be a problem for some cars that are left in storage. You need to do all that you can to prevent the annoying little critters from getting into your car. They chew on things and leave waste behind. There is no end to the damage that can be caused by mice. Use a storage facility that guarantees a mouse free storage space or take necessary precautions yourself. Sometimes something as simple as a strong scented Bounce dryer sheet will keep them away.
Crack the windows open before you store your antique car. It will prevent humidity from building up inside the car. Proper ventilation and airflow will make a noticeable difference next time you open the car door. It also prevents moisture from accumulating inside which can lead to mould growth. That is a very serious type of problem.
Proper storage is essential. Choose car covers that are made for storage. Covers should be made of material that allows for proper air circulation. If possible, storing the car up off the ground on the back of a trailer is also a good idea. Make sure that nobody has access to your car except for you and anyone that you designate. Antique cars are rare but they have a wealth of history behind them. Do what is necessary to preserve yours so that time does not become the enemy.
Phyllis
Tags: Antique Car, Antique Cars, Car Show, Car Storage, Classic Car, Contaminants, Dryer Sheet, Little Critters, Mice, Necessary Precautions, Storage Facility, Strict Care, Valuables, Vintage Cars, Wax Job
Posted in Classics | Comments Off
Friday, July 24th, 2009

Namsing Then asked: The term Antique Classics is used in reference to old cars. According to Antique Automobile Club of America, an antique car is generally defined as a car over 25 years of age. However, the exact legal definition for the purpose of antique vehicle registration varies widely from State to State.
With about 12 years being the normal design life of modern cars, 25 years is about double and therefore a car that’s reached 25 is a rare survivor, and probably not economic to maintain as regular transportation.
The term Classic Car is often used synonymously with the term Antique car, but the formal definition of that term is restricted to specific high-quality vehicles from the pre-World War II era which began with the Great Depression in 1930 and ended with the recovery after World War II in 1948.
The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines the term Classic as a ‘fine’ or ‘distinctive’ automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. A Classic was high-priced when it was introduced and was built in very limited quantities.
Although, by 1930’s most of the manufacturing technologies had already been invented, certain factors like including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car can be considered a Classic.
Some exemplary pre-war Antique Classics are: 1. 1934-1940 Bugatti Type 57. The Type 57SC has become the singular classic car. 2. 1934 Citroen Traction Avant. Has the distinction of being the first mass-produced front-wheel drive car. 3. 1936 MG T series, a sports car meant especially for American soldiers fighting in the war. 4. 1938 Volkswagen Beetle, the most-famous automobile of all times. It was a pre-war design that continues to exist even in the present times.
The CCCA Club keeps a thorough list of the vehicles they consider Classics, and while any member may petition for a vehicle to join the list, such applications are carefully scrutinized and very rarely is a new vehicle type admitted.
They also acknowledge the fact that their rather exclusive definition of a classic car is by no means universally followed and hence they generally use terms such as ‘CCCA Classic’ or the trademarked ‘Full Classic’ to avoid confusion.
After 1930 the number of auto manufacturers came down sharply, as the industry consolidated, and developed after the war more advances in engine design were made, like the compression V8 engines and modern bodies from General Motors, Oldsmobile and Cadillac brands.
Nellie
Tags: Antique Automobile Club Of America, Antique Classics, Automatic Lubrication Systems, Automobile Club Of America, Bugatti Type 57, Citroen Traction, Classic Car Club Of America, Custom Coachwork, Engine Displacement, Luxury Accessories, Modern Cars, Power Brakes, Rare Survivor, Volkswagen Beetle, World War Ii
Posted in Classics | Comments Off
Monday, July 20th, 2009
jamesland77 asked: I heard through the grapevine that next year Holiday World will be removing the Lewis and Clark Trail Antique Cars and adding a Batman clone Inverted Roller Coaster from B & M. any thoughts?
Veronica
Tags: Antique Cars, Batman, Clone, Grapevine, Holiday World, Inverted Roller Coaster, Lewis And Clark
Posted in Amusement Parks | Comments Off
Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Masni Rizal Mansor asked: For many auto enthusiasts, there is little difference between an antique car and a classic car but in reality, there is a huge discrepancy. In most states, 32 years is the benchmark for a car to be considered as an antique car. While a collector car, although usually fitting that age bracket, could be any vehicle that was unique in its time.
Back in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, Germany’s Volkswagen was hoping to make an impression in the world automobile market. They couldn’t make any in-roads until World War II ended due to material availability and the fact that their factory was busy with military orders. One of their first attempts after the war used its small car design with Porsche engineering and they marketed the mid-engine 914. An excellent first antique car for a new collector.
Some collectors fear the often-daunting task of rebuilding an antique car, especially those from the early 1900’s. The Ford Model T was an excellent vehicle for its time and antique car collectors are willing to pay for one not requiring a lot of work, especially if it doesn’t need a lot of almost impossible to find parts.
Some Classic Cars are Antiques
A 1957 Chevy, while in age it is considered an antique car, is better known as a classic because that is a car that people remember with fondness from previous days. A 1964 or 1965 Ford Mustang, while not on the original muscle car list, is often coveted as a classic by those who owned one in the late 1960’s or 1970’s.
So beloved are some of the antique cars that car companies are beginning to bring back the name and the basic design, although with modifications. The Volkswagen Beetle, made in 1938, one of the longest-running models in automotive history, was brought back in 1998. Built on the frame of another VW model, the Golf, it is larger than the original bug but has a great similarity in its shape.
The Ford Mustang also made a comeback as few years ago, but not as the small unintimidating antique car from 40 years ago. It’s a spruced-up version with minor body modifications and a much more powerful power plant.
The Dodge Charger, long known as one of the better muscle cars and now sought after as an antique car, is making resurgence, still as a muscle car with a power engine and a slightly modified style.
Some people may view these cars as an antique car simply desired for a collection; others see them as classic cars; there for the memories.
Jeffrey
Tags: Age Bracket, Antique Car, Antique Cars, Auto Enthusiasts, Automobile Market, Automotive History, Car Collectors, Car Companies, Car Design, Classic Cars, Collector Car, Daunting Task, Ford Model T, Material Availability, Muscle Car
Posted in Free | Comments Off
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
gat asked: I am painting model cars how do I get enamel paint to look flat , also I need to antique a look by paint how thank you serious answers please
Ruth
Tags: Enamel Paint, Model Cars, Painting Cars, Painting Model
Posted in Decorating & Remodeling | Comments Off
Saturday, July 11th, 2009

Nick Vernon asked: When searching for antique auto insurance, it is important you understand what you are getting. This specialty insurance also comes with many restrictions and can sometimes interfere with what you would like to accomplish while owning an antique automobile. To most, an antique automobile is something they enjoy viewing, working on and restoring it to its original condition. These people typically only take their car out when it is necessary to keep up on its maintenance. There are however, those people that like to take there car out for a spin every now and again and would typically be breaking the mileage rule on a typical antique auto insurance policy. So what do you do about that? Below is a company that understands different antique owners needs and has done everything it can to accommodate them.
Grundy Worldwide:
Grundy is a company that deals with antique car owners worldwide, just as their name states. When it comes to antique automobile insurance coverage, Grundy Worldwide is a leader in its industry. Here are a few key points that makes Grundy Worldwide really stand out from the crowd.
- Grundy deals with agreed value. This is very important to check into to when looking for antique auto insurance. There are some insurers that will just take the book value for your car, even if you put in thousands more.
- No matter what year your antique car is, you will be covered by Grundy.
- Grundy offers higher liability limits. Many insurers will over low liability limits that might leave you a target for being sued if a major accident were to occur.
- When you sign a new policy, you automatically receive coverage, not wait times.
- A big perk of this company is unlimited mileage. As explained before, there are antique car owners that enjoy using their car.
To get a complete list of benefits for Grundy Worldwide, please visit: http://www.grundy.com
It is imperative that you go with a well known company when looking to insure your antique automobile. When determining if it is a good company to do business with, check the following facts. Make sure they are reputable with customer service. If a company does not have good customer service, how do you think they will handle it if you had to make a claim on your insurance? Most companies are searchable through the internet. Here, you can find the good the bad and the ugly about a company. Hopefully you will only find good. If you happen to find a bad review of the company, identify why. Maybe the person is out of line or unrealistic, or maybe they have a concern that would not even pertain to you. Do not down a company just on one bad review. Give them a fighting chance. If you do, however, find many bad reviews, it is best to stay away from that company. Another good idea is to make sure the insurance company you are looking to insure through accepts appraised value. Otherwise, they will only give book value.
In addition, get a policy that you can meet the requirements to. Insurance fraud is a huge punishable crime. Do not be the one to get beneath its wrath. There are insurance companies out there that can accommodate your needs. If you break the terms, your policy will become void. This means you will be in a hole with no way out.
Catherine
Tags: Antique Auto Insurance, Antique Automobile, Antique Car Owners, Auto Insurance Policy, Automobile Insurance, Complete List, Crowd, Grundy Worldwide, Insurance, Insurance Coverage, Liability Limits, Major Accident, Mileage, Specialty Insurance, Target
Posted in Finance | Comments Off
Thursday, July 9th, 2009

David Faulkner asked: Besides their needs, certain people reinstate antiques car as a leisure Pursuit. These antiques car also require insurance cover on them. Your work is to find out the insurance company which provides Car Insurance for an Antique Car. There are a number of reasons such owners can provide to support their neglect for acquiring proper car insurance for an antique car, but to be so neglectful is borderline irresponsible. If one is going to invest a great deal of money in purchasing an Antique car, then a proper Car Insurance for an Antique Car policy will properly compliment the investment of the antique car.
Insurance Companies Providing Car Insurance for an Antique Car:
Not all insurance providers insure all types of cars. There are a multitude of different antique cars and the totality of antique cars includes exotic cars, military vehicles, motorcycles, tractors and trucks. As such, different antique car insurance policies will be needed to cover the various different makes and models of cars that are out there on the market. Keep in mind Car Insurance for an Antique Car policy take into consideration the equity value of the cars and vehicles.
A person looking for insurance for their vehicle has Car Insurance for an Antique Car from which to choose, and sometimes information can be conflicting and difficult to understand. Contractual language in most insurance policies is difficult to understand without an interpreter and even then, the meanings of some language may seem to be contradicted in other areas of the contract.
Self Governing Car Insurance for an Antique Car:
There are many self-determining assurance companies available to buy car insurance for an antique car. While the basic premise of obtaining Car Insurance for an Antique Car is the same for all car insurance companies, how they sell the policies, price the coverage and react to customer claims is what separates them. Car Insurance for an Antique Car must be licensed to sell insurance in the state in which they do business and not all will be available in every state. Depending on an area’s history of claims due to theft, weather-related losses and driving reputation a company may decide not to do business in a particular part of a state. Although there is some regulation concerning a company’s ability to only service certain areas. These companies lean to focus in antique car insurance and will not cover any other types of cars.
There are also many insurance companies presented to purchase car insurance for a classic car. These companies tend to specialize in Classic Car Insurance and will not insure any other types of cars. Some of these independent insurance companies will only insure a particular type of classic car, so if the car you are attempting to insure is a rare one, if may be difficult to find an insurance provider that will insure it. When choosing an independent insurance company to provide car insurance for a classic car, be sure that the company is a reputable one. You do not want to find that after months of paying the insurance premiums that the company will not or is unable to pay your insurance claim.
Nellie
Tags: Antique Car Insurance, Antique Cars, Car Insurance Companies, Car Insurance Policies, Car Policy, Contractual Language, Customer Claims, Equity Value, Insurance Company, Insurance Providers, Leisure Pursuit, Makes And Models, Military Vehicles, Neglect, Totality
Posted in Automotive | Comments Off