Custom Wheels for a Classic Car Show

You've just bought a new car but definitely feel that the factory-made rims and wheels have to go. After all, they are oh-so-boring and plain, not to mention every other driver with the same make and model will have the same set of wheels. So you have made the decision to change the rims to something which suits your personality. Well, you are definitely open for choice because there are many different custom wheels that you can purchase. For starters keep in mind that the price of each set of wheels will vary depending on the manufacturer and or auto shop you buy them from. A general rule of thumb is that if you pay less that is what you will ultimately get. We are not advocating buying expensive custom wheels rather you need to be careful of what you buy because you want to watch out for quality. It would be appropriate if at this point in time you start thinking of your budget for your custom wheels. How much are you willing to pay for them?

Additionally, did you know that by changing your cars' wheels and rims, you could unintentionally cause your car manufacturer's warranty to become null and void? This is the reason why you need to select an auto shop which can give you the best advice and information if you want to purchase custom wheels. You do not want to accidentally purchase wheels that look gorgeous but don't fit the specifications and end up with more troubles in the end. First off, have a look at your vehicle. Depending on how heavy it is, you need to select suitable wheels that can bear its weight. A wheel which is too big might cause problems to your car's brake system while one which is too small could very well make it difficult for you to turn. Typical custom wheels that you can choose would be made of alloy or steel. Light alloy wheels will reduce the overall weight of your vehicle and that in turn means your vehicle is now consuming less petrol.

These type of wheels will also be a good choice for you if you frequently encounter stop-go traffic while on the roads. You will not face over heating if using light alloy wheels because they allow air to flow into your brakes. On the other hand, if you plan to use your vehicle for heavy lifting or if you will frequently use back roads to transport items, you should opt for custom wheels made of steel because they are sturdy. Before actually purchasing your new set of custom wheels, there are some technical details of your car which you should be aware of. What is the maximum load rating of your car? Your new wheels should be compatible with that because if it isn't, problems will occur in the future. You might not think much of it but each part of the car plays its own role. A tiny or slight variation from that will affect the performance of your car.

As such, when buying wheels, make sure that they have the same bolt pattern as the ones you already have on the vehicle. It would be very strange if you eventually bought custom wheels that did not fit because the bolts are not in the same place. Now that you have a general idea of your budget and the technical aspect of purchasing custom wheels, you can relax a little and think about the style of wheels and rims that you want on your car. After all, that is the reason why you decided to get a new set of wheels in the first place. You want something that mirrors your personality and gives your car a little bit of that extra jazz. If you are considering showing your classic car then be sure you know the judges rules on custom rims.

Fortunately, there are many auto shops where you can browse through and make your choice. Whether you want something more personable or stylish or even stronger looking wheels with spokes is entirely up to you.

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Automobile Transmissions - The Model A Ford

My very first ride was a spruced up 1930 Model A Ford Coupe. The transmission was stock and the engine nearly so. It was not a "hot rod" by any means.

It was my "knock around" car as a High School Senior. It had its quirks, but I liked it very much. I think I liked it most because it was my first car. I purchased it with my own saved money, earned working 20 hours a week washing dishes in a local Hospital.

I didn't care that it didn't have an external engine oil cooler or Cruise Control. In 1961, I didn't even know what those things were!

I had driven my father's '52 Ford with the "3 on the tree" manual transmission. I liked it and could drive it well. The transmission was modern, with synchromesh rings that I took for granted - until I learned how to drive again in the Model A.

The Model A had no synchromesh rings in the transmission. Therefore, it had to be driven carefully, very carefully, to avoid damaging the transmission.

Essential to success driving a Model A was a technique called double clutching, combined with a keen sense of what was happening mechanically. It took some time to learn but, once learned, proved a worthwhile effort.

Basically, it was best to start the Model A in first gear. That prevented the multiple thrills of trying to put it in gear with the engine running. It could be done, of course, but why do it if it wasn't absolutely necessary?

Always wanting to make a first gear start also had an effect on where and how I parked the car. I always asked myself, "If I park here, how will I leave?"

I developed what I thought were an effective set of common sense parking priorities.

My first choice was to park the car on a slight downhill grade with plenty of room in front of me to roll easily out of the parking space onto the street. A variation on this was in a not-quite-flat parking lot where I could plan to leave my space first rolling then driving forward.

The parking lot alternative was starting in Reverse, backing out, deftly double-clutching my way into First and driving out into street traffic.

That situation was the very best and I was surprised at how many times I could actually make my first choice happen. Not all the time, of course. But often enough.

Shifting up the gears from First to Second to Third required constant care because the lack of synchromesh in the Model A transmission was unforgiving.

Up-shifting was a matter of increasing speed in First to a perceived shift point. At that instant, the clutch went to the floor while I simultaneously moved the shift lever out of First and into the Neutral "gate" where it would move freely left and right.

Then, as the engine revolutions per minute (rpm) slowly dropped with my foot off the gas, I depressed, and then released, the clutch pedal.

At just the right instant, more sensed than felt, the engine rpm was just what it should be to begin accelerating in Second gear. At that precise moment, I depressed the clutch pedal again as I moved the shift lever up and to the right. If I did it right, the transmission would shift almost silently into Second gear.

I would then release the clutch and, usually, accelerate again in Second gear.

The process was repeated going into Third gear.

1. Accelerate to a desired "shift point" speed in Second gear.
2. Simultaneously take my right foot off the gas while I depressed the clutch pedal with my left foot and, with my left hand firmly on the steering wheel, pulled the shift lever back to the Neutral "gate" area.
3. Then, while the engine was slowing down, I would again depress and release and depress the clutch pedal in such a way that,
4. The instant the clutch pedal hit the floor the second time, the transmission and engine speeds were almost always matched to the point that I could slide the shift lever to the right and back to Third gear. Then I would release the clutch pedal to find the car chugging proudly down the street in Third gear.

Cruising down a rural road or a stretch of CA 99 was a pleasure in the Model A. It was hardly a "performance" car, but the engine seemed like it would run easily as long as I could keep the gas tank replenished.

City street traffic or "stop and go" freeway conditions were a challenge. In those conditions, it was difficult to hold a fairly steady speed, in any gear, while I tried to keep shifting up or down to a minimum.

Modern cars, even the relatively few with manual transmissions, are not so demanding.

Michael "Mike" Newlon Retired in 2005 after a dual career in private sector corporate management and as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve.

When he is not exploring current or former U.S. highways, like CA 99, in his Porsche 912 or Lincoln Town Car, Mike enjoys reading 20th Century history and popular action novels.

If you have questions about Michael "Mike" Newlon call him today: 760-636-5560
or visit his website http://www.highwaytripbooks.com/

Original article

All You Need to Know About Mercedes 190SL

If you have loved Mercedes all along its line of development, you cannot overlook one model that is Mercedes 190SL. The model from the famous automobile company was first shown in 1954 at the New York Auto Show and was later introduced for selling. It is a two door touring convertible car that comes with a removable hardtop. Mercedes started selling car in the year 1955 and discontinued in the year 1963. Upon its launch, this particular model was pitched against Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Both the cars had a similar type of styling and engineering. Mercedes 190SL had double 'wishbone' suspensions at the front, while the rear had swing axles at the rear.

Specifications: The car had been designed with front-mounted 4-cylinder-inline engine (four-stroke) that offered a maximum power of 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @ 5700 with a maximum torque of 142 Nm (105 lb•ft) @ 3200. Also, notable features include power assisted Drum brakes (Ø 230 mm) and Recirculating ball steering with a top speed of 171 km/h (106 mph). The transformation of the car is quite enthralling to read, as it was first introduced as a sports-racing model. The car gained immense popularity within a short time of launch, although the drive quality was not up to the mark. Ultimately, the car was replaced by its successor, Mercedes-Benz 230SL.

Buying Mercedes 190SL: If you are awe of this Mercedes model, you can now acquire it easily online. There are some remarkably well reputed online portals where you can check order and customize cars according to your needs. There are various variants of the model; you can filter the cars according to your choice. Some portals have set the models according to the year of their launch, which makes it easy for buyers to sort out Mercedes cars according to their refined choice. No matter wherever you are located, you can always find a shipping service that will deliver all your new Mercedes 190SL at your location. The prices that are mentioned in resale sites are generally quoted according to the actual market demand and the car value. Before you order your Mercedes online, do make a call to the concerned company to find the kind of services and support that are ready to offer. It is wise to talk about the budget, as well as, their way of valuation.

As a lover of old cars, you must have the heart to pay a little extra for a variant that matches your taste. At the end, a Mercedes 190SL will never fail you on investment!

Do you love classic cars? Cars such as the iconic Mercedes 190SL and Jaguar XKE are amongst the most sought after for collectors. We have the Jaguar XKE for sale. For more details visit our website.

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