Car restoration can be a lengthy process. You have found the perfect car at the right price. You have found a shop that will do the job the right way at the right price. You should not let your guard down at this point. Here are a few measures you should take to assure that your classic or muscle car restoration project stays on track. No need for a train wreck at this point!

1 Establish a schedule to visit the shop. Even if the shop is out of town, make sure the shop knows when you are coming and what you expect to see when you are there. This should be a benefit to the shop as there are several points in the process that require decisions to be made, and there is nothing better than having the client stand right there discussing the project. You could schedule the visit around a local car show, for instance, and see if the owner will accompany you to the show. This could be a great way to establish your relationship and look at various aspects of the cars that can assist in final design decisions.

2 There should be a detailed deposit schedule that coincides with the production schedule. Be sure the project is on schedule and, if so, make those deposits on time and in full. Cash strapping your project is a sure way to cause a problem. A project should be self sufficient and your deposit should not fund other projects, nor should other clients fund your project. This is an important item to assure that your relationship with the shop is one that promotes good communication.

3 During the restoration process, use the shop’s blog as a method to praise the shop, assuming everything is going well. You do not have to wait for the project to be completed to start letting other potential clients know that the shop is reputable and fulfills their contract. Additionally, establishing this positive feedback as early as possible will elevate the shop’s desire to keep the positive feedback coming and continue to do a good job for you.

4 What if an issue develops? Maybe there is a surprise that was not anticipated, or an issue with a part or a technician is unable to complete the project or a snag in the schedule. These problems can be solved and can be more easily solved in person. If the shop has been upfront and communicative with you, then issues do not have to turn into problems. Car restoration is a business of trust and client service. A good shop will not jeopardize the client relationship, nor will a good shop loose money if the issue is legitimate and could not be anticipated. The correct way to deal with an issue is to talk it through and solve the issue as a team. If this means the cost of the project elevates, keep in mind this is far less expensive then ruining the relationship with the shop that is restoring your car.

In conclusion, the process of restoring a classic car is a shared responsibility. The client, the shop and the suppliers all play a role in the experience. One can only control what one can control, so be involved and be a positive part of the process. Don’t be overbearing, but do establish the relationship and expectations ahead of time. Understand that this is a highly technical and difficult process that will have its challenges, so be prepared. A restoration is like a tattoo, it will stay with the car forever, so make sure that the design, quality and the relationship is exactly what you want. It will be with you as long as you own the car!

Mike Marino is the GM of Precision Restorations in St Louis MO. Known for the systematic approach taken to all aspects of Car Restoration,Classic Car Restoration and Muscle Car Restoration, Precision Restorations can be reached at 314-652-1966 or at http://www.precisioncarrestoration.com

[tags]Classic Car Restoration, Muscle Car Restoration, Car Restoration[/tags]

Are you ready to shop for classic car insurance? Maybe, maybe not. Before you pick up the phone, let’s take a minute to review the six questions you need to consider before you talk with an agent. Essentially, your agent is going to want to know how much the car is used and how you plan to maintain it. Knowing the answers to these questions will save you time on the phone — and put you in a much better position to negotiate the best insurance coverage for your classic honey.

1. Do you plan to insure the car for what you feel it’s really worth? Your agent will undoubtedly ask how much insurance coverage you are seeking — if your personal opinion of value is higher than the vehicle’s appraised value, you may want to consider a higher level of coverage.

2. Do you plan to participate in car club events? If so, you need to consider the amount of liability you can incur in such events. A classic car that is stored 365 days a year has much less potential for liability claims than a car that is driven regularly in parades and other event.

3. Are you planning an extended period of renovation for the car? If so, do you need to insure the car while it’s off the road?

4. Do you plan to ship the car any time soon? If so, additional coverage may be warranted since the car will be outside of your control.

5. How many miles a year do you expect to drive the car? If these miles are limited, you may be able to negotiate a lower premium. Be sure to ask about any maximum mileage limitations. An annual restriction of 2,500 miles may be imposed by your car insurance company.

6. Who will be repairing or maintaining the car? Again, if the car is outside of your control, you may want to consider higher theft and damage coverage. On the flip side, if you personally maintain the car within secure confines on your property, you may want to pay for minimal coverage.

The answers to all of these questions need to be considered before you decide how much coverage is warranted for your classic car. Also, car owners should be aware that some insurance companies specialize in classic car insurance. But as with any car insurance policy, it’s best to get quotes from several insurance providers before making a decision.

Hopefully, by carefully considering the answers to the six questions we’ve discussed, you’ll be prepared to shop for the best coverage for your classic car.

Barb Dearing is a writer specializing in topics that help consumers save money. She recommends the following online quote provider for classic car insurance quotes.

[tags]classic car insurance,antique car insurance,car insurance, auto insurance[/tags]

Locating that perfect project car could be like kayaking down a serene river with headphones on. If you are not careful you will get caught with your oars out of reach when the white water arrives. Ok that may be a bit dramatic, but there are plenty of cars for sale that to the untrained eye look great, but to the trained eye are full of rapidly increasing costs and surprises.

Keep these tips in mind when looking for a project for car restoration:

1 Develop a plan. One must have a clear plan regarding the budget for a car restoration and the level of customization and upgrades in the project scope. If you are going to upgrade all the mechanical systems there is no reason to buy a car that is in excellent mechanical condition.

2 Decide on the years, makes and models you are interested in. Go to a car show and check them out. Go to a classic car retailer and actually sit in a few cars. The old Corvettes are cool but they sure are tight for space. Are you going to haul stuff, well consider a classic station wagon, like a Chevy Nomad.

3 Knee jerking is the first 5 of the 7 deadliest sins when it comes to finding that perfect project car. Avoid this at all costs. Take your time and do the proper research. Hire a restoration technician to look at the car or at least talk to the owner of the vehicle to make sure you have asked all the right questions. Many classic cars have been in accidents, previously restored or require extensive frame repairs. These hidden issues will cost big bucks when you get into the car restoration and the secrets of the vehicle are uncovered.

4 Don’t buy a car from a friend. This may seem like a good idea, but only if that friend bought the car new and knows the complete history of the vehicle. This is a great way to ruin a friendship.

5 Documentation is King. The car that you purchase ideally will have a paper trail available. This can include the original build sheet, title, service records and restoration history. Depending on the car this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if the original paper work is not available. If, however, the owner is claiming a specific pedigree the paperwork better be available.

6 Carefully pick who you will buy from. There are good reputable project car retailers. Request, expect and follow up on references. If something isn’t right walk away. Ebay can be a great place to purchase some items but is it a good place to purchase a project vehicle? It can be if you use caution and follow the guidelines described above.

7 Contact an automobile appraiser to get values before you start. Did you know that there is a National Organization of Automobile Appraisers? These professionals know their business. If you have a list of the vehicles you are interested in and the scope of the project an appraiser can help establish the right price to pay for a car. The appaiser will also be familiar with some of the specific issues inherent to that make or model.

In conclusion, there are plenty of good reliable resources to assist in locating a project car. This is a good starting point as you can find a car that already meets some of the specifications of your project scope. There are several restoration shops that can lend assistance and even locate the car for you. The bottom line is slow down, have a plan and use the resources available. Follow the tips above and you will not only have a great experience you will have a restoration that you will be proud of.

Mike Marino is the GM of Precision Restorations in St Louis MO. Known for the systematic approach taken to all aspects of Car Restoration, Classic Car Restoration and Muscle Car Restoration, Precision Restorations can be reached at 314-652-1966 or at http://www.PrecisionCarRestoration.com

[tags]Car Restoration, Classic Car Restoration, Muscle Car Restoration[/tags]

Locating that perfect project car could be like kayaking down a serene river with headphones on. If you are not careful you will get caught with your oars out of reach when the white water arrives. Ok that may be a bit dramatic, but there are plenty of cars for sale that to the untrained eye look great, but to the trained eye are full of rapidly increasing costs and surprises.

Keep these tips in mind when looking for a project for car restoration:

1 Develop a plan. One must have a clear plan regarding the budget for a car restoration and the level of customization and upgrades in the project scope. If you are going to upgrade all the mechanical systems there is no reason to buy a car that is in excellent mechanical condition.

2 Decide on the years, makes and models you are interested in. Go to a car show and check them out. Go to a classic car retailer and actually sit in a few cars. The old Corvettes are cool but they sure are tight for space. Are you going to haul stuff, well consider a classic station wagon, like a Chevy Nomad.

3 Knee jerking is the first 5 of the 7 deadliest sins when it comes to finding that perfect project car. Avoid this at all costs. Take your time and do the proper research. Hire a restoration technician to look at the car or at least talk to the owner of the vehicle to make sure you have asked all the right questions. Many classic cars have been in accidents, previously restored or require extensive frame repairs. These hidden issues will cost big bucks when you get into the car restoration and the secrets of the vehicle are uncovered.

4 Don’t buy a car from a friend. This may seem like a good idea, but only if that friend bought the car new and knows the complete history of the vehicle. This is a great way to ruin a friendship.

5 Documentation is King. The car that you purchase ideally will have a paper trail available. This can include the original build sheet, title, service records and restoration history. Depending on the car this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if the original paper work is not available. If, however, the owner is claiming a specific pedigree the paperwork better be available.

6 Carefully pick who you will buy from. There are good reputable project car retailers. Request, expect and follow up on references. If something isn’t right walk away. Ebay can be a great place to purchase some items but is it a good place to purchase a project vehicle? It can be if you use caution and follow the guidelines described above.

7 Contact an automobile appraiser to get values before you start. Did you know that there is a National Organization of Automobile Appraisers? These professionals know their business. If you have a list of the vehicles you are interested in and the scope of the project an appraiser can help establish the right price to pay for a car. The appaiser will also be familiar with some of the specific issues inherent to that make or model.

In conclusion, there are plenty of good reliable resources to assist in locating a project car. This is a good starting point as you can find a car that already meets some of the specifications of your project scope. There are several restoration shops that can lend assistance and even locate the car for you. The bottom line is slow down, have a plan and use the resources available. Follow the tips above and you will not only have a great experience you will have a restoration that you will be proud of.

Mike Marino is the GM of Precision Restorations in St Louis MO. Known for the systematic approach taken to all aspects of Car Restoration, Classic Car Restoration and Muscle Car Restoration, Precision Restorations can be reached at 314-652-1966 or at http://www.PrecisionCarRestoration.com

[tags]Car Restoration, Classic Car Restoration, Muscle Car Restoration[/tags]

We all know that by acquiring a classic car your expenses have just began as the maintenance can be so expensive that some of us prefer either not to use the car anymore or to use very rarely in order to avoid repairs or purchasing any classic car parts.

However, that should not stop you from enjoying your favorite classic car. Here are some ways to acquire classic car parts at affordable prices so you can enjoy your classic car whenever your heart desires.

Research the Web

The world is at your finger tips if you are connected to the internet. Classic car parts are very hard to find and therefore you will need to research before you have a problem with your car and identify the source where you can find the car parts in order to access it when needed.

There are a number of stores available online that have readily available almost any car brand parts however, this may not be the same when a classic car is involved. Therefore, you may have to enquire before hand to ensure whether they can order it for you or not. The same online stores may have used classic car parts available, which can turn out to be a great bargain.

Helpful Tip

Fraud is the number one problem with any online purchase and therefore you must do everything in your power to protect your purchase and identity. Purchase classic car parts from reputed online stores, where they guarantee the authenticity of the product and where you can actually do something if the provider turns out to be a fraud.

Read carefully every detail mentioned before purchase; sometimes online items will be extremely cheap and the shipping will be twice the value of the item but by the time you realize your payment is already submitted. Ask all questions before payment; ask for warranties as well because classic car parts are usually very expensive even when you are getting a bargain.

Conclusion

If you do your homework and research all there is on classic car parts you are sure to find a good source which will be able to supply and service you classic car as well. Enjoy driving your car as often as you like for you will be able to afford to repair and keep it in good running condition long enough to pass it on to the next generation.

Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. This article How to Afford Classic Car Parts, is just one of a host of useful articles about Camcorder listed on our site map at Camcorder Ideas.

[tags]classic car part,ford car part,jaguar car part,performance car part,[/tags]

Street Rods are really becoming a lucrative business, especially racing them. Across America, classic cars and trucks are part of a major vehicle industry, and these old, classic cars are, in most cases, pulling prices that run parallel and higher to the most luxurious of the luxury cars and SUVs of today. These show cars and trucks are a classic part of our nation’s history, but that is not the reason that they are sought after on the car market.

The market for street rods is booming for many reasons, but one of the biggest ones is good old-fashioned American nostalgia. For the same reason that the Coke logo runs deeper in the red blooded American soul than the Pepsi logo does, street rods pull at the heartstrings of many Americans as our personal, not our collective, American history.

After Buying a Street Rod

Regardless of the reason that you chose a street rod, they all need maintenance. Even, if the street rod is, literally, just sitting in your yard as some kind of trophy-especially if it’s just sitting still and never being run-street rods need maintenance, and a lot of it. Finding parts for classic cars and trucks is no easy task, but if you know where to look, you will find that there really are enough parts to supply virtually everything needed to all classic car and truck owners. Parts can be found in smaller garages, but you’ve got to do your homework to find a garage that works on street rods.

Perhaps you can find a garage that doesn’t service street rods, but the owners or workers of the garage have street rods of their own. Once you start looking, you will find that this is quite often the case with owners and workers of independently run garages. Visit each garage individually and ask them where they get parts for classic cars and trucks that they service. If you hit enough garages, you’re bound to come across someone who’s got some good connections.

If you’re not part of a street rod club, you should think about joining one, and for more reasons than simply to find car parts. Classic cars and trucks have fans all across the country, and if you are one of those fans, most likely you will enjoy getting connected to other people who have the same interest. Best of all, once you get your street rod up to par, a street rod show can’t even begin to compare with street rod racing-put yours to the test today!

Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. This article Street Rod Maintenance: Classic Car and Truck Parts, is just one of a host of useful articles about Camcorder listed on our site map at Camcorder Ideas.

[tags]classic car and truck part,custom car part and accessory,car part,old car part,[/tags]

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was in production from 1955 to 1974. It was marketed as a 2+2 coupe and also as a convertible. Once production has started, it didnt take long for the vehicle to become popular, and within a short time, production doubled. At one point, the Karmann Ghia was the most imported car in the United States. It has been named as one of the worlds most beautifully designed products ever by American industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague.

Today, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is one of the most highly sought after cars of all time. It is considered to be a timeless classic, and while it was being produced, it was the affordable and reliable alternative to the more expensive cars of its day. There had been some degree of disappointment in the performance of the car, however. Many people had said that it looked like a sports car but did not behave like one. It had an adequate 36 horsepower flat four engine, which was the same engine that was being used in the Beetle at the time. Sales records for the car would prove that there were many people, however, who were willing to overlook the lack of power in exchange for the value and reliability that the car offered.

Volkswagen attempted marketing strategies that used humor to boost sales and convince buyers that the car was a great vehicle to own. In one of the most popular commercials, the car is shown racing towards a giant piece of paper like it was going to rip right through it. However, once the point of impact came, instead the car bounced right off of it. Despite the poor performance, more than 10,000 of the Karmann Ghia were sold in its first year. The convertible followed the coup by a few years, and sales of both versions reached an average of 18,000 per year. The late 1960s saw the height of sales, when an average of 33,000 per year were being sold.

In 1974 when the last car rolled off of production lines, the Volkswagen introduced the production of the new Scirocco. The cars that are still in existence today can be found at auctions and car shows all over the world. In total, from 1955 to 1974, there were 79,000 convertibles and 366,000 coups that had been produced by Volkswagen. By the standards of other vehicles, the Karmann Ghia is a relatively rare vehicle, and the owners of such cars take much pride in owning them.

For more information on the Karmann Ghia, please visit our website.

[tags]Karmann Ghia[/tags]

The purpose of a mat is to take dirt, mud, or water off of your feet before entering a living area; it’s as simple as that. However in recent years mats have become something that welcomes people into homes and lets them know a little bit of their hosts personality before they cross that threshold into someone’s personal space. Maybe it’s as simple as a word or a design but it is the homeowner’s first chance to make a good impression.

House mats come in all shapes and sizes. Traditionally a rectangular design was put on the front porch strictly for functional purposes, but in recent years mats have evolved. The materials that house mats are made out of are a coarse fiber like material called coir, which is woven together to form a mat sturdy enough to be stepped and scrubbed on. Mats can also be made out of Jute, which is a very cheap vegetable fiber, these mats are popular both inside and out because they are less coarse than coir mats. Seasonal mats change with the time of year and mostly feature pumpkins, Christmas designs, Easter eggs, or a big turkey for thanksgiving. The most common mat with a written word on the top is “welcome” however many mats also employ religious and personal sayings, like “bless this house and all who enter”.

Floor mats are not the only type of mats that have logos and designs on them however. Car mats have long been an effective solution to the problem of muddy and dirty feet ruining car carpeting. Since drivers can’t replace carpets in cars very easily mats are used as a removable way to clean their car. For heavy-duty users there are car mats made completely of rubber so that mud and dirt doesn’t get trapped into any of the carpet, these are the most efficient and are commonly used by construction workers who know that they will be tracking dirt from the job site to the car.

Many of these mats have rubber spikes on the bottom side for grip, and a matching carpeting color on the top so their appearance is less noticeable. However some car mats feature designs, usually these include logos of an automobile brand name or a favorite sports team. If drivers want to take the customization to the next level they can even have their own name or initials embroidered into their car mats. There are a number of companies that do this, and it is a common practice among drivers getting embroidery on the head rests and personalized license plates.

GG Bailey is a luxury auto mat producer, learn more about door mats and auto mats visit them at http://www.ggbailey.com. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

[tags]auto mats,car floor mats[/tags]

Drivers in the Empire State should shop around for the best car insurance. Traditionally, New Yorkers pay more for car insurance than drivers from other states and could be paying hundreds of dollars more than is necessary simply because they have not compared different options. Last year’s best car insurance quotes are already out of date and are not this year’s best quotes. But before panic sets in, this comparison-shopping does not require drivers to take a week off of work-it can be done even from the convenience of drivers’ homes. New York drivers can talk to their neighbors and relatives to find out whom they are insured with and if they are satisfied with their coverage. Additionally, drivers may choose to pull out the yellow pages and directly call insurance companies to get their questions answered. Another wise and convenient approach is to shop for car insurance on the Internet.

Drivers should get at least a few quotes from different car insurance agencies to be able to make an informed decision as a consumer. Furthermore, it is not wise to simply go with the cheapest insurance. Drivers should research getting the most for their money and it would be wise to choose a company that has great customer service and a quick and fair turn-around on claims.

New York law requires that all drivers be insured. So not only is it a good idea-it’s the law. In the unfortunate event of an auto accident or vehicle theft, car insurance offers some assistance. New York state law requires that drivers have Personal Injury Protection as New York is a no-fault state, meaning that in the event of an accident, every involved party has their own insurance company cover their claims because it does not matter who is responsible for causing the accident. This law was intended to help drivers and passengers more quickly have access to necessary medical care and decrease the number of lawsuits.

Drivers in New York are also required to obtain liability coverage. Additionally, New Yorkers may also opt for additional but not required uninsured/under insured motorist coverage that is an added layer of protection which helps pay for injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Drivers may also choose to purchase collision coverage, which would help cover the costs of any of their own auto repairs if they are the party responsible for causing the accident.

01 Insurance provides great resources in New York auto insurance and new york car insurance quotes visit them at http://www.01insurance.com/new-york-auto-insurance/. Art Gib is a freelance writer

[tags]New York Car Insurance[/tags]

The poly tarp is a durable and well constructed tarp that is made to stand up to the hottest rays of sun and the wettest winter days. If you finally got that Corvette or Harley Davidson Motorcycle you have saved for, you need to cover it with a durable silver poly tarp. Made with the best materials, silver poly tarps are waterproof, mildew proof, and they can survive a few feet of snow on them! The paint job on that Corvette would sure cost a bit if damaged from an ice storm or if it was faded from the summer sun. Think of the money you will save by investing in a quality tarp!

Tarpaulins are made with 18 inch spacing of grommets instead of 36 inches. They have a 40 micron UV coating that makes their protection lasting and durable. Silver poly tarps are not only resistant to mildew and water but to tears and the boiling sun! Some acids won’t even damage a durable poly tarp! Silver is highly reflective color and poly tarps are coated on both sides for better protection against the strongest of UV rays.

The reflective poly tarp is woven from durable polyethylene material and is woven with 14 strands both horizontally and vertically per square inch for a closer and tighter weave. The bottom side of a silver poly tarp is also coated with extra UVI coating. No light will pass through this tarp! The corners of a tarpaulin are reinforced with plastic that is molded and the seams are either double stitched or heat sealed for extra durability the grommets are rust resistant so don’t worry about drops of wet rust falling onto the paint job of that corvette you are covering up with a heavy duty poly tarp. Tying the tarp down will be a cinch. With the reinforced grommets, you can pull a good, close fit with a silver poly tarp over whatever you are trying to keep protected and not have to worry about tearing.

Most Heavy duty poly tarps weigh 6.0 oz. per square yard and have a tensile strength of 1200 Denier. Some silver poly tarps have a tensile strength of 1600 denier. They can be as thick as 12 mls. A mil measures diameter in things like thread and wiring. Denier measures the density of fibers. The silver poly tarp is woven tightly for the durability needed in harsh weather and can be compared to other tarps that are different colors and weigh a lot less. Keep in mind, the higher the denier count, the stronger the tensile strength. The stronger the tarp, the better coverage you will get.

Silver is the most highly reflective of all the colors. Poly tarps made in a silver color are also coated on both sides with UVI coating and has inner material of black mesh that blocks out virtually all light! If you want that corvette to stay in tip top shape, keep it protected from the elements with a quality silver tarp!

Bob Page is an expert on tarps and written a number of articles on the subject for more information about tarps or to contact Bob go to Tarps

[tags]tarps,tarp,tarpaulins,blue tarps,white tarps,silver tarps,camo tarps,clear tarps,car covers[/tags]