Posts Tagged ‘classic’

Have A Classic Car To Relocate? 3 Tips That Will Save You Money

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

To some people a car is a car. You tend to forget sometimes that not everyone shares a love of cars like we do especially when it comes to classic or vintage cars. How can you really be sure that a company will take care of your car in the same manner as you would?


I have a few tips that you can look for that will help in the selection process and what to ask to ensure the protection level is a high priority with the transporting company you select that will save you money.


Again, you need to be very particular in a reliable company who will care for your classic or exotic car as though it were their own. Just shop around and compare services first to insure that you’re getting a competitive and fair rate. Don’t just jump to the first cheap quote you get because comparing is how you get the best deals to saving money. This is for your peace of mind for yourself and for extra protection for your car while traveling


Let’s be straight about something here, you have a very expensive car and you expect it to remain in that excellent condition as it did before you handed it over to strangers at an auto transporting Service Company. A few things can make all the difference between endings up with a car that you have to put money into repairing to just being able to drive away without any incidences.


1. You want to choose a company that current with technology and are well-equipped with equipment that is in tune with the latest a door-to-door satellite GPS tracking system so you know where your car is at all times. This way you always know where your car is traveling at all times.


2. Insurance. Make sure that the company you select has adequate insurance to cover any mishaps of your car while in transit. You can always get additional coverage if you feel that the minimum is too little of an amount. This is sometimes a better alternative when it comes to those really expensive and irreplaceable exotic or classic cars.


3. The transporter company you choose should have a well-developed and reliable network of offices throughout the country and world and you would think that when it comes to professional car transporters, especially exotic or classic, that the crew would use the most caution, consideration and carefulness when it comes to these types prized vehicles. The reality is because their so expensive and costly to repair.


To sum things up, you just need to be careful on who you select. You need to be very particular in a reliable company who will care for your classic or exotic car as though it were their own.


It seems like these days smaller groups of companies are forming in the industry who hire people who are skilled in the handling of specialty cars so you might keep that as an option. I’m sure you’ll pay more for the service but you know what they say, you get what you pay for.

Classic Car Auctions For Affordable And Functional Vehicles

Monday, September 6th, 2010

It is in the interest of many people to know where they can find some classic car auctions. This is because many believe that this is the perfect place where they can find some of the cheapest but still functional vehicles. Indeed, several people find it very beneficial because this is really the place where they can purchase their dream vehicles without them having to spend on too much.

Attending some classic car auctions may be one of the few options that you may have in these times of financial crisis. Indeed, if you are the type f person whoa is really tight on a budget, it is no longer important that you will have the most flashy looking automobile there is. For now, what is more important is that you will have something cheap without sacrificing the mileage and functionality.

However, as you try looking for some, you have realized that classic car auctions are not that well known to several people. And because of this, you have hesitated if you should still proceed. In this case, there is no need for you to worry because these events are all supervised by the government and some private financial institutions.

Most of the featured items are those automobiles that have been repossessed by the banks, insurance agencies, or lending institutions because their previous owners have failed to settle their accounts.

There are also those that have been impounded but eh police because they have been used in the accomplishment of some crime. There are also instances when they have been surrendered as a result of some legal obligation.

And because of those, you are assured that most of the items being featured in these classic car auctions are still in excellent condition. In fact, there are also those that have been used for about two years, and if you are lucky, you can also purchase a practically new one with half its original market price. In several instances, you might also encounter some luxury units that are so cheap you may be tempted to bid for them.

Nevertheless, it is till very important for you to inspect the condition of the automobiles before you place any bid. It is recommended that you inspect the units before you attend any classic car auctions so that you will have an idea as to which you should look for.

And most importantly, you should also stick to your budget so that you will not go beyond your means knowing that these classic car auctions are very affordable.

How to Select the Best Vehicle Transport Company for Your Classic Car

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Finding the right car transport company is an important task if you are in the process of moving from one end of the country to the other and you need to get your classic car to your destination unscathed.  There are many ways to distinguish one vehicle transport company from the other, and you will want to do your due diligence in this area to be sure you are making a good choice.  You will want to find a company with a good reputation, for starters, by asking for references and looking at what kind of reviews people have written.  One or two bad reviews out of hundreds would be normal – but if they are almost all bad reviews, it could be a red flag.  This is just the beginning, though.

One very important indicator of a reputable nationwide auto transport service provider is full licensing and insurance coverage.  The company you choose should be federally licensed to perform vehicle transport and compliant with all bond requirements.  They should also have full insurance, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them about the insurance that they carry.  This insurance will cover any damage that your car may incur during transportation, no matter how unlikely that may be.  Don’t be afraid to ask about any limitations or exclusions that may be included, too.  There are some risks in transporting a car that may not be covered such as flying rocks that could cause broken glass or paint damage.

Another important trait that a good car transport company will exhibit is a willingness to offer a wide range of shipping options.  Not every company will offer every option, so it’s a good idea to check to see what is available before selecting any company that you are considering working with.  With all the possible risks that could be associated with nationwide auto transport of a classic vehicle, it’s important to know for sure that you are selecting the best possible option.  This means selecting a company that offers the most options and has the experience and credentials to back it up.

Explore The Beauty Of The 541S Jensen British Classic Car

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

There are some classic cars that make collectors go gaga. There are others that are highly underrated even when the reputation is not deserved. The 541S Jensen is one such overlooked gem. This unusual British model offered topnotch safety features, decent engine features and luxurious appointments, but it was overlooked by buyers when it first rolled off the line and continues to be passed over by collectors.

Sporty, fast, compact and adorable, the 541S Jensen is a two-door grand tourer that was completely hand built in an era when mass production was well under way.  Its design is quite similar to Aston Martins, Porches and Jaguars in appearance, but it has a few claims to fame that are all its own. The 541S was the very first British car to boast seatbelts as standard. It also came with a number of other safety features, as well. This model was outfitted with a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, Dunlop disc brakes, a Motorola and even a padded windscreen surround.

While safety features were paramount with the 541S, this Jensen boasts a number of other unique design perks. The car has front seat arm rests that are adjustable. It also has a Bevelift jack that is meant to be used through the floor so the car can be lifted without a motorist being exposed to the elements.

The 541S Jensen was produced by Jensen Motors Limited, between 1960 and 1963. This sports car was predated by the Jensen 541R and followed up with the CV8. The 541S line had a total of 127 cars made with two engine types, a 5358 cc V8 produced by Chrysler and a 3993 cc straight-6. It came as either a four-speed automatic or a four-speed manual with overdrive. It is said only 22 manual drive transmissions rolled off the factory floor before production on the model ceased.

Although the 541S offered many things other makes and models did not, it gained a reputation of being a car that was slow to accelerate. While this might not seem like a big deal, it was for buyers of sports cars. Unfortunately, the manual version of the car was not used for testing. Owners today say the four-speed manual with overdrive offers more than enough in the zip department.

Jensen Motors operated with a headquarters in West Bromwich, England, from 1934 to 1976 when it went bankrupt. The company was known for its sports cars and commercial vehicles. While the 541S was not a hit with buyers, the company did have its share of standout vehicles during its multi-decade run. In addition to its own models, Jensen also collaborated with Austin-Healey and Volvo on a few vehicles. It was partially responsible for the Austin A40 and the Volvo P1800.

Classic car enthusiasts with an eye for the rare and unusual might find the unusual 541S Jensen is well worth another look. While the automatic transmission version of this model lacks in the pep department, the manual twin does not. Regardless, both versions are considered an unusual find in these days of mass production.

Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need.  Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes from respected insurance companies for the coverage you need.

Tips For Safer Auto Shipping Of Classic Cars

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

People with prized, classic cars won’t settle for just any company to move their vehicle from point A to point B.  These consumers require auto shipping that is secure and reliable for long distance moves.  Many prefer to drive these vehicles themselves, but do not wish to incur the unnecessary miles in the process.  Individuals preparing to ship a vehicle may benefit from some common, auto shipping tips.  Here are a few notable pointers to consider when planning to ship a vehicle.

Closed Carriers Are Best for Classics

Typically, consumers may choose from closed or open carriers with door-to-door service – eliminating the worry that typically goes along with vehicle relocations.  For people with treasured, classic cars it may pay off to secure auto shipping on a closed carrier.  Closed shipments ensure that exposure to elements is at a bare minimum.  They are not susceptible to flying debris or other random hazards.

Find a Reputable Broker

Collectible car owners must complete lots of research to be certain their car will be taken care of.  Most reputable companies do not require payment until a customer’s vehicle is loaded on the truck.  Be wary of companies that expect a deposit before loading, or demand full payment before the shipment is complete.  It is also important to check that all auto shippers are 100% fully insured.

Now there is a reliable and personalized solution available on the web for more finicky individuals that must relocate. Classic car owners can now shop for dependable auto shipping at American Auto Shipping.  Site visitors simply fill out a brief inquiry form or phone 1-800-496-2134 to start receiving help almost instantly.  The site provides a complete listing of 10 reputable brokers with preliminary pricing.  Most responses come through within 24 hours via phone or email and all auto shipping contracts are easily customized to meet personal needs.  Select from 10 pre-screened auto shipping brokers that are trusted in their reputation, insurance, and licensing.

Some Other Useful Hints

Don’t forget to look into weather conditions when scheduling a shipment.  Other auto shipping tips include turning off car alarms, removing any ground effects, and checking to be certain there are no fluid leaks.  To ensure an awesome auto shipping experience, classic car owners will need to do a little homework.  Work with American to help make this process as pain-free and speedy as possible.

For more information, visit Americanautoshipping.com or call 1-800-496-2134.  Inquiries should receive a quick response from experienced representatives ready to help personalize long distance, vehicle moves. 

How To Prepare Classic Car For Storage

Monday, August 30th, 2010

To keep a classic car look great and hold their market value, owners of real enthusiast really needs to have excellent care of it. Not only is it important to maintain body work, caring for the exterior and interior, but we must also keep an eye on the engine. If you establish a regular routine and polish the paint and interior finishes, adding that the regular engine checks and make minor adjustments to tire pressure, oil pressure and time as required, not only can keep your classic car higher driving conditions, but also the appearance of new and delay the effects of depreciation car down, perhaps even adding value to your engine over time

With the owners of classic cars in everyday use would need to take additional care to protect their vehicles from the elements, as even can be left in an open bay at work or at home disk. Ultra The summer sun strikes of violet light painting work; In winter, additional road salt, squeeze spray trucks and regular rainstorms rot and corrode the metal work.

We know firsthand that the cost of the engine can be costly, however, with a little preventive maintenance can keep your classic car in perfect condition. There are a variety of things you should do before storing your car for any length of time. Classic cars that sit idle can begin to deteriorate if not prepared before being put into storage.

If you own a classic car, classic pickup truck or a minibus used from decades past, you should always give the vehicle a nice touch before it goes into storage. The car must be absolutely clean bumper to bumper. Wash all road grime and salt from the undercarriage, and all exposed body parts.

An important thing to do is make sure that every inch of the car is completely dry before wrapping the covers around her and put the vehicle into the store in winter. If you are going to use a cover to make sure that is a high quality blanket made of soft fibers. You need to store your classic car in direct sunlight and a dust-free area, if possible

If you plan to store your classic car for a short time, drain the entire cooling system and then filled with pure antifreeze. When planning to store your car for an extended period of time to drain the entire system and leave the radiator cap so that air can circulate around the refrigeration system. Also change the brake fluid, oil and oil filter before the vehicle is in storage

During the washing process, be sure to look for any scratches or chips in the paint finish. Worth retouch blemishes, scratches or chips with a pencil or a paint specialist to do the work for you before you put your classic car in storage, as this will help stop metal corrosion. Remember to use first primer, such as primer helps the new paint to stick and can be used to build the base for your paint is level. You have to ask the paint manufacturers to match your vehicles paint color. If you are looking for a more professional touch, take a look at smart shopping for your automobile insurance is a form of additional car is an absolute necessity for car owners over time. SMART stands for Small Accident Repair Technology

Tires
You also want to do something with the tires because the rubber in fact perishes if left to inflate with vehicle weight on them. You can completely remove the wheels or put the car on Axel stands and let the air out of tires at the same time. This puts less stress on the suspension system and also prevents the theft, at the same time.

Car Batteries
Never put a car in storage with battery connected. Always remove the battery, clean the battery terminals and think about how you will keep your battery while the vehicle is not in use. If the battery has had a loss – and many older unsealed batteries this problem – a great way to clean the battery terminals would be through a baking soda and water solution. For a short term option for storage, often the case in inclement weather climates, placing the battery in trickle charge your car is a great idea. For car owners who either drive infrequently or classic cars that can stand unused for many months at a time, batteries are one thing these owners know very well. There is nothing more frustrating than a dead battery and above that is the high cost of replacement car batteries as well.

Keep the battery charged up
The short-term solution is to keep the battery topped with a trickle charger. A trickle charger charges a car battery in approximately the same that is being downloaded, so if the car you’re storing is used once a month, for example, this is a great option. The fall of a trickle charger is the battery charging continues regardless of whether the battery is fully charged or not, what needs to be connected and disconnected on a regular basis or it will eventually boil the battery and cause irreversible damage she. For a long term solution, think about the use of a float charger. A float charger can be left connected indefinitely without potential damage to the battery. With modern classics, a floating charger will help ensure that the owner of immobilizers and alarm systems not running car while the car sits under the covers for months at a time. There is a wide selection of car chargers in the market in the United Kingdom and the United States to buy the right not be difficult. Always place the battery in an open space where the air is free to move. Constriction of the airflow around a car battery is dangerous and could cause a fire!

Final preparation
You want to replace all filters for new ones and remove the spark plugs. When removing spark plugs that help prevent moisture from being trapped in the cylinder head which can cause corrosion. Gasoline is high in water and this causes corrosion. You want fat in all areas, including points, locks, door hinges starting, and so on. At least once a month, you turn the ignition key. This can be done from the screw driving. This prevents the pistons, valves and prevents them from moving freely pusher engine seize when left standing for long periods of time

When you have your classic car that is regularly used, must be diligent in maintaining your vehicle. Keep the interior and polished exterior finish that not only keeps it clean but also prevents cracking polished areas. The strong rays of the sun fade and crack the seat, if not kept clean and shiny metal trim on the outside fade and crack in the UV light also

When cleaning your classic car you should use a cotton cloth or microfiber that is designed for use in old cars or paint faces of other luxury cars. Cotton, because cotton is real, is smoother than cheap cloth (usually made of nylon and polyester), which can leave scratches. Microfiber cloth is made from fibers 100 to 1,000 times thinner than traditional fabrics. Microfiber cloth works so well because unlike when using cheaper traditional fabrics, with a microfiber cloth that does not really need to use harsh detergents. The fibers are so tightly woven that they can collect more dust than traditional cloth could, reducing the need for chemicals needed to loosen and remove as much dust as traditional cleaning cloth.

Microfiber cloth must be used in areas with little water, use just enough to loosen dirt particles more difficult. A quick wash with a soft cotton cloth with a car wash detergent for quality first, followed by a fine mist of water and a microfiber cleaning should leave with a great result. You want to use the correct car wash and a mild detergent such as detergent. Strangely enough, many car owners do and the result is much better than washing your car with gasoline. The paint will fade and continue to disappear immediately, losing that shine forever. It is advisable to have small dents, cracks or chips as soon as repairs are noticed. This will help prevent rust and corrosion of the metal. If possible avoid shampoos cheaper car and go to class products of polymer that is freely available on the market. That is almost always get what you pay in the automotive industry.

Polish your car in the shade instead of direct sunlight. Sunlight cooks the wax on your paint rather than help clean it. Polish direct sunlight leaves you with a professional finish scratched. Use a high quality polish wax your car. Oxidized paint if you want to delete it first, with a high quality polish or compound brush designed for this purpose. Rubbing compounds are small particles in the glaze that gently scrubs oxidized paint layers, leaving a fresh coat shiny, ready for polish. Ask the experts about rubbing compounds before buying. This information will make your job easier than using the wrong compound can damage your paint job.

You must pull the dust cover over your vehicle at night. Make sure the dust cover is made of soft material to prevent scratching the paint surface. The reason for scratching the paint is actually tiny particles of dust will rub against the bodywork of his car, so the material is softer, the better. If you go for a walk, take a few minutes to remove any bird or bat droppings of gulls away. You also want to remove the tar, dead bugs, leaves, sap and other wastes in its statement. The sap of the tree can leave terrible marks in the paintwork of a car, so under cover parking is preferable when possible. You can use a remover product quality for this purpose which does not have a high acid content.

After each trip you should wash and dry the car properly, water will promote rust. Remove mud, dust and spills of gasoline as soon as possible. Driving in Europe, especially the causes of rust underneath the car when the roads are treated with salt that prevents ice formation. Be sure to wash the underside of your vehicle if you have competed in these conditions. If you get in your car under the carpets dry wet shoes when you get home, that moisture can cause the metal and the carpet putrefaction. If your car smells damp take immediate action. Do not forget to check the boot, sills, in corners, under the hood and around the rubber stamps after each wash, everything is dry.

Owning a classic car can be a rewarding experience. You have to baby your classic car to keep it in perfect condition. This is his pride and joy and the extra time to take care of that well worth it.

Classic Car Valuation: How It Is Done?

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

A Classic Car has its own appeal and image in the market. Therefore, Classic Car valuations can get tricky since neither the buyer or the seller know the actual value of the car – that is why it remains a classic. Classic Cars are collector’s items and only a person who actually knows the intricacies of the car will know the real value of it. However, there are websites that do offer to give a ball-park figure or the outline of the value for your car.

No doubt, it is really tough to determine the valuations of Classic Cars but the basics are just the same as for other normal cars. A Classic Car’s worth is first noted depending on the market requirements and how much of demand for the classic is still there. There are also minor issues like the brands or models which could be of different quality and that make a difference during valuations. Some Classic Cars would have been restored professionally over the period of time whereas there may be others that have not had little or no restoration work done itself.

 

Auctions are the best way to know the value of a Classic Car and as people know that when the demands increase for a particular model or brand the value and price also increases. If there is not much of a demand automatically the value also comes down. Most people feel that if a celebrity has owned that car, the value also goes up irrespective of whether the demands are high or low. Classic cars need to be stored well to maintain its original finish that could fetch you a good value. Also as everyone knows it is wise to insure your car which is often cheaper than normal cars. Your insurance policy would be able to cover almost all types of risks including theft, fire, flood or even vandalism.

Shipping Classic Cars

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Buying a new car can be very exciting. You have limitless choices out there, including classic cars which are a hobby for many people. These cars are old and people love to work on them in order to restore them.

In previous times, it was difficult to find that one type of car that you want to work on, but the internet has changed everything. You are no longer bound to your local area. Instead, you can purchase cars from almost anywhere and have them shipped to your doorstep. This process is called car shipping and it has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds.

Getting it There

When buying a classic car to work on, you will always want that perfect fit. There is little point in spending your money on a car that you don?t like. You should find the perfect vehicle, as you will be spending lots of time and money on it.

Once you have found that perfect vehicle, you need to communicate with the seller. You should be up front with your intentions about having the vehicle shipped to you and see how they react. Most people selling cars are more than happy to help you get your vehicle to your home. This includes any inspections that will make sure that a vehicle is safe for transport. Car shipping companies require an official inspection sometimes, and the seller needs to be willing and able to get this done if necessary.

Documentation

Make sure to document everything, and have the seller take pictures of the vehicle before they release it to the car shipping company. There are many reasons for this, but the most important is to make sure that the car arrives at your house in the same condition you purchased it in.

Damage that was incurred while the vehicle was in transit can be covered by insurance policies that you need to purchase especially for the trip. Make sure that you have enough coverage to cover the total loss just in case something happens.

Car Shipping Basics

The actual shipping process is simple. You will contract with a company to pick up your vehicle at its location. They will check it out and verify that any damage is documented and that it is safe for transit. They will load it onto a large truck and then they will drive it to its destination.

When it arrives, you need to look over it to make sure that nothing has been damaged and that it is still in the same condition as when it left. After you do this, you will need to sign paperwork for the car to finally be yours.

For those who collect and work on classic cars, car shipping is the answer to many problems. While it does add an extra cost to the vehicle that you are purchasing, it will be worth it when you find that perfect car for your collection and needs.

Worry-Free Classic Car Shipping

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Transporting a vehicle over a long distance such as during an interstate move is a nerve-wracking experience. It is even more traumatic when you are shipping a classic sports car or other valuable vehicle. In addition to the cost, such automobiles often have sentimental value that makes them irreplaceable.


Or maybe you have purchased a collector vehicle long distance, such as over the Internet. Some sellers may not have contact with a reliable auto transport service and you are on your own when it comes to finding a way to get that car to you.


Start with an experienced car shipping company


It’s hard to find an auto transport company through word of mouth. Although car shipping is growing in popularity, it is still something new to the average person. There are a few things to look for when shopping for the right shipper.


- Experienced only: You want a shipper who not only has been in business a long time but has extensive practice in shipping classic vehicles. For companies just starting out, let them learn on someone else’s cheaper vehicle. Your car deserves only experienced shippers.

- Check the insurance: Ask about the shipper’s insurance in the unlikely event your vehicle is damaged in transit.

- Type of trailer: Optimally you want your auto transported in a closed trailer to protect it from the elements, road hazards, vandalism, and theft. If the car is to be shipped on an open trailer, make sure it will be shipped on the top rack.

- Straight-through or storage: Again, in a perfect world your car will be picked up at the door and delivered immediately to its destination. Some shippers take cars to a storage yard until they have enough vehicles headed in the right direction. While the car is being stored it is out of your control and could be damaged or stolen.


Prepare the car for transport


There are some basic steps to prepare for car shipping. These are a good idea for any vehicle but are vital for an expensive or collectible car.


- Wash and inspect: Carefully document any damage to the vehicle before shipping. Take pictures so you have an unbiased record of the car’s condition

- Remove personal items: Many classic cars have aftermarket additions that can be removed for transport. Anything that can be easily removed should be so nothing gets lost or stolen.

- Have 1/4 tank of gas: There needs to be a little gas in the tank just to get the vehicle on and off the trailer, but too much is a safety hazard. If your car doesn’t operate, obviously you don’t need gas, but there will be an extra charge for winching your vehicle on and off the trailer.


For the owner of a classic car, shipping is like putting your child on an airplane alone. By using a reputable shipper and taking some basic precautions, both you and your baby will survive the experience.

Classic Cadillacs?

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

I’m trying to buy a Classic Cadillac in Manatee county,FL. Are there any car dealers in Manatee county or close by that sells classic cadillacs? What’s the price range? MPG? Cheapest insurance for me. I’ll be 16 next month. Is there any way to improve the MPG on a cadillac because I heard it’s low. Anything else I should know about a classic cadillac?