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Classic US Auto Styling The Studebaker Avanti

Too many automobile aficionados and downright car guys the nameplate “Studebaker” is associated with such advanced classic vehicles of their time - such as the Studebaker Avanti model introduced unbelievably in the 1963 auto market year. Complete decked out with a fiberglass body , futuristic styling , disc brakes and an optional turbocharged engine the Avanti still turns head and was way ahead of the pack of the car and vehicle products of the big 3 automakers of the time.

Studebaker released a leaner and lighter version of full-sized car in 1939, called “Champion.” However, the company contributed to the Second World War. The war did not affect their automobile production but they were able to manufactured prewar models then developing their new postwar designs. Studebaker employed Raymond Loewy, in which he was supported by Virgil Exner to conceptualize the new postwar car design. In 1947, Studebaker released the Loewy-Exner model. It was noticeable for its flat flanks, enclosed body, built-in fenders, and extraordinary trunk outline combined to form “three-box design.” The company also released Starlight, an innovative model that has a rear window enclosed from door to door.

The company produced quality cars, better known to be “coming or going cars.” Humorist couldn’t differentiate the front from the back because the front and rear side of the car were alike. Studebaker released their three-box designs in 1949. It includes Land Cruiser, Commander and Studebaker Champion. Meanwhile, Commander and Land Cruiser had the same technology of the Champion models such as extended rear door, front fenders, longer wheelbase and hood.

They produced new automobile designs with the same technology used on the prewar designs. They used an 80 horse-power six-cylinder engine for the 2.8 model which was the same engine on Champion model. In addition, the 3.7 Commander/Land Cruiser was released to the market in the early 1930s. The automobile designs of Studebaker had not changed until the release of “bullet nose” models in 1950. They produced the primary models like Hawk series and Avanti. But other automobile producers had overtaken the company’s unique design on the same year but the company was forced to leave the industry in 1966. Though they experienced hardship, Studebaker persistently produce automobile in their small plant at Hamilton, Ontario.

Studebaker will always remain in the history of automobiles. They proved their fame with the aid of their several designs in the past which was magnificent in quality and reliability.

Eagle Ridge GM Vancouver GMC Financing

Posted by Ian U McDonald on December 29th, 2009 No Comments

Snow Tires , Chains or Studded Tyres

Old man or woman winter is on its way. You can count on that 100 %. Be reassured. With winter time coming you do not want to be stuck in the snow or ice on an isolated roadside, even with modern cell phones being at the beck and call of most motorists. What about snow tires, chains and even studs for wintertime driving?

Many think that in these days of cell phones for roadside emergencies and dealer offered and provided road-side assistance that changing their tires come winter time with an entirely different set of tires is not necessary any more and even a worn out tradition from earlier “more quaint” driving times , when vehicles were not as rugged or hardy. Think again. You never can be too safe when it comes to wintertime , wintertime driving safety . Many a motorist on a trip has never given a second chance to the overall reliability of his automobile or to packing a good coldweather parka and wintertime emergency kit to be packed away in his trunk. Its downright cold and frigid out there.

You may well have heard the click click click sound of studded snow tires emanating from a passing vehicle. Studded tires ones with tungsten , carbide or ceramic studs buried in the tyre treads perform well on packed snow or ice, almost as well as winter-time snow “chains” However due to the damage done to highways and roadways not all states allow the use of wintertime studs. At last count for the 2009 / 10 winter season fully 36 out of the 50 states allow these traction devices - within seasonal time of year , geographic with some provisos on modifications of the devices. Six states (Colorado, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Vermont, and Wyoming) allow virtually unrestricted use of studded tires on state roads and highways. Lastly there are seven states , mainly in warm southern climes, who distinctly prohibit their use. Think again if you are going to traverse the United States highway beltway system, from home in Northern or Edmonton Alberta escaping Jack Frost for a well earned Christmas break vacation in Florida or Texas, and driving safely over ice with studded tires. Take the time and expense to switch back to your all season or even summer set of radial tires yet you have nice discussion and highway traffic fine from a friendly state trooper just waiting there for you.

In terms of tire” studs” as mentioned earlier that due to their destructive affect on highways and roads many locales do not allow the use of studs or “studded wintertime tires” on their roadways. Note though that if allowed in your driving areas - that on both packed snow and ice these devices work very well at reducing stopping distances.

If its a simple matter of occasional tire chains for a one time trip for a skiing vacation to Calgary or for relatively light non demanding snow and icy road conditions then you might well consider the easier to set up , though offering less traction and gripping power , easier to set up and install tire chain varieties. For occasional use around the city, or one time use per through the Christmas and ice rut seasons of dead cold January , motorists and vehicle owners might well consider the advice of their trusted local garage mechanic and consider the early and prudent purchase of two or three strap-or-buckle on chains rather than full-circle type of tyre chains. Be prepared - do not wait to look around in the deep recesses of the trunk of your car - for chains when you are stuck in the snow.

Wintertime Dodge Ram Truck Winter Tires Studs Chains Fort McMurray and Wpg Used Auto Info

Posted by Lawrence U. Olson on November 29th, 2009 No Comments

Most Vehicle Drivers Take Their Vehicles Auto Coolant System For Granted

Driving along in their vehicles - be they truck , car or van most standard homeowners or automobile owners think little of their automotive cooling system in their vehicle until either disaster or inconvenience results. It might be overheating and a major repair bill at the dealership or it be a cold drive on Alberta winter highways with no heat output from their vehicle’s interior heater.

Yet your car or trucks rad or cooling system is not 100 % maintenance free. Forget about it and you may well have engine overheating damage, substantial auto engine repairs or worse, and no heat from your heater.

How can anyone be taught how to check the coolant level. Simply open up the engine hood when your car has been sitting for a couple of hours. Look for a coolant canister . Its the overflow bottle container and looks simply like a plastic jug. If you do not know how to open your hood - often bonnets today can be a puzzle to open - then consult the auto manual that came with the car , online , or at the worst call your factory dealer or local garage. Just have your auto make , model and year available handy. To judge fluid levels simply look on the side of the coolant overflow container. There will be a marking “cold” or “cold fluid level”. Simply compare the two marks - that of the level of the fluid in the coolant container and the mark on the side of the bottle. Do you have an adequate amount ?

Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits - less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.

Simply put take care of your automotive cooling system and maintain fluid levels and you will be rewarded with more trouble free driving , longer vehicle engine life and comfortable fall and cold wintertime heat in the comfort of your vehicle.

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Posted by Kirk Noel Narrows on October 2nd, 2009 No Comments