Fast 5 International Harvester

Big engine, big tires... big turning radius. The fear of turning over is what makes them an adrenaline rush. That and whether you are going to break down in the middle of nowhere and not be able to find parts. That is why these have Chevy engines.

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Airbrushed Camaro

There is no way this guy could have been paid for the true value of this patriotic airbrush artwork. Click through this link to autoblog.com and check out the entire gallery. The myriad of scenes and the detail of each is astounding.

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And the debate continues...

Some might call me crazy (bring it on, I get it all the time) but apparently I have the same views as many about the compact truck market that seems to have been abandoned. My blog posting from yesterday entitled "Wouldn't it be nice?" speaks of a more logical world where a small utility truck in several configurations and with a four cylinder diesel engine reigns supreme in the local delivery and sportsman arena.

Well, pickup truck.com has an article on the 2011 Global Ford Ranger highlighting the differences in it, the older ranger, and current F150. It seems to try to remain politically correct and "tow the line" with Fords company propaganda. What I find interesting are the comments below the article. If any executive at Ford is paying attention, they might want to read between the lines, and count the number of times the term BS and Ford are linked within them. Amusing...



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Somebody Stole My Catalytic Converter...

In the auto parts world it is a sentence we hear all too often. Especially when the economy is running as badly as it has been recently. When people are in bad shape financially they typically do things that they would not in a better situation. There is a metals recycling yard fairly close to our main warehouse in Norcross, GA, and it is fascinating to drive by there on Saturday morning and look at the loaded down pickups and flatbeds, full of anything and everything that is made of metal and can be detached from where it was. It makes you wonder if all of those things came from their house or work, or maybe just seemed too tempting sitting in the open in a neighbors yard.

As far as catalytic converters go, the fraud involved is so high that many auto parts stores don't even stock them anymore (we have very few) to keep from dealing with returns where the insides have been vacuumed out for the scrap metal value on the precious metals that make the magic process happen. New vehicles require a catalytic converter to function. The ECM or computer that makes adjustments to all of your cars systems reads the output of your exhaust through the Oxygen Sensors placed inline after the CAT and really breaks down if the info is skewed.

New Catalytic Converters are extremely expensive to replace, and according to this article from USA Today, the used parts are becoming scarce. Just do yourself a favor and always park your vehicle in a well lit and obvious place where hopefully someone would notice that guy crawling under it with a Saws-All.

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Is All Chrome Over The Top?

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50th Anniversary Mustang

In the coming months I will from time to time be posting pictures and sketches of the latest rumors surrounding the 50th anniversary Mustang. No one really knows what it will look like, and no one really knows for sure if it will be a 2015 or maybe a 2014 and-a-half. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of hype involved and Ford better not mess it up or a lot of people will be disappointed.





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Wouldn't it be nice...

If you follow my blog posts you will remember my near constant rant about American manufacturers and the lack of a basic, workhorse type of truck. With today's diesel technology and new nano materials it is easy to envision a really functional design equipped with a 4 or 6 cylinder HO diesel engine (or both). The Ford Bronco would be a great re-emergent design that could come in both the base truck, and convertible SUV format. There is a huge demand for a utility, no fluff, truck. Dodge/RAM is now touting the "Sportsman" version of their truck but I believe they have missed the point. Sportsmen do not need an extras package to add to a base truck. They want a bare bones dependable truck that is economical and masculine.

In review... American truck, mid size, 4-6 cylinder diesel, basic and cheap (please).

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The Javelin that never was ...

The last Javelin

I for one would be in favor of a rebirth of this vehicle in the vein of the current stable of retro pony cars from the big 3. Could it not be brought back under the Dodge nameplate? Although the Barracuda / Cuda would probably be a better next step for them. I just feel there are a lot of Mad Max fans out there that would buy this car if it were re-produced...

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Classic AMC Pacer

So, Is that an Oxymoron? You have to admit the car in this picture is unique (most pacers have been mercifully crushed) and well preserved. I just think if I was spending time and money to keep something up I might rather handle the cars on either side.

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Dodge Dart Slant Six

Almost all of us have a vehicle we have owned in the past that doesn't quite meet the image we would like to project for ourselves (I have had several). One of mine was an early 70's Dodge Dart Swinger. While I felt that I was driving a grandma car at the time, I really cannot complain about the gas mileage and dependability that it gave me for the two-three years I drove it. It really had some basic good looks and a great paint job. It was black, and one of the previous owners had taken it upon themselves to add several layers of clear lacquer, so when I waxed it it was really pretty impressive (the paint that is). What I should have done is a conversion to a Mopar V-8 and all of the upgrades that are shown in this picture. Just because it came with a slant 6 engine does not mean it needed to stay that way. I have since seen many examples of beautiful Dart's, and wouldn't mind a project car just like the one I had. It is funny how what we consider embarrassing as teenagers becomes nostalgic as we get older...

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My New Favorite Site

One of the dangers of being a social media guy is that you run across some websites that can turn into real time burners. The cool thing about my job is that I write about, share from and sell automotive related items. Have you ever heard the expression, "Do what you love?". If I were unemployed I really would probably be sitting around, surfing the internet, and gravitating towards the old classic restoration and rebuilt car sites.

I have found one such site that is new to me (will we ever run out of new, cool stuff on the internet?) and I will share it with you if you promise not to bid against me when I find that perfect project car to dedicate my spare time and money too. I just re-read that last sentence and realized I don't have any of the three at the moment ;)

Anyway, check out this link to a particular vehicle, and then click back through to their home page and then look up and go "Is it time for lunch already?". Good surfing, but be forewarned!

1941 Hudson Commodore

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Ralph Lauren Car Collection

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2012 Mazda 3

Mazda has just unveiled their 2012 Mazda 3 design and specs. It seems the 4 door sedan version will have an available 2.0 liter engine that will get 40 MPG HWY. From what I can tell, each of the manufacturers have added very nice options to choose from in that new 40+ club. It still looks like Hyundai is out front with several possible options, all beating that number. Read more details on Autoblog.com here...

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Slow Down and Watch Fast Cars...

Parabolique 2011 from Parabolique on Vimeo.

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Year One Mustang

Sometimes a photo IS worth a thousand words...

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1969 Cadillac Station Wagon

472 CI V8 Engine Now that's a green vehicle!!

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The Ram Outdoorsman (Not Dodge)

I have just returned from Spring Break where we went on two different camping trips. The first was at a Wildlife Management Area in East Central Georgia and then the second was a four day canoe trip near Silver Springs Florida. One of the things that actually allows me to sleep deeper and more comfortably is the sound of nature. I love hearing the whippoorwills and tree frogs... On the other hand my wife would prefer everything be paved over and painted green. This video is dedicated to her.

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2013 Chevy Malibu

On the ride in this morning we were talking about the strides many car makers have made in the last few years. Being in the auto industry we are closely tied to new car releases and the popularity of models because in a few years these cars are going to need replacement parts. Hopefully just the maintenance items like brakes and oil filters, etc., but we will have them all if needed.

What prompted the discussion was a beautiful new Hyundai Genesis that drove past. Remember the old days when we used to laugh at those upstart Japanese cars from companies like Honda and Toyota? I believe we are turning that same corner with the Korean vehicles right now. It is hard to not admire the new designs from Kia and Hyundai... they really are beautiful.

The next topic was how happy we were with the new designs and engineering gains that Ford and Chevrolet have made in the last few years. Admittedly the 80's and 90's were lost decades for American badges, but they are making a strong comeback. This 2013 Malibu is not only beautiful but over the last couple of years the drive train has proven very dependable. It also is very reasonable and stacks up very well against the imports. Stay tuned as we watch GM and Ford remake themselves... and watch out for Kia and Hyundai as well.

Oh, by the way... we sell AC Delco parts for GM, Motorcraft parts for Ford and Auto 7 OE Parts for Kia and Hyundai. We will have you covered for your Auto Parts needs!

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Two of my Favorite Things...

Canadian Beer manufacturer Steam Whistle is run by several old car aficionados who also strive to be "green" in their manufacturing process. This article shows several of the older vehicles they have added to their delivery fleet, along with the one I have pictured that is 100% Electric. It sounds like it may be a pretty cool place to work !!

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The Best Car Commercial Ever Made!

It's hard to believe, but this commercial shows real auto parts, real time moving through an infinitely scripted dance to sell their message. Imagine how long it took to set this all up, test it, and then finally do the real time shot? Amazing!!



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Fast Cars That Won't Break The Bank

Fast Cars, Low Price ... $30K and under top 10 list from Jalopnik.com

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AC Delco Top 50 Sellers listings

Top 50 Sellers By Sales Dollar Volume

FW346
FW121
FW291
MU1613
FW338
D1943A
MU1818
FW311
15-11057
15-2172
15-72971
10001
323-447
214-2082
MU1374
15-40133
SK1158
17D1092CH
D1493F
15-22124
251-719
321-2155
171-0999
FW376
251-742
213-1148
FW348
MU1733
17D785CH
PT2195
FW374
171-0974
HL178
504-143
FW344
748HH
FW304
MU1749
323-485
746KK
15-80567
171-0975
MU1615
20945138
15-20941
20-17
FW356
MU1752
251-697
217-2912
M10107
M100001
217-2422



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40 Hwy MPG Cadillac Truck!

Finally GM has released it's next generation Northstar variable valve drivetrain with the cool new constant shift transmission and electric overdrive for efficient highway cruising. For someone like me that wants the low end torque for off road and towing there has only been one option (Truck = Low Mileage). Thanks to Cadillac for the option now available so that the engine will "switch off" SIX of the cylinders and add the electric assist at highway speed to get astounding efficiency while cruising. The around town numbers are not nearly as impressive, but an acceptable 19 MPG. This new luxury, cutting edge truck from GM's flagship is the perfect option for those of us who want to have our "Cake" and eat it too... April fool's day cake that is.

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3D Battery

I thought most items in the real world were 3D but this article explains a unique way of storing Lithium Ion cells that will increase the energy output and absorption rate to bring battery technology closer to what we need for a truly efficient automobile that is totally electric. We have them now, but admittedly there is a very large area to grow into... Longer range, quicker charging, more power output with lower usage rate... etc.

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