31
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
Deciding to buy a car can leave you feeling excited about looking for that perfect vehicle, but it can also leave you feeling anxious about where you are going to get the money from for making this fantastic purchase. Whether you have good credit or bad credit, there are plenty of sites online that can give you a fast car loan quote. Some companies even specialize in working with people who have no credit.
To get started with obtaining a quick quote, you will need to provide some basic information. This includes your first and last name, phone number, zipcode, and an email address. Make sure this is a valid email address that you use often, since this is usually where the information is sent to. Once you click on the continue button to navigate to the next page, you will have a few more important questions to complete.
Some aren’t questions, but just basic information about yourself; address where you live, date of birth, SSN, and what you do for work. The name and phone number is usually also needed, plus how long you’ve worked there.
Besides needing to know how much you make per month from your job, the amount of your monthly rent or mortgage payment is also necessary. The last bit of information needed tells how long you’ve been at your current address and if you rent or own your home.
Once you submit all of this information, you should receive a response back as to whether you are approved for a car loan or not. Many of these companies are known for getting an answer back to you fast.
Going this appeals to many as not only is this car loan request easy to fill out, but it’s a great way to find out quickly if you qualify for a loan or not. And, as you can do this in the comfort of your own home, you do not have to deal face to face with a loan officer of car dealer to discover whether you can get a loan.
30
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
Values
A phenomenal amount of interest in classic cars a few years ago, caused much to be published and prices to escalate beyond belief.
This was at a time when an Aston Martin Zagato, racing car (that never won a race), sold for over a million and a half pounds. An ‘E’ type Jaguar commanded as much as £90,000 for what was a mass produced car (and so many were made in the 12 years of production). It is not so surprising that many enthusiasts were unable to afford an interesting classic.
Since those heady days the situation has changed dramatically, the recession, resulted in more sensible prices for most classic cars.
However, even when prices were rather ridiculous, there was a remarkable, distinctive, car of the early ’60s that was overlooked, available at a very reasonable cost, and still is undervalued.
Hand built, with very few maintenance problems, and best of all no body rust to worry about! It is one, of very few classic cars, that can actually be used as a daily form of transport – I had been driving one for well over 25 years and now my son still uses it.
I am referring to Jensen cars of the early ’60s, designed by Eric Neale, and made at the time when Richard and Alan Jensen owned the company. Particularly, the Jensen CV8 (this is the model before the Interceptor) with the huge 6 litre V8 engine and the 541S.
The CV8 was the fastest four-seater car of all in 1965, and I drove my special one off version, commissioned by Hardy Amies, every day until I emigrated from the UK a few years ago.
The other favourite is the classic British thoroughbred the 541. Especially, the last model made prior to the CV8, with the 4 litre straight six Austin Princes engine, particularly the manual drive version of the Jensen 541S.
Classic Car Show Awards
For so many years these Jensen cars have not been expensive by comparison with any other classics of the period. Very strange really when one considers that, at most of the important classic car shows in the past, Jensen won all the best awards.
Up against all the well known prestigious makes, the Jensen Owners Club, together with Dave Horton’s famous CV8, have won; ‘Car of the show’, or ‘Best of the master class’ and ‘Best club stand’ and so on. There can hardly be a worthwhile classic car award that has not been won by a Jensen!
Pioneers
These awards are not really so surprising as the Jensen brothers based at West Bromwich made extremely fine hand built cars. They were also pioneers; the first to provide disc brakes all round; first with four wheel drive (on a CV8); one of the first to use the wind tunnel for body design.
They were also well known and respected for their advanced ideas on safety. The 541S was the first car with seat belts, as standard, they also provided very soft padded areas above and below the dashboard. Door handles, and window winders, were all in recessed panels out of harms way.
They won the silver medal for coach work at Earls Court, and with the 541R, in 1957 according to tests by ‘The Autocar’ they had produced the fastest four seater car of the day.
Over the years their glass fibre and polyester resin coach work has stood up to the test of time remarkably well.
Maintenance
Service and maintenance of these cars proves a lot easier, than with many other classics, and this statement applies to some of the more modern cars. There is a very enthusiastic owners club that provides valuable technical information. Most spare parts are also not too difficult to find through the Jensen Owners Club. The chassis is built like a tank and the glass fibre body cuts out all those rust problems.
High Power
The well proven straight six 4 litre engine is in a class of it’s own, set with triple SU large carburettors and linked to the Jaguar Moss 4 speed synchromesh gearbox, with overdrive, add to this, servo assisted Dunlop disc brakes all round. – Provides one hell of a lot of motor car!
The CV8 is an even more powerful car still, but not a British thoroughbred as it has a Chrysler V8 engine. There are certainly not many cars from the early ’60s that can still be used as a daily car some 35 years later.
Super Luxury
I have not yet mentioned the luxurious interiors, but both of these models provide lavish leather arm chair comfort for four, but also with plenty of head room and leg space even in the back. A lockable glove compartment, a useful container under the central arm rest, a deep pocket either side of the rear seats for rolled up newspapers, as well as large pleated pockets, in the back of the front seats. The 541S front passenger seat folds completely up to allow far easier access into the rear than most other two door cars – even modern ones.
Both the 541S and the CV8, unlike many more modern fast cars, sensibly provide a very large boot space for luggage. I do feel that a lot of the modern fast car designs, fail to provide the head room and leg space for taller drivers, and completely fail to provide useful luggage space. As a family man these are some of the reasons why I favour the CV8.
An overwhelming amount of standard equipment, at a time when so many items were charged as optional extras, such as:- a Motorola radio (lights up with the name Jensen); the heater; a fog and a spot light; a fire extinguisher; a first aid kit; a cigar lighter; a clock; rear window heater and all the instruments one could wish for. Plus a very generous tool kit in a fitted tray, under the 541S dashboard, consisting of (apart from screwdrivers and spanners) pliers, an adjustable spanner, even a tyre pressure gauge, spare bulbs, tyre valve and cap.
Out of all the Jensen cars of this period, the 541S has been the least sought after, and the most difficult to sell. There is a reason for this, although it is an impressive car and beautiful, it has a reputation for lacking acceleration as a sports car. It has a good top speed and is capable of travelling at over 100 mph all day long.
The Fabulous Manual 541S
But all the original road test reports were based on the automatic version (this automatic gearbox although developed by Rolls Royce lost an awful lot of performance) – it is such a pity that the manual version was never tested!
Between 1960 and 1962 Jensen built 127, in total of 541S cars, out of these only 22 were manual drive. The manual is a gem of a car! The most luxurious car of all the 541 range, and what is not generally known, these manual drive cars with the Lacock-de-Normanville overdrive are very fast cars indeed. They would have earned a much better reputation from a road test than the one they have from the automatic version.
Extra Design Features
The 541S has certain unusual design features, adjustable front seat arm rests fitted to each door, the Bevelift jack, kept in the boot, was designed for use through the floor of the car in front of each front seat. So it was possible to lift front and rear wheels together whilst protected from the rain.
When the boot lid is open the driver can still see, without any restriction, out of the rear window. Very sensibly the spare wheel valve is accessible, through a fitting in the rear of the boot floor, thus allowing the air pressure to be checked easily without having to remove the wheel.
Sexy
The look of these cars when viewed from the side could be said to be reminiscent of early Jaguar cars, head on possibly Aston Martin, and from the rear one thinks of Porsche. However Jensen developed with the 541S quite an original and distinctive aero dynamic design without any sacrifice to space or comfort.
I still consider it to be one of the most attractive four seater cars of that era that still attracts admiration today.
Readers will by now realise that I rather like these cars, that is certainly true, and we owned 5 out of the 22 made. It will not be easy to buy a good manual 541S as only 15 more at most exist.
They are identified by the chassis number prefix of 102 (there were two prototypes made with the chassis number JM EXP 100 and JM EXP 102). The hunt would be worthwhile, if one could be found, as such a car would cost less than an ordinary ‘E’ type Jaguar in reasonable condition.
My bet is that this situation will change.
23
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
Car insurance premiums are typically much high for teen drivers than drivers over age twenty-five and with good reason. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, sixteen year-old drivers get into accidents almost six times more often than drivers between the ages of thirty and fifty-nine. This is why many car rental companies will not rent cars to drivers under twenty-five. However, there are things you can do to help reduce the insurance rate for your teen.
In most states, teen drivers under the age of eighteen are required to undergo a formal driving training education as a prerequisite to taking their driver’s license test. Enroll your teen into a quality driving school where they can get a good education and learn the importance of safe driving. Many insurance companies offer discounts for teens that complete a recognized drivers education program. Also, spend time with your teenage son or daughter and help teach them responsible driving. The best way to get and keep low car insurance rates for your teen is for them to have a clean driver’s record.
If you are the parent of a teen, set a good example and practice safe driving. Think twice before speeding, tailgating that car in front of you, yelling at that driver who just cut you off and don’t even drink and drive. Spend time driving with your teenage son or daughter and help teach them responsible driving. By having attentive, responsible parent drivers, your teen will be a lot more likely to be a responsible driver.
Another way to reduce the insurance rates for teens is for them to get good grades in school. By showing discipline and hard work in the classroom, studies show that teens are much less likely to get into accidents. Many insurance companies offer discounts to teen drivers who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Encourage your teen to excel in school, and give them additional incentive to get good grades. Perhaps put the money you are saving on your teen’s insurance into a college fund or a graduation trip. By teaching responsibility and reward for hard work, you are also instilling good values and motivation that can help them down the road.
Fast cars in the hands of a teenager can be dangerous. That is why sports cars also typically have higher insurance rates than other comparably priced vehicles. These cars are more likely to tempt a your teen to speed and drive irresponsibly leading to more accidents. Think carefully about the car your teen will drive. As they approach driving age, consider purchasing a vehicle that will be safe and economical for them to drive. Cars or trucks with big V-8s or turbocharged engines may seem like a good idea for the experienced driver, but are more likely to induce speeding and unsafe driving for your teen.
Another way to save money on teen insurance is to add your teen to your auto insurance policy as an additional driver. You will undoubtedly pay much higher rates if your teen has their own policy. You may be able to insure your child under your policy as long as they live in the family household. However, when a teen goes away to college, there may be situations where a teen may have to get their own insurance, depending on the proximity of their school from their parents’ home. Parents may also be able to put their child’s coverage on hold if they are away at college and will not be driving. Be sure to check with your insurer regarding these considerations and make sure you have the coverage your teen needs.
Purchasing car insurance for your teenage driver is very important. The number of companies and available types of coverage can be confusing and make it difficult to sort out what you really need. Learn more about the best car insurance companies and get the information you need to shop smartly for car insurance at http://www.bestcarinsurancecompanies.net.
22
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
Restoring a classic car back into its elegant shape is just the beginning of your hard work. In order to retain the value of the car and to keep it in proper shape, you need to engage in maintenance work.
Maintenance is the part that’s most often overlooked by classic car owners. Some may think that cleaning and detailing a car is as simple as washing it and waxing away. The truth is, improper practices might lead to a degradation of your car. In order to avoid that, just read and keep in mind this very simple guide to maintaining your classic.
1. Do keep a schedule for maintenance work. You don’t need to do it everyday, since it might take up a lot of time. Once a week will be fine for light maintenance like surface-cleaning the exterior, and twice or once a month for vacuuming, applying wax, polishing, and cleaning your engine.
2. Do wash your car first. If you apply polishers or wax on a dusted car, there’s a good chance that you’ll ruin the paint. Use great cleaning products that wash and catch dirt and dust, while still being pH-balanced.
3. Don’t air-dry the classic car. If you air-dry the car, you will find yourself in a bigger mess than what you possibly have started with. Water-spots will form. Use cotton detailing cloths and wipe off the excess water. These cloths are non-abrasive, and could soak up water real good.
4. Don’t use silicone-based protectants when cleaning the rubber and vinyl of the interior. Silicone-based protectants leave oily residues which serves as a magnet to dust. Use water-based protectants instead.
5. Do clean every inch of your interior, even the vents. Use a small brush specialized for cleaning the small parts of the car. Any other brush will just leave hairs behind, and could probably clog up a vent. And don’t forget the floor mats–shake them off and vacuum-clean them.
6. Don’t use polishers unless the paint won’t shine even with all the cleaning. Polishers work by ‘scraping’ off the surface paint, thus revealing a new layer. If you use it too often, the paint will thin down too much.
7. Do wax the car, especially after polishing. Wax protects your classic car’s paint. What would be better is if you apply a paint sealant first, and apply car wax after. This will protect your car for a good two months at the least, and if your sealant is a good one, maybe even up to six months. (But of course, you still need to clean your car.)
8. Do clean your engine. Degrease the engine first with a good engine degreaser, and wash it using a specialized engine brush and cleaning formulations. Dry your engine afterwards, and apply wax and protectants.
9. Do clean the glass last. This is to avoid re-contaminating it when cleaning the other parts of the classic car. Look for cleaners which are free from ammonia. Household glass cleaners are a big no-no. They contain ammonia, which dries out leather, plastic, and vinyl. Not too good for the other parts of your car, or the glass itself especially if it’s tinted.
10. Don’t clean your car while it’s still hot. Make sure that the engine is cool, and the paint has not been exposed in the sun for too long. Cleaning a hot car will only be more damaging.
11. And finally, do use a properly fitted car cover to protect it from weather effects and dust. An enclosed garage is not enough. Car covers will make your paint last longer, as well as keep dust and bugs away. It will save you much time, as you won’t need to clean your car as frequently.
Maintenance is a lot of hard work, but it really pays off. Follow these simple maintenance tips for your classic car, and you will surely have a dazzlin’ and shinin’ ride.
19
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
Are you looking for a fast car loan? Are you searching for that perfect loan that does not take weeks to process? Maybe you just need to get a loan right now so you can get your car before someone else does! Fast car loan companies exist! You can get the money you need to finance your vehicle much faster than you even realize. There are companies out there that specialize in giving you fast cash so you can be in your new car quickly.
You may be wary about using online loan services, but these services are completely safe. As the internet has become more and more complicated, it is getting much more difficult for hackers to get their hands on your vital credit information. The internet is the best way to get approved for financing fast because you can get approved immediately for a loan.
Another reason to use these online services is because the car you are purchasing from the dealership may be not available much longer. If you are getting a good deal on your car, other people are recognizing what a great deal your prospective vehicle is too! That means someone could come in and buy your vehicle before you get approved for financing! It can be really difficult to find a car you like, so you don’t want to waste a lot of time waiting for your loan to get approved once you know the car you want to purchase.
Another way to get a fast car loan is to get your loan approved before you even choose the car! Even though you can’t get your loan finalized without the car, the loan company should be able to tell you what kinds of vehicles you can afford after looking at your credit. Once you are already pre-approved for your loan, you will be able to breathe easy knowing that the financing is already there for your new car.
Ultimately, if you want to get a fast car loan, you need to check out the online services first. These services typically give you the fastest turnaround time because you are not dealing with a lot of people in the loan approval process. Everything Is automated, and you can get your money fast!
14
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
Why choose Us?
Emirate Insurance is completely independent from our partners. This means we put the interests of you, the users of our site first.
*It is important to note that we receive R0 of your insurance premium as commission. We receive a marketing payment that comes out of a marketing budget. Because it is through a marketing channel, we also can get you better deals than if you go directly!
Choosing the right partners:
We firmly believe that if you are able to get quick and efficient service as well as the cheapest quotes from our partners then your insuranceneeds will be served.
Insurance Broker: We found a broker that caters for both ends of the market and everyone in-between. Whether you are starting out in life and own
How we chose our partners:
Price: we tested our partners against all the other leading Insurers and found that they gave us the most competitive quotes around.
Service: efficiency, reliability and claims handlings are all part of the formula we put together to find you the best deal. We also make sure our partners provide you with extra benefits like lower (fixed) excesses and no-claim bonuses.
We offer the 12 most important ways to reduce the costs of your Insurance:
1) Compare Prices: the difference between the highest and lowest quote is always huge. Why not use our form to get 9 Independent quotes with minimal fuss. Insurance companies are constantly collecting data that will change the price of your insurance, so a company that is the cheapest this year may not be cheapest next.
2) Insure all your items on the same policy: the more you add to a single policy the better the rates should be. insurance companies generally offer better rates if you insure your home contents (and other items) along with your car.
3) Consider taking a higher excess: you could lower your premium by taking a higher excess, but make sure you can afford to pay the higher amount.
4) Do you have a degree or own a company? You could save up to 35% on your insurance. Fill out our form and enquire about our “Elite packages*
5) Essential Insurance – starting at R80 / month: is your car paid-off, older than 5 years or worth less than R50 000? If so there is a limited cover alternative at a cheaper price. *Hint – get a quote from OUTsurance and ask about “Essential Insurance”.
6) If you have good credit – you’ll pay less: almost all insurers pull your credit report, before they calculate your premium. Studies have shown that someone with a bad credit record is more likely to claim. If your credit history is shaky, clean it up as soon as you can.
7) Fit tracking devices / Immobilisers: you can reduce your premiums by fitting anti-theft devices.
Insure your car for its Market value or list price rather than its Retail Value: this will mean a monthly saving but will leave you underinsured if you have to replace your car. Consider top up cover.
9) Where you live: the area you live in can make a big difference to your premium. The less people that have accidents in your area, the lower your premium will be.
10) Get old fast: one of the advantages of getting older is that your insurance premiums fall. If you are over 25 your insurance premiums will fall – get comparative quotes and see for yourself.
11) How fast is your car? If you’re a young driver with a fast car, it’s likely you will pay more.
12) Many others, including your claims history; where you park your car; if you use your car for business and even the colour of your car will make a difference to your premium.
Price is not everything – also consider:
1) Does your insurer offer a cash-back bonus for not claiming after a certain time-period? Work this “discount” into your premium and the picture could change.
2) Emergency Home and roadside assistance – some insurance companies offer this as a part of your cover, while it is optional elsewhere.
3) Does your insurer handle claims efficiently and timeously?
4) Does your insurer offer specialty or stand-alone packages for your hobbies like cycling, photography etc?
5) Do you prefer the efficiency of dealing directly or do you prefer the peace of mind using brokers? We have partnered with both.
04
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Automotive
Antique cars and classic cars collecting, restoring, and showing have become the number one pass time for many classic car enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to antique cars as a hobby, or a seasoned collector, the internet has information on classic cars, car parts, accessories, car shows and antique car sales, and more.
The first antique automobile was made in 1672 by a Chinese monk, and was steam powered. Then, around 1769, The Cugnot Steam Trolley was capable of transporting humans was produced. Other steam engine cars followed. By today’s standards, the steam car would be considered a green alternative to modern gas guzzlers. New hybrid cars still don’t operate on nothing but steam power like the steam trolley did over two hundred years ago.
It wasn’t until 1806 that the first car with an internal combustible engine appeared. The internal combustible engine cars began to hook us all on vehicles that were powered with the use of gas and oil. In 1885, a more modern version of the internal combustible engine car was introduced. Even electric cars were designed very early in the twentieth century, but faded out in favor of gas powered vehicles. The Ford Museum, in Detroit, MI. still has a running, working model of Ford’s first electric motor on display. Antique Ford cars are highly collectible and well known in classic car circles.
There are several eras of collectible automobile history. Each era has a specific term to define the particular types of classic cars made during those time frames. Knowing certain antique car terms can help you to decide which antique car era you want to focus on as an antique car collector or restorer.
Classic cars from the 1890′s and earlier are termed “Veteran Era” antique autos. From around the 1900′s to 19190, those classic cars are generally referred to as the “Brass”, or “Edwardian” era collector cars. A very popular area for antique car collectors is the “Vintage” 1920′s era classics. Through the 1930′s to the 1950′s, there are “Pre-war” era classic cars. 1950′s through 1970′s are termed: “Post-war” classic or antique cars.
Cars that are twenty years old or older are generally referred to as “antique” cars. Another classic and collector car term you will hear is the term: “muscle cars”; which generally refer to sports cars made between the 1960′s to 1980′s. Whatever your classic antique car interest may be, the internet gives all the information, history, and antique car sales.
Antique Car collecting and restoration is a hobby practiced by people all over the world. Even American celebrities fall in love with them. Jay Leno, in addition to hosting the Tonight Show, is known for his huge collection of antique cars and motorcycles going all the way back to the early 20th century. Past stars known for their love of cars are Larry Hagman and Steve McQueen.
One of the reasons people love antique cars is that, for them, it brings back childhood or teenage memories. Maybe they had their first date in that car, or that is the car the family when on annual picnics, or maybe it was the car to have when they were young but they couldn’t afford it. The nostalgia market is worth billions of dollars and those longing for the antique autos of their youth account for only a small piece of it.
04
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
Italy is such a great place to visit. However, many travelers have great doubts as to renting a vehicle while here and driving it all over town. Italian drivers are getting the reputation of following a unique way of driving not only in their country but elsewhere. If you don’t think that you can drive a car in Italy even for a second, think again. Using a private vehicle is more convenient that just settling for the public modes of transportation.
Your stress on the road would be lesser if you take the country roads that are locally referred to as the Strade Provinciali. The Autostrades, or the superhighways are filled with lots of fast cars. The Strade Statali, on the other hand, can have way too many pedestrians to watch out for. If you plan your routes well, you can enjoy a full block of a road by yourself, without any Italian driver cutting you off.
If your concern when driving in Italy is the cost of petrol and the high toll fees, you simply have to compare your expenses with the fare that you have to pay the taxi, bus, or train to take you to your destination. If you’re a group of four or more, you’ll see that you will be able to save so much if you have your own car than transferring from one public transport to another just to get to your destination. If you are staying in Naples, the train is the best alternative for moving around. But it still doesn’t beat having your own car.
Parking may just be another concern for tourists in Italy. Admittedly, you are bound to experience difficulty in finding a good place to park in Florence. However, curb parking is acceptable in certain parts of Italy. Just make an effort to learn about the local parking rules. You can avoid those nasty parking tickets if you simply try to find out where on the sidewalk you can park and where it is not acceptable. It could be as simple as knowing which colors on the curb are meant for parking. If you really want to be sure, just look for a paid parking area in town. Leave your car there and just collect it when you’re ready to leave.
02
May
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category: Uncategorized
When you ask someone if they had an open checkbook to buy any vehicle they wanted just about every serious car lover will choose a high quality sports car. Many people may debate what exactly encompasses the term of “high quality” but all will agree that when it comes to a sports car what matters the most is speed.
In sports car circles the car that is known as the fastest is the ’94 Dauer 962 LeMans which blasts from zero to sixty miles per hour in only 2.6 seconds. Compare this to the Ferrari ENZO which is not only Ferraria’s fastest car but also the one that most novices think of as the fastest at 3.5 seconds in the zero to sixty time. There are actually numerous other sports cars like the Corvette, Viper, and cars from Audi and Renault that are all at under 3.0 in the 0-60 testing.
So, the question for the car enthusiast is, “what is it that makes these fast cars so fast?”
The aerodynamic sleek styling that makes true sports cars so appealing to sports car lovers contributes much more than mere looks. This is also one of the primary reasons why these high performance cars are so fast, they are simply slippery against the wind resistance as they speed down the highway. This is why the designs of sports cars are tested in wind tunnels, so that the best possible drag coefficient can be achieved.
The weight of a car is another major factor in the speed of a sports car. This is the reason why race cars as well as high end sports cars are made of lightweight composite materials that help reduce the overall weight of a vehicle. Another thing that you will notice with sports cars is that they do not have large trunks or storage compartments. In fact, you are lucky to be able to fit a bag of golf clubs in the trunk or hatchback of a true sports car, in addition they usually only have two seats and have much firmer and tighter suspensions.
Lastly, the way a vehicle handles when cornering or going around curves is crucial as well. A true sports car must be able to keep up its straight-line speed when taking tight curves at high speeds. This is why the best of the high performance sports cars in the world are also rear wheel drive, the rear wheel drive set up makes for better weight distribution as the car is making turns.
All of the styling in the world won’t matter if your car isn’t fast, nothing is worse than a car that looks fast that isn’t. To take a word from my son, they are posers.
