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Cars Update

Must-Have Tools for DIY Classic Car Restoration

by Zachary May 29, 2023

written by Zachary

Restoring a classic car is a labor of love that requires time, patience, and the right tools. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a beginner embarking on your first restoration project, having the essential tools is crucial to achieving successful results. The purpose of this post, helping you make informed decisions and ensure you have the necessary equipment to bring your vintage beauty back to life.

Safety Equipment

Before diving into any restoration project, prioritizing safety is paramount. Invest in the following safety equipment:

Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from dust, debris, and flying particles.
Gloves: Choose gloves that provide a good grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Ear protection: Shield your ears from excessive noise when operating power tools.
Respirator mask: Guard against inhaling harmful fumes and particles during sanding, painting, and other tasks.

Hand Tools

A comprehensive set of hand tools is essential for various restoration tasks. Here are some must-have hand tools for classic car restoration:

Socket set: A versatile set of sockets in different sizes will be invaluable for removing and tightening bolts.
Wrenches: Invest in a set of combination wrenches, including open-end and box-end wrenches, for various applications.
Screwdrivers: Acquire a range of flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers in different sizes to tackle different screws.
Pliers: Have a set of pliers, including regular and needle-nose, for gripping, cutting wires, and other tasks.
Pry bars: Use pry bars to remove stubborn parts or separate components.
Hammers: A set of hammers, including a rubber mallet and a ball-peen hammer, will be useful for various restoration tasks.

Power Tools

Power tools can significantly speed up the restoration process and help tackle more complex tasks. Consider adding the following power tools to your arsenal:

Angle grinder: Ideal for cutting, grinding, and smoothing metal surfaces.
Drill: A versatile tool for drilling holes, installing screws, and more.
Impact wrench: A powerful tool for removing stubborn bolts and nuts.
Orbital sander: Use an orbital sander for sanding larger areas quickly and efficiently.
Air compressor: An air compressor is essential for powering pneumatic tools, such as paint sprayers and impact wrenches.

Specialty Tools

Classic car restoration often requires specialized tools for specific tasks. Here are some specialty tools to consider:

Engine hoist: Necessary for removing and installing engines during major overhauls.
Engine stand: Provides a stable platform for working on engines outside the vehicle.
Compression tester: Used to assess engine health and diagnose potential issues.
Torque wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings.
Paint sprayer: Achieve professional-quality finishes by using a paint sprayer for bodywork restoration.

Diagnostic Tools

Diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical issues is an integral part of classic car restoration. Consider investing in the following diagnostic tools:

OBD-II scanner: For modern classic cars, an OBD-II scanner can help read diagnostic codes and identify engine problems.
Compression tester: Assess the compression levels in each cylinder to determine engine health.
Multimeter: A versatile tool for measuring electrical voltages, currents, and resistances.

For the most part

Restoring a classic car is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, skill, and the right tools. By investing in the must-have tools for DIY classic car restoration, you’ll equip yourself with the essentials to tackle various tasks, from disassembly and engine overhaul to bodywork and painting. Remember to prioritize safety and use protective equipment when working on your restoration project. With the right tools and a passion for craftsmanship, you can bring a vintage beauty back to its former glory and enjoy the pride of driving a beautifully restored classic car.

May 29, 2023 0 comment

Cars Update Features/Opinions

TechArt Porsche Turbo 997

by Zachary March 1, 2021

written by Zachary

Take one Porsche 997, add parts from Gemballa and TechArt and you get one mean machine. The TechArt Porsche sports all the fastest parts from the European crowd. Gemballa and TechArt are considered top end tuners and there are those Porsche owners who want the ultimate machine.

Horsepower figures are 765 HP for the manual car and only 660 for the Tiptronic transmission. All this from a 3.6 liter twin-turbo flat-6. The turbo’s are special VGT series from TechArt. With that much power simple hold the brake while the revs rise then hit the gas. The result is a blistering 3.2 second 0-60 and a 10.9 second quarter mile time. The 685 lb-ft of torque are almost immediately available as there is practically no turbo lag. Top speed is reported to be 214 MPH! All this for only $325,000.

Adhesion to the road is no problem as there are huge 20 inch rims that measure 9 inches wide in the front and 11.5 inches wide in the rear all from TechArt Automobile design. In town driving reveals the suspension to be very forgiving. But on the track the car is a beast.

The crazy TechArt body kit was developed in a wind tunnel to maximize down force. Up front the carbon fiber splitter helps with down force but also provides cooling to the brakes and the oil cooling system. The GT Street wide body fenders add 10 mm. The roof wing directs air to the huge rear spoiler. Out back the carbon fiber diffuser highlights the 4 pack of exhaust tips.

Along with an updated and pimped interior there are serious suspension components. A TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension features adjustable settings. The TechArt Porsche 997 Turbo is one mean and expensive car at over $325k. But it can kick butt on the track and off!

March 1, 2021 0 comment

Cars Update

Lamborghini Gallardo Modified

by Zachary January 30, 2021

written by Zachary

Some call the Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition an Italian Dream! And I can agree that this exotic is maybe one of the best turned versions I have ever seen. Nothing screams pimped out more than black rims with white lips. The Gallardo White has gotten the full supercar make over. From a bump in horsepower, to a body make-over, to a full interior job; the Gallardo White Edition is a true show car. But by being a show car doesn’t mean she can’t perform on the road. She is not all see not do. She can equally impress you by her performance on the road. Her 0-100 has improved considerably than the base versions. She is now a moving beast and anyone will feel its power once he puts his weight on the accelerator.

Horsepower gets a nice increase thanks to high flow air intakes, a full Rennkats Exhaust, and a software reprogram. This raises power from 560 HP to a ground pounding 600 HP. The vehicle has been lightened by 22 kg. and has a newly modified race suspension that improves corning ability significantly. The 3-piece rims measure 9×20 inches in front and 12.5×20 inches in the rear. Tire widths are 245 and 325 respectively.

There is a wide body kit to fit the rims. The Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition has carbon fiber aero parts consisting of a front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. There is cool LED lighting and the tail lights and widows have been given the dark tint treatment.

On the inside, the interior has white carbon fiber accent pieces. Practically every trim piece has been painted, wrapped, or carbon fiberfied including the: hand brake, shifter paddles, steering wheel, door handles, shift gate, and more. The seats have been wrapped in ultra-expensive Alcantara black and white leather. There are diamond shaped patterns in the doors and seats.

The Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition is one awesome exotic that has been fully tuned!

January 30, 2021 0 comment

Cars Update Features/Opinions

Nissan Leaf – Electric Car

by Zachary January 20, 2021

written by Zachary

2021 Nissan Leaf is a new model of the most popular Nissan electric car. It is a leaf-shaped hatchback that was launched in 2010 and sold in Japan and United States since then. Later its sales spread to various European countries and Canada.
”LEAF” stands for Leading Environmentally Friendly Affordable Family Car. This vehicle doesn’t produce any pollution and has minimum petrol dependence, during its [production it received number of green car of the year and other similar awards.

2021 Nissan Leaf Styling

This model’s design comes as a very polarizing among online review community. Some of the reviewers like its overly futuristic design, while others hate it and call it ugly. Mission of Nissan designers when it comes to this model was to make ”iconic, but not weird” electric car. Some will say they went to far, and made exactly what they tried to avoid. One of the most ground breaking things that we can see on this model is its steep hood that goes all the way to the bumper with no grille in the front. This comes together with huge swept back headlights and a big Nissan logo almost in the middle of the hood. Other than that, this model doesn’t look much different from other electric hatchback

Interior of Nissan Leaf is also controversial since it comes somewhere in between regular economic car interior design and some radical futuristic solutions. Its dashboard comes with big screen that presents energy usage, navigation, driving range etc. First row comes with a lot of leg and head room, while the second row is little bit problematic with leg room, so taller passengers may need to hold their knees in air while driving. Car also comes with a lot of cargo space, much more than we can see in other electric hatchbacks. One of the nice features that comes with this model are the heated seats and steering wheel that come in both front and back row, which is not really usual for this kind of cars. Nissan designers figured out that it is easier for them to heat up the seats than the entire cabin, so this is actually a way to save energy.

Under the Hood

This model offers nice and quiet rides, but as with all the electric cars it doesn’t come with too much power and acceleration. It comes with 80 kilowatt electric motor that’s powering front wheels and that takes its power from 24 kilowatt-hour battery. This engine can deliver 107 horsepower, which is not bad, especially when you add 187 pound feet of torque. EPA estimates for this model are its best feature, and they go around 85 miles in combined conditions, although when driving on battery only, car heats up easily, and can’t give its best performance.

2021 Nissan Leaf Price Details

Like any other electric car 2021 Nissan Leaf is more expensive than regular hatchbacks. Its base version could be bought for $31670 which is its MSRP. There are another 3 trim levels that increase the price and offer some more premium features and options.

January 20, 2021 0 comment

Car News Cars Update

The Whys and How’s of Online Auto Insurance

by Zachary January 10, 2021

written by Zachary

The internet is for sure the best and fastest way if you are scouting for a free car insurance quote as almost all insurance companies have an online presence. You can easily follow their step by step online guides for a smooth transaction. The guides go right from the point of application to the point of delivering the actual policy in your e-mail inbox.

Online auto application procedure not only saves you all the offline application hassle but also time, effort, headaches, money and the ordeal of finding the right agent in the Yellow pages.

One of the best parts of obtaining an online auto insurance quote is that you can take your time at home. You can think and discuss about it as long as you want to before meeting up with an executive from the insurance company. No public embarrassment to be faced anymore while struggling with various documentary evidences. Considering their low overheads and costs of operating the virtual offices the online insurance companies are also able to offer highly competitive interest rates.

Do ample research to obtain the best deal on online auto insurance. The interest rates can vary from company to company depending on the vehicle’s make and year of manufacturing. The major benefit of the online application method is the reductions that save you hundreds of dollars in policies and premiums. Just head to any search engine and look up for reviews on various auto insurance companies. Sifting through the various online forums will give you an even more practical account of the state of affairs in the auto insurance sectors.

Significant falls in the prices of auto insurance policies have occurred with such easily available online insurance quotes. As the vehicle prices skyrocket it is only natural for people to opt for online auto insurance applications. You have an excellent opportunity to balance the high prices you have to pay for vehicles nowadays.

The liability insurance is a widely popular auto insurance policy offered by almost all the auto insurance providers. The myriad of insurance organizations have, apart from the insurance offers from AARP, an attractive auto insurance plan for drivers over 55 in the form of mature driver reductions.

Free auto insurance quote services can be used to find out the details of the credits offered to drivers who have good ratings. But be well prepared with a lot of questions to make a wise decision about your needs.

January 10, 2021 0 comment