Do you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have had to quit taking your prescription pain medication because of harmful side effects? Are you looking for natural alternatives to help you deal with the pain that you face doing everyday tasks? If the answers to these questions are yes, then the following tips for relieving rheumatoid arthritis are just what you have been waiting for.

1- The most important thing that anyone can do for their bodies is to exercise. This includes those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as well. However, not every exercise is suitable for sufferers of arthritis pain. The exercises that are done need to be good for the muscle, while not being damaging for the joints. A great exercise for those who are living with rheumatoid arthritis, in fact for everyone, is walking. Walking is a good low impact activity that does not put unneeded pressure on the joints. Other alternatives to walking are biking or walking in a pool.

2- The topic of exercising as a way to relieve the pain of arthritis leads into another tip. It is very important to incorporate balancing exercises into your daily routine. For example, water aerobics and Tai Chi are two types of balancing exercises. The reason for these types of activities is that balancing is a very effective way of strengthening without undue pressure on the joints. However, if the joints do begin to hurt, the activity should be stopped. If the pain continues more than a couple of days, it would be wise to consult your physician.

3- If you are suffering from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, it is a good idea to concentrate on your overall body weight. If this is an issue for you, speak with your doctor about ways that are suitable for you to take it off. When you are dealing with any type of arthritis pain, the extra weight makes it worse. Consider this; there is about 30 pound of force placed on the knees for each ten pounds of weight that is being carried. Therefore, the ability to lose ten pounds will effectively result in 30 pounds of force being lifted from the knee.

4- Some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers find that applying hot or cold compresses can help to alleviate some of the pain that is associated with their condition. When using this method of pain relief, there is a simple rule to remember, ice reduces pain while the heat will loosen the joints and boost blood flow.

5- This next tip, while not an actual treatment option, is very important to your emotional well-being. Educate yourself regarding your condition, this will improve your attitude as well as eliminate the element of surprise. Many people are afraid to ask questions when they are faced with a debilitating illness, they just wait for the bad stuff to start happening and many end up depressed. Don’t be one of those people, ask your doctor, ask friends, do research, learn as much as you can about rheumatoid arthritis so that you can better deal with it.

About The Author

John Mancini has been writing about Rheumatoid Arthritis online and offline for a long time. Visit http://arthritis-cures.net or http://stop-arthritis.net to read more about matters like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bookmark to:

In the performance parts industry, people tend to use the words parts and accessories interchangeably, while others see a difference. So what’s the difference, for example, between truck parts and truck accessories if many of them serve the same basic function? It depends on who you ask.

Because the words parts and accessories each encompass a large number of products that overlap and can therefore be categorized as either, people tend to the use the words interchangeably without any regard to the difference. In reality, when dealing with the performance parts industry, the word only overlaps in certain instances, and even then opinions will vary as to which factors apply. Truck parts and truck accessories each have their own list of included products, which ‘meet in the middle’ depending on their intended use, as well as their categorization as an OEM or aftermarket product.

A truck parts advisor for example, may tell you that a truck part has a more generic definition, and includes everything from repair, maintenance, and restoration, to interior and exterior enhancement. Such products may include oil filters, air filters, shocks, spoilers, or headlamps, as they in effect, are part of the truck. So long as they are the original part of the truck, or even a replacement or repair product, it can be described as a part whereas an aftermarket part created to enhance the vehicle after the initial purchase tends to fall into the accessory category.

In the meantime, the same parts advisor may tell you that the word accessory is synonymous with the word part when referring to a product in general, but the specific make and use of the product will determine which category it falls into.

Car covers, sun shields, make-specific paraphernalia and such products that serve mainly to enhance a car or truck (such as lift kits) would most likely be considered solely accessories. A sport utility rack could potentially fall into either.

Even oil filters, brake pads or rotors, or air filters could fall into either category. The standard, OEM version will typically be considered a truck part whereas a performance-based aftermarket version thereof will more likely be considered a Truck accessory (such as K&N oil filters, which take advantage of advanced filtration technology you won’t find in its standard OEM counterpart). A lift kit, which isn’t something that’s included with the truck but rather used as an enhancement will typically be classified as an accessory, though some will still call it a truck part.

The items that tend to be categorized specifically as accessories are aftermarket products made to enhance (whether it be performance or aesthetic). For example aftermarket air filters, high quality seat covers, and floor mats for trucks are typically considered truck accessories if they are not the original OEM part. The issue becomes even more clouded once you get into OEM-made accessories vs. aftermarket accessories or even aftermarket parts, but that’s a completely different article.

In the end, the difference between the two will always vary from person to person, even among truck enthusiasts and professionals within the repair or performance parts industry.

About The Author

Chris Casarez was born, raised, and currently resides in Southern California. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication and has worked in several fields including internet marketing, direct marketing, web design, and non-profit volunteer work. He currently works for http://www.performanceproducts.com handling their email and online advertising campaigns.

Bookmark to:

A great deal is at stake when choosing an auto insurance

carrier. In addition to the financial considerations,

there are issues such as reliability, quality of service,

and integrity. Luckily, there are certain steps you can

follow to ensure that you select an auto insurance company

that will meet your needs.

When choosing an insurance carrier, reputation carries a

great deal of weight. For instance, Allstate, Nationwide,

and State Farm are well-known companies that have managed

to hold onto some clients for years. For additional

guidance, you can consult your state’s department of

insurance website. The website might offer consumer

complaint ratios which indicate exactly how many complaints

an auto insurance company has received for every 1,000

claims filed. This information can help you to better

evaluate companies so that you have some idea how their

customer service rates. You can then compare the list of

companies with low complaint ratios with the list of

companies with low premiums and see if you can come up with

any matches. Those companies that combine stellar customer

service with low rates offer you the best deal for your

money.

If for some reason you cannot locate complaint ratios for

your state, try looking at the complaint ratios for other

states. While an insurance company’s operations may vary

from state to state, if a company posts a high complaint

ratio in a number of states, you should consider that to be

a warning sign. It is best to simply cross off your list

any insurance company with consistently high complaint

ratios.

Another technique you can use when evaluating insurance

carriers is to determine which insurers body shops in your

area recommend. Because body shop managers must deal with

a number of insurance adjusters, they can provide you with

an inside look at insurance companies. The managers will

know, for instance, which companies offer the most

convenient claims procedures. They’ll also know which

companies are particularly slow in processing claims.

Another important source of information is J.D. Power and

Associates, which rates insurance companies in terms of

variety of coverage, rates, claims processes, and customer

service. In recent years, Amica and Erie have posted the

best rankings with J.D. Power. These two companies have

earned raves for finding ways to cover claims, when at all

possible. You might also want to consider an insurer’s

financial strength by checking out ratings from A.M. Best

and Standard and Poor’s. These ratings determine an

insurance company’s ability to pay claims. Still, you

should be aware of the fact that most well-known carriers

are considered to be financially sound.

Finally, you might select your insurance company based upon

the professionalism of an individual agent. Since you will

have to work closely with your agent, it is important to

find one that you can trust. You might consider consulting

a relative or friend to find out the names of some

particularly efficient agents.

In the end, you may not find out just how responsive your

insurance company is—until you are faced with an accident.

However, if you conduct extensive research before selecting

an insurance company and agentif you pay close attention

to complaint ratiosand you ask plenty of questions,

chances are good you will find insurance coverage you will

be happy with.

About The Author

Auto-Insurance-Spot.com is a directory of auto insurance companies across the United States. http://www.auto-insurance-spot.com

Bookmark to:

This may be a refresher course for some of you since the 2006 models have been out for awhile, but here are reviews of some of the newly-introduced 2006 pickup trucks, from small size to mega size as well as a couple limited additions for 2006.

For a small-size truck, Isuzu has introduced the all new i-280 and i-350. The i-280 is a two door, 2WD model with an extended cab, 2.8-liter, 4 cylinder I-4 (in-line 4-cylinder) engine with 175 HP, 185 lbs-ft of torque and a max payload of 1532 lbs. It comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed automatic is optional). Safety features on this model are optional and it comes with 3 optional packages. Pricing starts at $14,239.

The i-350 is a four door, 4WD model with a crew cab, 3.5-liter I-5 engine with 220 HP, max payload of 1190 lbs and a tow rating of 4000 lbs. It comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and expanded list of standard amenities and an optional limited package with upgrades including power-heated seats, 6-disc CD changer and leather seats. Pricing starts at $24,608.

In the mid-size range, we have the Mitsubishi Raider. Mitsubishi offers the Raider in a 3.7 liter V6 with 210 HP and 235 lbs-ft of torque or a 4.7-liter V8 with 230 HP (a leader in it’s class) and 290 lbs-ft of torque. The Raider comes either with an extended cab with small access doors or a double cab 4-door. You can choose between 2WD or 4WD with 3 transmissions, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 5-speed automatic. The Raider sports rack-and-pinion steering and tows up to 6500 lbs. One trendy option offered on the Raider is it’s High Output Audio Package, with a 508-watt audio system including a 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, 9 speakers and Sirius Satellite radio. Pricing starts at $19,180.

Where do we put the Honda Ridgeline? It’s in a class all it’s own. This pickup is designed for comfort for everyday driving but it’s also tough enough to keep up with the “big boys” in towing and payload demands. Ridgeline comes in 4WD only, with a 3.5-liter V6, 247 HP and 252 lbs-ft of torque. It has a total payload of 1550 with it’s 8.5 cubic foot bed and 5000 lb. towing capacity. It seats 5 easily with 4 full-size doors. It’s also the only 4WD pickup to achieve the highest government crash test rating (5 stars) for both frontal and side impact tests. It also has a unique dual-action tailgatge which swings down like most pickups but also swings to the side. Pricing starts at $27,700.

In the full size truck category, we have the new Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Ok, the Dodge Ram isn’t new, but with the largest pickup cab ever at 143.2 cubic feet and 111.1 inches long, it certainly is worth mentioning. The Mega Cab has a total seating capacity of 6 and, depending on which model you’re looking at, comes in a 2WD or 4WD. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has 345 HP and comes in a 5 speed automatic, rear or 4WD, with 375 lbs-ft of torque. The 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel six-cylinder comes in a 6 speed manual, with 325 HP and 610 lbs-ft of torque.

Of course, what is distintive about this truck is not only it’s mega cab, but the exceptional storage space it provides as well. The cab has been lengthened by 20 inches. With folding rear seats, you’ll find 7.5 cubic feet of storage beind the rear seat. On the comfort side, the rear-seat bench also reclines. Built tough to handle almost anything, the Mega Cab also offers luxury options such as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power sunroof and full-screen navigation system. So there you have it - mega power, mega space, mega luxury. That’s ONE MEGA TRUCK! Pricing starts at $32,760.

There are also two new limited-edition trucks for 2006:

Chevy Silvarado Intimidator SS

This limited-edition truck is a collaboration between Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. The Intimidator comes with a race-inspired spoiler, unique silver front grille and a lowered ride height, not to mention the performance-tuned suspension, two-stage multi-leaf springs, Tenneco shock absorbers, a stiffer front stabilizer bar and stiffer front jounce bumpers.

The exterior is complete with a black monochromatic color scheme and 20-inch chrome wheels. The Vortec 6000 V8 engine has 345 HP and 380 lbs-ft of torque. Based on the 2006 Silverado SS, the Intimidator also has available features such as a 4-speed electronically controlled transmission, 3.73 final drive ratio, locking differential, cruise control, split bench seats, power seat adjuster, power windows, rear-wheel, 2-wheel rear drive as well as other amenities available on the 2006 Silverado SS.

The interior features Dale Earnhardt’s signature on the white-faced gauge cluster, black leather seats, plenty of Intimidator badging and Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy logo embossed into the headrests. Chevrolet only plans to have 1,333 of these beauties in production, and a portion of every sale is going to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.

The 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 SuperCab

In a continued collaboration between Ford and Harley-Davidson, this limited-edition truck features a 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton® V8 engine with a specially tuned exhaust system, 300 HP and 365 lbs-ft of torque.

The SuperCab sports a 6 1/2-ft. Styleside bed, smoked-out tail lamps, blacked-out bumper, chrome tie-down hooks, slash-cut chrome exhaust, chrome billet grille, blacked-out headlamps and badging on the fenders and tailgate. Other stand-out features are the special chin spoiler and it’s mammoth 22-inch polished aluminum rims with split 5-spoke design, a first for the F-150.

The SuperCab exudes power with it’s black and chrome color scheme. The exterior high-gloss piano black is accented with LOTS of chrome, giving it an aggressive, albeit stylish look that sets it apart.

Accenting the interior, you’ll find once again the high-gloss piano black with splashes of chrome highlights on the instruments, handles, vent rings, floor shifter and door pulls. Black leather front captain’s chairs and the Harley-Davidson logo give styling to the SuperCab in the spirit of the Harley motorcycle. Ford and Harley-Davidson plan a production of only 10,000 SuperCabs.

About The Author

Debbie Pettitt is webmaster for TruckExtravaganza.com, featuring both new and used trucks, custom and classic trucks, truck parts and truck accessories. For more information on these and other trucks, parts and accessories, visit http://truckextravaganza.com.

Bookmark to:

The law requires liability insurance for all drivers and vehicles. This means that if you are involved in a serious accident, and it turns out that it was your fault, your insurance company will pay out any claims that are made against you. Extra coverage on your own vehicle, called comprehensive insurance, is optional.

Insurance companies based on a number of risk factors will calculate the price you pay for this insurance. Basically how it works is the more they feel you are at risk of crashing, and the more they think the resulting crash will cost them, the higher the premium you’ll pay.

Assessment

Common factors that will be used to assess the premium are the value of the car you’re driving, the safety of that vehicle, the coverage you want, will there be deductibles or limits etc.? How much you’ll drive the car, how your driving record stands, how long you’ve held your license, your age, and if you are young, also your sex.

The premium is then calculated. Usually there is a flat per car, per year rate that everyone pays, regardless of other factors. The other factors will then alter this rate, generally upwards. So if your car is especially fast or dangerous your rate will be increased by a set amount. If it is very old, your rate goes up. If you’ve had one or more accidents in the past, your rate will go up. If you’re young and male, your rate will go up. The more of these factors you satisfy, the more your rate will be going up.

Discounts

As a sales enhancement, many car insurers offer a “low estimated future mileage” discount to customers who predict that the car’s mileage will be below some stated limit during the next premium period. There is no verification involved and no additional charge if the car is subsequently driven more than the stated amount. This arbitrary discount tends to foster customer belief in the mistaken idea that “miles” are just one of many classification factors used to raise or lower prices from the territorial base rate. In fact, odometer miles (which insurers do not use) are not a factor but a metric - the only valid basis for measuring each car’s consumption of insurance protection in on-the-road use.

The best way to save on car insurance is to shop around, keep a good clean driving record, drive safely, and choose reliable cars that are not known for their power and speed.

About The Author

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the insurance site http://www.insure121.com/ where you will find information, news and links to the leading providers of car insurance in the UK.

Bookmark to:

Motor scooters are vehicles with small wheels and a low-powered gasoline engine geared to the rear wheel. The first patents for “foot powered” scooters date back to 1921. Up to that time there were no motors attached to the scooter. They were propelled by “foot power.”

The old-fashioned foot-powered push scooter was updated to a Razor motor scooter under the direction of Gino Tsai, whose father was a mechanical engineer for the J. D. Corporation in Shanghai, Taiwan. His motor scooter took about 5 years to design.

Gino Tsai claims that the reason he invented the Razor motor scooter was due to the fact that his father had to walk for miles every day around the huge bicycle factory that he worked for because of his short legs. To solve this problem he updated the old-fashioned push scooter into what we now know as the modern Razor motor scooter.

When Gino finished the development of his motor scooter he began to market it to the public. It quickly became a huge success with customers waiting as long as six months for their orders.

Why was the Razor motor scooter so popular? The Razor scooter was made from lightweight airplane grade aluminum which can support over 1000 pounds without bending. It is foldable, which means it can be stored in very small places. It has small polyurethane wheels and a low-powered engine. Braking is activated by stepping down on the rear fender.

Today there are many different brands and models of motor scooters. We have electric scooters and gas powered motor scooters. They are very versatile and functional, serving many different purposes. They are patterned after motorcycles, but have smaller wheels, lower-powered engines and can be “stepped through,” unlike the motorcycle.

The most commonly seen style of scooter is the “folding,” or “foldable,” scooter. These are two-wheeled models that are typically used for traveling short distances around the neighborhood. Braking occurs when the back fender is stepped on, putting pressure on the back wheel and stopping its movement. This type of motor scooter is made for kids or adults and can also be used to perform tricks on. It is very compact in size and can be folded for storage in small places.

A unique feature of freestyle folding motor scooters is the “kicktail,” a portion of the foot deck that extends over the back wheel. This is what provides the leverage for performing tricks. Motor scooters with “kicktails” are called freestyle scooters and usually have hand brakes due to the fact that the back fender allows for the performance of tricks instead of braking.

Electric scooters are generally bigger and heavier. Because of the extra weight they consume more power and can only go shorter distances when compared with the folding scooters. After about 10 or 15 miles it may be necessary to recharge the battery.

These electric, or battery-powered, motor scooters are often used to travel short distances around the neighborhood or perhaps on a school campus or other confined environment. They are particularly popular among the elderly, handicapped and disabled. Instead of being confined at home these elderly or handicapped people can now have some of their former independence returned to them. Motor scooters of this type are usually called mobility scooters.

Gas powered motorized scooters are usually more powerful and can attain higher speeds than the folding scooters or electric scooters. They can also travel longer distances when a larger fuel tank is included. Gas scooters may not be permitted in some areas so it is wise to check out the laws and regulations in your area before purchasing a motor scooter.

About The Author

Motor scooters are cheap fun. Larry Johnson loves traveling around town without the need to take out a loan for gas. Visit http://www.my-motorscooters.com for more information about electric or gas motor scooters.

Bookmark to:

Driving in winter conditions tests your car to the limit.

If something isn’t working properly under the best

conditions it certainly isn’t going to work when it’s cold

and stormy. Here are some tips to keep your car running

well in the winter.

The first thing to check before the weather gets cold is the

anti freeze level. Not only how much fluid is in the

radiator, but also the ratio of antifreeze/water content.

Have a tune up done. Have your spark plugs cleaned and re-

gapped or replaced.

Change to a lighter oil which will help protect your engine

from excessive wear when starting a cold car. Heavier oil

takes longer to circulate into the motor and internal damage

can occur.

Change to winter wiper blades are a must for icy driving.

Whenever starting your car, make sure that there is nothing

obstructing the tailpipe. Never warm up your car in a closed

garage. If your car gets stuck out on the road run the

heater every 10 minutes but never fall asleep with the car

running.

Have the battery serviced and load-tested. Replace the

battery if it’s over 4 years old.

Check the lights, heater and defroster.

Inspect the belts and hoses to be sure they are free from

frays, cracks, leaks or rotted rubber. Make sure that

radiator hose clamps are tight to prevent leaks at the

connections.

Because of winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in tires will drop. Check tires after driving short

distance to warm them up for an accurate reading. Adding

air to cold tires can result in overinflated tires when they

warm up.

Place sandbags in the trunk over the rear axle for better

traction in rear wheel vehicles.

An winter emergency kit for the trunk should include:

blanket, hats, boots, gloves, change of clothing, ice

scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight, batteries, kitty

litter for traction, jumper cables, a tool kit, tire chains,

a properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type

jack.

Additional items for the trunk include: A Help sign to put

in your window, brightly-colored cloth, a compass, first aid

kit, wooden matches in a waterproof container, scissors,

string, and canned food along with a can opener.

Always carry a cell phone or small change or a calling card

for a payphone.

Lastly keep the gas tank as full as possible.

For more on how to protect your car in the winter visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm

–

REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish

this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter,

ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it

remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author

information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use

this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).

You may retrieve this article by:

Autoresponder: wintercar@getresponse.com

Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/wintercar.txt

Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

Please leave the resource box intact with an active link,

and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the

article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net

About The Author

Marilyn Pokorney - Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.

Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Bookmark to:

For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.

Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.

Smaller, More Efficient Engines

The hybrid’s fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid’s engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.

Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.

With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.

Environmental Friendliness

Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.

Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.

Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices

More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.

You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.

Tax Incentives Available

People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.

Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality

Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.

It’s been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.

About The Author

Visit http://www.eco-car4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at http://www.ronxking.com.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Bookmark to:

Some of the Detroit Iron manufactured after WWII until about 1980 can be considered Rolling Art. Several Companies like Packard, Hudson and Studebaker ceased building cars for one reason or another during the early part of this span, but they and the traditional big 3, Ford, GM and Chrysler did turn out some masterpieces.

As a kid just old enough to think about getting a drivers license, I would sit in my tree house and fantasize about the latest crop of finned behemoths pictured in the car magazines of the time. After careful consideration I would rank them according to style and features that I could really relate to and desired to possess. Always decisions. Should I have twin rear antennas and dual spotlights or would one of each do. Wire wheels were really neat as were the two and three tone paint jobs. I ended up choosing the most streamlined and elegant looking as my favorites always deferring to clean rather than clutter. I wasn’t one for fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror, instead preferring power windows and air conditioning. Of course I always opted for the biggest V8 option and always dual exhaust both for easy engine breathing and the sound.

The late 1940’s and early 50s saw the transition from stodgy, subdued and functional to a more sleek and powerful motif which, year after year during the 1950’s, became a size, power and chrome enhancement race.

While some models went overboard with various excesses making their designs overburdened or clumsy, others managed to integrate fins, masses of chrome and color schemes that were a delight. All the manufacturers had their winners and losers but American cars of the period were all individually identifiable and definitely distinct and could roll down a super highway without a care.

The straight 6 and 8 motors of earlier periods soon gave way in the more deluxe models to V8’s, which couldn’t pull stumps like the old high torque low rpm straight eights, but could more lithely move a couple of tons of iron, glass and plastic down the road. By the mid 1950’s all American cars had settled on 12 volt electrical systems, 14 or 15 inch wheels, wrap around windshields, and with the V8 motor now the entrenched favorite.

It was a time in American history when each new car year was greeted with excitement and anticipation as each model sought to capture the limelight with its own distinct identity. Priorities were simple if not naive. Dazzle the customer with great expanses of sheet metal and chrome, brilliant colors and lots of buttons to push. Although mundane items like seat belts were introduced as selling features from time to time, the consumer wanted none of that as it didn’t add any value as a status symbol.

Slowly technological improvements did advance along with convenience and power options. Radial tires were a big plus adding smoothness, safety and longevity replacing thumping, rapid tread wear and numerous flats. Disc brakes were a definite safety advantage replacing the inferior drum and shoe method that could fade in emergency situations. Automatic transmissions became the option of choice and then ultimately became standard equipment. And of course, radios evolved.

In the mid fifties, signal seek or ‘wonderbar’ AM radios were introduced, followed soon thereafter by the transistor models which allowed for ‘instant on’ instead of waiting for the tubes to warm up. In the sixties, FM radio appeared, and at first offered ad and DJ free programming. That of course didn’t last long once the bandwidth became entrenched. By the seventies there were 8 track tape players which in fairly short order gave way to cassettes.

1959 marked the pinnacle of the auto as jet sporting gigantic rear fins, the ultimate appearing on the 1959 Cadillac with the 1959-60 Chrysler and DeSoto not far behind. In another year the DeSoto would disappear from showrooms and go the way of the Packard, Hudson and Nash. A sobriety of sorts gripped automakers after the fin and chrome extravaganza passed. Some really classy designs were introduced in the early sixties like the 1960 Pontiac, 1961 Buick, 1962 Cadillac and classic 1964 Ford.

Chrysler Corporation would, from time to time, introduce industry leading stratagems. Their Hemi (hemispherical head) Motor during the fifties was pure muscle and reliability as was their Torqueflight transmission. They introduced the ‘Forward Look’ in the later fifties which lead styling trends for awhile. Then again in 1965 they offered some really sturdy and classy cars that towards the end of that decade lead to the innovative fuselage cars. These were large sleek machines with an air frame sculptured look that I found quite attractive. Unfortunately Chrysler quality control started slipping badly during this period and didn’t recover for many years.

By the late seventies things started going downhill in Detroit. Automakers, paying little attention to quality control and mechanical efficiencies found themselves mandated by legislation to clean up their act, literally. As a result, all manner of schemes were employed to reduce engine emissions, most, in the early days, a maze of vacuum lines and fuel injection designs that were cumbersome and mostly ill conceived, leading to a myriad of problems and customer dissatisfaction.

It wasn’t long thereafter that the Japanese stepped in to fill the void and things have never returned to the days of American auto manufacturing preeminence.

Granted American cars eventually improved dramatically but market share by then was fragmented. I personally lost interest in Detroit around the mid eighties although some really nice cars have been produced since. Now, I am afraid, because of the fickle nature of Americans, demanding SUV’s and consuming a hugely disproportional amount of the worlds resources, the twin failings of overindulgence and lack of foresight in the face of world realignment, has pushed MoTown automakers to the brink of insolvency.

The 1950s through the seventies saw the apex and beginning of decline of the American auto as a distinct form of rolling art. A combination of art deco and modern gave way to downsizing and competition from abroad. Complacent management also failed to embrace, in a timely fashion, new concepts of quality control, preferring to market their vehicles through planned obsolescence.

No doubt, some of the greatest American masterpieces in rolling art were created during the 1920s and 30s, however, the height of Auto Americana, where form and function took on whole new dimensions of vim and verve, the 1950s, seems to have marked the peak of empire as well as its most distinctive product.

About The Author

Article by Henry Ramsey who was fortunate in being able to own and drive many of these rolling artworks over the years. Now, however, he is quite satisfied cruising around town on his electric bicycle. Visit his car collection at: www.Rollingems.com.

Bookmark to:

Some of these used car buying tips won’t be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.

1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.

2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the “blue book” etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can’t think of many times when people I know have paid more than “bluebook,” so these “average” sales prices are doubtful.

3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you’re looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.

4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it’s likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.

5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.

6. www.carfax.com. It’s around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They’ll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.

7. “Ugly” cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these “ugly ducklings” at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.

8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they’ve more wear than normal.

9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you’re not the winning bidder. If they don’t sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.

10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.

Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car buying tips.

About The Author

Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and useful secrets for years. Learn more and get a free gift at: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com.

Bookmark to: