Peugeot - From Coffee to Cars

The Peugeot Family has been in business in some form or another since the seventeen hundreds. From the production of coffee to bicycles in the early part of the twentieth century, automobiles would be the next big thing to come along.
The company produced its first automobile in 1889. The car was steam powered and had three wheels. However, steam proved to be unwieldy and cumbersome for use in any personal passenger vehicles. After meeting with Gottlieb Daimler, Armand Peugeot decided that the gasoline internal combustion engine was much more suited to what he had in mind. Peugeot acquired a license from Daimler to use their engines in Peugeot vehicles. Cars produced by the French company would remain powered by Daimler engines until the first Peugeot engines were developed in 1896.





Just as it had always been, Peugeot continued to produce a variety of products up through the turn of the twentieth century when Armand Peugeot formed his own company to focus exclusively on automobile manufacturing.
Peugeot would become an early influence on car racing in Europe and would remain a power in this arena for years to come. Around the time of World War 1, Armand decided to try his handed at motorcycles. His family had longed produced some of the finest bicycles in Europe. Armand was just as successful at motorcycles as his family had been with bicycles and the Peugeot Auto Company has produced motorcycles every since.
Once Europe became embroiled in World War I, Peugeot, just as most other manufacturers of the time, turned their attention to the war efforts. They eventually became a major manufacturer of arms and military vehicles throughout the remainder of the war. Once the allies were victorious, the focus once again turned to car production.
The French car company entered the United States market in 1958 with the Peugeot 404. Peugeot was never able to find its niche in American society and for the most part consumers simply ignored the brand. After several attempts to pique the curiosity of the American car buyer, Peugeot decided to cut its losses and withdrew from the American market. This did not exclude the company from going after American car manufacturers in Europe, however. In 1978, the company took over Chrysler Europe. Chrysler Corporation was suffering from heavy financial losses both at home and abroad and accepted the offer to take the ailing division off its hands almost immediately. Earlier in 1974, Peugeot had also acquired Citroen and for a brief period had interest in Maserati as well. The acquisition of so much debt so quickly proved nearly to be the undoing of Peugeot in the early eighties. The introduction of the popular Peugeot 205 was credited with the company's recovery from the brink of financial ruin. While the 205 was able to save the company from complete collapse, Peugeot was still experiencing some financial stress.
For the future, Peugeot has announced a goal of selling 4 million units annually. In order to accomplish this, the French car manufacturer has plans of pursuing some of the more exotic markets in the world such as China, Russia and South America. Due to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar, there has been some talk of a return to the American market. At this point, that may well be speculation only.

Removing Unsightly Dents And Scratches

Almost every driver out there has their fair share of stories regarding minor car accidents, such as backing up on a pole, rear ending a stray shopping cart, or dropping a heavy object on the trunk lid. And, the usual result is having an ugly dent or a scraped finish on their car. The bad thing about this is that claiming insurance for small damage on your car can be quite costly. Also, getting it repaired by a professional can be very expensive.However, there are ways to fix dents and minor scratches on the car. With a plunger, touch up paint and other supplies for repairing scratches and dents, you will be able to repair unsightly small dents and scratches and make your car look like as if nothing happened.

If you've encountered an accident where it has damaged a large body panel, you may be able to pull the dent back out. All you need to do is dump soapy water over the affected area and stick a household plunger on it. After that, gently pull the plunger in order to pull the panel back into shape. The water will be able to help with the suction and the soap will be able to allow you to slide the plunger down the panel to break the suction.However, if the accident resulted in a small dent near a creased area of the car, you will need to place a small block of wood at the tip of the dent. Then, you will need to gently tap the wood with a mallet in order to force the misplaced metal back into its original shape.Scratches and chips on the finish are also very easy to fix. All you need to do is purchase a bottle of touch up paint with the same color of the finish of your car.

The first step is to wash the scraped area with the soapy water. Pay close attention to tar and bugs on the affected area and make sure that you remove them. Then, wet a fine grit sandpaper and carefully sand out the edges of the scraped area. After that, you need to dry the area and let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes or up until the area is completely dried. After this, spray the area with your bottle of touch up paint. You can apply a second coat after the first coat dries up.As you can see, repairing minor scratches and dents are easy to do. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs to get it fixed. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will be able to repair minor dents and scratches from your car effectively.

Free Body Kits Installing Tips - Major Style Points

An auto body kit is one of the most exciting upgrades you can do to your vehicle. A good aero kit or body kit can really transform the appearance of the vehicle, and the installer will determine if this is a good or bad transformation. I would personally suggest you find a reputable shop experienced in your type of body kit work. They should know how to work with the material you selected, and how to color match, prep and paint the kit. They should also know how to, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure a proper fitting. Your finished product will be as good as the effort put into it.Having said that, it is never a bad idea to learn something new. Before you begin, make sure you designate enough time to the project to install your body kit right the first time.

This type of body work requires a lot of patience if you are inexperienced at it. Here are some instructions to help you get started on the project. The first thing to do is to prep the body kit for painting. It will be much easier to work on before it is installed. If you do not intend to paint the whole vehicle, it may be wise to color match and paint the body kit prior to installation.Start by removing the pieces that will be replaced. This may include the front and rear bumper covers. You can find the bolts for the front cover in the fender wells and underneath the cover near the frame. Remove these bolts and loosen the cover. Depending on the application, be sure to remove any of the lighting that is attached to it, such as the headlights, side markers, fog lights, etc. Now check to make sure that there isn't anything else holding it in place, such as a grille or license plate holder.

Carefully remove the front bumper cover and set to the side. Keep the hardware handy, as you will need it later. Remove the rear bumper in the same manner, as well as the trim panel located just above the bumper (if applicable). Most cars won't have side skirts at this point, but if it does, remove them by removing the bolts that hold it to the vehicle. They are located on the back of the side skirts.Take your replacement cover and carefully align it to the car and check the fitting. Some of the kits will have 3M adhesive to help hold the kit in place during this process. You may find that the foam inserts are an obstruction to the new body kit. You can either remove them or trim them to size, depending on the application.

I have found that if possible, it is better to trim them to fit because they will help sturdy the body kit so it doesn't appear as flimsy. If you have done your research and purchased a good kit, then you should line up almost perfect. Make some markings as to where you will drill your holes. You can also use the old bumper cover to line up the holes but it may not be as accurate as the fitting approach. If you find yourself in a situation where the kit doesn't line up exactly, there are some things you can do to correct the problem. First, locate the problem areas. They will be most noticeable on the sides where it matches up to the fenders or in the very front where it matches up to the hood. If you notice one side has a bigger seam in these areas than the other side, try moving the cover to the larger seam side in very small increments until there is no longer a difference.

The seam should be the same width as other seams on the car, most notably the same size as the seam from the fender to the door, or the fender to the closed hood. Using these same widths for the seams will create a "seamless" look for the finished product.If your problem area is in the front, you will have to adjust the body kit in small increments until it lines up. If you have too larges of a seam, try gently pulling the kit from the two sides to tighten up the front. it should have a little bit of play in it since it is not bolted down. If the seam is to small, try pushing the sides in towards the front of the vehicle to free up any space. Once the front is adjusted, look to see if the sides are aligned property. If you are happy with the fitment, place the bolts in the holes and tighten them down. Start in the middle, and work your way out to the sides making sure that your seams line up properly. If your kit comes with 3M adhesive on the back side, adhere the kit to the car once the proper alignment is made. This will help hold the kit in place and allow the seams to be smaller in width.

Free Tips on Common Smart Repairs

SMART repairs, or small, medium repair techniques, are a great way to repair all of the little imperfections that have built up on your vehicle over the years and make it look new again. Not everyone can or will perform these repairs. Only trained technicians with specialized tools will perform the repairs on your vehicle. It's best to find a body shop that specialized in these type of repairs, so you can be sure they have the experience to do the job right. Look below to see 5 of the most common SMART repairs you can have completed on your vehicle.

Alloy Wheel Repair- Over time you can start to see scuffs and scratches appear on your allow wheels. While this doesn't affect how your vehicle performs, it does affect the appearance. Everyone wants their vehicles to look as nice as possible. Getting this simple repair done will make sure that your vehicle looks its best.

Paint Damage- It's really not difficult to get slight paint damage on your vehicle. Scratches and chipped paint can occur easily. If a branch on a tree scrapes against your vehicle or someone opens their vehicle door too far and nicks the side of yours, the paint will more than likely be damaged. A specialist mobile repair technician can easily repair the paint damage without the need to repaint your entire vehicle.

Dent removal- There are so many ways you can get minor dents and dings in your vehicle. Maybe you hit a stray basket at the grocery store, or you weren't able to cover your vehicle during that last hail storm. Whatever the reason, a SMART repair technician can remove the dents with the least amount of impact on your vehicle. Many times they can even remove the dents without having to touch up your paint.

Trim/Seat Repair- The interior of your car probably doesn't see as much wear and tear as the exterior since it's not exposed to the forces of nature or other drivers. However, it's not uncommon to get small scratches on the dashboard or a small tear in the upholstery. There are a variety of SMART repairs that can fix these repairs and many others related to your vehicle's interior seating and trim.

Plastic Welding- This is a popular repair since there are many plastic parts on your vehicle that can be damaged. One of the most common plastic parts is your bumper. It's very easy to end up with little dents in dings in your bumper. Rather than spending the money to replace the entire bumper, SMART repair technicians use special plastic welding tools and repair the dent itself. The same goes for other plastic components on your vehicle.These are just a few of the SMART repairs you can get done on your vehicle. They are a great way to make your personal or company vehicle look new again. They're also the best choice for repairing lease or rental vehicles and avoiding the high costs that the rental or lease company will charge for the damage.

Free Pontiac Body Kits Guides - Stand Out from the Rest

Restyle and revamp the look of your car Pontiac vehicle with a Pontiac body kit. Pontiac body kits can make your car look sportier, cooler, and exotic. No matter what kind of personality you have, Pontiac body kits will sure to bring it out by restyling the look of your car according to your individuality.
With a Pontiac body kit, you are sure to steal the look of everyone who passes by. In other words, your car will be the center of attention because of its cool look. But where to find Pontiac body kits?

Actually, there are many stores that offer Pontiac body kits, but it is wiser of you just by online. Buying online will not only save you time and effort, it will also save you some money on gas. All you have to do is surf the net and look for reputable body kits online stores and you are good. A word of caution, by the way, before you do any transaction with anyone online, make it absolutely certain that the store is honest. You do not want to get ripped-off right? Research first before buying any kit.
Assuming that you have already found a reputable store, what you have to do now is decide which type of Pontiac body kits are you going to buy. Depending on your needs, you may need to either get a urethane or a fiberglass kit. Urethane is highly resistant to damages, but once damaged repair is already impossible. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is prone to damages, but can be repaired when damaged. Choose what’s best for you also in accordance to the climate where you live.

Free Honda CR-V Body Kits Guides - To Look Noticeable

No matter how appealing the Honda CR-V looks, you are not the only person who has it. In fact, people see a Honda CR-V almost anywhere and its appeal has become ordinary.
If you want your Honda CR-V to look noticeable, you will have to exert efforts in customizing it according to your creativity and the design you have in mind. Body kits are exterior modifications for your vehicle responsible for modifying the look of your vehicles. But where do you find a Honda CR-V body kit? Well, since Honda CR-V is a car that is common to almost everyone.

Finding a Honda CR-V body kit should not be that hard. You can tour your local neighborhood shops and ask if they have exterior part for your CR-V. If it happens that they do not have a lip, bumper replacement, or a wide body perfect for your CR-V, then better if you just go online than tiring yourself from driving. Online shopping is actually more convenient and not to mention, it will save you a lot of money you are supposed to spend on gas. Just remember to find a reliable and trusted online shop. Many had already been scammed and the smartest thing to do is not add up to their numbers by researching carefully about the company or seller you are dealing with.

You can phone Better Business Bureau and see if the company or companies on your list are registered with them. If a company is registered with them then that is a good sign. BBB protects consumers by ensuring that each and every company registered or associated to them are being constantly monitored. According to BBB, they ensure that high standards for trust are set and maintained. They exist so consumers and businesses alike have an unbiased source to guide them on matters of trust. They provide educational information and expert advice that is free of charge and easily accessible to those who need it.
After finding a shop that is reliable and honest, you can now proceed with knowing what kind of CR-V body kits suits you. There are usually just two kinds of body kit: urethane and fiberglass. Though fiberglass proves to be more expensive, it does not suit those who live in cold places with bumpy roads for the reason that fiberglass can break easily. Fiberglass can be repaired, but again it will prove to be costly.

If you want a quality body kit, urethane should be your best pick. Urethane can stand any weather conditions including harsh and unpredictable climate change. It is also very durable and does not easily crack when exposed to uneven or bumpy roads. Urethane, as a whole, is known for its flexibility and durability. Keep in mind though that when a urethane breaks, it cannot be repaired. Therefore, you will have to think of a replacement.
See, customizing your Honda CR-V and being different from the rest are not at all hard to do, it only requires some effort in knowing what your design is and in knowing where to get it from.
Honda CRV is truly one of the cheapest and flexible vehicle ever made. Thanks to it, many can now customize their vehicles according to who they really are.

Advantages of Auto Body Kits

The one problem that has always been nettling car lovers is the question of how to individualize their car, so that it makes a style statement when it sets the road on fire. Everyone loves to travel in great looking cars. Unfortunately, most cars on the streets look similar. The truth is, if you’ve seen one Toyota, you’ve seen them all. Ditto for other cars. There really are no external differences to make your car stand out from the others of the same brand. Sometimes, people even confuse your brand with some other brand!

Auto body kits have been developed to change all that. They are the perfect answer to your desire for a stunner that will leave onlookers gasping with pleasure and sighing with envy. These style enhancers change the way people look at your car, and at you. With so many kits available on the market these days, you can alter the look of almost any brand of car. For instance, a simple addition like adding car wings can really turn heads. That is not the only function of auto body kits.
Auto body kits enhance the performance and power of your vehicle. In many cases, they augment the dormant characteristics of the car thus making it more adaptive to the particular road conditions in which the car is run. For instance, adding spoilers to a high-speed car can greatly increase fuel efficiency, speed and traction of the car. Thus, auto body kits are not designed to up the style quotient of your gig, they also promote several functionalities like providing better swerve, road contact, traction, bettering the aerodynamic condition of the car and enhancing other external features. Auto body kits therefore provide every ardent car lover the freedom to personalize their cars to the highest degree. Since there are various options available, you can easily find a kit that answers your needs.

Most auto body kits contain parts that are made of fiberglass or polyurethane. Accessories made from these materials are highly durable and hardy. They are also suitable for most brands of cars. Usually, a typical kit includes front and rear bumpers, fenders, side skirts and bumper skirts and spoilers. Depending on the kit you choose, you will also get a number of features that suit your model, make and frame. Often, these auto body kits are made for a particular model and brand, so it is possible to get an exact match. The parts you get in a kit are designed to work in tandem and complement each other. So, these parts will work as a single whole. Of course, some enthusiasts do like to mix and match their parts so that the car gets a very different look. One thing is for certain, whether you use all the parts from a single kit, or mix and match, you can alter the look of your vehicle dramatically by choosing the right kit.
Installing the parts from an auto body kit is not everyone’s cup of tea. You need some level of expertise, and a good amount of patience. To ensure proper installation and best results, leave the job to a mechanic. There are mounting kits in the market that claim to make it easy for you to install your kit. But you never know what your kit will require, whether you will need to drill holes or add something else.

Free Tips on Rear Spoiler - Great Aerodynamic Addition

Car spoilers are normally ‘wing’ like attachments that are found under the front bumper of the car or on the car’s trunk. Rear spoilers are more common that front spoilers. A rear car spoiler gives your vehicle a beefy, sleek look. It makes it stand out in the crowd and can even increase the resale value of your car. However, the spoiler is attached not merely for its looks, though many people are not aware of this.

At first, rear spoilers were attached to sports cars and racing cars only because of their special utility. Good spoilers can help racing cars accelerate and brake at will, turn smoothly and ride comfortably. However, these days, you find spoilers in passenger cars too.
A rear spoiler is a great aerodynamic addition to your gig. A spoiler is so called because it ‘spoils’ the flow of air around the body of your car reducing lift and increasing drag. Or, you could say that the function of a spoiler is to reduce the tendency of the car to lift off the road when it is in motion. The spoiler is designed in such a manner as to provide a downforce to the car when in motion. This gives your car greater stability, better maneuverability and great traction. A rear car spoiler increases the contact between the road and tire, thus increasing safety and grip. Some rear spoilers even have break lights beading them. So, every time you apply the break, your rear spoilers will light up, alerting the driver behind you. Thus, these spoilers are a safety device too.

The spoiler is generally made of lightweight material like polyurethane, steel or fiberglass. High impact spoilers may even combine two or three materials. These materials are flexible, hardy and do not sag. Car spoilers come in different weights, so the mass they add to your vehicle varies. A good spoiler attached to the rear reduces resistance and enhances speed and performance.
Attaching a rear car spoiler is not a tough task. This is because most spoilers come with sealing gaskets, which look like a sponge. Mounting bolts also come with the kit. Many kits are available for particular brands of cars. So, getting the right fit would not be a problem. However, many people like to leave installing of accessories to the experts, and for a good reason. If accessories are not installed properly, you could end up losing a lot of money. Worse, the body of your gleaming new car may bear silent witness to your juvenile attempts. If you fear this, it is better to get the spoiler attached by an expert.

A rear spoiler for your car is pretty inexpensive. Even so, do not compromise on quality. Buy the right spoiler for your car even if it means shelling out a few extra dollars. Before you make the purchase, be sure to check out a number of shops and online stores. That way you can get competitive prices and excellent deals.

Free Tips For Car Rust Treatment

Cars are now a days very expensive. Even some of them cost much more than the salary of an average American. Most Americans buy car on car loan scheme. They have to pay the money in installments for 60 or 72 months. The interest rate is very high for this e.m.i. thus the owner has to pay heavy amount in installments.
Since we are paying heavy amount for the car then its our duty to protect them as long as possible. Foremost problem that the car suffers is the problem of rust. Either you have to prevent it or use rust products to remove rust from the body of the car.
If you say in medical terms then you can say that rust is like cancer for the car. It becomes worst when gets started and slowly spreads to entire body. The body of the car is made of metal sheet and we all know that metals are prone to get rusted. Rust is seen in areas like extreme weather, moisture or road side salt used in the winter climate.
There are various ways to have treatment against rust and it can be cured if proper care is taken.
Though the vehicle sheet metal is covered with thin coat of primer paint but this is not enough. Roadside dirt, debris or even hail is enough to damage this thin coat. Even the small scratch on the body will make the body naked to the environment. Then moisture, salt of the atmosphere will come in contact with the naked part of the metal body. Oxidation of the metal will start. This chemical reaction on the metal is known as rust. In Chemistry rust is nothing less than simply loss of electron for which the metal gets weak which helps more in rusting.



It is always recommended that you should clean and wax the car in every two week. Carefully observe the body parts of the car from where rust can start. Look for the scratches, nicks and dings which caused some naked part in the body of the paint. Take special care for this part so that rust can't be started in this area. Cover these naked parts and seal them so that moisture can't come in contact with the metal body. Touch up paint is best suitable for this situation. Chose the best suitable touch up paint which matches your car color and use it over the affected area. These can act as effective rust treatment for the car. As first-aid you can also use nail polish. In small scratch area toothpick is always a better option than included brush for the touch up paint.
Most important thing is for rust treatments always go to an automotive dealer. The way they will give treatment to the car rust is not comparable with the way you will treat the car rust at home. Their treatment will always be better. They can give you the best color matches with the car color. So the exact paint will again give the car new look.
These will definitely seal out the naked part and prevent the moisture to come in contact with the body part thus keeping the car body rust free.

Markus Skupeika

Free Tips on Preparing Your Automobile For Long Term Storage.

If you are leaving town for an extended period of time or are storing a vehicle for seasonal use, there are several things you can do to protect your automobile and insure it will be ready for use when you retrieve it. Taking the time to prepare your car right will save you a lot of grief and money later on.
The first step is to find a suitable location for long term storage. This is critical. The location should be secure, dry and clean. Putting it in a dusty barn is probably one of the worst places for you car. Make sure the storage place is dry and free of moisture. Moisture, humidity and condensation are the biggest hazards to exterior, interior and engine. Rust and corrosion can form on exposed metal and mold and mildew can grow in the interior as well. The best place is a climate controlled storage facility. Just look under storage in the yellow pages and there should be some options for you.
Also, you will need to rodent proof your storage as well. Rats can destroy the wiring system. They can also get into the interior and build nests there. One option is to place rat poison or some other pest control device around the car. Ma If the storage unit has power to it, I would recommend getting a noise box that repels rats and mice. You can buy them at your local hardware store. These are very safe and will not hurt pets or children.
Once you have picked a suitable location, it is time to prepare your car.
Step one is to change the oil and replace it with a synthetic. Changing the oil before storage will reduce moisture in the system and help prevent corrosion in the engine. The reason for synthetic oil is because of the coating properties and it will not break down as quickly as conventional oil.
Now you will need to fill the gas tank completely full. Most people siphon out the gas and leave the tank empty. This is not correct and the moisture left in the empty tank will encourage rust. Fill the tank as high as you can and leave it. This will prevent moisture from forming and prevent rust accumulation. It is also prudent to add in a gas stabilizer as well.
The next step is the battery. If the vehicle is in for short term storage, you may want to hook up battery charger to the battery. This will insure all electrical equipment like stereo will have power and any saved settings will be there when you return. For longer periods of time, remove the battery. Batteries can crack and leak acid everywhere. In this case it is best to just remove it and replace it when you return.
The next area to prepare is the external weather stripping and tires. The best product to use for this is a lithium grease. Stay away from petroleum based products. They will eventually dry out and crack the rubber. To apply the grease, spray it on a rag first and then wipe it on the tires and weather stripping. Be sure to cover the gaskets in the doors, sunroof and trunk.
For the interior, use a leather or vinyl conditioner. This will safeguard these surfaces from cracking and drying.
The last step is to thoroughly clean the exterior. After you have washed it, apply a coat of wax and buff it out. If you have an air buffer, this process will be a lot easier and will be more effective. Then cover the car with a good quality car cover. If you follow these basic steps, your expensive automobile should be in the same shape you left it before your journey.

A Review on the OZ Superleggera Wheels

In today's consumer-driven society, we have become mostly driven toward such marketing proclamations as new and improved, lighter, larger, better and other hyperbolic statements slapped on a new label to sell an old idea. All too often we don't get what we expected.
A buying decision has to take into consideration the source of the product and make a reasonable determination based on the company's reputation, history and reviews from other buyers on the firm's products.

When it comes to wheels, O.Z. has an outstanding reputation among the world's enthusiasts, tuners, racers, and even some OEM for whom O.Z. supplies wheels for.
O.Z.'s Superleggera wheel is a new twist on its traditional multi-spoke racing-theme wheel, applying advanced modeling techniques to make a strong and lightweight street wheel. Think of it as an updated Super Turismo.
For my application I chose an 8x18 O.Z. Superleggera, both for its look and construction. It's the right size for the 225/40-18 Beetle tires and is a nice step up from the previous 17-in. wheels.
Many people don't think too deeply about the construction and weight of the wheels they buy but rather are more concerned with appearance, followed by fitment and finally construction. This is the absolute wrong way to buy wheels. If you want to know how smart people buy wheels, read Dave Coleman's article on how engineering nerds go wheel shopping (Sport Compact Car, Aug. 2002). In simple terms, weight = bad, wrong fitment = very bad, poor construction = dangerous.

Let's look at the first postulation: weight = bad. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that part out. First, there is the unsprung weight that has to be controlled by the dampers through an up-and-down motion. Added to that is the rotational inertia. Drive any front-wheel-drive car with heavy "sport" wheels and compare those to the stock wheel/tire combination, and you'll see that those sporty performance wheels really aren't. Once again, I turn to Dave Coleman and his words about rotational inertia.
What you need to know is that changing to tires that are 1 lb heavier will effectively add 8 lb to the car (four tires, remember) and that adding a pound to the wheels will effectively add somewhere around 6 lb to the car.
In short, think of heavy wheels in the same respect as having an extra flywheel on each corner. To lend personal perspective, consider the several wheel guides you read each year. We have to unpack, clean, position and photograph a couple hundred wheels in the course of two long days. Most importantly, we weigh them to let you, the reader, know exactly how heavy or light a wheel can be.
Before I had the Spec-2 Paradas mounted, I took the 8x18 O.Z. Superleggera to our mailroom scale for a quick test. Including center cap and minus the stem, it weighed in at a light 18.5 lb, which is really quite good.
Looking through a recent wheel guide, I noted that some 8x18s weigh up to a whopping 29.4 lb! One 7x18 busted the scale (not really) at an unbelievable 35.6 lb. Remember the formula about a pound of wheel weight? In all fairness, most of the wheels were in the mid 20s, and I'm pretty sure there's a wheel or two that weigh less than the O.Z. But I'm not going to split hairs. I'll take peace of mind and reputation over absolute minimums any day. I'm not a gambling man.

Part two of my layman's math states that wrong fitment = very bad. Unless a wheel has been TUeV certified for the car, it doesn't go on. Period. This holds true for each and every wheel I've used on my project cars, as well as those under my care, for a number of reasons. First, I know it's been tested to some standard. Second, there's the simple problem of the handling being disturbed by moving the point around which the tire turns on the ground.
Finally, there is construction. I remember driving a hotted-up Z3 that had a set of "tuner wheels" so poorly constructed, perhaps out of reconstituted beer cans, they would flex when cornering and bung themselves on the brake caliper. I didn't want to be around when that metal finally gave up.
Once again, O.Z. engineers stepped up to the task in its choice of metals. To make a lightweight and strong wheel, the company used computer modeling and finite element analysis, along with a special titanium-enriched alloy. The production process also includes a method of heat treating and shot peening borrowed from the aerospace industry. This means that O.Z. can build an 11-lb, 15-in. wheel and an 18-in. wheel with as little as 17.6 lb.
If you are looking for a wheel that lives up to its reputation, consider the Superleggera. It's available in a satin titanium gray finish, with special applications in white (7x17 4x100 pattern) and gold (Subaru exclusive). Note to self: Buy wheel locks, five sets.

Window Tinting

Many people today are enhancing their vehicles to make them look better and get additional benefits from doing so. There are many modifications you can make to your vehicle; however tinting your vehicles window is the most common. Some people tint their vehicles windows for looks and others have a different motive. So, why are so many today tinting their vehicles windows?
One reason that many are getting their windows tinted is because it improves the look of your vehicle. Window tint is very good at making your vehicle look better and worth more. It can even add value to your resale value.

Another reason that windowing tinting is being used so much is that it keeps the heat out. Window tint keeps the inside temperature of your vehicle lower since it blocks out a lot of UV rays. This is a great option to have on your car especially if you live in areas like Florida and California where the sun beats down constantly on your vehicle.
Window tint can prevent interior damage from occurring in your vehicle. Since the tint blocks out UV rays and keeps the temperature lower it can help prevent your car’s interior from cracking and becoming dull. This can save you a lot of money from needing interior repairs.
It provides more safety if involved in an accident. Believe it or not the tint actually helps hold the window together better and prevents it from shattering if involved in an accident.
Also, it can serve as a form of theft protection. With window tint it will be harder to see inside your vehicle giving your more privacy and less of a chance of thieves seeing what is in your car. That way you will have an added form of protection.
Window tinting can even protect your skin. UV rays can be harmful to your skin, even while driving in your car. If you have your windows tinting it will prevent those rays from contacting your skin, and prevent your skin from sun damage.
Window tint can also give you a safer ride since it can reduce glare from the sun, snow, and other headlights which will help you drive safer.
You can save money on gas by tinting your windows. Since the window tint will keep your car cooler you will have to use less air to get your car cooler and that will save you money at the pumps on gas. If this isn’t a good enough reason I don’t know what is.
With all of these advantages you might think that window tinting would be costly, however it is not that expensive to get your vehicles windows tinted. This is another reason it is common for people to tint their windows. They get a lot of benefits at a low cost to them.
As you can see there are many benefits to getting your windows tinted. So, stop waiting and start looking for a professional to tint your vehicles windows today so you can reap the benefits of window tint!

BMW Body Kits

BMW cars are great looking vehicles that speak of wealth, prestige and status. So how can you improve on these symbols of wealth with the use of BMW body kits? Well while you can use some of the more outlandish looking parts there are also other options. These are the use of rear wings or custom wheels and rims.
You don’t have to go all out and change the entire way your BMW looks. The main fact behind your decision to change the nice conventional look to your status symbol may be the desire to stand out from the rest of the crowd. The best way to achieve this ambition is with the use of BMW body kits.

You can start this metamorphosis by deciding on the first items to change. For instance you may like the look of the sky wing door of the Lamborghini range. These car doors open to the sky instead of the usual factory direct sideways. There are other items in BMW body kits that you can add to give your BMW a brand new look. These will include a possible trunkwing “959”.
At this point you should be aware that most of the body kits parts will have a language of their own. The trunkwing is a term denoting that a new trunk has been made out of fiberglass or the original OEM trunk. This new trunk comes complete with built-in wings of its own.



There are other parts in the BMW body kits range that you can add to your car. For instance you will find some fantastic rear and front lip parts which can be placed on your car. There are also the various side skirts which are attached to the sides of the car to give your BMW a sleek look. On the other hand you might want to have a wide body kit performed on your BMW.
This body kit will in some cases require extensive body work and painting to be done on your car. What is entailed in this type of body work is ground effect fender flares or wide fenders to be attached to your BMW. There are additional 1 /4 panels which need to be attached as well. To help your car cope with the wider fenders you may have to add some wider wheels and tires to your BMW.



Now before you become scared of how your car will look you should know that there are some real nice looking tires that will not spoil the elegant look of your BMW. As with so many different body kits the BMW body kits have been created to cater for the tastes of different people. You will find the addition of these BMW body kits to provide your car with added elegance.

Body Kits for Honda Civic

Honda is a well known brand name among cars and the Honda Civic car is one such car that is well known. For some people there are various areas of this car that can be changed. The Civic body kits are ideal for this need. With the various kits that are available in the market you will be able to customize your car in any way that pleases you.

The many parts which are used by Civic body kits will also include some interesting accessories. These accessories can be fog lights, neon lights, LED lights. You will also find wood dash kits, chrome moldings, Nerf bars, and rocker panel moldings. These are just a few of the many accessories that can be used in the body kits for the Civic cars.
Besides these accessories there are different types of car body kits that can be bought. These kits are based on the different models for different years. You will find kits like Racing body kits, Bigmouth body kits, Avenger body kits, Type-R body kits and others. All of these various Civic body kits have been carefully constructed to the highest standards.

The material that is mainly used in the construction of the different Civic body kits is polyurethane. For your ease these various kits have been carefully primed. This will allow you to paint any type of design that you want on the body of the car. Since these body kits are designed exceptionally well you will have no trouble fitting the body kit on to your Honda Civic.
This easy fitting process means that you don’t have to worry about high installation costs. The nice thing about getting Civic body kits is the fact that you can find many different companies that can provide you with the parts and kits you want to install. These various companies also manufacture excellent quality aftermarket parts as well. With these many different items you can turn your Civic into a car to be seen as well as driven.
The price factor for your Civic body kits will be based on the kits you choose as well as the model year you choose to use. By investigating all of these possibilities you can be assured of having the best quality items with which you can transform your ordinary car into a top notch sports quality car.
These various body kits such as the Civic body kits will allow you to have a car that showcases your independent outlook for life. With one of these kits you can be assured that you are getting a car that gives a statement about you and your personality.

Free Mitsubishi Body Kits Tips - Start Aerodynamic Speed

For just about every car that is available there are body kits that you can buy. These body kits will enhance the look of your car. For the various Mitsubishi cars there are different Mitsubishi body kits that you can buy. These kits can be ground effect kits, graphic kits, vertical door kits, and even Xenon body kits.
In these various Mitsubishi body kits you will find lots of parts that will provide your car with aerodynamic speed and also with a stylish elegance that will make heads turn as you pass by. To augment these parts you will find a range of accessories to use. These accessories will include the usual items.



In this range you can buy Lambo wing doors, Euro lights, truck bed rails, interesting wheel and wheel rims, Altezza tail lights and many more. There is one item that you should decide on when you are looking into using Mitsubishi body kits. This is if the kit you are planning on buying will be compatible with your Mitsubishi vehicle.
The various parts that you will find in the Mitsubishi body kits are ones like the rear apron what is attached on or below the rear bumper. With this particular body kit there is no need for any extensive body work or the removal of the rear bumper. You will also find some body kits that require lots of extensive work.



One such extensive body work that you may use in Mitsubishi body kits is that of wide body kits. This kit requires that the entire car to have extensive work performed. The body of the car needs to have a really great looking paint work done. This type of body kit is known as a ground effects body kit.
You will find that for these Mitsubishi body kits that fender flares are used. The use of wide fenders and 1 /4 panels is also part of this car body kit. You can also have an interesting rear wing attachment done. This rear wing sits on pedestals that are attached to the hatch or to the trunk of the car. The wing is extended towards the quarter panels on the car.
There are so many different effects you can achieve for your car with body kits. As with all good quality cars you should buy only parts that will enhance the look of your vehicle. Mitsubishi body kits have the answer to all of your style needs for your dream car.

Best and Coolest Audi A6 Body Kits

Impress and show off your Audi A6 vehicle by dressing it up and making it look cooler using A6 body kits quality design.
Body kits are made to enhance the appearance of each and every vehicle in the planet. As an exterior modifications for your car, it can transform the old into new and turn the ugly into beautiful. Aside from enhancing a vehicle’s appearance body kits like A6 body kits also improves the aerodynamics of your car.

Finding a quality A6 body kit is very easy. Either you drive down town and look for local auto shops or you purchase online. If you ask me, purchasing online is better because instead of driving down town and driving through each and every auto shops, why not just click your mouse and look for online sellers or online stores wherein you can browse different body kits and order right away? Purchasing definitely saves you a lot of time, money and effort compared to going outside to do your canvassing. Just make sure to verify the reputation of the online store you will be dealing with. You do not want to add up to the number of people who had fallen victim to scam artists. Protect yourself by investigating and checking if the store or the seller is registered with Better Business Bureau. Having an authentic BBB seal is one guarantee that the store can be trusted.



After finding out which stores can be trusted. Narrow them down and see who offer the best price for you depending on which type of body kit you will buy. There are basically two types: urethane and fiberglass. While the urethane cannot be repaired when damaged, fiberglass can be repaired. Depending on the climate and road structure of your area, a urethane or a fiberglass can suit you.
Finally, the last consideration you have to do is to decide if you are going to install the kit by yourself or have an expert to install it for you. If you ask me, going to a local body shop in your area is a better option rather than installing it by yourself not knowing how to really do it. Experts are experts and they know what they are doing, all you have to do is just watch them and see how they make your car stand out from the rest.

Chevrolet Camaro Body Kits

Are you tired of having to drive your old Camaro car but doesn’t have any money to buy a new vehicle? Well, I have got the perfect solution for you. Get your car a Camaro body kit.
Camaro body kits will surely make you love your old car again. Body kits are exterior modifications of cars that can make your car look cooler and sleeker. All you have to do is have them installed in your local body shop, and voila, you are ready to drive a Camaro car that is perfectly redesigned according to the type of personality you have!

Where can you find Camaro body kits? Camaro body kits can either be purchased at any local automotive body shop or at an online store. If you want to save time and effort then the best way is order the kit through an online store. All you have to do is log in the internet and search for a reputable online store. Make sure that before doing any kind of transaction, you have already verified whether or not the store is registered with Better Business Bureau. A BBB seal is an assurance that an online store is honest because it is being monitored by BBB. If the store you are looking forward to deal with is not a BBB member, then buy at your own risk. Many were already scammed, make sure that you take the necessary precautions before giving your handing your money away.
When you think you have already made sure of the honesty and credibility of the store then now it is time for you to consider which type of kit will you be buying. Depending on the climate and road structure of your area, you may either have to purchase a urethane or a fiberglass kit. Urethane is ideal for cold places with rough roads. Urethane is highly resistant to damages but once it cracked, no repair is possible. Fiberglass, however, can be repaired but is prone to damages that is why it is suited for people who are living in an area where the weather is decent and the road smooth to prevent any damage as much as possible.
Once you have decided which type is for you then all you have to do is order it and wait for a day then have it installed! You will surely be glad that the body kits are invented once you see the amazing transformation of your car.

Cadillac Body Kits

Aside from the satisfaction of seeing that your Cadillac Body kits perfectly fit your vehicle, choosing the style or design of your Body kits is also an enjoyable experience.
With all the innumerable options when it comes to the style and designs of body kits, one can feel a bit overwhelmed and confused if one does not familiarize himself with what body kits are all about.

Before you buy the best Cadillac Body kits or any body kits for that matter, make sure that you are acquainted first with all the models. Knowing the models and familiarizing yourself with the websites of all body kits manufacturers will prevent you from buying the wrong type of body kits. Knowing the models will also allow you to see all the kits on actual cars and get a sense of how the body kits will ultimately look like.
There are various online stores that sell body kits. You can check ilovebodykits.com to see the latest designs when it comes to the body kits suited for your vehicle.
Price range of body kits differs from seller to seller. If you are willing to take time and not rush yourself in buying a Cadillac Body kit, then it is advisable that you browse different online stores and settle for the store that offers the cheapest price without sacrificing the quality of the body kits.
Most stores offer two kinds of body kits: Fiberglass and Urethane. Most people prefer fiberglass because it can be easily repaired and holds a better fit. Painting a fiberglass will also look cleaner and more professional. Urethane, however, is advisable for those people who get too close when driving. But all in all, a fiberglass Cadillac Body kits is the best choice since it is the most budget friendly of the two.
Similar to almost anything else, you have to be wise on which items or things you should spend your hard earned money. The key to being satisfied with body kits is to alot time and effort to search for the model that will meet your aesthetic and practical needs. With all the countless styles, make and designs, a little bit of planning and taking into huge consideration your goals, will help you find a body kit that is so perfect you will not think twice of buying it.

Worth Bumper Repair

There are many repairs that completed on vehicles today. Now we do not have to rely on replacement only. Auto body specialist can work with the existing material on your car and repair it. Repairs usually cost less and take up less of your time. Many times those are the two reasons that car owners put off getting their vehicles repaired. One part of your car that can be repaired is your bumper, this is an important repair to have completed on your vehicle.



It was not always the case that bumper repair could be completed on vehicles. That was because bumpers were made of sheet metal, which is not able to repaired easily. Vehicles are now made with plastic. There is a metal bumper but it is covered with plastic in the hope that minor abrasions could be easily repaired. So, if you have a plastic bumper you can get it repaired.
Still many auto body shops or dealerships will tell you that you need to completely replace the bumper.

This will on average start at 500 dollars and cost you two or more days in the shop, depending on the volume of repairs at that time and if they have to wait for parts or materials. However if you choose to get bumper repair you will be paying a lot less and the job can be completed in just a few hours. I would say that the money savings alone are worth it. Not to mention the time you will save with the repair getting completed quickly. You also will not have to worry about or pay for a rental car. That is a huge plus!
Getting your bumper repaired is important. The bumper is on the car to protect your vehicle and most importantly you and your passengers from harm. If you bumper is in need of repair it will have a hard time doing its job. Since you can get it repaired in a short time and low cost don't put it off.
Also preserving the value of your vehicle is important. If your vehicle has any blemishes or basically if it doesn't look so good, the value of your vehicle will decrease. So, when you try to sell it or trade it in you will not get a great price for it, or it may be harder to sell.
Just to add to all the great benefits of bumper repair, you will be helping the environment. You will be keeping more materials from going to the dumps.
So, getting the bumper repaired on your vehicle is completely worth it. You will be protecting your vehicle, your passengers and yourself, by helping your bumper do its job. You will also be protecting the resale or trade in value of your vehicle! You will get the same outcomes as replacement. However with choosing to repair your bumper you will be saving yourself lots of time and money! So, get your vehicles bumper repaired today at an auto reconditioning shop!

The Benefits of Vinyl Tonneau Covers

Soft vinyl Tonneau covers can provide the same protection as heavier covers with less hassle. There are a wide variety of models to choose from. Vinyl Tonneau covers are extremely lightweight, allowing for easy installation and use. These covers are usually flush with the top of the bed, greatly reducing the truck’s wind resistance. Vinyl covers can sell for much less than comparable aluminum or fiberglass models, often retailing for as little as $150.
Available in nearly all of the same styles as covers made of aluminum or other materials, Vinyl Tonneau covers can come in one piece, and are either supported and locked upright by metal bars, or rolled up and retracted. Other models come in hinged panels that can be folded. All of these styles provide the protection and security needed to keep cargo safe.

One major advantage of vinyl Tonneau covers is that they are very light. For easy installation, the frames snap often into place and so require no drilling. These covers are so lightweight that anyone can put them into place. They can be easily removed when they are not needed, an important feature for people who will use and remove the cover often. Constructed with high-grade vinyl, it is incorrect to assume that because they are so light, they must also be weak. Many models can support well over one hundred pounds of pressure. Vinyl Tonneau covers can provide the same level of protection as aluminum or fiberglass covers.
Vinyl Tonneau covers are installed flush with the top of the truck bed, which greatly reduces wind resistance. Gas mileage increases as wind resistance decreases, making this a significant feature. Reduced wind resistance will allow for faster travel and easier steering.
A great alternative to fiberglass or aluminum covers, Vinyl Tonneau covers are long lasting, provide excellent protection for cargo, and are easy to use.