--------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500030 Date: 01/03/98 From: ALAN MORRISON Time: 05:05am \/To: PAT BREEDEN (Read 0 times) Subj: 12V bulbs/6V system -=> Quoting Pat Breeden to All <=- PB> Is it ok to use 12v bulbs in a 6v system for the stop lights and tail PB> lights on a 49 chevy truck? I need to put on some of those generic PB> type stop lights and tail lights and I'm wondering if you actually PB> have to get 6v bulbs for them, or can you just use the 12v bulbs that PB> will already be in them. If you already have the 12V's and the brightness is acceptable, it would probably be OK, although I've never done this. You can get the 6 volt versions from a good auto parts store, but they may have to get them from a warehouse. PB> While I'm here, I have a 1981 Datsun King Cab 4x4 truck. PB> The transmission, transfer case, and rear end are still good, so I was PB> just wondering if anybody could suggest a reasonable price to sell it PB> for as a parts car? I was thinking maybe $400 or $500, but I don't PB> really know? Run an ad in the paper under 'Parting Out 81 Datsun 4x4' and see what response you get. Call some wrecking yards for prices on the big parts and ask for offers on those that call. After nothing is left to sell, local iron works may buy the remainder for the weight of the metal. Here there are sometimes ads from people that will pick up the car and give you a portion for scrap. --- Blue Wave/386 v2.20 [NR] * Origin: River Canyon Rd. BBS Chattanooga, Tn (1:362/627) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500031 Date: 01/04/98 From: ALAN MORRISON Time: 09:53am \/To: ALL (Read 0 times) Subj: Car of the Year -History Motor Trend magazine's "Car of the Year" award winners: ------------------------------------------------------- 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 1997 ? Anybody remember this one? 1996 Dodge Caravan 1995 Chrysler Citation 1994 Ford Mustang 1993 Ford Probe GT 1992 Cadillac STS 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic LTZ 1990 Lincoln Town Car 1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 1987 Ford Thunderbird SC 1986 Ford Taurus LX 1985 Volkswagen GTI 1984 Chevrolet Corvette 1983 Renault Alliance 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1981 Chrysler K-Cars (Aries and Reliant) 1980 Chevrolet Citation 1979 Buick Riveria S 1978 Chrysler: Dodge (Omni), Plymouth (Horizon) 1977 Chevrolet Caprice 1976 Chrysler: Dodge (Aspen), Plymouth (Volare) 1975 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 1974 Ford Mustang II 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1972 Citroen SM 1971 Chevrolet Vega 1970 Ford Torino 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 1968 Pontiac GTO 1967 Mercury Cougar 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 1965 Pontiac GTO 1964 Ford Motor Company 1963 AMC Rambler 1962 Buick Special 1961 Pontiac Tempest 1960 Chevrolet Motor Division 1959 Pontiac Motor Division 1958 Ford Thunderbird 1957 Chrysler Corporation 1956 Ford Motor Company 1953-55 no award 1952 Cadillac Motor Car Division 1951 Chrysler Corporation 1950 no award 1949 Cadillac Motor Car Division --- Blue Wave/386 v2.20 [NR] * Origin: River Canyon Rd. BBS Chattanooga, Tn (1:362/627) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500032 Date: 01/04/98 From: ALAN MORRISON Time: 09:53am \/To: ALL (Read 0 times) Subj: Car of the Year -NA DETROIT, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. -- Finalists for the prestigious 1998 North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards were announced today. Now in their fifth year, the awards are judged by an independent jury of 47 top North American automotive writers and broadcasters. Ballots were distributed in early November and voting closed earlier today. The finalists were chosen from an original field of 24 cars and nine trucks. The 1998 finalists are: North American Car of the Year Audi A6 Chevrolet Corvette Lexus GS Series North American Truck of the Year Dodge Durango Mercedes ML 320 Subaru Forester The winners will be announced at Detroit's North American International Auto Show on Monday, January 5, 1998 at 7:30 a.m. in Cobo Center Room W2-60. --- Anybody hear the results on this yet? --- Blue Wave/386 v2.20 [NR] * Origin: River Canyon Rd. BBS Chattanooga, Tn (1:362/627) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500033 Date: 01/04/98 From: ALAN MORRISON Time: 09:53am \/To: ALL (Read 0 times) Subj: Car of the Year -Trucks MOTOR TREND NAMES THE MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS AS 1998 TRUCK OF THE YEAR TUSCALOOSA, Alabama, Oct. 30, 1997 - Motor Trend magazine today announced the selection of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class as the publication's 1998 Truck of the Year. In selecting the M-Class for its highest truck based award, Motor Trend cited the Mercedes' high level of technical innovation, class-leading safety, excellent driveability, outstanding off-road abilities, and exceptional value. The Truck of the Year award program is a sister event to Motor Trend's prestigious Car of the Year and Import Car of the Year awards. It was inaugurated in 1989 in response to the dramatic rise in consumer interest in truck-based vehicles as personal transportation. In choosing the Truck of the Year, Motor Trend editors considered all new or significantly changed 1998 Pickups, sport/utility vehicles, and full size vans, weighing such factors as technological advancement, value, performance, liveability, and overall impact on the automotive market to identify the most significant vehicle of '98. The all new M-class is Mercedes-Benz' first venture into the mainstream sport/utility market and is being built in the company's first U.S. plant, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The initial entry is the ML 320, powered by a strong and efficient 3.2 liter SOHC aluminum V-6, with three valves and two spark plugs per cylinder; it's also the first powerplant in its class to meet California's stringent Low Emissions Vehicle standards. The M-Class is also the first in its category to offer side airbags, pre-tensioner seatbelts, and four-wheel independent suspension, which delivers a welcome car-like ride with stable, nimble handling. The M-Class also offers an innovative new 4 ETS all wheel drive system, a comfortable, inviting interior, and more cargo space than its most popular competitors. Just as impressive is the ML320's base price of $33,950. Motor Trend editors call the ML320, "a masterful blending of elements designed to address the myriad needs of the SUV buyer," and state that "In one fell swoop, Mercedes has redefined what a sport/utility can be and brought it to market at a bargain price." They call the V-6, "a state-of-the-art engine design that's a marvel of efficiency," and in reference to its value, label the vehicle, "a smart investment in any buyer's portfolio." Motor Trend sums up its praise by saying, "Seldom does a vehicle come along that sets so many benchmarks. Rarer yet is one that does it at a class-humbling price," and "The M-Class doesn't just raise the bar for SUVs, it sets it atop the World Trade Center's twin towers." The complete report on the 1998 Truck of the Year can be found in the December 1997 issue of Motor Trend, on sale November 4, 1997, or on Motor Trend's internet site at www.motortrend.com. The '98 Truck of the Year will also be reviewed on TNN's Motor Trend Television series on November 8-9, 1997. Motor Trend magazine is published monthly in Los Angeles by Petersen Publishing Company, L.L.C. --- Blue Wave/386 v2.20 [NR] * Origin: River Canyon Rd. BBS Chattanooga, Tn (1:362/627) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500034 Date: 01/04/98 From: MARK LOGSDON Time: 02:19pm \/To: PETER HARLE (Read 0 times) Subj: Electrical loads, battery PH> G'day Mark, according to a "Bosch" service/repair manual, the rotor PH> retains sufficient residual magnetism to cause it to self excite. PH> PH> Generally alternator diodes are rated at around 200V PIV, the leakage PH> current at around 12 volts, even for 3 power output diodes in PH> parallel, (9 diode alternator) would be insignificant and would PH> contribute very little to any residual magnetic field in the rotor. Thanks, Peter. You've confirmed both of my suspicions. --- QScan/PCB v1.19b / 01-0232 * Origin: IBMNet Connection - Indpls, IN - 317-882-5575 28.8 USR (1:231/1) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500035 Date: 01/04/98 From: MARK LOGSDON Time: 02:19pm \/To: JOHN PUMMILL (Read 0 times) Subj: Hotrod JP> ML> Was he WA9TQQ of Shelbyville? JP> JP> I have no idea. He got out of it a couple of years ago. Yes, he was JP> just out of Sheblyville, that would have been his closest town. I cheated. My call book lists a John S. Pummill, WA9TQQ, with a Shelbyville address. --- QScan/PCB v1.19b / 01-0232 * Origin: IBMNet Connection - Indpls, IN - 317-882-5575 28.8 USR (1:231/1) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500036 Date: 01/04/98 From: ROY J. TELLASON Time: 05:52pm \/To: BILL MITCHELL (Read 0 times) Subj: REVERSE QUESTION Bill Mitchell wrote in a message to Marc Gerges: BM> Have you ever had a complete brake failure in an auto, which is BM> kinda hard to have with the dual master cylinders in use for BM> the last 30 years? Not once, but several times, in different vehicles. (Not all of them ne.) BM> And if you've had such a failure, what was your experience? Did BM> you find something convienent to crash into while completely BM> ignoring your "parking brake"? Nope, I used the bloody thing, in addition to dropping into the lowest gear I had handy to help with slowing things down. BM> What would you do if you were approaching a crossing guard, BM> holding a stop sign and assisting school children across an BM> intersection, and your brake pedal went to the floor and BM> NOTHING!?? Steer it into something else, even if that were parked cars. BM> Mind you, I only mean going about 20 mph (27kmph) in an old BM> American station wagon (about 4500 lbs or 2045kg.). Yep. Best time I can remember that happening was when I was working for this one company, they had this vehicle that they called "the philly bomb" that was a GMC something or other, the predecessor to the suburban, maybe? Sorta an overgrown station wagon, anyhow. I went on an errand or two for this company and then stopped at a state police barracks to pick up a PA driver's manual, since I'd just moved to the state and hadn't gotten my license changed over yet. After getting the manual, I got back in the vehicle, pulled out of the parking place, and started toward the exit to the lot when this state police cruiser pulls in, I step on the brake pedal, and it drops all the way to the floor. BM> That did happen to me, and the emergency brake did help me stop BM> it, without loss of life, limb and no property damage. It did BM> it's job, as both designed and required to. It helped me, too. email: roy.j.tellason%tanstaaf@frackit.com --- * Origin: TANSTAAFL BBS 717-432-0764 (1:270/615) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500037 Date: 01/04/98 From: ROY J. TELLASON Time: 05:57pm \/To: BILL MITCHELL (Read 0 times) Subj: Oil pump? Bill Mitchell wrote in a message to Gary Sprinzl: CK>> How about meeting me in the middle and trying 10W-40? GS> 10W-40 is the one weight to avoid like the plague, at least GS> if you live in a hot climate. It breaks down faster than any GS> other value. BM> I agree. In fact, I'd use a 15W-40, or 20W-50 which are BM> usually approved for either heavy diesel use or 4 stroke air BM> cooled motorcycle use while 10W-40 is considered NG for BM> either, The reason is that the VI used in the 10W40 makes it BM> very suceptible to breakdown, and some of the other two oils BM> don't even use what would normally be called a VI. What's a VI? I may be looking at something like that, am seeing some weird behavior in the Monaco since I changed the oil. The stuff I put in was "Federated" brand, which I am told is Valvoline, 10W-40. Normally I'd use 20W-50 Castrol, but for some reason I didn't get that this time around. Anyhow, I get this stuff, change the oil and filter, and ever since then I start out okay cold, but after things warm up a bit my oil light tends to flicker and then come on when I'm at a slow idle, like sitting at a light or something, unless I'm just barely giving it a little gas to get the speed up a hair. Took a *long* time for that fresh oil that was showing on the dipstick to look like anything other than fresh out of the bottle, but it's starting to look pretty bad and I've only got about 3000 miles on it. I'm about ready to get under it again and give it another change, or something. I can't figure why it would do this. email: roy.j.tellason%tanstaaf@frackit.com --- * Origin: TANSTAAFL BBS 717-432-0764 (1:270/615) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 246 AUTOMOTIVE Ref: F1500038 Date: 01/04/98 From: ROY J. TELLASON Time: 09:24pm \/To: ALAN MORRISON (Read 0 times) Subj: Motor Trend, bribes? Alan Morrison wrote in a message to Roy J. Tellason: -=> Quoting Roy J. Tellason to Alan Morrison <=- AM> Hey, I had one of them too, no rust though. A 6 year old Vega AM> GT Kammback wagon. Wasn't a bad little car, right up there AM> with the '78 Datsun B210 I got later. RJT> I forget what year ours was, but it had the aluminum block *without* RJT> the sleeves in 'em. AM> Yep, aluminum was etched away so the pistons ran on the Silicon AM> in the alloy. From what I understand the differences in the cold engine to warm caused it to wear in such a way that eventually the cylinder bores became rather oval-shaped, rather than staying as round as they should have. The car did tend to use quite a bit of oil later on. I was told that the iron sleeves were put in there to take care of this problem. RJT> Wasn't bad for driving, and we even took it across country one RJT> time, on a trip that ended up running about 7750 miles altogether. AM> At the time, small 4 cylinders without overdrive were not the AM> sort of car one would want to travel in. They got bigger AM> engines, 5 speeds, and more interior space later in the 70's AM> and 80's. It was common to burn a valve or warp an aluminum AM> head from cross-country summer trips with under 2L engines that AM> had no OD. I still don't care for small cars or four-bangers, but then I didn't back then either. RJT> it got to the point where the driver's door needed to be RJT> tied shut, as that little post that was supposed to do the job RJT> was hanging at a rather odd angle... AM> For a couple of bucks, the bronze door pin bushings can be AM> purchased at most auto parts stores. No, I'm talking about the post that engages the door latch! AM> They are easy to install in a few minutes. I have done this on AM> the Monza, by supporting the door, pulling the pin, and laying AM> the door on the grass while I changed the bushings. Yeah, I AM> was under a 'shadetree', and did it by myself. Apply a good AM> grease while you have it all apart and it will last many more AM> years. White lithium grease in the door hinges is one of my little preventive maintenance steps. Unfortunately the driver's door in the Monaco I have now was neglected for way too long, so instead of rolling over the spring with those two little wheels, they cut into it, making my driver's door not wanna stay open. Perhaps when I yank that engine out of the Dart to put into that truck I'm building I can scavenge some door hinge hardware as well... AM> Still it was the second best car I owned for less than $500; AM> the best being a '66 Impala SS. RJT> Now *there* is a car with some room in it! RJT> I met a guy recently who had a '65 Impala, and when he popped the RJT> hood on that puppy I knew exactly what I was looking at, all over RJT> that engine compartment. Big change from most of the newer stuff... AM> The '66 SS 327 surprised me when I looked under that huge air AM> cleaner and noted it had a small Holley 4 barrel on a factory AM> iron intake. That car always ran great and I, being a gearhead AM> teen, ran the obligatory hell out of it. Was surprised to AM> outrun a much newer Roadrunner/GTX on top-end one night. He AM> may have ran out of guts first, but the old boat buried the 120 AM> mph speedo. I'm not too partial to GM stuff these days, having had a run of bad luck with an assortment of vehicles, but if I got the chance to pick one of those up for cheap and it wasn't a major restoration job I'd probably go for it... email: roy.j.tellason%tanstaaf@frackit.com --- * Origin: TANSTAAFL BBS 717-432-0764 (1:270/615)