First let me give a brief description of the Gaylord’s traditional tonneau cover and list some of its features. The Gaylord’s traditional tonneau cover is constructed of fiberglass. You can order them in black or custom painted to match the color of your pickup truck and give it a factory look.

The traditional lid has a stainless steel crossbar and lock system. The two locks are self-tightening compression-type that helps ensure a watertight seal and add security to your cargo area. This tonneau cover by Gaylord’s also comes with two gas struts to help with opening and keeps the lid from slamming closed. The traditional tonneau cover comes with a lifetime warranty for the fiberglass structure and the paint and 2 years on the working parts. I myself think this is a very fair warranty.

The traditional tonneau cover by Gaylord’s also comes available with a speedsturr wing on the back which adds a more sporty and racy look to your pickup truck.

Some previous buyers of this truck bed cover have such comments as how great the truck bed cover looks on their truck and how happy they were with the paint job on the truck lid. I haven’t found very much in the line of negative comments about the traditional tonneau cover by Gaylord’s.

A few points you may want to think about before purchasing this truck bed cover.

The hinged fiberglass tonneau cover would be great if you are looking for great weather and security protection as far as tonneau covers go.

If you use your truck for hunting, fishing, going for groceries or other such uses where you want quick easy access to your truck bed or if you want a very sharp look for your truck, or with the speedsturr wing, a sporty, racy look, the traditional tonneau cover by Gaylords would be a great choice to make.

If you use your truck for larger, high cargo loads, this truck bed lid would not be such a great choice for you. If your loads are usually higher than your truck rails, look for a tonneau cover such as a roll up cover, folding tonneau cover or a retractable truck bed cover.

This truck bed cover comes highly recommended by previous buyers. Overall, as far as quality and looks go, the traditional tonneau cover by Gaylord’s would be a very good purchase for your truck bed.

When you have made a solid decision about which type of car will best fit your needs, it is time to zero in on the details. You will have to decide on specifics like, make, model, color, options and more.

Of course we all would like to own a car that we have chosen every last bit of detail for, be it an unusual paint job or something as practical as an ABS system.

However the more leeway you are willing to give on your preferences, the better your chances are of making a great deal on your car purchase. There’s no need to sacrifice any options that are absolutely necessary to ensure your safety and comfort while on the road, but if you are willing to be flexible as to what color and accessories are included in the package, you may just find a more reasonable deal and certainly more options to choose from. This will give you more leverage when it comes time to bargain for the final price of the automobile.

Let’s put it this way: say you have very strict requirements about your chosen car’s paintjob and rims. Or perhaps you just have to have that expensive and esoteric car stereo system. What are the chances that your car dealer has a car on stock with those exact same specifications? Fairly slim actually and if they do have what you want in stock, chances are you will have no other choice but to pay the price the dealer is asking for. Either that or find another car dealer who does carry your chosen model in stock but is willing to lower the price.

Of course if you do find the model you want with the specifications you want, you wouldn’t want the dealer to know that so you can proceed with the negotiation as if you were just not that particular about the little details.

You may want to call several car dealerships in your area and ask about your chosen car model. This will give you an idea how much of them are available so you can then plan your bargaining strategy accordingly. Keep track of the results you gather from your inquiries; make notes detailing the name and contact information of the dealer and what line of cars they carry. This will help you get a clearer picture of all the options available to you when you make your final decision.

If you are a prospective car buyer, finding just the right car for you is a decision not to be made lightly. Everyone’s needs are different and when you factor in personal tastes, there’s just no telling what will push you into making the final decision.

It’s easy to get carried away when you shop for a car: the smell of the brand-new upholstery, the satisfying purr of the motor, not to mention the slick salesman promising you outrageous deals, all conspire into making you part with your hard-earned money. Hopefully you will find a great deal for the amount of money that you are willing to pay. However you put it though, buying a car will cost a fair amount of money; you do want a car that is in decent condition and that will last for several years don’t you? It is of utmost importance then to do research on the particular models you are most interested in, know the current market trends in car sales and weigh your options carefully so you are confident of making the right choice when it comes time to whip out your checkbook.

The type of car you choose will be dependent on several factors: are you looking for a roomy, comfortable way to truck your kids to ballet class or soccer practice or are you searching for a rugged, off-road trail warrior who willingly follows were your adventurous spirit leads? Maybe you want to tear it up at the racetrack in a screaming blaze of high-octane performance or perhaps gas mileage and ecological-friendliness are your primary concerns. Either way, consider what your expectations and projected requirements are for your planned vehicle and anticipate your need in the future. You’re family may grow beyond it’s current size or you may have a need to use your vehicle for an expanding business. Think of what’s best for your needs and choose a solid, practical model; this year’s flashy, 2-seater with day-glow paintjob and shiny designer rims might get your pulse racing but is it really what you need and can use many years down the line?

Get up-to-date on the latest models though, so you at least know what’s out there and get a feel for current market rates. Check out what new features and innovations have come out recently; the automobile industry is a fast-paced one and new enhancements are coming out all the time.

Buying import car body kits is easier than ever thanks to the internet. Customizing import cars is moving away from being a hobby toward becoming a big business. Import car body kits can include many things, including spoilers, wings, skirts and air dams. Many kits serve to improve aerodynamics and increase speed, while also making the car look cooler.

There are several factors to consider before making an investment in import car body kits, but first and foremost is the kind of material you want, fiberglass or urethane. Both materials have their advantages. Fiberglass is the preferred type because it usually provides a superior fit and is also easily repaired. Be aware that not all fiberglass import car body kits are created equal; don’t save money by buying low-quality sprayed fiberglass.

Sprayed fiberglass often winds up giving you uneven quality prone to brittle sections that can result in both problems with the fit and breakage. Those who choose the urethane kits prefer it, however, because it is a little tougher and hold up to minor impacts better than fiberglass. This is important because if it does get damaged, it’s almost impossible to repair. Another word of advice: Fiberglass import car body kits are unquestionably the better choice if you plan on a customized paint job.

Import car body kits may sound like a DIY job, but unless you have some experience or are just blessed with natural abilities when it comes to do-it-yourself projects, the actual installation is probably best left to a professional or at least an amateur whose work you have actually seen.

The best way to find someone to install import car body kits is probably to ask someone who already had a body kit installed. Ideally, attending an import car show would probably be your best bet; you’ll likely find not only owners with body kits, but some of the guys who make a living installing them. Unfortunately, not everybody has access to a car show. Next on the list would be hitting the internet.

Import car body kits are always a hot topic of conversation on the import car forums and message boards. The internet is a primary source for information on the import car scene because enthusiasts love to show off their stuff. Take a few hours to look around and you’ll not only find images of the kind of body kit that you want, but also vital information on problems, modification tips and hints, and even the names and phone numbers of qualified installers.

There is one single piece of advice you can expect to get from just about everyone. There is very nearly unanimous agreement anyone getting import car body kits installed should also get it painted at the same time. The reason given for this advice has nothing to do with saving money, or body protection or anything like that; this advice is given to protect the drivers from ridicule. Apparently, it is the ultimate in uncool to drive around in unpainted import car body kits.

A car with an excellent paint job is one of life’s true joys. It’s like being the kid with the best bike in the neighbourhood or the biggest piece of birthday cake. Whether you drive a ‘47 Eldorado, a ‘66 Beetle or an ‘07 fortwo, a great paint job will take your vehicle from ho-hum to headturner.

Actually creating a great automotive paint job takes skill and finesse. Automotive painting is one of the most arduous and painstaking tasks in crafting an automobile. It can also be one of the most costly. If you are on a budget, there are options for you. Some paint shops can deliver a good paint job for a fair price. Your other option is to take on the task yourself. If the paint job is a success, you’ll have even more to brag about: a hot set of wheels AND a "do it yourself" tale to tell. Achieving a great paint job is a step-by-step process. You simply can’t rush automotive painting. Follow the basic steps of preparation, primer application, blocking, final paint coat and detail application. This can seem like a daunting task for any beginner, but the entire job can be completed in just a few days.

Prepare Before you begin, check with local bylaws and regulations regarding the use of spray paint in homes and enclosed areas. The last thing you need is a legal holdup delaying your painting job.

Cleaning the car is your next crucial step. The car must be spotlessly clean and free of dirt. Use detergents to clean the car top to bottom, and then follow up with grease removers. After the car has been cleaned, it’s time to begin sanding. An air sander (preferably a dual-action sander) should be used to remove the old paint from the car. This kind of sander will not cause body damage because it removes paint without digging like other sanders and grinders. Every trace of paint must be removed to create a perfect palette for your new paint job. Automotive detailing tape or even duct tape can be used to cover and protect other parts of the car, including plastic moldings and windows. In addition to removing the old paint, all traces of rust have to be sanded off. Rust will spread if ignored or untreated, and the last thing you want is body rot happening beneath your spiffy new paint. You can repair minor body flaws on the car’s surface using fillers. Shape the compound with care using a sanding board, then follow up with a glazing compound. This step will help to ensure a smooth-as-glass finish on your ride.

Mask After the whole car has been initially cleaned, then sanded, a final cleaning takes place and the vehicle is ready to be masked. In this step, every part of the car that shouldn’t be touched by paint is covered and protected. Remember, you will be using high-grade automotive paint that doesn’t wash off with water. Cover your windows, every light and reflector, all window rubbers, all chrome, tires, wheels, door handles, wipers.. take a good look and what needs to be masked. If you don’t want even the tiniest bit of over spray on it, cover it up! The tools and materials needed for masking are available at automotive supply warehouses and hardware stores.

Prime Priming is an essential step to providing a good foundation for your new paint. A flawless prime coat will help you to achieve a perfect paint job. Valspar epoxy is a good primer choice, combining dependable filling capabilities with minimal shrinking. After the primer has been applied, a second coat in a contrasting colour should be applied on top of the first layer. This will serve as a sanding guide. The primer should be sanded to a smooth finish, but don’t sand too vigorously or you could actually damage the body of the car. When the priming is complete, a sealer is applied and a final sanding takes place.

Finishing off In finishing off the automotive painting, it is essential to achieve uniform colour. The spray gun should be held ten to twelve inches away from the body to avoid streaks and runs. This is necessary when applying the basecoat, final coat and clear coat.

Regardless of the type of car you drive, a new paint job can turn it into a real showstopper. Automotive painting can be a time consuming task, but you can do it if you take it step by step. The creative energy will be good for your soul, and the compliments you receive will be great for your confidence.

Have you ever tried out an ATV? These 4 wheelers with turbo charged engines can give you high adrenaline rush. They can be used by adults as well as teens. Do you know which the latest 4 wheelers models in the market are? If not, then it is time you got online or traveled to your nearest Yamaha dealer to get a quick glace of them.

The present ATV’s aren’t the same as the ones that were present during our childhood. The new types of 4 wheelers are in whole different league. You have an option of various sizes and motor specifications to choose from, so that you can choose the one that appeals to you the most. You have to test drive one of the 4 wheelers today, if you don’t you will be left in the past.

When I was about 14 years old, I remember that my father had lately purchased a second-hand 3 wheeler.

I was astonished to see it; my father had totally disassembled the engine, removed all the dirt, and then put it back flawlessly and then this engine was ready to roar. You may find this automotive site useful http://www.hubcapreport.com. When I saw it new bright red paint job, it made me want to take the ATV into the cornfield for a test drive. Yes I did mean cornfield. We lived in Iowa, and there was a lot of space that needed to be treaded as the fields had been combined.

I took this 3 wheeler all across god’s green earth. I even visited the woods in the process. But that is where I had a slight mishap. As I was motoring down the hill at a speed of about 35 miles per hour, I bumped into a rather large rock. This caused my steering to shift and in turn tossed the 3 wheeler over. Luckily I didn’t sustain any injuries.

The ATV just flung over me and the thing that caused the problem was the single wheel. This is the danger factor in 3 wheelers and where 4 wheelers fares much better. You have to remember that there are no issues regarding imbalance when it comes to 4 wheelers. Later we did in fact got rid of that dangerous 3 wheeler and got us a 4 wheeler. From then on we had no such problems.

You may consider getting online if you want to look through for 4 wheelers, you can find a large array of options available. There are great ranges to choose from, which are provided by brand like Yamaha and Honda. The versatility of the ATVs like the 4 wheelers is the best thing that you can get. You can use them in the rain, hail or snow. They can be used in all sessions of weather, they are the best of outdoor activities, or just if you want to take them for a joy ride. So the best thing to do is to go online and check the newest 4 wheelers today.

You can save a lot of time and fuel by making a list of questions to ask when buying a used car, and phoning around before you try and drive. In part three of my used car buying tips article series, I covered the topics of organized note taking during phone interviews, rust awareness, and problems the owner may have knowledge of concerning their own car. In this part I’ll go over some specific mechanical aspects which are typical problem areas with used cars.

Engine Issues:

How is the engine? Does it burn oil? This is a good thing to know because an engine that burns oil is worn out to some degree. When a car is burning oil it means that the oil in the engine, which is there for lubrication and cooling purposes, is escaping into the combustion chamber somehow, and going out the tailpipe as blue stinky smoke. That means that the car is excessively polluting the air, and more oil must be added to replace what has been lost. These things can be expensive to fix.

Similarly, oil leaking from the seals of the engine will land on the ground and end up polluting the streams, rivers and oceans in your area. Like the increased air pollution from an oil burning car, the oil leaking car is an environmental menace. Repair of oil burning problems usually requires a major overhaul of the engine. Oil leaks may require similarly complex repairs, or they may be much simpler. A leaking valve cover gasket is a very common oil leak affecting many cars which can be repaired with a $6 gasket and an hour of labor.

Transmission:

Ask the owner if the transmission shifts without any grinding. If not, this can be expensive to fix. Ask them about the clutch, when it was last replaced, and if they have the bill for it. If it has never been replaced, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It may indicate that the car has been driven gently. It could be a $500+ job if it needs one though, which is ok if the asking price reflects that needed work.

Tires and Wheels, Glass and Exhaust:

Ask them about the tires. New tires cost around $100 each and up, depending on the car. Are the wheels steel or aluminum? Aluminum ones cost more when the car was new, and are generally more valuable, and nicer looking. Is the windshield cracked or pitted? New ones start at around $200 and go up from there. How about the muffler? Is it quiet? When was it last replaced? A new one of decent quality will cost a few hundred bucks minimum.

Brakes:

Brakes need to be done every couple of years on any car. When were they last done? Both front and rear? You can expect to pay $100 per wheel to have them done at least. You will need to have the brakes up to standard to insure your newly purchased used car, as a vehicle inspection is usually required by insurance companies. This is a good thing since it can save your life and the lives of others.

Paint:

What color is the car? How does the paint look? Like the rust question, this is a matter of perceptions, but its worth asking. Has the car ever been painted? If so, when? New paint may indicate that the car was rusted, or in an accident. New paint can be a good thing, especially if the paint has been there for a few years and still looks good. Original paint is the best though, because then you can see that there’s no rust or accidents, and they do paint right at the factory!

Interior Condition:

How is the interior? The condition of the upholstery is easy to see, and may reflect the level of care that has been taken in looking after the rest of the car. Find out what color the interior is too. Do you like that color? Asking if the car has ever been smoked in is a good idea if you like things that are clean. The difference in cleanliness between the interiors of a smoker’s car and a non-smoker’s car is quite remarkable.

The Price:

What is the asking price? It says in the ad, but ask anyway and make sure you are both on the same page about this important detail. Are they flexible on the price? See what they say.

The Location:

Find out where the car can be seen, and when. If they don’t want to meet you at their home, that should be a red flag. They may have lots of cars there, and try to meet you somewhere, anywhere but their place! Seeing where they live and the condition of their home will give you greater insight into how they take care of their lives, and therefore their cars. I like to go to their place to see what it looks like, so I can get a feel for how they take care of their stuff.

Since we live in a world where cleanliness is becoming of great importance, we do our best to keep our possessions in sanitary & pristine order. Whether it’s our house or our prized vehicles, we want these things to stay nice and well maintained. Most of us tend to take better care of our vehicles than we do ourselves! As odd as that may sound, it could be due to the innumerable car cleaning products at our disposal. Whatever your polishing requirements are, you will definitely find a quality car cleaning product that will do the job for you.

If you venture out to any fine auto store or even Wal-Mart, you will be overwhelmed with car cleaning products. Then comes the picking and choosing. How do you know which ones are the best, and which ones are a better choice for your car? Well, it’s time to turn head online for your research. The Internet can provide you with very useful and relevant feedback on a variety of car cleaning products that have been used by others like yourself. Check and see how each product is rated by them.

In our society there is an ongoing joke regarding the men and their cars. Men often pull out all the stops when it comes to their SUV or sports car. In fact, car cleaning products are no laughing matter. Luckily, these days there is everything from high quality car waxes to get the paint job in perfect condition, to shampoos that will leave the interior of your ride smelling like new.

When it comes to car cleaning products, many like the aesthetic results, but may not consider the preservation aspects. By taking good care of your vehicle, you definitely prolong the life of the car. For example, if you wax your car once a month and give the paint that ultimate protection from the elements, then it will most likely not show as much damage down the road. The nautral elements will have trouble penetrating the shield and protection given by your car wax.

All this is well worth it in the long run. This goes the same for your car’s interior. The sun can be damaging to your dashboard, vinyl or leather. If you keep it clean and protected, it is much less likely to crack. There are a number of car cleaning products that can help you with this feat. No matter the extent of obsession with your vehicle, you don’t have to fight the battle alone. On the internet, you can find car cleaning products galore with specifications to suit your needs, no matter what vehicle you own. The life and beauty of your car is important to you, not to mention if you intend to sell it later. Quality car cleaning products are a must when it comes to owning and caring for a vehicle.

Every winter drivers should take active steps to protect their car from road salt.

Road salt is necessary for safe transportation when snow and ice accumulate on roads and highways and cause dangerous driving conditions.

Salt was first used in the 1930’s in snow and ice control to make roads safe and passable by creating a lower freezing temperature of the water. It is the most available and cost-effective de-icer. It is easy to store, handle, and apply.

Some 15 million tons of de-icing salt is used each year in the U.S. and about 4-5 million in Canada.

Salt keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and to allow snowplows to remove accumulations quickly and efficiently.

Studies show that salt use reduces accidents by 88%.

Washing your car during wintertime is one of the best things you can do to maintain the value of your car. Mud, salt, rain, sleet, and snow can damage your car’s clear finish. Mud and salt caked on the undercarriage promote rust, especially in older vehicles, and can also affect how well your car drives.

To prevent winter damage, it is recommended that you wash your vehicle every 10 days. Wash your vehicle whenever the temperature is 40 degrees F. and above. Do it during the day so that it dries completely before freezing evening temperatures begin.

Immediately after washing the vehicle, open and close all doors, the trunk, and other parts of the car with locks several times before parking it to prevent locks from freezing.

Always wash your car right after a snow or rain shower. Rain and snow collect pollutants in the air and drop them as acid rain which can damage the cars protective finish. Snow and sleet also include the corrosive road salt.

Wash the underside of your car often during the winter months in car washes that do not use recycled water.

Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water which is saturated with road salt.

Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen should be taken care of immediately.

Wax your car at least every six months. Put a good heavy coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt and cold temperatures.

More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black or white because these colors are more susceptible to acid rain and UV rays.

When spring time rolls around, treat your car to a good wax job again. Be sure to remove all road grime and salt off of the car before you begin waxing.

For more information:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

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Article (c) 2005 Marilyn Pokorney