NY Daily News Reports Classic Car Market At All-Time High

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

We're asked constantly about the values of classic cars, and whether the current trend in popularity will be on-going or whether we're in for a bubble-burst. As much as I'd love to provide a definitive answer, there is really no way to accurately predict. The previous gas war we were in in the 1970's proved fatal to a thriving muscle car era.

Even following the downturn following the 1970's highs, there were always the true enthusiasts who not only kept their enthusiasm in tact, but helped to keep the cars themselves from extinction. I think that this will always be the case. And, if we are faced with another downturn in collector attention, it should drive up the prices when they once again surface because there would be fewer survivors. As we all know, rarity does drive up the values of collector cars.

That said, the news in the collector world is still good. It is being reported in the New York Daily News that, "The demand for classic cars is at an all-time high. If viewed as a class of commodity, they would seem like the only sure bet for investors."

We'll continue to monitor demand and valuations of classic cars, but for us, it's more than the monetary value. Guy Algar states, "I have always believed that the fun of owning a classic car or truck is NOT in the financial gain you might get from owning one. It is in the joy that owning and driving one brings, even if the costs outweigh the value. It has the ability to take us back to our youth when life was delightfully simpler, and cars were something that you actually enjoyed!" As one person commented online, "treating old cars as an investment would suck the fun out of owning them." We agree!

RESOURCES FOR CLASSIC CAR INVESTMENT:
Classic Car News - Buying Classic Cars As Investments - What Are Your Chances of Making Money? 
Classic Car News - Don't Let The Thrill Of Driving Die - Traditional Ritual In Danger
Classic Car News - Future of Cars May Be Incredible, But Will They Be As Fun To Drive?
NYDailyNews.com - Demand for Classic Cars Reaches New Heights

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Theft Alert: 1932 Ford Coupe Stolen While Florida Man On Vacation

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

News broke today of a DeLeon Springs, Florida man who returned home from vacation to find that his 1932 Ford Coupe had been stolen from his garage. As our regular readers are aware, we've been running a weekly series, Keep Our Rides Safe, on classic car and muscle car theft prevention and protection. We had just written about the need to take active steps to protect your rides even in your own garage, and this is heartbreaking proof that these types of thefts DO occur where you feel most safe...your home.

Stolen Car: 1932 Ford 3-window Coupe
Estimated Date of Theft: Sunday 10-21-12 from DeLeon Springs, FL

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that David Gallentine discovered the theft when he "went to his garage to put some fishing poles and other equipment away Monday night when he noticed some items out of place. And completely missing was his restored 1932 Ford three-window coupe." Upon closer inspection he discovered that the thieves had pried the metal on the side of his shop to gain access. "They knew it was there, they knew I wasn't here, and they knew how to get into the shop," he said. And the car was the only thing missing. Nothing in the home was touched.

Gallentine estimates that he spent about 3,000 hours building the coupe over a three year period.  The car is estimated to be worth approximately $90,000. One neighbor reported hearing activity on Sunday, thinking it sounded like the car leaving the residence.

If you have any information, please contact the DeLeon Police Department at 386-734-1711.

RESOURCES FOR REPORTING:
DeLeon Police Department - DeLeon Police Dept Website

Hemmings - Hemmings Daily Blog Report a Theft Form

RESOURCES FOR THEFT PREVENTION:

Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture

Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car

Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic or Muscle Car To Minimize The Threat of Theft
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
Classic Car News - At Home Theft Prevention for Your Classic Car or Muscle Car
Classic Car News - On The Road Theft Protection - How to Keep Your Car Safe While Traveling

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

On-The-Road Theft Protection - How to Keep Your Classic Car or Muscle Car Safe While Traveling

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Last week, we looked at security when we're at home. It's our sanctuary and a place we keep our most cherished items (classic car, muscle car, antique, street rod, vintage truck, or our project car of course). Even though more than one third of all car thefts occur from a home or residence, we're very vulnerable when we travel, especially when far from home on a road trip. But, bad things can happen even when on the road not all that far from home as well!

Keeping Your Classic Car Safe On Road Trips

When you're traveling, you'll need to change priorities a bit. You'll be out of your element and will need to have take reasonable precautions. How far from home and for how long will play a big part in the types of things you'll need to consider, and the steps you may need to take to maximize your safety strategies.

Some steps are obvious while others are easy to overlook when it comes to preventing car theft when you're away from home!

Prepare With Accurate, Up-To-Date Records

In addition to the maps, hotel reservations and activity list, make sure you take the time to prepare a list of information you might just need if you get into any trouble on the road. Make, model and VIN numbers are a good start. Adding identifying numbers of your engine, paint and interior colors, rim and tire information, and any other identifiers which are unique or can help identify your car should be listed. When you're in crisis mode, it's easy to forget to list obvious ones that can aid officials in locating your ride. The more information they have the better.

In addition to making sure you have a way of reaching your insurance company 24/7, you might also want to write contact information of your repair or restoration shop, and bring along photos of your car (front, side, rear). These can aid in getting bulletins out quickly. Jot down the e-mail address for Hemmings Daily so you can notify them of a theft by simply filling out a brief form (see link below). They've been instrumental in getting the word out, as we do, to fellow enthusiasts who can keep an eye out!

Make Sure You Have Adequate Classic Car Insurance

Make sure you've got active insurance in place. If not, take a look at purchasing a classic car insurance policy, and make sure that it is active before any long trip. Talk with an agent who can help advise about potential loop-holes in coverage. If you're considering a long trip or cruise, make sure that it will cover the mileage and the possibility you may be out of state. The cost is low compared to auto insurance for your modern daily driver, and it can mean the difference of losing your cherished ride forever, or the possibility of being able to begin again with another without losing your shirt. And remember, the use of deterrents and active anti-theft devices can save you money on your premiums. Read the full article on insurance in the resources link below, and don't procrastinate in getting it.

Use An Alarm System

Today's assortment of alarms can seem overwhelming, and we'll be covering them in detail in a future installment in this series of theft prevention articles. There are passive alarms that signal a monitoring device, those that will page you, those that sound an audible alarm, those that will activate hidden cameras, and those that will trigger active GPS monitoring. We will take a look at each of these in detail, but for now remember that all the theft deterrents and alarms in the world won't help keep your ride safe unless you actively use them. Remember to activate them whenever you're not in your car, and especially when you are away from home and/or on a road trip.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Take Care Where You Park

The point here is to be aware of your surroundings, including where you park your car. Don't take it for granted that just because you're at a national show or event with fellow enthusiasts or on a popular cruise or road trip that something bad can't happen. Take preventive action by checking out your intended destination and taking the time to secure your old car or truck while on the road.

Guy Algar states, "Don't forget to take precautions even during short trips or visits to popular places. You may feel safe parking your ride because you've been there before or know people where you're going, but remember, that thieves can take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself, and will sometimes create their own opportunities as well! They can follow you from a cruise, a show, an event or even from a restaurant and plan a theft after watching you entering your hotel. If you have a ride that catches other people's attention, remember that it will also catch the wrong attention!" Keep these things in mind:

• Never park behind buildings. This tends to provide cover for thieves.
• If you can, park in plain sight of windows, doors, and areas with good foot traffic.
• Do not park next to thick bushes or shrubbery.
• Do not park next to alcoves, walls and areas where a person can hide. 
• Avoid extremely remote areas.
• Avoid unattended parking lots. Parking garages are safer choices.
• Select parking garages that are fenced in and secure. Preferably with good visibility into the lot.
• When parking on the street, select busy well-lit areas.
• Be especially cautious at night, which is a thief's preferred time.
• Check on your vehicle regularly.
• Never leave a spare set of keys in the car.
• Don't leave hotel keys in car.
• Don't leave travel plans, maps, hotel or travel pamphlets in plain sight.
• Do not leave personal items and baggage in plain sight whenever possible.
• Remove your GPS device or hide it.
• Never hide keys in/or about your car.
• Never leave your title in the vehicle.
• Never move valuables after you've arrived.
• Don't park in two spaces. This only brings attention to your car.
• Arm your car with your anti-theft measures and your multi-layered security system.

Use All Your Self Deterrents

Don't forget the basics in theft prevention. We'll take a closer look at each of these, and many more, in upcoming weeks:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Use hood locks.
• Use steering wheel and/or brake locks.
• Use a kill switch.
• Disconnect the car's battery.
• Use a fuel cut-off switch.
• Remove the Distributor Cap and/or Ignition Rotor.
• Remove Fuel Pump Fuse.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: 
Guy and I realize that the safety of your classic car or muscle car is extremely important to most owners. Everyone wants to protect their ride with methods that work, and that won't bust the bank. Guy Algar was an Installation Technician for LoJack at one point in his career, and served as a troubleshooter for difficult installations. A complete list of links for Theft Prevention and Theft Protection will appear in my upcoming article. Have a story you'd like to share? Leave a comment and we may publish your story! - Andrea L. Algar

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture

Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car

Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic or Muscle Car To Minimize The Threat of Theft
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
Hemmings - Hemmings Daily Blog Report a Theft Form
No Nonsense Self Defense - Car Theft Prevention

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Ownership Changes in Companies that Provide Classic Car Insurance

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Major news that could impact classic car and muscle car owners across the country is an announcement from Nasdaq last Wednesday, October 17th, that the Markel Corp. will purchase Essentia Insurance Co. from current owner OneBeacon Insurance Group LLC. 

Stock Market Announces News
that could Affect Classic Car Owners

Why would this type of stock market news concern classic car owners? Well, anyone who is interested in purchasing classic car insurance may be interested because Essentia Insurance is the exclusive underwriter for policies issued to Hagerty Insurance Agency, one of the world's leading providers of insurance for classic car and trucks. Hagerty offers insurance for a variety of collectibles such as classic cars, boats and motorcycles, and is one that we've mentioned as a resource in past articles. As you know, we encourage owners to take a look at classic car insurance, whether you've got a project car, a daily driver, a show car, race car or a collector car.

While the deal should close in January 2013, terms were not disclosed, and it remains to be seen what, if any, changes may occur following Markel's acquisition. Hagerty Insurance Agency will remain a privately-owned family business.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
Nasdaq - http://www.nasdaq.com/article/markel-to-buy-essentia-insurance-20121017-00872

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Just How Much Say Does The Wife - Girlfriend Have With Your Classic Car Decisions?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Boy is this a loaded gun! I know the criticisms will come from writing about this, but here goes. I've been thinking about this article for quite some time, and last month, I put out a poll on my blog on this very subject.

Today, while reading an Internet article on healthcare, I came across an article on The Billfold by Bill Foster of Portland, Oregon entitled Love My Ride, But Wife Says It Has To Go. After reading through the list of ads he'd copied from Craigslist (just some of the 165 he claimed referenced the word "wife"), I knew it was time to come out with my thoughts on the matter.

The very first one was about hot rods, so I was hopeful I'd find more specific references for old car enthusiasts, who I believed would certainly relate to this topic.  It read, “I bought it to make into a hot rod for my wife but after getting it home she changed her mind.??”  Okay, I thought, we're going to find some great stuff here. Then I found another, "I bought this to restore myself but I probably jumped the gun with too many projects and the wife was upset with me…” Okay, this sounds like what I would expect to hear.

Since starting a hot rod shop with my husband, I've been surprised at just how negatively many women act towards a husband or boyfriend's pursuit of something they love. After all, even though owning a classic car or muscle car can be an expensive hobby, wouldn't they prefer this over a) running around with another woman, b) spending all their time getting stewed at a sports bar, or c) gambling or some other annoying and costly pursuit, just to name a few?

Why Is It So One-Sided?

I don't like getting "stuck" talking to the wife or girlfriend if all she has to do is complain about the time or money her husband/boyfriend spends on or with his car. I find it selfish. As a woman, I know how much our little pastimes of shopping, beauty, shoes, purses, (you name it) cost, and I've never understood why it should be so one-sided. Think about it. A woman can spend $1,000 easily on clothes, or on a cosmetic procedure such as laser hair removal. She might spent $2,000 on hair extensions, or $5,000-$8,000 on breast implants, liposuction or a tummy tuck! $1,000 in car parts can go pretty far for repairs or modest upgrades, and $5,000 could certainly give you some punch in performance upgrades.

And the things that women will demand can range from mild complaints to constant nagging, threats, to sometimes intentional bizarre acts like giving stuff away, or even intentionally wrecking the car! I'm collecting stories to highlight in an upcoming article, as well as offering this quick survey to get a good idea what guys are faced with out there.

My Blog Poll:

Ever had a wife or a girlfriend from hell? Did she interfere with you enjoying your ride?

Tell us how. And, if you have a story you'd like to share with other readers, send it to classics@motorheadsperformance.com. We may use it in our upcoming article!

(Actual Poll is at right in side bar - please share your experience)

Look For The Warning Signs and Take Action

Guy Algar and I like to ask our customers to take a hard look at their life situation before committing to a project, particularly if it involves a complete restoration of their classic car or muscle car. If you don't you might just find yourself writing an ad that sounds an awful lot like these:

• “I hate to see it to go, but I’ve got a baby on the way, and my wife is forcing me to sell all my toys.”
• “Wife wants the car out of the driveway.”
• “Wife says it is time to see it go so I’ve lowered the price.”
• “This is my daily driver. Love it but wife said it has to go. It’s all stock...”
• “I just don’t have the time or money to complete. Plus the wife says I HAVE to get rid of it.”

Wife says I have to get rid of it! Wow! I'd say the time to get these things worked out is BEFORE the wedding! If you're a guy who loves his cars, you shouldn't have to give up your hobby. Be willing to talk about how important it is to you and how you don't want to ever have to give it up. See if you can hash out an agreement that isn't one-sided. Try making win-win agreements by giving your girlfriend/wife a chance to put some time and money into something that she likes. Make a budget of both time and money that you're both entitled to and you might just find you argue less about it.

Not All Women Think Cars Are Evil

My daughter had a lot to say about this article when I mentioned it to her. Not being one who likes being type-cast, she rightly pointed out that there are women out there who like cars themselves, and who really like the same things that draw guys to working on their projects. Girls working on cars? She points out that sometimes guys don't always choose their girlfriends with the best priorities in mind! "And they don't have to be butch either," she exclaims, "There are girls out there who love old cars and still like looking pretty."

When Guy and I opened our specialty shop, she took to the old cars. She knew what she liked, and wanted to get a car of her own. And, she wanted it to be a project! She wanted to learn everything she could, and wanted to do it herself. So, after finding the "perfect" vehicle, which was a Jeep CJ, she began the learning process with some guidance and coaching from Guy. The Jeep needed just about everything including an engine rebuild, lots of new parts, exhaust, floor and body work, suspension work, you name it! Whoever worked on it before she bought it seemed like he intended to do some quick work to "flip it", but was in over his head. It was just thrown together and barely stood a ride down  the street.

Several months later, she had a great looking, fully restored Jeep CJ, complete with bubblegum pink engine, nice custom metallic blue paint job, bold tires, bimini top and a nice sound system. All completed herself. She's busy right now looking for her next project, which she'd like to be a late 60's GTO (let us know if you know of one). Here, she's busy working on her Jeep's engine, and as you can see, she's not afraid of a little grease!

But, she's also a girl, and likes to dress that part too.

So while I pen words of caution, and encourage you to work out terms of compromise with the woman in your life before it becomes an issue that is a sore spot, I also offer hope for those who are still looking for someone who will be content with their hobby. My feeling, and that of my daughter, is that you shouldn't have to give up something that is important to you. It's an unfair request.

Some, like me, know what it's like to have an important interest that you want to have supported, if not understood and appreciated too. I had a lot of business knowledge, and a certain degree of interest in old cars, but I certainly didn't have the hands-on knowledge that I now do. I genuinely like supporting Guy in his interests with classic cars and muscle cars (even though I don't always understand what he's talking about), and I like having my own special interests in them as well. While we might have different tastes in the cars themselves, we find that we love working on them side by side, having some laughs over occasional frustrations like a seized or broken bolt, or wind up with me receiving some instruction on something I'm stuck on or needing help with a little bit of extra muscle! Then we can enjoy an evening watching the late evening Texas sunset over stories of the day. The same cooperation is allowed for other interests I have.  A give-and-take.

Give & Take Is Good Solution

One of the best examples I saw of a true give and take deal was where the couple mutually agreed that he could have his toy (a Viper he liked to race), and she could have her horse (a dressage horse from Brazil). They each had budgets that they could spend each month pursuing their own hobbies. As a result of their commitment to each other, and of allowing each other to have separate interests they were able to spend time and money on, their relationship was strong.

Some couples share the same interest in cars, and this can be exciting for both, but it also needs to be understood that you may not share everything in common, and that's okay. You don't ever have to try to talk one another into a single point of view. Life would be boring if we all thought exactly the same about absolutely everything.

This poll ran in a sidebar for several weeks. I've re-opened it for another 4 weeks in hopes to get more participants to cast their vote. From the stories I've heard, I'd believe just about anything when it comes to the outrageous things women will do to prevent their men from enjoying their rides! I've heard of engines and even whole cars being sold right out from under the guy's nose, then the woman spending the money on clothes! 

What do you think?  Know a good story? Let me know!

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://thebillfold.com/2012/10/love-my-ride-but-wife-says-it-has-to-go/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

At Home Theft Prevention For Your Classic Car or Muscle Car

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

We all tend to feel more secure when we're at home. It's our sanctuary from life's stresses. Usually all of our most cherished items are at home, including our classic car, muscle car, antique, street rod, vintage truck, or our project car. Still, more than one third of all car thefts occur from a home or residence!

Tesla Coil Providing Unique Car Protection!
Photo Credits: TeslaDownUnder.com

While most people have learned that it's a great idea to lock up the house, many don't set the alarm when they leave. And, many take reasonable precautions such as making sure windows are closed and locked, and that we haven't done anything to draw attention to the fact that we're not home. But, you'd be amazed at some of the simple, and obvious things that people overlook when it comes to preventing car theft from their own home!

In previous articles, we've looked at being careful talking too loosely about our cherished rides, and where and how to park our cars to minimize car theft risk. This week we're looking at vulnerabilities we have at home.

Where You Choose To Park Your Classic Car

We touched on this one last week, but specifically related to your home, here are some tips to consider. Think carefully where you want to store your classic car.

• If you have an inside attached garage, it may make sense to keep it there, as alarm systems can more easily be incorporated into your total multi-layer security plan.
• If you have an unattached garage, the car itself may be adequately protected from the elements, but more vulnerable to theft because it may be a distance away fro your main house structure.
• If you have no choice but to keep your car or truck in your driveway, try to select an area which will provide the best protection, visibility and difficult access for a theft if possible. Pull as close to the house and if possible block yourself in with something large, heavy and difficult to move such as another vehicle. 
• If you are in an area where your only choice is on-street parking, you're especially vulnerable and need to consider spending extra money in your anti-theft devices and multi-layer security protection.

Secure Your Garage

Even if you park your vehicle in an enclosed garage you may in inadvertently send a signal that there's something valuable inside. Passerby's peer in each time you have your garage door open, and if you've got a hot car, you can bet everyone in the neighborhood (and it's visitors) know!

• Make sure you've got a good lock on your garage door, and keep it locked! This may sound silly, but you wouldn't believe how many people just rely on their garage door opener closing the door and they don't bolt it closed if they're going on a trip or not using the garage for a period of time. Remember, you want to make it as difficult as possible. A determined thief will always find a way, but your goal is to slow them down.
• Put blinds, shades or curtains on your garage windows so an "opportunity thief" (someone who wanders about looking for an opportunity) cannot peer in.
• If you have a home alarm, make sure the garage doors and windows have motion activated sensors that hook into your system. If you don't have a whole-house alarm system, consider installing a system for your garage (we'll be looking closely at alarms in a future article).

Don't Forget to Use Self Deterrents

Just because you've gt your car parked at home doesn't mean you should forget the basics in theft prevention. We'll take a closer look at each of these, and many more, in upcoming weeks:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Never leave car keys in the ignition or anywhere in the car.
• Don't leave a set of keys in the garage (on a hook or hidden).
• Use hood locks.
• Use steering wheel and/or brake locks.
• Use a kill switch.
• Disconnect and/or remove the car's battery (depending on how often you use it)
• Use a fuel cut-off switch
• Remove the Distributor Cap and/or Ignition Rotor
• Remove Fuel Pump Fuse
• Take a wheel off if you don't use the vehicle regularly!

Make Sure You Have Adequate Classic Car Insurance

Take a look at both your homeowner's insurance and a classic car insurance policy. Talk with an agent who can help advise about potential loop-holes in coverage. If you don't already have a classic car insurance policy, consider getting one. The cost is low compared to auto insurance for your modern daily driver, and it can mean the difference of losing your cherished ride forever, or the possibility of being able to begin again with another without losing your shirt.

And remember, the use of deterrents and active anti-theft devices can save you money on your premiums. Read the full article on insurance in the resources link below, and don't procrastinate!

Consider An Alarm System

Now I'm not recommending this one in particular, although you've got to admit, it'd be pretty cool to see the expression on a thief's face if you could rig it up so it was motion-activated!  Here's the video to the photos as shown above.



All kidding aside, all the theft deterrents and alarms in the world won't help keep your ride safe unless you actively use them. Remember to activate them whenever you're not in your car. One day you may be grateful you did.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture

Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car

Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic Car or Muscle Car In Order To Minimize The Threat of Theft
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
No Nonsense Self Defense - Car Theft Prevention
TeslaDownUnder.com - Tesla Car Thief Protection

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Choosing Your Horsepower - Keeping Your Muscle Car or Classic Car Driveable And Enjoyable

by Andrea L. Algar

Motorheads Performance

 

It's all too easy to get caught up in the quest for more horsepower. It's easy to forget that we also want to ENJOY our ride, and to enjoy it, we need it to be driveable.

With the recent rebirth of the muscle car craze, everyone is in search of MORE HORSEPOWER. Go all-out and install a killer big block, 560 cu 800 hp drag racing engine that's built for the strip and you'll have something that'll light up your tires off a stop light, but will probably be a royal pain to drive in city traffic. Most of us want something that will ride nicely on the street, allow you to feel the power, turn a lot of heads, and light things up every now and then! Sometimes easier said than done.

Going overboard is a common mistake. It's very important to be honest about your intended use. Guy Algar states, "One customer came to us with too much performance in her daily driver. In order to stay at a red light, it meant two feet on the pedals. She had a huge cam in the car, and didn't have a stall converter, which meant one foot on the gas pedal to keep the RPM's high enough so it wouldn't stall out (her car idled comfortably in the 1000-1200 range at a stop), and one foot firmly planted on the brake. She found it uncomfortably demanding. A drive across town left her exhausted and sore! Some adjustments to her setup left her with a much more manageable ride that still had plenty of power and performance which she loved." 

 

Make Sure Your Ride is Enjoyable 

 

"You should look hard at what you enjoy," explains Guy. "Everyone likes power, and we all like to boast of what we have under the hood. But, just as important is you being able to truly enjoy taking your car out for a nice ride. Face it, if you're riding around in a car that feels like an old buck-board, it's less likely you'll feel enthused about driving. If you feel like you're wrestling with your car to keep her on the road, something will eventually change, and it'll probably be how often you take her out. It's easy to overpower, but also to under power. Some customers are reluctant to admit that they occasionally want to 'punch it', and this can lead to a build which will under perform for them and leave them feeling like they wasted time and money. I like to match the performance to each customer, and I ask a lot of questions to find out what the best match is. "

 

Before you invest in major repairs, an engine rebuild or performance upgrades, take a honest look at how much time you'll be doing each of the following:

1) Daily driver
2) Short weekend day trips about town (within 100 miles)
3) Occasional cruise to the coast or Hill Country (trips 100-500 miles, a few times a year)
4) Regular cruises and rod runs (trips 100 or more miles, monthly or more per year)
5) Long rod runs (cross country trips and national rod runs)
6) Only for show (car won't be seeing much pavement)
7) Short rides for an afternoon or night out.
8) Occasionally want to "punch it"
9) Like to try the drag strip once to "see what she'll do"
10) Occasional trip to the drag strip "for the thrill" (few times a year at most)
11) Regular trips to the drag strip to "better my time" (6-12 races a year)
12) Serious drag racing (weekly racing but "I want to drive there")
13) Serious drag racing (she'll be trailered)
14) Looks only (won't be driving it much - "I want an investment")
15) ...any other use not mentioned above

 

Choosing Horsepower, Performance, Driveability

 

There are many things a good performance shop will consider in helping match you with the right engine. For instance, a beautiful, throaty, loping idle usually has a long-duration cam that makes plenty of top end power. It also kills low-end torque and throttle response because it may be putting out a power curve that runs from 4,500 to 9,000 rpm. Great for the drag strip, but not practical or desired for the street. A good street cam will have a power curve that runs from 1,500 to 5,500 so that you get the low-end torque to make street driving enjoyable. There are good street-strip combinations which operate in the mid range of these if you are planning on doing a bit of both.

You should consider reliability of your engine. This can become a concern as your horsepower goes up. Most V8 engines can easily handle an extra 50 to 150 hp without throwing a rod or blowing head gaskets under most driving conditions other than serious racing. Most drive trains can handle moderate increases without mashing your rear end or grinding up your transmission.

Once you get into the higher horsepower performance engines, you need to start beefing up your drive train and other components to handle the torque and keep things from breaking apart.

If you're thinking of serious horsepower, your stock block may have to be upgraded from a two-bolt main to a four-bolt main. Appropriate head gaskets need to be used in order to keep the pressure where it belongs. Performance gaskets are usually used for 400-500 hp engines, while anything above this would require sealing the cylinders with copper O-rings. Stiffer valve springs and push rods, a larger radiator or supplemental cooling fan, larger high-pressure clutch and U-joints, as well as a stronger rear-end to hold things together. You may need traction bars for control, as well as stiffer rear shocks and/or springs. Even your fuel pump needs to be considered in order to ensure that you get enough fuel to feed your hungry engine.

 

Consider Your Performance Budget

Speaking of fuel, you'll need to consider the type of gasoline you'll need to use with all your new-found horsepower! The highest common octane is 93. If you have a high compression engine, you may need more than this, and may need to add an octane-booster. If you don't use high enough octane, you may risk damaging your engine from detonation and pre-ignition. With gas prices sky high, your wallet will feel it every time you take her out for a little ride so you'll need to consider this because it may keep you from enjoying your ride as much as you'd like to.

And, something which always needs to be considered is cost. You want to balance your "need for speed" with the fact that SPEED = MONEY. The more horsepower you want, the more money you will need to spend. And, as you've seen above, there are certain hp thresholds that increase your expenses dramatically. Keeping your budget in mind is one way of keeping from going overboard.

What this all means to you is to think carefully about your intended use. Find out what type of engine and horsepower will deliver this and you'll be much happier when the job is all done. Your ride is an expensive project and you want to be able to hit the road with a smile, not a scowl of frustration.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Has The Value Of Quality Died? - A Look At The Impact Of Discount Marketing On The Classic Car And Muscle Car Industry

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

In this age, where "discount-focused" marketing tools such as GroupOn, Living Social, and deal of the day sites allow retailers to attract new customers with reduced prices on products and services, we wonder how this has affected the classic car auto industry and shops that provide repairs, performance upgrades and restoration services for muscle cars, hot rods, classic cars and old trucks.

Many of us have become hardwired to look at paying less than full price. The new status symbol has shifted from talking about "what great quality/service I received" to bragging about "how much I saved". Many who would typically be quite satisfied with the service or the product they received at the establishments full price are now attempting to bargain or talk down a business. This is great with businesses that have a set markup on their goods or services, but impractical and impossible for business like those that cater to the classic car or muscle car market.

Why? Guy Algar explains, "When dealing with services provided from an auto repair shop, restoration shop, or paint and body shop, you need to understand that they've generally got a lot of overhead and a huge labor cost. These eat away at thin profit margins. Shops typically bill by the hour, as opposed to having a flat fee that is padded to include a profit. Unless the shop is also in the business of 'flipping' a car, there isn't room to make extravagant profits on the jobs." And, there is usually quite a bit of expense hidden in the time involved behind the scenes. Difficulty finding rare parts, time spent on the phone with vendors who have a back ordered item, missing deliveries, damaged shipments and other problems occur on a regular basis.

I know of a fellow shop owner who had a customer who demanded a discount after the job was finished, even though prices were discussed and agreed upon at the start. There were no hardships presented, no dissatisfaction with the work, just an explanation that, "the economy is bad and everyone is offering discounts." Asking a repair shop to discount your job after they've already put 20, 50 or 100 hours (or however many spent) into your job, having already paid their employees, bought their supplies, paid their overhead bills such as rent, utilities, etc., means that they are no longer in a position to discount. Negotiations are only fair if done up-front when the shop owner and customer both have a chance to make informed decisions and choices.

In these economic hard times, prices of nearly everything a shop purchases has gone up. From shop towels and hand cleaners to garage owners insurance, Workman's Compensation coverage, health insurance, mandated safety equipment, and supplies such as paints, tools, sandpaper, blast materials to electricity, hazardous waste disposal, phones and other expenses. We've seen the cost of paint alone double in recent years.

The big driving factor in classic car repair is that there simply isn't the ability to increase the numbers in order to absorb the cost of discounting. You can only do so many repairs in a given time period. A ten hour job will still take ten hours of labor you must pay for, whether you charge $60 per hour or $120. This is what makes coupon deals impractical and ill-advised for repair shops that provide specialized work. The only way to absorb excessively low discounts is to cut corners, and I'm sure no one wants this to happen.

So what can you do if you need to negotiate a lower price? Sometimes bad things happen after you've already contracted to have work done. You may have lost your job, had a child, got married or had another life event that now prohibits you from spending the type of money you made an obligation on. We encourage you to act quickly and offer the shop alternatives you would be able to follow through on. Here are some things to consider:

• Enter negotiations before you start business or as soon as possible if your economic situation has changed (i.e. you've lost your job, etc)
• Talk with the business owner or manager (talk only to those who can make the decisions)
• Be clear on what you're trying to accomplish (save money, faster delivery, etc)
• What can you offer in exchange for your request (is a barter or trade possible?)
• Invent options so that both sides "win"
• Be prepared to give and take
• Remember you are asking for consideration (don't insult by inventing problems to support your cause or ask for unrealistic things)

I love what blogger James Bucki advised, "Know the difference between what you need and what you want." This is an important thing to keep sight of, and one that most people forget in the heat of negotiations.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About.com - Contract Negotiation Strategies
Business News Daily - Deal or No Deal: Are Coupons Good For Business
Business News Daily - Groupon Effective For Creating Local Brand Awareness, Study Finds
MoneyCrashers.com - 11 Effective Negiotiation Strategies & Tactics
Top Ten Reviews - Daily Steals 2012 - Deal of the Day Site
Vistage.com - Six Successful Strategies for Negotiation

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

How & Where To Park Your Classic Car or Muscle Car In Order To Minimize The Threat of Theft

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

We've heard that thefts are on the rise for muscle cars, classic cars and even old trucks. How and where you park your classic car can help minimize the risk of having it stolen, having parts taken off of it, or even of having it targeted for future theft. Whether you're at home, away from home, or storing your vehicle for an extended period, there are steps you'll want to take to help keep it safe. Theft prevention is key.

Indoor Parking Garage

Precaution rules the day here. Many interventions you take are common sense, but in the haste of our busy schedules  it's easy to make exceptions and put our vehicles at unnecessary risk. If you're away from home and enjoying time out in your classic, the last thing you want to find is a vacant parking space when you return to your vehicle. Danger also lurks at home where you tend to feel safe, and no owner wants to find an empty garage spot where their cherished ride once sat.

Becoming a victim of theft does not always mean disappearance of the vehicle. Guy recalls what happened to a customer, "He and his wife had gone out to dinner at a nice restaurant. They had taken their 1969 Corvette, parked under a big bright light in the parking lot, in what appeared to be a safe area. When they came out about 45 minutes later he found that all the trim and emblems had been taken right off the car! Obviously, although upset, he was relieved that the car was still there." This is something we're all in fear of.

While many thefts occur when vehicles are parked on the street or even on the owner's own property, logic would say that this is because you tend to park in these spots most often. Police data, however, reveals that based on per-hour-parked statistics, your classic car or muscle car may be at even greater risk when parked at a parking facility. They are often unmanned or poorly patrolled, poorly lit with lots of blind spots and have plenty of places where a thief can effectively hide. Low foot traffic aides in giving a thief the time needed to execute the theft of vehicles, even those with alarms and other deterrents.

But it does make a difference what type of parking facility you choose! Why? It turns out that parking garages are much safer than outdoor parking lots. In fact, reports show that there is five times greater risk of your car being stolen from an unattended lot than from either on-street parking or when parking in a parking garage or in an attended lot. Unmanned outdoor lots that utilize a self-pay system have little or no security or deterrents of any kind. They're often easily accessed and have very light foot traffic. At night you're particularly vulnerable.
What can you do to improve your odds? First, never take it for granted that because you're in a well lit area you'll be okay, or that if you're with fellow enthusiasts it's less likely something bad will happen. Bottom line, be prepared, take precautions and be proactive in securing your vehicle at all times!

Choosing Where To Park Your Classic Car:

• Never park behind buildings. This tends to provide cover for thieves.
• If you can, park in plain sight of windows, doors, and areas with good foot traffic.
• Do not park next to thick bushes or shrubbery.
• Do not park next to alcoves, walls and areas where a person can hide. 
• Avoid extremely remote areas.
• Avoid parking lots, especially unattended ones. Parking garages tend to be safer choices.
• Select parking garages that are fenced in and secure. Preferably with good visibility into the lot.
• When parking on the street, select busy well-lit areas.
• Be especially cautious at night, which is a thief's preferred time.
• If you're looking at long-term storage, select location carefully and have a way of checking on your vehicle regularly.

Parking Your Classic Car While Away From Home:

• Make sure all doors are locked.
• Close and lock all windows.
• Do not leave keys in your car.
• Do not leave your home's garage door opener, house keys, or other items in the car.
• Remove your GPS device if possible (you don't want it showing a thief the way to your home).
• Never hide keys in/or about your car.
• Never leave your title in the vehicle.
• Never move valuables after you've arrived.
• Don't park in two spaces. This only brings attention to your car.
• Arm your car with your anti-theft measures and your multi-layered security system.

Securing Your Classic Car In Your Own Garage:

• Lock your car! Doors and windows. This simple, very basic step is often overlooked because you're in the safety of your own home. It is often just seconds or minutes that separate a successful car theft from a foiled attempt, so everything you can throw at the thief is a good step in the direction of theft prevention.
• Keep your garage window shades or blinds closed.
• Cover your car. Not only will this help to keep your classic clean, but it will help keep it hidden when you do have your garage door open. Purchase and use a cover designed for outdoor weather if you're parking your car outdoors in your driveway.
• Never leave your keys in the ignition. Again, a lot of people keep car keys in the open because they feel it is safe in their own garage. Store your keys in a separate area.
• Consider cameras which can monitor and record any activity.
• Arm your car with your anti-theft measures and your multi-layered security system - even, and especially, while at home!

Next we'll take a look at At-Home Theft Prevention. We hope you'll our series on theft prevention for classic car and muscle car owners.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Manitowoc website - How to Prevent Theft From Your Vehicle
Pittsburgh Police - Types of Car Theft
U.S. Dept of Justice - Theft of and from cars in parking facilities

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

LS9 Time Lapse Video Provides A Look At The ZR1 Corvette And The Wonders Of The Incredibly Versatile LS Engine Block (Videos)

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There has been much fanfare about the LS engine block. Because it is so versatile, the LS block has quickly become the go-to for custom builds. Nothing demonstrates this better than the fact that the new Chevy ZR1 Corvette's power base is a supercharged LS9.


GM Performance Build Center
Photo Credit: lsxtv.com

While Corvettes have traditionally rolled out of the Bowling Green plant, LS9 engines are assembled in a special plant called the GM Performance Build Center, a $10 million dollar, 100,000 sf facility located in Wixon, Michigan. When you stop to consider that engines coming out of this plant are not mass produced, but rather made to order, it's easier to understand the costs associated with the cars that come out of this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Salvatore Alaimo, author of the article Time Lapse Video Captures The Genesis Of An LS9, describes the significance of the engine as, "the LS9 is to the General (General Motors) what an AMG motor is to Mercedes; each individual unit is assembled by an assigned engineer in an environment that is specific to the motor assembly process."

The following video, provided by CarsInDimension, offers a time-lapse 3 minute build of an LS9!



Lucky buyers of the new ZR1 Corvette have an option of visiting the PBC to watch their engine being assembled. If you have a few minutes, watch the interesting video. It might be your least expensive chance of seeing a professional LS build from the GM Performance Build Center, and probably your only chance of seeing it done from start to finish!

Contrary to what the article states, however, if you've got the extra cash, you can arrange a visit to the GM Performance Build Center, and even to do your own custom build at their facility! Tours are available by appointment only to enthusiasts, clubs and current model Corvette owners. But what is really unique is the Corvette experience that is offered to every Z06 and ZR1 buyer. The Corvette Engine Build Experience.



As described on the GM Performance Build Center website, "Every Z06 and ZR1 production engine is hand built. Now, those hands could be yours! All Corvette Z06 and ZR1 buyers can take advantage of this new once in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to the GM Performance Build Center to help build their own LS7 or LS9 engine. With the guidance of the world-class craftsmen who assemble these engines every day, Z06 and ZR1 buyers can enjoy the experience of a lifetime."



All part of owning a new Corvette!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chevrolet - Chevy Corvette
Corvette Assembly Plant - Bowling Green
GM Performance Build Center - GM PBC Website 
GM Performance Build Center - Corvette Engine Build Experience
LSXTV - Time Lapse Video Captures The Genesis Of An LS9
Museum - National Corvette Museum
YouTube - CarsInDimension

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

What Classic Car And Muscle Car Enthusiasts Can't Wait For - Cool Weather Driving!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Cooler weather is finally here. In South Central Texas we've been gripped by 100 plus temperatures most of the summer, and as recent as just a few weeks ago. But, we had our first "cold" front come through, reducing the temperatures to a balmy 80 degree range! This is probably still quite hot by most people's standards, but for those of us in this part of Texas, it's bliss. And, for driving enthusiasts, it's heaven.

Most people will agree that taking a drive on a day that is "picture perfect" is a great experience. Not only is it pleasant for you, but for your car as well. Your car performs better under cool conditions, and you're apt to notice the boost in power and performance.

An on-line forum reader posted this question (along with the above pic) to fellow car enthusiasts:

"I love this time of year, it’s still dry and the air has cooled. Perfect driving weather. When is your perfect time to drive?"

It didn't surprise me that the following great comments were included in the responses:

• "This one after the sun has warmed the pavement."
• "It's just coming into Spring time here in Melbourne, so perfect driving season for me is just beginning. It gets a little too hot for comfort over Christmas, but then we get another great driving season Between around late Feb to April. This will be my first spring/summer with a convertible so I'm just dying to get down out and about with the top down. It hasn't stopped raining since I bought it two months ago, but I suppose what did I expect buying a convertible in winter. I'm hoping for good weather this weekend so I can take off down the Great Ocean Road, one of the best driving roads in the world, and starts just 90 mins from my house. I love my car so much I just can't wait to drive it as it was meant to be driven, top down, in the sun, on a great road."
• "Driving on the back roads of the Blue Ridge mountains in fall when the leaves turn red and start to fall...when the air is getting crisp and a slight wind is present...my favorite time of year."
• "Night time, little to no traffic. I have these wonderful backroads near a state park that are amazing and fun to drive. I drive in heavy traffic during my one-hour, one way commute daily and to have the freedom of an open road is so relaxing... I just take off sometimes, I just love driving."
• "In Montana, anytime there isn't snow on the ground."
• "My favourite is going out at 1am-3am on a winters night with a fresh inch or two of snow on the country roads. I can't wait for winter."
• "Mine is on a crisp sunny day, sunroof down, in the wide open country."
• "Summer and autumn evenings with the top down."
• "Cool Air= Perfect turbo weather."
• "2AM on a warm summer night, with nowhere to go and nowhere to stay."
• "I love driving in the day and at night. During the day I take it easy and cruise around with some music on. At night on a back road, with the cooler temp is when I when i give it the beans!" 
• "SoCal here, late at night when the traffic subsides, in the mountains around LA. Anyone who has business up there is home in bed and the roads are mostly empty. Except, depending on where you go, there could be dozens of cars running the mountains. All enthusiasts, all enjoying a few hours of empty twists and turns. During the summer, it's uncomfortably hot all day, but at night it's warm with just a bit of a chill when you go fast with the windows down. So you go run the mountains and canyons with your windows down."
• "All the time. If I'm going to have a car, why not use it for what it was meant to be used for?"
• "Middle of the night, empty windy road, after a long day at work."
• "I've got three, depending on my mood: Friday or Saturday night/morning, preferably til sunrise, when it stopped raining for some time and roads are still a little damp, during winter, I just love snow."
• "When I don't have to wait 10 minutes for my car to cool down from being out in the sun is perfect driving weather for me."
• "I love driving top down anytime the weather is 70ish! Night and day are both awesome."

Any of these ring true for you? I guess it's no surprise that there is a wide range of things that people like, but it seems that cooler temperatures really do play a role. I've heard the excitement building when talking with friends, customers and even our vendors. We're all looking forward to the enjoyment that the cooler weather brings to our driving experience.

When most drivers think of fall driving, they often envision colorful fall foliage, empty highways and beautifully cool clear days. And, depending upon where you are in the country, many indeed do live up to this expectation. But even picture-perfect days have have the potential for disaster in the days of autumn. Fall weather can be unpredictable and driving conditions can change from perfect to dangerous in no time at all. To complicate things, the decreased daylight with return to Standard Time from Daylight Savings Time means more hours driving in potential darkness. So, while Fall is one of the most desirable times of the year for driving, it is actually one of the more treacherous times of times! Here's some of the things to be cautious of in the Fall months:

• Deer & Animals in Roads - Fall is a time where animals are more active in preparation for winter. Depending on the area of the country you are driving, you may encounter deer or even moose and elk which can spring out of nowhere. We have a lot of deer in South Central Texas and the Hill Country, and even the smallest can cause a lot of damage!
• Rain – Fall rainstorms often tend to be sudden and heavy. Early fall storms are the worst from a driving perspective because highways that have a summer’s worth of oil and rubber buildup from traffic become extremely slick when suddenly soaked. It usually takes a couple of really good downpours to wash this buildup away and in the interim the roadway is especially hazardous.
• Hydroplaning - We've all heard of it, and luckily probably very few of us have ever experienced it. But, when hydroplaning happens it can be very scary. It is caused when excessive water builds up on the road and causes a vehicle to "float" on a layer of water as it looses contact with the road surface. It's a matter of physics. Hydroplaning occurs because the water buildup on the road is greater than the amount of water the tread channels can effectively clear away. Most commonly, hydroplaning lasts only a second or two as a vehicle is passing through a shallow puddle, but during heavy downpours it can last long enough to loose the ability to steer and brake. In this circumstance it's best to slow down and avoid any sudden movements of the wheel or brakes that can make your vehicle spin out of control. If you feel a floating feeling while driving on wet roads, steer straight and gently back off the throttle until you feel the tires make contact with road surface. Here in Texas, we have especially heavy downpours where it can be best to pull off the road and wait it out.
• Fog - Usually found in low places or areas surrounded by trees, hills or mountains, fog is statistically the single most dangerous condition a driver can encounter. It can severely limit visibility and change your perception of distance. When encountering fog, even just a small foggy patch in a hollow, slow down. There may be a stalled or slow vehicle hidden behind that wall of white. It is also smart to turn on your headlamps (low beam) or fog lamps to increase your visibility and your chances of being seen by other motorists. Most accidents happen in fog because the driver was going too fast for conditions and rear-ended the vehicle ahead. Slow down to a crawl if necessary, keep your lights on and use extreme caution.
• Foggy Windows - We've all had this happen. Just the act of your warm body entering your cold car causes your windows to fog up. If you've got a hot cup of coffee, it'll happen much faster. You can clear all windows by running the defroster, but if you want to keep the fog from returning, take the time to wipe off the glass. RainX has an excellent product which keeps it from returning. Fog also tends to form on the exterior mirrors, so don't forget those.
• Leaves - As Fall moves along, non-evergreen trees lose their leaves and end up covering streets. While it is fun and beautiful to roar through quiet country roads that are colored with leaves, they become very slippery with even a slight amount of moisture. Avoid sudden turns, hard acceleration and braking, which can all lead to skidding.
• Glare - Glare from the sun can be very intense in the Fall because of the sun's position, reflection off of damp roadways, other cars, windows and even road signs. Good anti-glare sunglasses are recommended to have on hand for any road trip.
• Frost – It's pretty when Jack Frost  pays a visit, leaving twinkling sparkles all over your lawn and trees. But, when driving through a shady patch of road around a sharp corner, the effects could be hair-raising. Use caution when driving over bridges, down tree-lined streets, or anywhere else where heavy shadows cross roads that are dew-laden from melting frost.
• Black Ice – Invisible, unexpected. Although black ice doesn't usually occur this early, a cold snap in our Northern States certainly make it a possibility. At a minimum black ice is dangerous and at it's worst it can be deadly. What makes it so dangerous is that the roads looks as dry. Black ice usually forms below overpasses, on bridges, in shaded areas and where there is water running across or pooling on the pavement. If you live in an area where frost occurs, black ice is always a possibility. Use extreme caution when driving on cold mornings where there is evidence of frozen moisture on the roadway.

As we get a bit further into the season, we have other dangers to consider such as snow, ice, hail, sleet, black ice and bridges that freeze. For now, enjoy the cooler weather and use common sense and a bit of caution when the crisp early morning and evenings lure you to put the pedal down and enjoy your ride!

REFERENCES / ARTICLE RESOURCES:

AARP - Fall Driving Tips

Bridgestone - Fall Driving Tips

Castrol - Yellow & Orange Alert: Fall Driving Safety Tips

Tacoma Transmissions - Safe Fall Driving Tips

TracTalk - Fall Driving Tips

USA Today - Top 10 Fall Foliage Drives Around the USA

INTERESTING READS:

California Fall Color - Dude, autumn happens here too

Colorado - Scenic Drives

Discover New England - One Week Fall Foliage Driving Itinerary

Explore Minnesota - Rainbow Routes: 10 Fall Color Drives

The Foliage Network - The Source For Accurate Foliage Information (updated twice weekly)

Great Lakes - Fall Colors In The Great Lakes

Maine - Driving Itinerary

Michigan - Fall Color Tours

Road Trip America - Autumn Road Trips Across the USA

Utah Fall Color - Driving Tours

Washington State - State Scenic Byway: Scenic Driving Tours

West Virginia - Fall Color & Driving Tours

New York State - Fall Driving Tours

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.