The very first thing a crook will do to hide the history of a car is he will attempt to change the VIN number on the car and on the documents that support the car. To the unsuspecting buyer this can be done easily and quickly. To a well experienced, honest person in the auto business undoing this cheap fraud is even easier. There are several places on the car where the VIN number is evident and several that aren’t. An experienced mechanic can quickly get to the more hidden places where a VIN number is stored and can expose the crook in his game.
From that point forward the car will be officially branded as one that attempted to conceal damage by virtue of a phony VIN number - easily checkable by anyone who takes the time to run a VIN number check on a used car before buying. Furthermore, there are a whole host of minor repairs that can make a very damaged car look acceptable. Obviously, a quick paint job and ding/dent removal will make the exterior of the car look much better and if that’s all the car needed it’s well worth the money.
However, if the paint job is there to simply cover more extensive damage, say massive rusting due to flooding or other water damage, the cheap paint job won’t be looking so good after a few months of normal wear and tear. Finally, covering the bottom of the car with tar, or undercoating, which is normally done to protect the undercarriage from road wear, can be excessively applied to cover damage which will not become evident until a short time has passed and the seller has left town with your money. All of these devious “repairs” when done by unscrupulous people that carry no paperwork attached to the car are done by crooks to hide the true history or condition of the used car you are buying.
Matthew Henderson is editor at Auto-Fleet.com. Stop by for a huge selection of information regarding vehicle history report, auto warranties, auto loans, improving your credit, drivers ed, traffic school and much more!
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A majority of vehicle consumers know next to nothing about the steering and suspension in the cars they drive. It isn’t a surprise, though. Almost every vehicle consumer in the world today trusts the knowledge of their car and their car parts to the manufacturers, and the mechanics. For those of you who would like to know a little more about your vehicle, here is a starter course.
A vehicle’s suspension is the system of front and rear springs that suspend a car’s weight. The suspension springs utilized in today’s vehicles are created in a multitude of shapes, types, sizes, capacities, and rates. The types of suspension offered are: leaf springs, air springs, coil springs, and torsion bars. There are always four sets for every vehicle, and they can be paired off in many different combinations and attached at several different mounting points.
The suspension system in a vehicle includes: shocks or struts, and sway bars. Historically, the car’s weight was set on the rear axle, and steering was much simpler; having a turning tiller that pivoted the entire front of the car. When the engine block was finally installed in the front of the car, a more complex steering system was developed. Today’s vehicle has made great strides toward being more than just a foot propelled box. There have been significant innovations in steering and suspension, increased durability and quality of parts, and advancements in tire design and composition that have made significant improvements in the way a vehicle drives and how safe the driver is.
A vehicle’s suspension system is comprised of 2 fundamental functions: keeping the vehicle’s tires firmly planted on the road, and to offer a comfortable, bump-free ride for everyone inside. There is nothing worse than riding along a pothole filled road and feeling all the little holes, crevices, dips, and bumps. A majority of a vehicle’s suspension system’s work is done by the springs. Under normal road conditions, the springs would support the body of the vehicle, balancing it by compressing and rebounding with every little bump, jiggle, and dip in the road. Unfortunately, a suspension system alone cannot insure the driver has a smooth ride. Enter the shock absorbers. Shock absorbers do exactly what they sound like they do: they absorb the shock of the rebounding before it reaches the occupants of the vehicle. Purchasing Ford shock absorbers is something your bones will thank you for.
The Ford Motor Company has top billing as one of the foremost auto manufacturers in the world. This didn’t come easy. It has taken model after model of technological genius to be dubbed with such an accolade. Throughout its years in the business, Ford has continued to be one of the most successful vehicle manufacturers in the industry. What places Ford ahead of its competition? It has consistently been, one of the leading model makers globally. Ford car parts are the best selling aftermarket vehicle parts on the market. There are millions of Ford auto parts sold every year to millions of Ford vehicle owners around the globe. If you’re a Ford car owner, you can easily find the exact part you need in any number of auto parts stores. However, if you’re looking for high-quality Ford vehicle parts, such as: air conditioner condensers, fenders, gas tanks, fog lamps, radiators, and others, you should try buying your parts from a trustworthy source. Purchasing your Ford parts from just any store is like taking your sick child to just any doctor. It shouldn’t be done!
There are a lot of reputable automotive parts suppliers on the internet and all you have to do is surf the web to find them. Their aim is to broaden available service and options by featuring high-quality car parts on their websites. They offer millions of top-notch vehicle replacement parts that have been manufactured by the best manufacturers in the business. Visit their sites to find a gigantic variety of Ford parts and Ford accessories: corner lights, headlamps, mirrors, tires, wheels, window regulators, and much more. Ford owners can now purchase automotive parts quickly, easily, and reliably.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as Ford auto parts at http://www.car-parts-plus.com
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A vintage or classic car can bring you great joy, but it may also be painfully expensive. The truth is vintage car ownership can sometimes be an illusion because not everyone is suited to the hobby, financially or otherwise. The good news is that by using these tips with caution you could soon be at the wheel of the car of your dreams. Some of which may be as old as the car you’re about to buy.
Ask yourself if you can really afford a vintage or classic, remembering that if something breaks it could end up costing a small fortune in repairs. This is especially true of rare or exotic vehicles. Parts may be hard to find, thus the car could be out of service for a lengthy period. Can you handle repairs on your own? Got the talent and experience for restoration? Great… but if not, be prepared to dig deep.
Always have a “reserve” set aside for unexpected repair costs. A friend who restores and sells collector cars suggests a minimum of at least $3000. More if the car is a rare exotic. But then, if you’re buying a Bugatti or a Deusenberg, you probably don’t need our advice.
Will your vintage or classic be an “everyday driver?” Daily use puts a strain on old parts and systems. Not that a collector car can’t be driven regularly but it had better be dependable; something that starts on demand, can be readily repaired, has parts that are easy to find. Along with a driver who can afford the price of breakdowns.
If you are planning to drive your vintage beauty on public roads keep in mind that it was built for a different time; slower traffic, less highway congestion, more tolerant drivers. Those old drum brakes may not be adequate for a panic stop in modern traffic so learn to adapt. Non-power steering will require muscle. Earlier power steering systems are slow and sloppy. Turn signals, if they exist, might be invisible to traffic accustomed to big, bright blinkers.
It may be necessary to arrange special insurance for a collectible. Be aware that older cars do not have the anti-theft devices or the serial number database of newer cars. Hot-wiring an older car is child’s play.
And finally, though this may seem repetitive, get your financial ducks in order before you begin. Falling in love with a car and making a commitment without sufficient planning is, if you’ll forgive a clich
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