West Coast Choppers, Orange County Choppers and Inked – What Do They All Have In Common?

By Author: David Maillie
Article: Everyone has seen the hugely successful Monster Garage, Orange County Choppers and newly released Inked. These reality shows have caught on like wildfire and advertisers are in a scramble to get their piece of the action. You can now buy all kinds of West Coast Chopper clothing and memorabilia, Teutel bobble heads, etc… 60% of Jesse James West Coast Choppers revenue comes from its clothing line. How did this all come about? The mass appeal of these programs has unleashed a merchandising frenzy, to include clothing lines, calenders, autographed memorabilia, and auto accessories. Kids line up in hour long lines as do corporate executives eager to get in on the action. Reality tv programs have also made Discovery, Fox and a few other channels the most watched on TV with ratings close to that of the super bowl.
These programs are also having a profound effect on traditional marketing. In the past big businesses have used the fix it and forget it approach. Hire a big marketing company, get you name out there and let it sell. Now they are seeing their whole world turned upside down. Buyers are looking to express themselves through their clothing, etc… Even if they can’t afford a West Coast Choppers custom bike (around $100,000) they can afford a West Coast Choppers t-shirt, calendar or hat. Traditional marketing companies are finding that reality shows like American Idol, Monster Garage, and American Chopper have now found that americans want to be seen as individuals. They want a touch of personality and they can see that everyone wants that too – look at all the people getting tattoos now as tattooing has gone mainstream with the launch of the show Inked. “Would you like a tattoo or belly button piercing with that?” Manufacturers can no longer rely on one or two items to make their product line and change must be constant as these reality tv trends are always changing.
What is the future of reality tv? What will we be the hot fashions in the coming years? As Monster Garage dies down along with American Chopper, what will replace them? Will we see low-rider cars sponsored by Taco Bell in Nascar? The presidents and other politicians cars decked out with sponsors stickers to help out with the federal debt? Maybe George Bush will get a grill (for teeth) as Nelly and Little John have made this hot starting on Wilding Out. What will be the next big trend? One things for certain if you can find it first and market it you will be rich beyond your wildest dreams. Discovery Channel made Jesse James a multimillionaire, did the same for the Teutels (Orange County Choppers) and others. What determines a good reality show which will launch the next trends? We had better watch these shows as they have become huge and can change our future – maybe they can get people to vote? Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com David Maillie is a chemist and holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale:
MDwholesale.com

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The Chevy S 10 Throughout The Years

By Author: Andy Zain
Article: Living with the utilitarian Chevy S 10 has been a fact of life since its introduction in 1981 as a 1982 model. This compact pickup lasted as the top small truck in Chevy’s stable of vehicles for 22 years until it was replaced for 2004 by the Chevy Colorado. Today, there are still countless numbers of the little truck on America’s highways and byways.

Categorized as a compact truck, the S 10 also ran for a time in the General Motors stable as the GMC S 15, though that model eventually became the Syclone. Chevy’s model was a replacement for the Luv, which had seen service since the early 1970s and was a rebadged Isuzu KB. The Arab oil embargo pointed out the need for small, fuel-sipping vehicles and Chevy make a concerted effort at delivering them.

From that search for a fuel-sipping alternative to the gaz-guzzlers of the time, the S 10 came forth. Its debut as a 1982 model showed the promise that was inherent in the truck — which was a regular cab 2-door version, though crew and extra-cab models would evolve eventually. The S 10 also beat Ford to the 2-door SUV market, becoming the Blazer S 10, though no 4-door would be available until 1990.

The S 10 was one of a small group of compact pickups that appeared in the General Motors lineup since 1982. The SUV variant, either 2 or 4-door, has been around almost as long. What’s for certain is that it has been a well-appreciated machine in any form for over a quarter-century, and is also a favorite of the backyard mechanic, given its relative mechanical simplicity, at least in its early years.

Engines in the Chevy S 10 have been of the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder variety for as long as it was around. The initial 4 that was offered was a carryover engine from the Luv. Back then, the 84 horses the engine offered was considered fairly good, along with the 101 pounds-feet of torque. Again, for 1982, there was not much complaining from a public used to truly mundane engine performance due to environmental engine controls.

Optional mills in the little Chevy truck were mainly of the V6 type. From ’82 to ’85, it was a 2. 4 liter with a 2-barrel carb from Rochester. This combo put out 115 horses and 148 pounds-feet of torque that gave the truck so get-up-and-go from standing start. There was a diesel i the line from ’83 to ’85, but it died a well-deserved death.

Engine choices throughout the years featured 4 and 6-cylinder versions, and horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency improved with the addition of different fuel injection packages, including throttle body, sequential port and multi-port injection set-ups. The first generation Chevy S 10 – which ran from its introduction up through the 1993 model year – featured 3 and 4-speed automatics and an eventual 5-speed Borg-Warner manual.

The second-generation S 10 that ran from 1994 up through 2004 added to the fun, with even more 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive models, larger and more powerful engines and even an SS package with a hot 4. 3 liter V6 engine that put out from 180 to 195 horsepower. It had lowered suspension, 16-inch wheels and other cosmetic changes and was only available in a regular cab version. It was discontinued in 1998.

Over the years, the Chevy S 10 became a well-known sight in many a driveway or out on many a country road. It was emblematic of the Chevy division’s motto that it was, indeed ‘The Heartbeat of America’ at a time when the domestic automaker and other Detroit manufacturers dominated small and large light truck sales. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Andy Zain is the admin of Chevy S10 Forums , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Chevy S10. Get the information you need when you visit Chevy Truck Forums

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Re-Thinking The Role Of A Stryker

By Author: Victor Epand
Article: We are all aware of the serious problems with the Stryker MGS, but now that Stryker Brigades have entered combat, and peace stabilization work in Iraq, a number of observations have been made.

They are a hell of a lot safer than being in a light armored jeep. They can handle rifle and machine rounds. Smaller IED and personnel mines handled without too much difficulty.

However, they cannot take the punishment that the M2 Bradley can handle. Even with SLAT armor, they have fallen prey when multiple RPG are fired at them. They are reportedly also taking a lot of damage in the wheel areas of the vehicles, whereas the tracked M2 would brush them off, keep on moving, and fighting.

Considering the foregoing, do you think the Stryker will be relegated a lesser position in the new modular army, with the M2 being put back into the spotlight. I note that to date I haven’t seen much about the speed of the Stryker being of much use in convoy or patrol duties, which makes one wonder if the think-tanks are hashing this over in terms of light mobility that can’t handle RPG’s let alone larger munitions.

The M2/M3 has shown that they can take more damage, sure, but they’re still vulnerable to RPGs. The other thing that surprised me is that Stryker’s tend to do better when hit in the wheel areas than Bradley’s; the RPG detonates when it hits the tires, meaning it disables the vehicle but doesn’t punch through the armor, while the same hit wouldn’t necessarily disable the Bradley but it’darticle everybody inside. I’ll ride in the Stryker.

Also, the Stryker was never meant to lead an assault when there was real armor available; it’s supposed to deploy quickly like the 82nd did in 1990 for the Gulf War, and then it’s good for peacekeeping stuff, plus it’s a good platform for middle echelon forces.

The Stryker’s have done pretty good in Mosul with 1-24 INF. I saw that had been hit by a car article, the only thing really wrong with it was the tyranny made some funny noises and it needed some new tires and a paint job.

One item that the Stryker units in Iraq wish they had “the day before” is the version with the 105mm cannon. But because of problems with the autoloader it’s IOC has been pushed back to 2008 or 2009. For the life of me I can not figure out why the US Army does not buy some of those off the shelf 105mm two man conventional turrets (Cadillac Gage has them in production for export orders) and fit them to Stryker’s for Iraq till the overhead turret version is available.

Yes, the TOW bunker buster is “some what” filling that role (i.e. electrical wires cause problems in urban warfare), but all the commanders say a conventional cannon is needed NOW. And in fact the conventional turret 105mm is much better for the type of warfare that the US Army is now engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan (i.e. the turret commander can acquire targets and direct fire better). The only clear cut advantage that the overhead turret has is in the tank destroyer role.

Finally, if the US Army bought a batch of conventional 105mm turrets for an interim solution, after the overhead turret version is fielded those turrets could be removed and easily sold on the world export market.

One of the problems with the Stryker MGS is that some people tried to make them a tank replacement. They could have gotten away with a vehicle with more firepower over the 25-40mm cannon, with something like the Canadian Cougar with its short 76mm gun, and had no problems with shooting it. However, that would have brought into question the disparity between the 105-120mm guns on tanks.

I have no problems with light armored forces, after all that is what I served in, however the Rumsfeld’s of the world, and lord knows we have our share of them up here, had an agenda and nothing was going to change their ideology, even if lives were lost. For me and I’d suggest many others that is the bottom line.

It also brings into question the thought processes that the Stryker’s would not be in frontline combat as this would be left to tanks and heavier armor in the way of the M2 and M3, but they somehow forgot how insurgency fighting can be as dangerous as frontline duty. Convoys with weaker armor can still cost lives, just as frontline combat can and in Iraq that never ending lesson is played out far too often.

One of the other posters said something important, IMHO, that these types of vehicles have a place for base security patrols, true peacekeeping where the belligerents want you there as a buffer force, but otherwise this use of Stryker’s in a combat zone has to be rethought. Maybe with newer Stryker’s that have added armor this situation will improve. I know that they have done pretty good in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

In prior conflicts Canadian troops lost their legs, and sometimes lives due to the inherit weakness in the M-113 APC, with the wheels and bottom protection doing what they are supposed to do, and that is all to the good side of the equation. However, without added armor protection that benefit is lost and also the nonsense about making them air transportable. No way with the added armor.

Makes one think again that both Lockheed-Martin and Boeing have missed the boat in not creating a successor to the Herc, and why the A400M Airbus with its superior payload capacity while still having the same take off and landing requirements of a Herc will win the day in many purchases from NATO countries.

Unproven yes, but if it does succeed, LM’s lead in the medium military lift field will be extinguished. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.CombatCloth.info/. CombatCloth.info carries the best selection of combat clothing, gear, and accessories on the market.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Diesel And Gas Engines

By Author: Gregg Hall
Article: There is a lot of debate and controversy about gas and diesel engines. Let’s take a look at some key points of both.

Diesel

Less expensive to run
Not as powerful
Offer more torque
Vehicles powered by diesel more expensive.
Vehicles are more reliable because less complicated internally.
Vehicles are heavier to build.
Vehicles normally last longer.
Generally less expensive.
Will normally last longer in terms of miles.
Engines are generally loud.
Emits black smoke when engine is throttled.
Fuel is dirtier.
Turbo charged diesel will match standard gas engine in terms of power.

Gas

Produce more horsepower
Gas engines are more tunable than diesel.
Can get better power increases.
Less expensive in terms of producing power.
Parts are a lot less expensive.
Engine doesn’t last as long as a diesel because it is less complicated and less heavy internally.
Fuel is usually more expensive.
Fuel burns cleaner.

Diesel is often thought of as smelly and noisy. Many think that the only place for diesel is in a tractor or a semi, there are many other vehicles that are diesel powered however. Each person must determine what their individual needs are. A person has to do their research before making a purchase of any kind, but especially a large purchase such as a vehicle. You do not want to spend thousands of dollars just to realize later that you made the wrong decision, so take your time and do your research to help you make the best decision for you.

One question that isn’t answered here is the emission standards with the black smoke that comes from the diesel engine. The reader is left to wonder if the emission standards are fine or if they are high due to the dirtier burn of diesel. This would be worth investigating. It should also be investigated if noise pollution is a factor with these engines.

When choosing which type of vehicle is what you want you must first determine what your needs are. If what you want is power and tuning options then a gasoline engine is what you are looking for. But if it is power and torque (a force that produces or tends to produce a twisting or turning motion, so in this instance the turning of parts of the motor) that you are looking for then you need a vehicle with a diesel engine. There are certainly plenty of choices out there. Just be sure that you are checking on what your needs are and you will be certain to have the right vehicle for you. Make certain that the vehicle will match your needs and give you the performance necessary to do the job. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well other Truck Accessories at http://www.truckaccessoriesetc.com

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What’s Better Diesel Or Hybrid?

By Author: Gregg Hall
Article: With gasoline prices continuing to skyrocket at gas pumps across the United States, motorists and car manufacturers alike have been searching for a new alternative to gasoline powered cars. However, just what the best alternative really is seems to be a debate that has been brewing amongst those who are most knowledgeable on the topic. With hybrid cars seeming to gain more and more popularity over the past year, some car manufacturers are wondering if electric cars are really the way to go.

An alternative to both hybrid cars and typical gasoline powered cars comes in the form of diesel powered cars. Much cheaper than gasoline, diesel has long provided an alternative fuel for motorists around the world. However, diesel powered cars have not been as successful within the United States. This has baffled many car manufacturers for a long time, given that diesel cars have been prevalent in other parts of the world including Europe for the last seven decades. Many consumers assume that diesel is comparable to gasoline, given that on the surface it seems the same – after all, you can pump both diesel and gasoline at your local gas station. However, diesel powers cars in a somewhat different way than gasoline.

While gasoline uses spark plugs to ignite the gasoline and produce fuel for the vehicle, diesel powered cars use compressed air. Diesel powered driving has long been associated with the big rigs. Eighteen wheelers and other large trucks are fueled by diesel for one main reason – the excellent gas mileage. Diesel cars are also excellent on gas mileage, something that is seemingly lacking from standard gasoline powered cars in the United States. Diesel cars typically get between forty and fifty miles per gallon, anywhere from twenty to forty percent better than the average gasoline powered car.

With regular gasoline prices rising, you have probably noticed that lower diesel price at the gas station while you are filling up your tank. Diesel prices do rise when regular gasoline prices rise, but diesel prices are always lower than gasoline prices. This is perhaps one of the most appealing characteristics of diesel for consumers that are tired of paying upwards of three dollars per gallon of gasoline to fill up their car’s gas tank. However, diesel also has its downfalls. Environmental studies have shown that diesel fuels omit considerably harmful fumes into the atmosphere. Given recent environmental concerns, this gives gasoline one up on diesel fueled engines. However, car consumers will find that these are not the only options.

Many car manufacturers are now marketing hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of gasoline and electric power. By combining gasoline with electric power, hybrid cars omit considerably less harmful fumes into the atmosphere. In fact, while running on their electric battery power, hybrid cars omit no fumes into the environment at all. The hybrid presents an alternative that is not only cheaper at the gas pump, but also more environmentally friendly than gasoline fueled cars. Certain places in the United States that have been plagued by heavy pollution, like the state of California; have seen a growing trend in the purchase of hybrid vehicles over regular vehicles. In fact, millions of Americans are currently living in areas that have poor air quality. Hybrids could provide the beginning of a solution to this problem. Without a doubt hybrid vehicles will provide somewhat of a reprieve from dire air quality. However, the environmental pluses of hybrid vehicles do not stop there.

After the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina at the end of the summer of 2005, many people were left wondering what caused such a horrible hurricane season. Many scientists and environmentalists have blamed the increase in major hurricanes in the negative affects global warming has had on the environment. The excessive use of fossil fuels, including gasoline, in our society has caused an extremely detrimental affect on our atmosphere. Hybrid vehicles that use less gasoline and therefore omit less detrimental fumes into the atmosphere are perhaps the first step to a cleaner, healthier society and more breathable air. By providing low gas cost and little harm to the environment hybrid cars seem to be the newest trend in smart driving. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get patented car care products at http://www.5starshine.com

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There Are Positives And Negatives In More Than The Batteries Of Hybrid Cars

By Author: Gregg Hall
Article: This article will be broken down into three sections: the advantages of a hybrid car, the disadvantages of a hybrid car, and then how you can decide whether a hybrid car is for you when comparing the advantages and disadvantages.

Hybrid cars are here to stay. More and more car manufacturers are working on concept cars and hybrids are becoming more and more mainstream every day. At some point in the future, we will all drive hybrid cars. Hybrid cars are great in that they emit less pollutants than do conventional gasoline powered cars. You’re having a positive effect on the environment any time you drive a hybrid car. There are also great fuel savings. A hybrid car such as a Civic hybrid can have miles per gallon anywhere from 45 to 60 miles per gallon. This comes in comparison to a conventional gasoline powered Civic sedan with about 25 miles in the city versus 36 miles on the highway per gallon. You are able to save a great deal of money every year because of the fuel efficiency. You also get tax breaks when looking at buying a hybrid car. In 2005, an agreement was put in place allowing tax rebates on different hybrid motor vehicles in these differ based upon what type of vehicle you are buying.

Hybrids do carry some disadvantages which must be noted. When you’re looking at buying a hybrid car versus a conventional gasoline powered vehicle, you are going to pay more for the hybrid car. This can be from $1000-$6000 or more for a vehicle. That is a great deal of money for anyone when working to help the environment. Hybrid cars are also heavier due to the makeup of the engine. Most hybrid cars also are built more efficiently so they do not have the same output as many conventional gasoline powered cars do. When talking about accidents, there can be some problems because the electric portion of the engine can create risks of electrocution.

There are advantages versus disadvantages no matter what you do in life. With hybrid cars, you need to think about whether or not you’re willing to pay more for the car and compare it to how much you are able to save in money from buying less fuel. You need to figure out how much you drive so that you can see how long it will take for you to recoup the cost of the higher price on the hybrid vehicle. You will be making a positive impact on the environment by creating less pollution.

Hopefully this article on the disadvantages and advantages of a hybrid car gives you good information. There is a cost comparison which comes into play when looking at the difference in price versus the difference in fuel savings. Good luck in figuring out whether the hybrid car or the conventional car works for you. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about cars as well as car care at http://www.5starshine.com

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A Few Facts On Hybrids

By Author: Gregg Hall
Article: Most consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles, but many of them could not explain the definition. The actual definition of the word “hybrid” is stated as something of mixed origin or composition. This definition fits today’s hybrid vehicles perfectly. A hybrid car is a vehicle that has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor.

The gasoline engine is often smaller than in regular vehicles, allowing the electric motor to compensate with energy. A high-voltage battery charges the electric motor. Although older hybrid cars need to be “plugged up” when not in use, newer hybrids recharge themselves when not in use.

The interesting thing about a hybrid vehicle is that they can often work on just one of the energy resources; the gasoline engine or the electric motor. Most drivers operate their hybrid using both resources however, even though they may not know it.

You will be unaware of what happens under the hood while you drive a hybrid. The car will primarily operate off of power from the gasoline engine. However, when the electric motor is needed, it will take over. The gasoline engine conserves energy by instantly shutting off when the vehicle is stopped. For example, when the vehicle is at a stop light, the gasoline engine will kick off until the gas pedal is pushed again. The radio, lights, and all other components however will stay consistent due to the battery. Although not all hybrids work in this manner, many do.

There have been a few problems with the design of the stopped engine. Since the gasoline engine cuts off and on, it is usually virtually silent. This can confuse a driver or emergency worker. They may think the car is off, when it is actually on. Therefore, there have been improvements in this area, including the addition of an indicator light near the speedometer of most models. This light will tell the driver or a worker that the car is still on. Some manufacturers still suggest chocking the wheels of your hybrid when it is parked to avoid any accidents.

It is no secret that gasoline prices are soaring in the world today. Many drivers complain of increasing prices. Since hybrids run on both a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor, they do not require as much gasoline as regular vehicles. The average miles per gallon a hybrid car will obtain is 50. This is making them very popular with consumers. In turn, since hybrids burn less gasoline than most vehicles, they also emit fewer pollutants. They have shown to be up to 90% cleaner than a conventional automobile. The small and efficient engines also help reduce their total exhaust emissions. They are extremely environmentally friendly.

Hybrids have several features that make them much different than conventional cars. The construction of hybrids is one place in which they differ. Some of today’s hybrids are made of aluminum and plastic. The lightweight design makes the cars able to be powered easily. It may seem that these vehicles would offer less protection than a conventional car, but studies have shown they are safe. The manufacturers can create stability by using panels in various shapes to reinforce the design.

Two of the major manufacturers of hybrid cars are Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. They brought the hybrid to the United States around 2000. They originally brought the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius to the country, with great success. Now, many other manufacturers are getting into hybrid manufacturing. There are plans for sport utility models as well as full size truck models. With consumers flocking to hybrid designs, there is no doubt all manufacturers will be trying to design the best models.

The hybrid vehicle is something that has been well-accepted around the world in the last few years. With concerns like global warming, it is welcoming to have eco-friendly options available for today’s consumers. Employers and city governments are beginning to take note as well, offering employee incentives as well as free city parking. The fact is that they vehicles save the consumer money on gasoline and help keep the environment safe. Buying a new hybrid vehicle is a positive situation for everyone involved. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. To keep your car looking new get car care products from http://www.stopwaxing.com

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What Are Some Of The Potential Problems With The New Technology In Automobiles

By Author: Gregg Hall
Article: It seems that almost as soon as a new idea gets made reality in the world of automobiles, there is another idea to push that achievement even further than before. We moved from carburetors to fuel injection, added GPS systems, and finally made sure that almost every model comes with automatic transmissions. But, has all that actually been an improvement over the old way of driving? Or has it actually caused more problems than it has fixed? To put it in direct terms, is the increased cost and hassle of new technological gizmos in automobiles worth it?

For instance, in the old days if your car keys were stolen or if you lost them, all you would need to do to get a replacement set made from your spare copy would be to head to your local locksmith, or even to a hardware store that could make copies of keys. But today’s cars are equipped with electronic locks that require electronic keys.

To get these replaced, you have to visit the dealership, or one of the select few licensed digital blacksmiths who can make a replacement key for you. Why is this process so difficult? Because, rather than a physical key that turns a tumbler within a lock, new electronic lock systems are code based, with a secret signal held in the key being transmitted to the engine when the key is inserted into the ignition. Only licensed professionals, such as dealers, are allowed to access the code stored on your key, or to make a new key that will transport this information. All of this has lead to a large increase, according to the American Automobile Association, in lock outs and other problems related to misplaced keys.

Another problem with computers and electronics that are installed in our vehicles is the simple fact that sometimes they have glitches. Think of the computer you are reading this article on, or about any of the past computers you have used. Can you think of an instance where these electronic devices had a serious problem? You’re probably thinking of more than one instance. Now think about your car. How many times has the electronically controlled “service engine soon” light switched on for no reason? And how much did it cost you every visit to the dealer to find out that, in fact, the light was on for no reason?

Now, it would be great if you could simply plug in your car to a computer and that computer could tell you precisely what is wrong with it. But that isn’t usually ever the case of how these things work. And, what’s more, the added cost makes the scant moments when such a technological achievement occur not worth it. What we need to be asking ourselves is, do we need all this technological junk in our cars? Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a new car buying tips at http://www.newcarbuyingsecrets.com

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