Knowing the Ford
Crown Victoria as the classic sedan
by Jason
Moore
From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)
The Ford Crown Victoria is also
popularly known as the Crown Vic. This vehicle is a vehicle
manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and it has been in
production since 1955 up until the present. It is a full size
vehicle. It has been made in one body style only and that is a
sedan. The Ford Crown Victoria holds four doors and it has been
built on the Ford Motor Company's FR Panther platform, thus making
this sedan a relative of the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Mercury
Marauder, as well as the Lincoln Town Car. The competitions for
this vehicle include the Buick Lucerne, and the Toyota Avalon.
Despite the very fact that the Ford Crown
Victoria has been in the rounds for many years already, decades in fact,
this vehicle has not quite got the attention of the general public.
However, the sales for this vehicle are quite high among fleets as well
as rental car companies. This vehicle also has a twin which is the
Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria shares some of its
components with the Lincoln Town Car, however as per the exterior parts,
everything on the Ford Crown Victoria is original.
At present, this classic sedan has been
made available with many choices available for interested parties and
for Ford Crown Victoria owners. As per the seats, only one material is
used though and this is leather. However, there is a variety of
available colors which comprise of Charcoal Black Leather, Light Camel
Leather, and Medium Light Stone Leather. On the other hand, the exterior
has a much wider array of color choices. These choices comprise of Dark
Toreador Red, Silver Birch, Black, Tungsten Clearcoat Metallic, Arizona
Beige, Light Tundra, Dark Blue Pearl, Vibrant White, Smokestone, and
Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic. By giving interested parties the
chance to choose what color they would like the Ford Crown Victoria
gives these people the chance to customize the sedan.
Preserving the history, and the
performance as well as the sustained mobility of vehicles are just a few
of the goals and targets that dominate of every automobile manufacturer
at present. That is the very reason why Ford
Parts and Ford Auto Parts continually offers superior Ford auto body
parts so as to assist vehicle maintain their capacities and perform
well. And this action by Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts is very much in
support of the previously mentioned goals of auto makers.
This online store has a huge collection of quality and durable Ford
Crown Victoria parts as well as Ford vehicles parts and accessories.
The list of these include accessories,
air intake, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, cooling
system parts, diesel
fuel injection parts, drive belts, driveshaft
and axle, electrical parts, mechanical parts, service tools, steering
suspension parts, and transmission parts among many others. Ford Parts
and Ford Auto Parts have proven reliability for genuine and quality Ford
auto parts that has kept customer loyalty for years.
About the author
Jason Moore, a 35 year old
freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing
analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.
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How to buy classic car insurance
by
Michael Modica
From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)
How to Buy Classic Car Insurance
If you are fortunate enough to own a classic car - or any collectible automobile - then you want to ensure that your luck does not run out because of having inadequate insurance
coverage. Call it covering your butt - or covering your "asset" - but by all
means, call one of the major providers such as American Collectors,
Haggerty, or Parish Heacock insurance companies and let them put you in the driver's seat in terms of professional protection of your cherished automotive
investment.
How to Kick the Tires on Classic Car Insurance
The whole idea of insurance is that it needs to do what you expect of it in an emergency, when the rubber really hits the road. And classic car insurance is as different from conventional auto insurance as,
well, a classic car is from your run of the mill generic vehicle.
When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for those times when - God forbid and knock on wood it doesn't happen - disaster strikes in the form of a
fire, a collision, or an act of theft or vandalism. Just as we now have modern airbags to save us in the event of a crash, we also have collector's car
insurance, to protect us with adequate moneybags when calamity throws a wrench in the
works.
The time you invest in choosing the right classic car insurance coverage is well worth the value and peace of mind that a quality collector's insurance policy delivers for owners of classic motor cars.
The Nuts and Bolts of Classic Car Insurance Coverage
Collector car insurance is not the
same as the insurance you buy for normal coverage of your daily
transportation. Collector car insurance, or classic car insurance, is
made especially for the needs of the car collector. And while ordinary
insurance does offer some protection, no matter what you drive, it can
leave you high and dry in the event of a loss that it not effectively
covered by the terms of the insurance contract.For example, you may have a garage-kept Cadillac Sedan DeVille with swooping fins your grandparents bought for $7,000 brand new back in the 1960s. But dealers have offered you three times that much, and you saw another one sell at an auto show for $35,000. If you don't have special collector car insurance or classic car insurance, and the car is totaled, you will be lucky to get $7,000 for it. With depreciation calculated in, the insurance statisticians may decide that it is worth only half that much, or less, and you could wind up with two or three grand in exchange for your dream machine.
Stipulations or requirements normally encountered while shopping for collector car insurance or classic car
insurance:
* A decent driving record. * At least 10 years driving experience * No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records * Secure and out of the weather garage * Proof that you have another car for daily transportation * Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy. * Limited mileage. You probably don't want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn't want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you're probably
okay.
Coverage with collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
Three kinds of value are important to understand when buying your
policy.
1) Actual cash value:
This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus
depreciation.
2) Stated value:
The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually
apply.
3) Agreed value:
In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple - which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance
coverage.
Do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your cherry classic for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it's worth today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance. There is no need to pay extra based on mileage statistics, if your car is up on blocks with no engine inside it. And as the car's value increases thanks to your hard work of restoring it, you should raise the coverage to keep up with the added value of the restoration.
Keep all your receipts and paperwork - for everything from parts and labor to expenses incurred to take it to a classic car show - so that you can document the total investment your collector's car represents. And take photos and keep them updated, for the same
reason.
And Last But Not Least: Special Savings Opportunities
As long as you meet the criteria in terms of how you use and take care of the car, you can usually buy a policy.
Traditional insurers will either refuse coverage, offer only a replacement value based on the nuts and bolts (minus heavy depreciation) of the car, or will charge you a prohibitive amount for the premium. But many collectors find that special collector's coverage saves them money - as much as half - while insuring them for higher limits, sometime three or four times what a traditional company gave them.
Yes, it's possible to get collector's insurance coverage for full market value for your car, and save up to 50 percent off of the premium you'd pay with ordinary insurance. That makes classic car insurance a must-have for any serious car buff.
Below is information about three of the most reputable and dependable collectors and classic car insurance companies in the USA (All information listed below subject to change, please contact the insurance companies listed to be sure.):
Hagerty Insurance P.O. Box 1303 Traverse City, MI 49685-1303
Email: auto@hagerty.com Toll Free: 800-922-4050
Qualifications:
* Similar to the others listed below, but please contact Haggerty for details.
American Collectors Insurance P.O. Box 8343 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Email: info@americancollectors.com Toll Free: (800) 360-2277 Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
* At least 15 years old * Garage-kept * Driven on a limited, pleasure-only basis (up to 5,000 annual miles - available in most states)
You may also qualify by:
* Having at least 10 years driving experience * Having a good driving record * Having at least one "regular" vehicle for every licensed driver in the household
You may request a policy application either directly from American Collectors Insurance or through your local insurance agent (rates are the same either way).
Parish Heacock Classic Car Insurance P.O. Box 24807 Lakeland, FL 33802-4807
Email: info@parishheacock.com Toll free: (800) 678-5173
Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
* Each household member of driving age must have at least 10 years driving experience or be excluded. * Each household member must have a regular use vehicle less than 15 years old that is insured with liability limits equal to or higher than the limits being applied for on the collectible vehicle. * All licensed members of household and any other drivers of the vehicle must be listed on the application. * Maximum of two accidents or violations in the household, maximum of one per licensed household member in past 3 years. No major violations permitted in past 5 years. * A Driver Health Questionnaire must be completed for all drivers over 70 years old. * Auto must be stored in a locked permanent garage facility when not driven. * Auto may not be used for commuting to or from work or school, used for business purposes or as a substitute for another auto. * Autos not covered while on a racetrack or when being used for: racing, speed, driver's education, or timed events. * Must display pride of ownership: well maintained, in restored or well-preserved condition. * Vehicles under restoration must be stored at residence or a restoration shop, with a target date for completion. Agreed value coverage is not available on cars under restoration. Eligibility subject to company review. * Replica Vehicles and Pro Street vehicles are subject to company review. * Trucks and Jeeps must be over 25 years old, and not be used for towing, hauling, off-road or utility use. * Generally do not require appraisals, but may ask for one if vehicle value is difficult to
determine.
About the Author
Michael Modica is an avid muscle car fan. He appreciates all classic muscle, but his real passion is the Second Generation Chevrolet Camaro (1970 - 1981). Mike is the webmaster of NastyZ28.com as well as this reference site for automotive paint codes. He can be reached by email at mikem79@nastyz28.com.
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Preserving your old Chevrolet
Impala
by Terry Brown
From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)
A prestige car within the reach of the
average American citizen." This was said by Chevrolet's chief
engineer in the late 50s when he was asked to describe the Chevrolet
Impala. This sedan-based automobile is indeed one of the most successful
and prestigious cars built by Chevrolet, having endured the industry's
tough competition for more than three decades. Its name seemed to have
brought much luck to Chevrolet that it was revived twice--in 1994 and in
2000 after eight and four years of hiatus.
The Chevrolet Impala
was introduced in 1958 as an up-level sporty trim package of the
Chevrolet Bel Air, Chevrolet's most expensive line of coupes and
convertibles then. It featured six unique taillights and a distinctive
body styling. In the following year, it became a separate model and
eventually became Chevrolet's best-selling car for many years. It was
also the best-selling full-size passenger car during its production
life. Particularly in 1965, Chevrolet produced more than a million units
of Chevrolet Impala, a record which has never been matched until now.
Just like all other cars, the Chevrolet Impala also underwent several
changes through the years. The most significant change was made with the
1977 Chevrolet Impala. The redesign was due to the rising gasoline
prices that hampered production of muscle and full-size passenger cars.
As a result, most cars in the US including the Chevrolet Impala got
smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient. Although downsized, Chevrolet
Impalas still possessed good qualities of the older models in terms of
styling, high quality auto parts, safety and performance. What's
remarkable with the new models is their increased head, leg and trunk
space.
Only a few Chevrolet Impalas were produced during its last year of
production in 1996, which made it a good choice for auto collectors. If
you are one of those car enthusiasts who are fond of collecting and
driving classic or old vehicles, older model of Chevrolet Impala can be
a great addition to your collection. Maintaining an old Chevrolet Impala
should not be a problem with the host of auto parts stores in your
vicinity and even online. Replacement Chevrolet
Parts abound in the market nowadays so even older models like
your Chevrolet Impala can still be in perfect shape and driving
condition. You can customize it and give it a new look by adding
accessories or replacing some of its parts.
There's one online auto parts store that sells high quality Chevrolet
Impala parts, Auto
Parts Inner. Anything you need from accessories like Chevy
carpet and Chevy
hubcaps to bigger auto parts like Chevy hood, Chevy grill and Chevy
wheels are all here. If you care for your Chevrolet Impala, you
must get replacement auto parts only from trusted sources. Auto Parts
Inner is one of them, but Inner Auto parts doesn't only give you wide
variety of hard-wearing and high quality Chevrolet
Impala Parts but a wealth of auto parts information as well. As
part of the company's commitment to help you preserve your car, it also
gives you means to learn more about the mechanics of your car through
ample amount auto parts information. So whenever you need finest quality
Chevy parts, don't forget to visit Auto
Parts Inner.
About the author
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from
Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is
currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts
company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of
information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of
automotive research.
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