July 26th, 2010 by bbergman

Have you ever struggled with what color to select during a car restoration project? Maybe you have something in mind, but not sure exactly what the paint code is? There are times you need to pick a color – and code – when you fix a scratch or dent as a result of a fender bender.

There is a website that helps you pick colors to fix those nicks, scratches and scrapes easily. AutomotiveTouchUp.com boasts services that let you choose paint pens, brush-in-cap bottles or aerosol cans to tackle small or large jobs.

More than 100,000 original factor colors are available at an affordable price for cars, trucks and SUVs, according to the website. So does that mean you can duplicate that favorite shiny silver and blue you spotted Saturday night in the restaurant parking lot on the hot 1960s convertible mustang?

We tried it. Using a 1964 ½ White Mustang Pace car as our model type, we found the code is YG for Pace Car White and available in various sizes from $9.95 for a touch-up bottle to $79.95 for a ready-to-spray quart size.

Using another vehicle – a blue 1998 Dodge Durango – we found the paint code, PB3 for “Intense Blue Pearl” - available as well. The neat thing about this website is that the recent years include paint chip colors on the screen so we could actually see the blue as well as the code and name. Not that it’s a big deal, but helpful.

Next time you’re out and about and inspired by a particular car and color for your next project, take note of the car make and model and visit this website to source out the code.

July 21st, 2010 by bbergman

From environmentally friendly cleaners to chemical-free restoration methods, the car industry is hot with green. Many auto-repair shops, restoration centers and general car businesses are trying harder these days to dump fewer pollutants, chemicals and other damaging solutions into the environment by using products and technology that promote “going green.”

While we’re still a long way off from doing everything in green mode, the idea is that we need to start somewhere. Doing something as simple as washing your car at a drive-thru facility is better than soaping up your wheels at home.

Washing your car at home generally takes 50 gallons of freshwater compared to a drive-thru facility that only uses 14 gallons. There are a number of cleaning products on the market today that are green and eco-friendly for auto enthusiasts who prefer to skip the drive-thru car wash. Waterless solutions are designed to clean cars without dumping hazardous materials and chemicals down the drain. They are safe to use on fiberglass, metal, glass and chrome.

So you save H2O, avoid contaminating the environment and use a simple, affordable and safe method of cleaning – clearly a win-win.

Auto body shops are adopting new methods and trying out odorless, chemical-free paints that don’t pollute the environment and car care centers are switching to using parts and components that emit fewer emissions and toxins.

Even hot rod restoration experts are recycling more on environmentally-friendly media solutions, such as sodablasting, to remove paints and contaminates from body surfaces.

July 8th, 2010 by bbergman

No one could fault you for thinking the car restoration business drove off into the sunset given the way the economy has played out in recent years.

But customizing, restoring and rebuilding hot rods shows no signs of slowing down; which is good news for industry players who are responsible for serving those car hobby enthusiasts. Despite the sales and market trends – call it what you want: stagnant, flat, down, belly-up, unpredictable (by far, our favorite definition), confusing, overwhelming, the list goes on – we still enjoy hanging out in the garage and tinkering with the old two-door 1957 cherry-red Classic Chevy hard-top.

In fact, the Great Recession has inspired us to spend our discretionary funds more (dare we say wisely?) differently.

Instead of taking elaborate, long and luxurious vacations that are costly, we’ve seen classic car owners choose to focus on projects and goals they have thought about for a long time over spending two week’s salary on a trip to the Redwoods.

And we’re with you - our idea of fun doesn’t include waxing the car or doing the dreaded oil change; the good news is there is a lot of work between stripping the car to bare metal for a clean surface to installing performance-enhancing components that gives your car some muscle.

If anything, the recent economic trends may have just slowed us down enough to give us perspective and a sense of nostalgia about our hot rods. And serve as a road map on where to go from here, of course. Admit it, there’s nothing difficult about choosing to restore your first car, a classic that’s sat in your garage for 12 years – over taking another camping trip with your neighbors to the same Florida park you’ve gone to every summer the past four years.

We talk to many people who either had classic cars when they were younger and now long for an opportunity to restore their auto or wished they had a muscle car “back then” and hope to use this time in their life as parents to share a hobby with their own children.

June 15th, 2010 by bbergman

From the thrills of wakeboarding and waterskiing, to fishing, to simply enjoying the sunshine and fresh air of cruising along the coast, millions of Americans enjoy boats and related recreation every year. In 2005, recreational boating contributed approximately $37 billion to the nation’s economy. Read the rest of this entry »

June 14th, 2010 by bbergman

Recreational boating can be an expensive hobby, especially as you factor in fuel charges. Boaters are always looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption and slash gas spending while on the water. One way is to slow down cruising speeds, engine tune-ups and scheduling shorter trips.

Unlike driving a car, a boat’s engine often idles or is turned off while anchoring, floating or stationed at the dock. According to the Discover Boating trade group, those three functions are favorite on-the-water activities for recreational boaters.

Read the rest of this entry »

June 11th, 2010 by bbergman

Making the choice to be environmentally responsible can have positive results for the local waterways as well as your wallet. The National Marine Manufacturers Association recently published its simple steps for being an eco-friendly boater in 2010. Read the rest of this entry »

June 10th, 2010 by bbergman

Many marine cleaning products developed today demonstrate a commitment to clean water. Companies have developed non-toxic based biodegradable boat soaps, which have a minimal impact on the aquatic environment. We’ve also seen the introduction of color safe, oxygen release gels and cleansers that remove spots off of boats without using bleach or other hazardous materials.

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June 9th, 2010 by bbergman

Being a “green” boater or an advocate of sustainable practices are not limited to soda blasting and baking soda. It’s no surprise eco-conscious boaters are eager to incorporate other green solutions into their recreational activity.

Marine generator manufacturers have significant investments in green solutions that appeal to boaters, including products that limit carbon monoxide emissions – in some cases by 99 percent. Manufacturers also offer marine exhaust mufflers and catalyst systems to protect boaters and waterways by removing hydrocarbons from generator exhaust.

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June 8th, 2010 by bbergman

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is predicting an active and strong hurricane season this year. Experts anticipate a 70 percent probability of 14 to 23 named storms, eight to 14 of which will be hurricanes. Three to seven of those hurricanes will be major, ranking a Category 3 or higher. Read the rest of this entry »

June 7th, 2010 by bbergman

Boat owners should be aware of the different steps – and environmental concerns – when it comes to repair and maintenance. The waterways are one of our most valuable resources and there are simple, but necessary, steps to take to ensure we preserve this precious asset. Read the rest of this entry »