The Vintage Car: The Post World War 1 Phenomenon

March 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Featured, Vintage Car Information

Vintage cars are commonly regarded as the cars and automobiles that were produced at the start of the second decade of the 1900s and ended about a decade after, a good starting point for this era was when the First World War ended. Its end date though is a little murky but many experts insist that it was in the end of 1930. That is why some vehicles produced after 1925, which some American vintage car experts say is the end of the era, are considered to be classic cars as well as vintage cars. There are also those that considered the end of the First World War and the start of the Second World War as the vintage car era.

Either way, the vintage car era was when many automotive experts, enthusiasts and aficionados consider as one of the greatest eras in automotive history as many innovations were installed and more people could afford them. Before this era, a car ownership was next to impossible and before the vintage car era ended, numerous American families owned a car.

The reason for this upsurge in vehicle production can be attributed to many factors. The economy was at an all time high, roads were being paved and the vehicles were becoming practical, convenient and affordable. Because cars were in great demand, many car companies were created and they all jostled for sales.

But because of the stiff completion and the surging slide of the economy resulting to the great depression in 1929, many of these car companies folded and only about 10 percent of them survived. Some of those that folded were small automotive companies that couldn’t handle the unpaid bills and were producing subpar vehicles that couldn’t withstand the test of time.

Some of those companies though, like Ford, Hudson, Oldsmobile, Daimler, Dodge, Chrysler, and DeSoto, where able to produce cars that were stamped with quality and durability that up until today, some of their products are still road worthy. These companies were able to produce vehicles and automobiles that were considered luxurious and highly durable. Automotive innovations like in car heating, a radio, better engines and the introduction of anti-freezing allowed these cars to be used anywhere and anytime with utmost comfort.

Today, a number of these cars still exist and can be still regarded as road worthy. But they don’t ply the roads as often as they did then and are considered more as valuable collections. A number of car buffs regard vintage cars as the trophies of their collections and showcase them in car shows.

Some of these vintage cars are salvaged from junk yards and from abandoned garages and are restored to their full glory. This though comes with an expensive price tag. If you have a vintage car that has numerous problems, looking for parts to restore it can become a problem in itself. Parts for vintage cars are hard to find and if you ever find one, they may be a bit pricey. But don’t fret. With some perseverance and a truckload of patience, a vintage car restoration project can be very rewarding. Because not many vintage cars can be seen today, being an owner of a fully restored vintage car can be a great source of pride and for individuality.

Vintage Philco Car Stereo Repair: Keepinging it Original

March 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Featured, Vintage Car Information

If you’re a music buff, or even maybe just the average Joe, you know that having music in your car is essential. There are some people who have managed to let being “music-less” pass, but for those who take long drives or just can’t simply stand being alone in their car in utter silence, being without a radio is complete torture.

This is pretty understandable, but with technology today, you don’t really have to have a kickass entertainment system to be entertained with music. Some people would just use their MP3 players to while the time away. But if you are driving, this can get pretty dangerous. In the case of vintage car owners, restoring their vintage radio doesn’t only provide them with entertainment, you have to consider that most vintage car radios operate on the AM frequency level, but they also complete the original vintage car aura.

There are some people who restore vintage and classic cars and would just let the frame stay the same, but would change the engine and all other components with what is available in present day technology. This is fine and dandy, if that’s what you are into. But for vintage car purists, there is nothing quite like full original restoration.

Not only would these purists spend countless hours scouring for original parts for their engine, look for wiring diagrams for their electrical, but they would also restore their seats, frame and even their vintage radio. Even though the type of radio used before can only receive AM transmission, can’t play tapes or CD’s or MP3s, having a radio that compliments the entirety of the vehicle can make wonders.

Besides, vintage cars are not really restored to be used as everyday cars. As a matter of fact, most of these cars are sparsely used. They are mostly taken for short rides and generally entered into vintage car shows. So you don’t really have to install an expensive stereo system. In fact, vintage cars that have been fully restored to their original glory command a higher price. They mostly win car shows and are a great source of pride.

If you have a vintage car, there is a possibility that you have a Philco car stereo system. Widely used in the vintage car era, these tube type stereo systems mostly receive AM signals and have provided great entertainment and information to their owners.

Fortunately though, if you have a vintage car that you’re restoring, and if it has a vintage radio by Philco, then looking for a vintage Philco car stereo repair company wouldn’t be a problem.

There are numerous websites which you can go to that are still able to fix a vintage Philco car stereo. Some people would think that because their vintage Philco car stereo system is over 8 decades old, there is no hope for it anymore. But contrary to this, there are still some people who are able to fix different types of problems with this stereo system.

All you have to do is to make a thorough search in the internet. It is fast and trouble-free. Make sure though that you find companies that specialize in this type of systems. A vintage Philco car stereo repair doesn’t have to be a hassle.

The Great Magnetism and Glamour of the Vintage Car Show

March 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Featured, Vintage Car Information

We all know what car shows are, most every country in the world has them, and this doesn’t just happen once a year, aside from the big motor shows that the top car manufacturers participate in, there are also different car shows put up by car clubs in various places. And for those who have developed the passion for the cars of the early era, there is the vintage car show.

Usually, car shows are held to show case the new cars that were developed by car manufacturers. Sometimes though, there is also some space in the car shows where vintage and classic cars are given a chance to de displayed as well. These fully restored vintage cars are presented so that those car buffs who love the vintage cars will be able to see these glamorous and historical vehicles.

Car shows started off as somewhat like a car market where people can see which cars are available for them. Car manufacturers take advantage of these shows to present their new cars to the public and sell it to them. What developed from these “temporary” car show rooms became somewhat like a competition today.

Smaller car shows have also become a contest for people who want to showcase their vehicles. For vintage car shows, vintage car owners have the opportunity to compete against other vintage car owners and see which vintage cars have been restored the best. For car aficionados this is a big treat as they will b able to see these magnificent cars of the past and also get the chance to meet the people who owned and restored them and also, meet new friends and get some information.

In these vintage car shows, each car are meticulously inspected for any flaws which could determine who will be the winner. Judges would see if the engine parts are all original, if the cars are clean and rust-free, do the vintage cars emulate its original characteristics, does every mechanism work, or if the vehicles are road worthy and can run fine.

Most of the time, vintage car shows are set up by different car clubs. If you are interested to join one, you can ask the vintage car clubs in your area, better yet, you can join them so you can be updated always. By joining a vintage car club, you will be able to get lots of information, not only with the schedule of vintage car shows, but other pertinent information which can help you restore and maintain a vintage car.

But a vintage car show is not only for those who have vintage cars. If you love vintage cars and love going to vintage car shows, all you have to do is buy a ticket and see these glorious machines which helped start the automotive industry.

So why do people love going to vintage car shows? With all the somewhat similar designs of cars today, The hard bodied box type cars of yesterday emits a certain aura of glamor and sophistication, back then, only a fortunate few can afford to own a car. These vintage cars are great to look at and seeing them restored to their full glory is such a thrill for those who truly love cars.