Wednesday, February 24, 2010

1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Thelma and Louise

A favorite chick flick of mine is Thelma and Louise. It will forever be a movie that reminds me of some of the adventures that my best friend Tracy and I have had over the years. Fortunately, our adventures have not ended in death!
Not only do Thelma and Louise manage to find trouble within the first 15 minutes of their "weekend away", they kill a man, become wanted in multiple states, discover their hidden talent with handgun's and robbery, take in a young Brad Pitt, Thelma has her first orgasm, Louise get's the elusive marriage proposal, steal a cops shades and lock him in the trunk of his patrol car, teach a nasty trucker the importance of showing respect to women on the road by blowing up his tanker, demand an apology for calling them "beavers", then take his hat....but they do all this while being sleep deprived, drinking multiple bottles of whiskey and from the comfort of a very classy 1966 Ford Thunderbird!


A total of five identical 1966 Thunderbird convertibles were used throughout the shoot: one ’star car’, one camera car, one back-up car, and two stunt cars.
1966 Ford Thunderbird used in the movie “Thelma and Louise” sold through Barrett-Jackson auctions for $65,000 in 2008.

Beginning in 1957, Ford introduced a variety of cars that shared one very unique feature: the roof, whether it was made of fabric or steel, "disappeared" into the trunk. When the top was down, there was no visible sign that the car even had a top...no boot, no bulge....just the unbroken lines of the car.
This feature was offered on the following cars: 1957-1959 Ford Skyliner, 1958-1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, and the 1958-1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible.

the 1966 Thunderbird was extensively restyled with a new, tight egg-crate pattern grille, and the two taillights were now connected into one massive piece of plastic. Generally speaking, it was the best-looking of fourth-generation T-Birds.

While the base 390 V8 was now restricted by a two-barrel carburetor to 275 hp, a 315-hp version with a four-barrel was optional and a new 428-cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carb making 345 hp optional.




The T-Bird is such an iconic car and I'm sure it will always turn heads.

Tracy and I get to go on a little road trip this July, but it won't be in a Thunderbird...it will be in my Audi. We won't be carrying handguns and I assure you we will not be swigging straight shots of whiskey as we motor down the highway!
I don't think we will blow up any tanker trucks and I highly doubt we would steal a truckers nasty hat, but...it could get ugly if some guy does that "tongue-snake-thingy" when we pass him!

It is entirely possible that we will "push the envelope" in many directions, it's just what we always manage to do when we are together, but, I can say with complete certainty that we will not rob any stores, if we get pulled over by the highway patrol, I promise, the officer will not end up in the trunk of his car...and his shades are safe, I already have shades that I love and Tracy need's prescription glasses.

I guess everything else is up for consideration :-)
Enjoy these photo's of the 1966 Ford Thunderbird...what a beauty!



MHL
(WARNING-THIS VIDEO HAS BAD LANGUAGE!)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 in "Vanishing Point"


For those of us who have seen the movie "Vanishing Point", it's easy to see that although Kowalski is the "star" of the movie, he really isn't...it's the white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440.

The plot is simple, easy to follow, Kowalski is determined to win a bet that he can drive the Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours.

The stunt driver behind the wheel of the Challenger is Cary Loftin. Loftin piloted the Challenger through most of the action. As stunt coordinator he brought with him driver Bill Hickman and driver/fabricator Max Balchowsky. All three had worked together on 1968's "Bullitt" and, as a team, they were behind dozens of great car chases.

When Barry Newman, who plays Kowalski, "reaches for the Pistol Grip shifter it is a case study in why musclecars continue to have a death grip on America's automotive soul."

Challenger used the same unibody platform as Plymouth's new Barracuda, but its wheelbase was two inches longer to provide slightly more rear-seat room. It was sold in hardtop and convertible form, with performance versions wearing the familiar R/T label. Standard R/T power came from the 335-bhp 383. Two 440s were offered, the four-barrel Magnum with 375 bhp and the tri-carb Six Pack with 390. The 425-bhp 426 Hemi cost $1228 with required heavy-duty equipment.

The 440s and the Hemi came standard with TorqueFlite automatic. Ordering the four-speed brought a pistol-grip Hurst shifter and a Dana 60 axle. Gear ratios climbed from 3.23:1 to 4.10:1, with limited-slip an extra-cost item. All R/Ts got a beefed suspension, and 440 and Hemi cars got 15-inch 60-series tires, though such essentials as power steering and front disc brakes were optional.

The R/T's standard hood had two scoops that were open but didn't feed directly to the air cleaner. A $97 option was the shaker scoop, which mounted to the air cleaner and protruded through an opening in the hood. Full gauges, including a tach, were standard, and R/Ts could also be ordered in SE guise, which included leather seats and a vinyl roof with a smaller "formal" rear window.

Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 110.0    
Weight, lbs: 3,600
Number built: 2,035
Base price: $5,000

Standard Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 440
Fuel system: 3 x 2bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 390 @ 4700
Torque @ rpm: 490 @ 3200

Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 6.2
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 13.7 @ 105


MHL

Monday, February 22, 2010

Girl Sucked Into Blower- Drive the car, don't sit on it!

This video explains why pretty women should drive the car, not sit on it!



MHL :-)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tribute To My Mom

Hazel Faye Wallace 1931-2010

My mom passed away late Monday night, it was a blessing as her quality of life had slipped away over the past two years.

I want to thank my mom for the lessons she taught me, the values she instilled and the strength she passed on to me. She taught me how to endure anything that life presented.

Here's to you mom~ Rest In Peace.



I love you Mom..."I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places".....

MHL

Monday, February 15, 2010

Women Mechanics-Choosing the right work wear!

Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd write today about women mechanics and their ability to find work, even in a recession!
When times are hard, women grab their bootstraps and do what it takes to get the job done. We have an uncanny ability to get the job even though there might be 15 men lined up, highly qualified for the position, but when a woman excels at her profession...sorry guys, step aside :-)

Now a woman knows when she steps into a male dominated work force, she needs to have her ducks in a row. She needs to dress the part and prove that she's got the tools, experience and above all, the proper work clothing to prove she means business!

It's important to dress the part and wear the proper work attire that best fits the demands of a true mechanic. She knows where to find the work clothing that is made to last, is durable and will withstand the wear and tear of the grease, grime, and filth of a garage!




Most of the women pictured know where to shop and all recommend Dave's New York to find the perfect work clothing and accessories to fill all their work wear needs. Check out Dave's New York and see for yourself, they have just what you need to complete the job.


I know men can look good in a pair of cover-alls, but I think maybe the fairer sex has the guy's beat on this one :-)

I hope you have a great day!
MHL

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Ferrari F355 Berlinetta


Hi Everyone :-)

I was chatting with a fellow blogger recently and the conversation eventually lead to the subject of cars (imagine that, me talking about cars!). It is no secret that this friend has owned some very impressive automobiles and his Ferrari was mentioned during our chat. Suddenly he said "I want to send you a file" I said "ok" and accepted the incoming file on my computer. He then tells me "make sure your sound is on"...it was. What happened next sent my heart racing!

Through my speakers comes this incredible sound clip of his Ferrari muscling it's way down the road! It was fantastic! You could not only hear the precision, power and artistry of this magnificent machine, but you could literally FEEL it! There is no way for me to adequately describe the experience...all I can say is I fell in love with that car on the spot!


Most of you that have been reading my blog for a while now, certainly know that I really am a "motor head". I don't pretend to know all that much about cars, but I love learning about them. Cars have truly been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember and I suspect that the day I die one of my last thoughts will be of a car :-)


Now with full permission from Steve, our fellow blogger, I'd like to share the photo's and information about his beloved Ferrari...in his own words, not mine. (click on photo's for larger views)




"To own and drive a Ferrari F355 is almost a sexual experience! Even washing and polishing this car is on a par with an essential oil massage!
This Vehicle was supplied new by Gray Paul Ferrari in Nov 1994. It spent its first few months in the Channel islands until its owner moved back to the mainland. As it is a UK supplied car it is right hand drive. I couldn't imagine driving a left hand drive Ferrari. I struggle driving a LHD Renault Megane gracefully when abroad.

It is finished in Rossa Barchetta which is ever so slightly darker than Rosso Corsa. Incidentally Rosso Barchetta was the first red used by Ferrari on their race cars and is considered by many to be the true Ferrari red. The interior is crema (cream) with red carpets and original red Ferrari overmats. The vehicle has both the original Ferrari leather toolkit and leather handbook wallet.
 The specification is as follows
  • 1994 model Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 28,000 miles
  • Rosso Barchetta
  • Crema hide including embossed prancing horse on the head restraints
  • Red carpets and overmats including enamel Ferrari Shields
  • air conditioning and climate control
  • electric windows
  • remote central locking
  • sigma alarm and immobiliser
  • adjustable steering
  • PAS
  • electronically adjustable suspension (normal and comfort)
  • electronic tyre pressure monitor
  • ABS (switchable)
  • Pioneer head unit with Pioneer 6 stack CD
  • Scuderia sheilds to the front wings
  • Rear Challenge Grille colour coded (Factory fitted option) keeps the engine much cooler than standard rear panel but looks better than the usual black challenge grille
  • Ferrari badged brake callipers"






Well after seeing the photo's above, I am fairly certain that most of you will agree with me...this Ferrari is exceptional!

Please take a few minutes to visit both of Steve's blogs here SO LIFE BEGINS AT 40 DOES IT? and FROM £400 TO A FERRARI you'll get a kick out of Steve..he's a pretty decent "bloke" :-)
In the video below you can watch a man turn into a blathering idiot all because of a blonde girl in a Ferrari...of course it help's to be a blonde Christie Brinkley in a Ferrari.



I hope you all have a great weekend!
MHL

Friday, February 12, 2010

Good Resource- Americancarquotes.com

Hi Everyone!

I have several new posts to do today and this weekend, but I wanted to share another good website with you before I get started on the other posts.

I actually tested this site out for myself because I know I am paying way too much for the car insurance on all five vehicles that I own.

I've seen the commercials over and over on TV telling us to compare rates, but I hadn't taken the time to do it until I found this website www.americancarquotes.com

In a nutshell, www.americancarquotes.com does most of the work for you! You enter some basic information about your car(s), www.americancarquotes.com sends your information out to all the various companies while you sit back and let the insurance companies compete against each other. The competition works in your favor!

With www.americancarquotes.com not only will the leading car insurance companies compete for your business, but www.americancarquotes.com has a vast amount of information available on their website that will teach you all the "in's and outs" of what coverage best suits your needs. You can educate yourself on how to avoid paying for coverage that might not be necessary!

You can learn about the various criteria needed for student drivers, or maybe you don't have the best driving record, you can read about what coverage might be needed to go along with that poor driving record. They also provide guidelines pertaining to "fault", "collision", "liability" and "safety" just t name a few.

So take a few minutes and go visit www.americancarquotes.com I think you will be impressed with what they can offer you!

Take care veryone.

MHL