Learn About Left Hand Drive (car paint protection) Car Conversions

By Daniel Millions

  For the people around the globe who live in right hand drive (rhd) areas, finding a left hand drive (lhd) car can be very difficult if not impossible. Some dealers specialize in importing left hand drive cars to sell to consumers but this is quite rare. For the most part a left hand drive car is just an oddity to people who don’t drive them.

In fact, many people only see left hand drive cars in movies that are based in the parts of the world where they are driven. Some car manufactures don’t even make left hand drive cars or if they do, the quantity is very limited or only sold in certain areas. However, companies such as Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Lexus and Audi usually produce both left and right hand drive cars for most of their makes and models.

Once you have found a left hand car dealer you will need to do some extensive research into the cars history to ensure quality. Was the car manufactured to be a left hand drive car, or was it converted into one? If it was converted it’s best to question your dealer about the process and inquire about future repairs. Changing a right hand drive car over to the left side doesn’t necessarily mean that the car is somehow defective. Since the car has undergone a major change, it could have a negative impact on the car if it wasn’t done properly.

Just as with any car repair, improper work will only lead to spending more on repairs down the line. Even a brand new car that has been converted may show problems. Technically, the car isn’t even considered brand new any longer once the conversion has taken place. Some cars simply can’t be converted and forcing a conversion is very unethical but this does take place to some degree.

The most important thing is to have the car tested out by a third party mechanic using the standard diagnostic test that normal cars go through. Failing to do so could lead you to purchase a car that is unsafe for the road. The 1993 Jeep Cherokee Utility left hand drives were recalled due to defects and safety concerns and so have many other models.

Other things you need to be aware of when selecting a left hand drive car is the cost of maintaining your car. If your car is an import or contains parts imported, you should be prepared to spend more money on the cars maintenance then you would on regular cars. Just as with anything imported for another area you should be prepared for limited availability, higher cost and possibly extended periods of time for the parts to arrive.

Individuals should select left hand drive cars by first reviewing the car dealer’s website and then researching the cars history, while reading the car owner’s manual. Car manuals give full detailed information and specifications about the car and they normally state clearly if the car was made to be converted.

Whether you plan on importing a left hand drive car or getting a right hand drive car converted, your main concern should be safety. Aside from safety issues you will also have to contend with inflated cost and part availability. The best advice I could give to anyone on this subject would be to thoroughly research everything about the car and the dealer you plan to purchase it from.

Oakleaf a European import car dealer supplies a full range of left hand drive cars also know as Lhd cars.

Buying Cheap Collector Cars
By Chris Jensen

  There is hope, unless you’re looking to drive something that belongs in a museum. Over the years, I have bought and sold many collector trucks and cars, and I have friends that have done the same. Over the last few days, I found some amazing deals that any collector would be happy with.

Now keep in mind, these aren’t cars meant for the showroom, but that shouldn’t matter! They are decent cars that we enthusiasts can appreciate for a practical price! For instance, a “eBay” listing here for a 1971 Chevy El Camino. The car looks clean, and has a 350 v8 engine and a Turbo 350 automatic transmission, power disc breaks, power steering, and customized wheels. The person posting on that site was asking for $2,800 OBO. Just for you information, OBO means ‘or best offer.’

Anytime you see ‘OBO’ it’s important you try and make some money, because they are willing to take less. If you have the gift of gab, you might really be able to swing an amazing deal, but it’s limited by your skills. The best way to make a substantial savings is to find someone really desperate to get rid of the product, and this could be for a variety of reasons, but whatever it is, it means a great deal for you. Another “eBay” car, a 1970 Mustang coupe.

It looks clean, no rust, comes with a 302 V8 engine, automatic transmission, power brakes, power steering, and clean chrome wheels. They want $2200 OBO (or best offer). Imagine you could actually get it cheaper than it already is, just be smart about negotiating the deal. In general, there are many more things that may interest you, this is just one example.

Every time when looking online I manage to find all kinds of collector cars and trucks, using a number of sources I’ve collected over time. Since this is something I’m passionate about, I manage to find new sources all the time. Now those cars may not be something you’re interested in, but there are plenty more cars and car-sales where that came from.

Remember, talking about cheap cars that could actually get you into a collector car show! There’s almost always a huge increase in the number of cars you can walk away with for every $500 you add. You can get a collector car for cheap; all kinds of collector cars. What I’ve mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg.

Chris Jensen is a contributing author of Jetfly Shop. For more related articles and views visit Jetfly Automotive Blog now. Also, for the best up-to-date related online products, check out Jetfly Automotive Collectibles Shop for todays current online deals.

A Guide To Choosing Automotive Lifts
By Christine OKelly

  One of the most important tools in an automotive repair shop is the auto lift. Providing access to the under belly of a car or truck, automotive lifts make the job of car repair much easier for the home garage or auto shop. Choosing a lift that meets your needs is the key to profitability in time and money. There is a large variety of lift types available to meet the needs of anyone who is looking to purchase one. Keep the following in mind when choosing the best automotive lift for you.

Auto Lifts For The Home User

Consumers with a garage at home can now easily perform maintenance and repairs on the undercarriage of their automobiles. The convenience of owning a home auto lift not only increases the productivity of repairs, but also increases the amount of storage space available. Home automotive lifts usually involve a group of four posts, pneumatically controlled to lift an automobile safely.

These lifts provide a safe means to raise one’s vehicle for access to the car’s undercarriage for transmission and oil work. Automotive lifts also provide increased storage space, by allowing the consumer to lift their car out of the way and to open up the garage floor space. Lesser used vehicles and box storage can be placed on the lift and raised out of the way. Then, you can park your own vehicle underneath the lifted platform.

Automotive lifts are great for people who collect cars. A typical garage can only house two cars, but with use of a lift, four cars can be efficiently parked.

Auto Shop Automotive Lifts - Features To Consider

For more serious garages and commercial operations, there are heavy-duty automotive lifts available. Standard equipment usually involves one, two, or four post lifts. The final choice involves the balance of lift capability, lift stability, and available additional space for the lift equipment. These heavier lifts usually require additional maintenance. The industrial nature of these auto lifts means that their maintenance is better left to professionals if the user has any doubt about being able to work the equipment while maintaining the designed safety features.

One post lifts are the most economical in terms of space. The two varieties of one post lifts are centered lifts and offset lifts. Centered one post auto lifts have a lot more strength than offset one post auto lifts. Offset lifts provide space for a vehicle to be placed underneath a lifted object, providing space economy. Four post models also allow for the same space saving capabilities as a single post model, but they do require more space and power. The upside to a four post lift is a greatly increased power output (four times that of a single post). The two post model is a balance between the two versions.

Auto lifts give a home user full access to their vehicle from different sides. This allows you to perform maintenance and repairs on your vehicle from the comfort of home, saving you both time and money.

Christine O’Kelly is an author for SVI International, an automotive lift company specializing in home and commercial auto lifts.

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