Car Or Motorcycle? The Dodge Tomahawk Concept Vehicle

We Love Concept Vehicles and This One Is Definitely For Our Motorcycle Fanatics!

Dodge Tomahawk Concept Has A Viper Power Plant

Creating a concept vehicle has just got to be a lot of fun!  Seriously, some of us are obsessed with drawing pictures of really cool vehicles.  Vehicles that look awesome, but, for the most part, would never become a reality.  Imagine working for a real car or motorcycle company and having the ability to make some of those cool pics become a reality.....now, that's a job I would just die for!

 

The Dodge Tomahawk Concept is an awesome vehicle.  I use the word vehicle because I think it's still up for grabs as to whether it should be considered a car or a motorcycle!  According to Allpar.com, “For the Tomahawk to have been sold in the U.S. for road use, it would have had to pass all of the automobile safety standards.  Had the engineers replaced one of the tire pairs (either front or back) with a single tire (for a total of three), it would have been a motorcycle, although I think the lights might have been in violation of the regulations.”  According to Allpar.com, a motorcycle can have no more than 3 wheels on the ground at one time.  It (The Tomahawk) has four wheels, looks like motorcycle, and actually, I don't personally care what they call it....I just want to ride it!

Powered by an 8.3L, 10 cyclinder, 90 degree V-type, liquid cooled, 505 cubic inch, Viper motor that, through a manual, foot-shifted, aluminum-cased two-speed, sequential racing-style with dog ring, straight-cut gears, could propel this beast from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of somewhere around 300 mph, this vehicle is just raw adrenalin looking for a driver or rider!

The block is a 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners, aluminum alloy cylinder heads. The Bore x Stroke: 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches (102.4 x 100.6), two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder, roller-type hydraulic lifters, sequential fuel injection with individual runners.  With a compression Ratio: 9.6:1, and a Max Engine Speed: 6000 rpm fueled by 93-octane unleaded gasoline, a dry sump oil system that takes 8 quarts of oil and requires twin aluminum radiators mounted atop engine intake manifolds, force-fed from front-mounted, belt-driven turbine fans. The cooling systems actually requires 11 quarts of antifreeze!  You can find a full article on the Tomahawk at Allpar, a great site with lots of great articles on everything automotive. 

 

This is just one badass bike, or car, or whatever you prefer to call it!  Now I know you're asking yourself, why is she talking about this awesome concept bike, when, in reality, none of us can own or ride it!  It is just that, a concept!

 

Well, we can all dream, right?  Actually, the reasoning behind this story is that with a little ingenuity, you can turn any bike into your own concept vehicle!  Accessorizing your bike can turn a plain Jane into a head-turning, break tapping, talk of the water-cooler ride!

 

And, accessorizing doesn't have to be expensive.  You can add chrome to just about any part of a bike for pennies on the dollar.  Chrome accessories are great for adding flash and you can get almost any part in chrome!  Check out the great chrome parts from CruiserCustomizing.  Their chrome accessories page has "bling" for your bike from the tinyest parts to some great Kuryakyn Eagle Front Fender Ornaments and Show Chrome Accessories (big bike parts) Chrome Edge Guards for Tanks, etc.  You'll love your bike's new flashy look and there are chrome peices to fit any budget.

Check out their American Motorcycles Accessories page too, for some great ideas for your American made bike! There are simply too many neat accessories to mention here, so go shop to your hearts content at CruiserCustomizing.

 

Looking for some "high tech" accessories to bring your bike up-to-date and maybe even into the future?  BikeBandit.com has your toys! Check out their motorcycle communication page for some great "high tech" toys to customize your ride!  From the Garmin zumo® 220 Motorcycle GPS to the GoPro Motorsport Hero2 HD Digital Camera, you'll find all kinds of great accessories and upgrades to bring your ride into the 20th Century at prices that won't "break your bank"!  One of my personal favorites is the MotoComm DSR-1003G Digital Recorder & Camera System.  You can ride and record all your favorite rides and upload them to U-Tube or share them on Facebook!  The camera mounts wherever you'd like and can create a "driver's vantage point" view that will really make the viewer feel like they were there.

Adding some accessories to your ride can really make your bike look and feel new again without spending a huge amount of money!  You might not have a Tomahawk, but, you'll have your own "concept" bike, customized by you!

 

 

Happy Motoring!

-Larry and Dee Blackman

LDJ Auto Body & Custom Shop, Gibsonton, FL

www.ldjautobody.com

More about → Car Or Motorcycle? The Dodge Tomahawk Concept Vehicle

Customizing Your Bike. Master Your Own Style!

LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical Provides Motorcycle Customizing For Less in Riverview, FL.

From Custom Motorcycle Paint To The Perfect Accessories, LDJ Auto Body Has Your "Look" For Less.

1943 Harley Davidson Panhead

Motorcycles have come a long way since the Harley-Davidson's of World War's I and II.  Depending on your own particular style, the evolution of the motorcycle has created a "no boundries" attitude among both bike builders and bike owners.

What's better yet, is that no style is ever outdated!  Unlike the classic and antique car enthusiast forum, where the style of the 1957 Chevy and the 1960's era Corvette are forever in the past.  Vintage motorcycle styles never really come to an end. 

1963 Harley Davidson Cruiser

From baggers to cafe racers, bobbers, choppers, and "crotch rockets", motorcyles just don't see to evolve....or is it something we better prepare our "stuck in the 70's" butts for!

I have been bitten by the "Pinterest" bug!  Yup, I said it would never happen, but, I am addicted! I am most certainly addicted to pinning the different motorcycle styles onto my "Pinterest Board", which, by the way" is http://www.Pinterest.com/ldjcustomshop.  Pinning on Pinterest is just plain fun!  AND, by pinning all of our "cool" custom bikes, I have had a chance to look at some of the greatest "concept" bikes I've ever seen.

2003 Suzuki Intruder 1500 posted by LDJ Auto Body& Mechancial, Riverview, FL

However, bike building and "concept" bikes is for another article.  Today, I want to show you just what customizing your own bike can do to make your bike more comfortable, stylish, and whatever else makes it you.

If you have a "touring bike" and like to travel, saddle bags are a 'must have'. Bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes and from hard shelled with locks to what resembles to me to be "duffle bags" mounted on the bikes rear sides.

Windshields are also a 'must have' for the traveling biker.  Highway debris and bugs need to be deflected away from the rider as even the smallest fly can become a "bullet" at 70 or 80 mph.

There are a myriad of suppliers at which to purchase your accessories. LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical's professional technicians have put together a list of their favorite accessory shops, based on quality and price.  

J&P Cycles - Harley-Davidson Parts carries a full line of accessories for every Harley-Davidson model out there.

H-D Sporty owner's will find everything they need to turn that Sporty into a cruiser at J & P.  They have the best selection of Harley-Davidson accessory packages anywhere.  From "hard saddle bags" to tool pouches, front and rear luggage carriers, sissy bars, seats, and more, J and P Cycles has the absolute largest selection AND the lowest prices.  Be sure to give them a call today!

And for your motorcycle painting needs, LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical in Riverview, FL has the best, professional, certified paint specialists.  Call us today for a price on your custom painting needs.  Custom paint jobs are simply the best in the business.  Go to their website at http://ldjautobody.com and click on photos.  You can even request a free quote online.  Fill out the convenient form on the home page and Larry Blackman will get a quote to you the same day!

Have fun accessorizing!

-Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical
Riverview, FL
http://ldjautobody.com

More about → Customizing Your Bike. Master Your Own Style!

Make Sure Your Floor Mats Aren’t Dangerous | AutoMatStore.com

We'd like to thank Don Elfrink of AutoMatStore.com for his contributions here at LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News.  Don's expertise in the auto industry is a welcome addition to our blog.  Don's artlicles will be a regualr addition to our automotive news blog so register now so you don't miss any of his great aricles and information.

Here at AutoMatStore.com we know floor mats play an important role in your vehicle. They protect the carpeting underneath as well as the metal beneath the carpet from water, dirt, debris and odors. Every car should have a good set of car mats.. However, those mats can sometimes pose threats to your safety if installed or used improperly. Consider the situation with Toyota a few years ago – when vehicles began accelerating on their own, the company blamed ill-fitting floor mats and sticking gas pedals. Do your floor mats pose a risk to your safety? Below, you’ll learn more straight from the owner of a company that creates personalized car mats about how you can protect yourself.

1. Check factory mats. Many factory floor mats now come with an eye and hook securement system to prevent the mat from moving forward and affecting the brake or gas pedal. Make sure that the eye (grommet) and the hook are in good condition. The eye will be on the floor mat itself, and the hook will be a plastic piece affixed to the carpeting under the mat. Make sure you keep the hook through the eye at all times to ensure that the mat does not move forward and impede your ability to brake or accelerate.
2. Be ware of the backing. The backing on your floor mats is very important. If you flip that mat over, you should find a rubberized surface with extruded rubber nubs. Those nubs are significant – they’re designed to dig into the carpeting and prevent the mat from sliding forward or backward. If you notice that many of the nubs are missing (they can become brittle and break off over time), it’s time to replace those floor mats with newer options. When selecting new floor mats, opt for a set that has good backing to ensure that the mats stay in place.
3. Check the fit. While you might think that one floor mat size will fit most cars, that’s not really true. While there are “universal” mats out there, it’s better to opt for a set that is made specifically for the vehicle you’re driving. A mat that is too large (for instance, using a truck mat in a compact car) can roll or slide, impeding your ability to brake or accelerate. Floor mats that are too small for your vehicle won’t offer the protection that your carpeting and floorboards need.
4. Don’t simply throw them out. Given the ways that ill-fitting floor mats can affect your safety, you might be tempted to go without them altogether. However, that’s not a wise idea. Floor mats are used for good reasons. They offer important protection for the carpeting underneath your feet. For instance, when you drive, you place your toes and upper portion of your foot on the gas or brake. However, your heel rests on the floor. Over time, this will wear a hole in the carpeting. Floor mats protect your carpet from that demise. Additionally, a good set of floor mats will protect your carpet from dirt and water on your shoes and help keep it in good condition for years to come.
5. Be careful when buying new floor mats. There will come a time when you have to replace your old floor mats. They do wear out over time, and knowing a few important tips will ensure that you get the right quality mats. First, go to www.automatstore.com to discover a quality mat that fits your car – you want to buy a brand that’s recognized for quality. You also want to ensure that the mats are constructed from sturdy material – good quality rubber and carpet are the hallmarks of decent mats. Check the back for grip before you buy, and if you’re buying carpeted mats, make sure you match the interior carpet color of your car.

Floor mats might seem inconsequential, but they’re an essential consideration. With the tips above from Don Elfrink, owner of www.automatstore.com, you should be able to stay safe while protecting the interior of your vehicle.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mat.
http://test.skimlinks.com

More about → Make Sure Your Floor Mats Aren’t Dangerous | AutoMatStore.com

1970 Volkswagon Baywindow Bus Arrives for Make-Over at LDJ Auto Body, Riverview, FL

Our newest project arrived today at LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical in Gibsonton, FL.  We are doing a custom "make-over" on a 1970 VW Baywindow Bus.  Our "babyboomer" friends will relate to this one!

What a great vehicle!  The nostalgia in this one runs deep and I'm sure our "VW loving" readers will agree.  The bus is actually in really great shape.  The owner plans to use the vehicle as a "rolling billboard" for Hawks Electric Tatoos, his tatoo shop in Tampa, FL. 

We're excited about this one and hope our readers will be too.  We will be featuring the bus in an upcomming article next week when it is ready to go back to Joe to have him and his partner cover the sides of the vehicle with original artwork!  The vehicle will then come back to us for a clear coat and finishing.

Register now for updates so you don't miss this one!

Happy Motoring!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical
Gibsonton, FL

More about → 1970 Volkswagon Baywindow Bus Arrives for Make-Over at LDJ Auto Body, Riverview, FL

Summer Automotive Care - Tips for Taking Care of Your Car

Summer is a time of lazy days, warm nights and family vacations. For many people, it means cookouts and spending time with family members. However, summer brings with it more than just an excuse to head to the beach – it’s one of the harshest seasons for your car. In order to make sure that your vehicle stands the test of time, you need to know a few things about summertime-specific maintenance. Here are a few simple, effective tips for maintaining your vehicle through the dog days and beyond.

Trip Check

Summer is the season for travel, more so than any other time of year. However, while taking a vacation or embarking on a road trip can be exciting and a great way to spend more time with your family, it can be a recipe for disaster if you don’t take the proper steps before heading out. One of the most important things to do is inspect your car to make sure it’s roadworthy and won’t cause headaches later on. You’ll want to check the following:

• Charging System: You’ll definitely want to have a charging system check done before you go anywhere. Make sure your mechanic checks your battery, the starter and the alternator. Summer heat can be a killer on these components.

• Tire Condition and Pressure: Give some attention to your car’s tires. Is there a good amount of tread left? Is there any uneven wear? Do you need a rotation? Is there damage from your car being out of alignment? Is the tire pressure set properly? A good set of properly maintained tires can mean the difference between a safe trip and a serious accident.

• Brakes: Your braking system is one of the most important on your vehicle. Make sure that you check brake pad thickness before heading out, and if you feel a pulsation in the pedal or seat when applying the brakes, you might consider having your rotors turned.

• Wipers: Summertime is infamous for producing heavy thunderstorms. Your road trip might pit you against torrential rain, hail and high winds. Make sure that your windshield wipers are up to the challenge. Ideally, you should change your wiper blades roughly every six months or so. Make sure your wipers keep the windshield clear and look for any signs of damage or wear on the blades.

• Fluids: Many of your car’s systems are hydraulic, and require specific fluids to operate. Make sure you check and top off any fluids under the hood, including transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid.

• Coolant: To stay within its operating temperature and avoid overheating, your car relies on coolant circulating through the radiator and assorted pipes and hoses. Make sure you check the coolant level in your car (when the engine is cool). You should also visibly inspect all the hoses for signs of damage, wear and leaks.

• Belts: The high heat of summer can mean death for your engine belts, particularly if they’re old and worn already. Make sure you check all the belts under the hood. Depending on your make and model, you might have a single serpentine belt, or several smaller belts. Give them a good eyeball to make sure they’re not cracked and about to break.

Checking all of these systems can be time consuming and difficult if you’re not familiar with automotive technology. If you’re not comfortable inspecting any of these areas, take your car to a trusted mechanic and ask for a trip check before you head off. It can make a real difference in your safety and in your enjoyment of the summer months.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.

More about → Summer Automotive Care - Tips for Taking Care of Your Car