Our Other Great Sites for Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles! News, Parts, Pics and More!

Don't forget to check out our other great websites too! 

Get some great tips and pointers about all things automotive, including cars, trucks, suvs and motorcycles in our newsletter, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck and Motorcycle News.   Check out the latest, greatest automotive and motorcycle accessories at places like Andy's Auto Sport, Auto Parts Warehouse, Cruiser Customizing, Auto Anything, J.C. Whitney, and Auto Sport Catalog.

Our affiliates are offering the best prices on everything for your car, truck, suv or motorcycle. Our newsletter will give you links to some great deals from these suppliers.  Check back often for new deals and great savings like free shipping and unbelievable sale prices!  Sign up for our newsletter and make sure you don't miss out on any of the great savings! 

Don't forget, here at LDJ, we'll give you the absolute best prices on the installation of all your accessories.  We offer the lowest prices on full body kit installation, ground effects, spoilers and much more!  You can even have your accessories shipped directly to us and we'll call you when they come in to schedule your installation.  Our technicians can match any factory or custom paints so your body kits, ground effects and any other accessories will match flawlessly.  We can also mold in any accessory kits for a seamless finish! 

Your chrome motorcycle accessories will set your bike apart from the crowds and with our low installation costs and the great savings you'll get from our affiliates, you can increase the value of your bike without decreasing the value of your wallet!  We'll paint your hard sided bags and luggage carriers to flawlessly match any custom or factory color and install them for prices none of the dealers can match!

You can see the latest updated pics of our ongoing projects at LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop!  See pictures of these restorations from start to finish along with explanations of how and what is being done to these fine cars. 

Remember, you can speak to our technicians at any time.  Our techs are always happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding your own projects.  Feel free to email us your pics for questions or a phone estimate of anything you might need!

Don't forget, LDJ Auto Body is a full service auto body repair and collision repair center.  From dents and dings to heavy collision and frame work, we'll give you the best deal on all your automotive repairs!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Your "one stop shop" for everything automotive!

More about → Our Other Great Sites for Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles! News, Parts, Pics and More!

Preventative Maintenance - The Key to Big Savings On Auto Repair!

The New Year has begun. Time to think about those new year's resolutions! If you're ike most people, new year's resolutions start out with the right idea in mind. The biggest problem is that many people try to implement either too many or set goals that simply cannot be reached either without help or that are unreasonable.

After many failed New Year's resolutions myself, I decided to take a look at what things I ACTUALLY have enough self dicipline to implement. One thing I really want to work on this year is "saving money". Each year when tax time arrives I see the books and each year I realize that there are many ways to save money that are both easy to do AND cost effective to implement! (There's no point in spending a million dollars to save a half million!)

One way to put some extra dollars in your pocket is through implementing a "preventative maintenance" program. Preventative maintenance means simply that. Prevent problems before they happen. In almost any circumstance, preventing a problem from happening is less expensive than fixing the problem once it HAS happened.

One place to implement a great preventative maintenance program is with your vehicle! Let's face it. Auto repairs are expensive. But, with vehicles, there are MANY ways to help prevent problems from happening that are WAY less expensive than the problems themselves.

Start with standard maintenance items like oil changes, lubrication, and brakes. These items are inexpensive to do, but, will save hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repairs if left undone! Let's take a look at the actual cost of doing some of these items.

Changing brake pads is a great one to start with. First of all, the brake pad manufacturer's actually provide you with a warning when this needs to be done! That's what all that "squeaking" is about! When you hear your brakes start to squeak, it means that the pads have worn down sufficiently to require replacement. The manufacturer installs "squeakers", small metal pieces that come in contact with your rotors and cause them to "squeak" thereby letting you know they are worn. A great idea when you think about it! Problem is....most people don't pay attention to this "squeaking" when it happens.

Make this a priority on your vehicle "preventative maintenance" program and here's what it can save you...... Replacing the brake pads on your vehicle will run you approximately $30 per wheel to accomplish. Purchase brake pads with a lifetime warranty and the cost is reduced to $20 per wheel the next time you do it! How does this save you money? Letting your brakes go until the "squeaking" stops....and it will......will cause the brake "rotors" to become damaged. Once they are damaged, they need to be replaced. Add $20 labor to each wheel AND the cost of the rotors (anywhere from $20 to $120 each depending on your vehicle)!!! Now there's a "chunk of change" that you COULD still have in your pocket had you done your preventative maintenance!

Next, let's take a look at changing your oil. Depending on your vehicle and the type of oil used, oil changes usually run anywhere from $20 to $40 depending on your vehicle and that includes the oil! Oil should be changed around every 3000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first.

Oil is the key ingredient in keeping your car, truck, suv or what have you running smoothly. Few things in your vehicle's motor are as important as oil! And, the bad things is, the things that happen when you DON'T change your oil are numerous AND far exceed the cost of a simple oil change! The worst of these being a blown engine! Yup, spending the "small change" for an oil change every 3 months COULD potentially save you the cost of a new motor, which, in some older vehicles, may exceed the cost of the vehicle itself! Also, when you change the oil, it's a good idea to lubricate the rest of the vehicle at the same time. Most oil change services include this lubrication. However, if you're a do-it-yourself'er, don't forget to lube the rest of the car while you're at it!

So, is everyone hearing the point I'm getting at here? I know these things are a pain. We're all busy and squeazing in an oil change or brake job into our busy schedules is hard. I don't mean that sarcastically, I mean it literally. If you're like most of us, we don't have enough time in the day as it is! But, working these things into our busy schedules CAN and WILL save money in the long run.

I have only touched base on two little items that will help save you money in 2012 and the list goes on and on. We will continue to give you ideas on money saving tips in the future! Please feel free to comment back with ideas of your own! After all, the idea here IS to help each other out!

Happy 2012 and we'll talk to you soon!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical
ldjautobody@yahoo.com

More about → Preventative Maintenance - The Key to Big Savings On Auto Repair!

Preventative Maintenance - The Key to Big Savings On Auto Repair!

The New Year has begun. Time to think about those new year's resolutions! If you're ike most people, new year's resolutions start out with the right idea in mind. The biggest problem is that many people try to implement either too many or set goals that simply cannot be reached either without help or that are unreasonable.

After many failed New Year's resolutions myself, I decided to take a look at what things I ACTUALLY have enough self dicipline to implement. One thing I really want to work on this year is "saving money". Each year when tax time arrives I see the books and each year I realize that there are many ways to save money that are both easy to do AND cost effective to implement! (There's no point in spending a million dollars to save a half million!)

One way to put some extra dollars in your pocket is through implementing a "preventative maintenance" program. Preventative maintenance means simply that. Prevent problems before they happen. In almost any circumstance, preventing a problem from happening is less expensive than fixing the problem once it HAS happened.

One place to implement a great preventative maintenance program is with your vehicle! Let's face it. Auto repairs are expensive. But, with vehicles, there are MANY ways to help prevent problems from happening that are WAY less expensive than the problems themselves.

Start with standard maintenance items like oil changes, lubrication, and brakes. These items are inexpensive to do, but, will save hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repairs if left undone! Let's take a look at the actual cost of doing some of these items.

Changing brake pads is a great one to start with. First of all, the brake pad manufacturer's actually provide you with a warning when this needs to be done! That's what all that "squeaking" is about! When you hear your brakes start to squeak, it means that the pads have worn down sufficiently to require replacement. The manufacturer installs "squeakers", small metal pieces that come in contact with your rotors and cause them to "squeak" thereby letting you know they are worn. A great idea when you think about it! Problem is....most people don't pay attention to this "squeaking" when it happens.

Make this a priority on your vehicle "preventative maintenance" program and here's what it can save you...... Replacing the brake pads on your vehicle will run you approximately $30 per wheel to accomplish. Purchase brake pads with a lifetime warranty and the cost is reduced to $20 per wheel the next time you do it! How does this save you money? Letting your brakes go until the "squeaking" stops....and it will......will cause the brake "rotors" to become damaged. Once they are damaged, they need to be replaced. Add $20 labor to each wheel AND the cost of the rotors (anywhere from $20 to $120 each depending on your vehicle)!!! Now there's a "chunk of change" that you COULD still have in your pocket had you done your preventative maintenance!

Next, let's take a look at changing your oil. Depending on your vehicle and the type of oil used, oil changes usually run anywhere from $20 to $40 depending on your vehicle and that includes the oil! Oil should be changed around every 3000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first.

Oil is the key ingredient in keeping your car, truck, suv or what have you running smoothly. Few things in your vehicle's motor are as important as oil! And, the bad things is, the things that happen when you DON'T change your oil are numerous AND far exceed the cost of a simple oil change! The worst of these being a blown engine! Yup, spending the "small change" for an oil change every 3 months COULD potentially save you the cost of a new motor, which, in some older vehicles, may exceed the cost of the vehicle itself! Also, when you change the oil, it's a good idea to lubricate the rest of the vehicle at the same time. Most oil change services include this lubrication. However, if you're a do-it-yourself'er, don't forget to lube the rest of the car while you're at it!

So, is everyone hearing the point I'm getting at here? I know these things are a pain. We're all busy and squeazing in an oil change or brake job into our busy schedules is hard. I don't mean that sarcastically, I mean it literally. If you're like most of us, we don't have enough time in the day as it is! But, working these things into our busy schedules CAN and WILL save money in the long run.

I have only touched base on two little items that will help save you money in 2012 and the list goes on and on. We will continue to give you ideas on money saving tips in the future! Please feel free to comment back with ideas of your own! After all, the idea here IS to help each other out!

Happy 2012 and we'll talk to you soon!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical
ldjautobody@yahoo.com

More about → Preventative Maintenance - The Key to Big Savings On Auto Repair!

2012

Revised Jan 23.

Just realised I had not posted anything for a month. I guess between my laptop packing it in and holiday season the time just got away. I have been doing some travel as well as changing work so busy times. 
Todays desktop on my new laptop is an inspiration. This is the Troll Road in Norway which I was at the base of a long time ago but unable to ascend as the waterfall you see

More about → 2012

More New Zealand motorcycle tour

I have finally had some time to edit all the video footage I was provided of the New Zealand ride I completed last November, but it is no Spielberg.

This was shot with a GoPro HD camera and all these action cams use a wide angle lens which when mounted high on a helmet of a rider has the unfortunate effect of slowing down movement yet remains not wide enough to capture all the scenery the rider

More about → More New Zealand motorcycle tour

New Auto Parts vs. Used Auto Parts....What Should YOU Use?

Let's face it, in today's economy, money is tight! We're all trying to cut costs and pinch pennies where possible. So, when your vehicle breaks down or is damaged, is it better to use new or used parts to do your repairs? 

There are some obvious answers to this question. Things like brakes, windshield wipers, and other safety related repair parts should always be new! These parts are usually not that expensive and buying used would be ludicrous! But, when it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, transmissions, and even motors, you can definitely save yourself some money by purchasing used auto parts.

There are actually three different grades of auto parts.  New, meaning that the part has never been used. Used, which means that the part has been taken off of another vehicle.  And then there are "re-built" or "re-manufactured" parts. 

New parts are certainly the best way to replace most component parts of your car.  Aftermarket parts suppliers have a match for almost any part you can think of.  Our affiliated parts suppliers have almost every part you can think of that will bolt right on to your vehicle.  These are the most cost effective and definitely our choice over new OEM, used or even re-built.  These parts can be purchased on-line and sent directly to our shop.  We'll call you when they come in and schedule your appointment at that time!  Check out the link below for some great prices on aftermarket parts for your vehicle!




Re-built auto parts are used auto parts that someone has re-built or re-manufactured and replaced the main components so that the part is "just like" new! This means that someone has taken the "old part" apart and removed the broken portions of the part and replaced those parts with new ones.  Re-built or re-manufactured parts usually come with a warranty that is very similar to the warranty on a new part. Unlike used auto parts, which may or may not have a warranty.

So, how do you decide if you should be purchasing new, used or rebuilt? Things that affect the safety of your vehicle should always be purchased new!  Things like windshield wipers, brake pads, belts, and hoses are inexpensive and just not worth the chance of using used parts. 

When it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, and starters, used or rebuilt parts will almost always save you money.  However, whether you use rebuilt or used does make a difference here.  Replacing a water pump on many vehicles requires a lot of labor and can be very expensive.  Sometimes upwards of $500 or $600 dollars.  If this is the case with your vehicle, we would definitely recommend going with rebuilt.  The reason for this is pretty simple.  If the job requires that much labor, it is safe to say that you won't want to be doing it twice!  Also, a repair shop is not going to warranty the labor on the job simply because your used part went bad, so the wise decision here is to go with the rebuilt part.  The same is true for alternators and starters.  Both of these parts get a lot of wear and tear and it's simply not smart to put a used one back in your vehicle.  Also, some alternators and starters, just like the water pump, are very expensive to replace due to labor costs.  So, the smart shopper will also purchase these rebuilt. 

The real decision making regarding used vs rebuilt comes when it's time to replace major components, like your transmission or motor.  Both of these components are very expensive, and for your average vehicle owner, unless the part is covered under a manufacturer's warranty or some other kind of warranty, or, for some reason, an insurance company, purchasing these auto parts new is simply cost prohibited.  So how does one decide whether to go with new or rebuilt? 

Again, the answer here revolves around cost.  A rebuilt motor or transmission is going to cost you more money than a used one.  Rebuilt parts will definitely save you money over the cost of a new one, but, depending on the model you're looking for, they can still set you back cost wise. 

In many cases, you can find some great deals on used parts at a salvage yard.  Good salvage yards will test these parts before putting them up for sale, and, in many cases, will even offer a "replacement warranty" on the part. Replacement warranties are exactly as the name implies.  They will replace the part if it goes bad within a certain period of time.  The key here is to find the best deal on a part that has the longest warranty period.  The other key factor here is the "milage" on the part.  Most salvage yards will keep a record of how many miles were on the vehicle they removed the part from.  So you can determine the amount of usage that the part has seen before you buy it.  Of course, the lower the milage, the more expensive the part!  However, milage is not the only determining factor you need to consider.  If it's possible, try to find a motor or transmission at the yard that is still in the vehicle!  Being able to see the vehicle that the part is comming out of will give you an idea of what kind of use the part has gotten.  After all, finding a used motor with extremely low milage means nothing if that motor sat for years in a vehicle that wasn't running for a long period of time!  The motor could have corrosion built up just from sitting around.  Same goes for the transmission.  Seeing the vehicle also gives you an idea of why the motor or trans are for sale.  If the car was involved in an accident, you can tell if the motor or trans might also have been damaged in the accident by where the car was hit.

If you can't find one that is still in the car, truck or suv, it is necessary to rely on the records of the salvage yard to make your decision.  Reputable salvage yards will tell you the reason for the salvage and the number of miles listed on the odometer when they pulled the part.  Look for the lowest milage available and then the price.  Remember, you get what you pay for!  AND, since there is significant labor involved in replacing either of these components, you should spend the maximum that you can afford to pay for the part and always make sure there is a warranty on the part!  The longer the warranty the better off you'll be.

The last parts we'll cover here are body parts.  You can purchase almost any body part at a salvage yard.  Doors, hoods, trunk or (deck lids) and even roof panels and quarter panels are available at your local junk yard.  Once again, unless an insurance company is paying for the part, buying these parts new from a dealership is cost prohibited for most of us!

Body panels do not come with warranties!  Unless, of course, they're new and even then, they are only warranted against factory defects.  The thing to remember here, is that there are "after-market" body panels available for most vehicles, especially if they are a little older.  After-market body panels come in different grades, but, the two most important differences are "CAPA certified" and "non-CAPA" certified.  CAPA certified parts meet the standards of the Certified Auto Parts Association of America and are made to the same standards as OEM.  Most insurance companies will insist on CAPA certified replacement body parts.


Aftermarket parts are always significantly cheaper than OEM parts, and, more often than not, less expensive than purchasing used parts from a salvage yard.  Aftermarket parts do have to be prepped and painted, as they come from the factory in black, which is then "scuffed" or "sanded" and then primed and painted to match the existing vehicle color.  Always remember to add in the amount you will need to spend for painting when planning out your job using aftermarket parts.

At LDJ, we're always looking for ways to save you more money! You can supply your own aftermarket parts and save yourself the mark-up of us keeping the inventory.  The affiliates listed here offer great prices on aftermarket parts! You can place your order, have them shipped to us and we'll schedule your appointment when they arrive!


Used parts from a salvage yard are also a good value.  However, many salvage yards are going to be asking premium dollar for good quality used parts.  Most times, the used parts sold, are, of course, factory OEM parts.  Also, unless you get lucky enough to find a body panel in the same color as your car, it will also need to be painted. If there is any body work to be done to the used body panel, that will need to be factored in too.

Making the right decision about the parts used in the repair of your vehicle is key to saving money on your repair bill!  Feel free to call us at any time to speak to one of our technicians about your repairs.  We are there to help you make the decision that is best for you!

Hope you find this information helpful on your next repair! We look forward to helping you keep your car, truck, suv, or motorcycle in tip top shape!


Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Gibsonton, FL
(813) 644-4497
www.facebook.com/ldjautobody

More about → New Auto Parts vs. Used Auto Parts....What Should YOU Use?

New Auto Parts vs. Used Auto Parts....What Should YOU Use?

Let's face it, in today's economy, money is tight! We're all trying to cut costs and pinch pennies where possible. So, when your vehicle breaks down or is damaged, is it better to use new or used parts to do your repairs? 

There are some obvious answers to this question. Things like brakes, windshield wipers, and other safety related repair parts should always be new! These parts are usually not that expensive and buying used would be ludicrous! But, when it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, transmissions, and even motors, you can definitely save yourself some money by purchasing used auto parts.

There are actually three different grades of auto parts.  New, meaning that the part has never been used. Used, which means that the part has been taken off of another vehicle.  And then there are "re-built" or "re-manufactured" parts. 

New parts are certainly the best way to replace most component parts of your car.  Aftermarket parts suppliers have a match for almost any part you can think of.  Our affiliated parts suppliers have almost every part you can think of that will bolt right on to your vehicle.  These are the most cost effective and definitely our choice over new OEM, used or even re-built.  These parts can be purchased on-line and sent directly to our shop.  We'll call you when they come in and schedule your appointment at that time!  Check out the link below for some great prices on aftermarket parts for your vehicle!



Re-built auto parts are used auto parts that someone has re-built or re-manufactured and replaced the main components so that the part is "just like" new! This means that someone has taken the "old part" apart and removed the broken portions of the part and replaced those parts with new ones.  Re-built or re-manufactured parts usually come with a warranty that is very similar to the warranty on a new part. Unlike used auto parts, which may or may not have a warranty.

So, how do you decide if you should be purchasing new, used or rebuilt? Things that affect the safety of your vehicle should always be purchased new!  Things like windshield wipers, brake pads, belts, and hoses are inexpensive and just not worth the chance of using used parts. 
When it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, and starters, used or rebuilt parts will almost always save you money.  However, whether you use rebuilt or used does make a difference here.  Replacing a water pump on many vehicles requires a lot of labor and can be very expensive.  Sometimes upwards of $500 or $600 dollars.  If this is the case with your vehicle, we would definitely recommend going with rebuilt.  The reason for this is pretty simple.  If the job requires that much labor, it is safe to say that you won't want to be doing it twice!  Also, a repair shop is not going to warranty the labor on the job simply because your used part went bad, so the wise decision here is to go with the rebuilt part.  The same is true for alternators and starters.  Both of these parts get a lot of wear and tear and it's simply not smart to put a used one back in your vehicle.  Also, some alternators and starters, just like the water pump, are very expensive to replace due to labor costs.  So, the smart shopper will also purchase these rebuilt. 

The real decision making regarding used vs rebuilt comes when it's time to replace major components, like your transmission or motor.  Both of these components are very expensive, and for your average vehicle owner, unless the part is covered under a manufacturer's warranty or some other kind of warranty, or, for some reason, an insurance company, purchasing these auto parts new is simply cost prohibited.  So how does one decide whether to go with new or rebuilt? 

Again, the answer here revolves around cost.  A rebuilt motor or transmission is going to cost you more money than a used one.  Rebuilt parts will definitely save you money over the cost of a new one, but, depending on the model you're looking for, they can still set you back cost wise. 

In many cases, you can find some great deals on used parts at a salvage yard.  Good salvage yards will test these parts before putting them up for sale, and, in many cases, will even offer a "replacement warranty" on the part. Replacement warranties are exactly as the name implies.  They will replace the part if it goes bad within a certain period of time.  The key here is to find the best deal on a part that has the longest warranty period.  The other key factor here is the "milage" on the part.  Most salvage yards will keep a record of how many miles were on the vehicle they removed the part from.  So you can determine the amount of usage that the part has seen before you buy it.  Of course, the lower the milage, the more expensive the part!  However, milage is not the only determining factor you need to consider.  If it's possible, try to find a motor or transmission at the yard that is still in the vehicle!  Being able to see the vehicle that the part is comming out of will give you an idea of what kind of use the part has gotten.  After all, finding a used motor with extremely low milage means nothing if that motor sat for years in a vehicle that wasn't running for a long period of time!  The motor could have corrosion built up just from sitting around.  Same goes for the transmission.  Seeing the vehicle also gives you an idea of why the motor or trans are for sale.  If the car was involved in an accident, you can tell if the motor or trans might also have been damaged in the accident by where the car was hit.

If you can't find one that is still in the car, truck or suv, it is necessary to rely on the records of the salvage yard to make your decision.  Reputable salvage yards will tell you the reason for the salvage and the number of miles listed on the odometer when they pulled the part.  Look for the lowest milage available and then the price.  Remember, you get what you pay for!  AND, since there is significant labor involved in replacing either of these components, you should spend the maximum that you can afford to pay for the part and always make sure there is a warranty on the part!  The longer the warranty the better off you'll be.

The last parts we'll cover here are body parts.  You can purchase almost any body part at a salvage yard.  Doors, hoods, trunk or (deck lids) and even roof panels and quarter panels are available at your local junk yard.  Once again, unless an insurance company is paying for the part, buying these parts new from a dealership is cost prohibited for most of us!

Body panels do not come with warranties!  Unless, of course, they're new and even then, they are only warranted against factory defects.  The thing to remember here, is that there are "after-market" body panels available for most vehicles, especially if they are a little older.  After-market body panels come in different grades, but, the two most important differences are "CAPA certified" and "non-CAPA" certified.  CAPA certified parts meet the standards of the Certified Auto Parts Association of America and are made to the same standards as OEM.  Most insurance companies will insist on CAPA certified replacement body parts. 
Aftermarket parts are always significantly cheaper than OEM parts, and, more often than not, less expensive than purchasing used parts from a salvage yard.  Aftermarket parts do have to be prepped and painted, as they come from the factory in black, which is then "scuffed" or "sanded" and then primed and painted to match the existing vehicle color.  Always remember to add in the amount you will need to spend for painting when planning out your job using aftermarket parts.

At LDJ, we're always looking for ways to save you more money! You can supply your own aftermarket parts and save yourself the mark-up of us keeping the inventory.  The affiliates listed here offer great prices on aftermarket parts! You can place your order, have them shipped to us and we'll schedule your appointment when they arrive!

Used parts from a salvage yard are also a good value.  However, many salvage yards are going to be asking premium dollar for good quality used parts.  Most times, the used parts sold, are, of course, factory OEM parts.  Also, unless you get lucky enough to find a body panel in the same color as your car, it will also need to be painted. If there is any body work to be done to the used body panel, that will need to be factored in too.

Making the right decision about the parts used in the repair of your vehicle is key to saving money on your repair bill!  Feel free to call us at any time to speak to one of our technicians about your repairs.  We are there to help you make the decision that is best for you!

Hope you find this information helpful on your next repair! We look forward to helping you keep your car, truck, suv, or motorcycle in tip top shape!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Gibsonton, FL
(813) 644-4497
www.facebook.com/ldjautobody

More about → New Auto Parts vs. Used Auto Parts....What Should YOU Use?