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

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Official "Cause" of Two Karma Fires Announced

Fisker Announces Cause of Karma Fire in Woodside, CA

Last Weekend's Woodside, CA Fire and Fire in Texas Last May, Both Involving Karma's Are Not Related

Fisker, the manufacturer of the Karma Sedans involved in two recent parking lot fires, announced yesterday that the two fires were unrelated.  

According Fisker, last weekend's fire in Woodland, CA was caused by a defective low temperature cooling fan located in front of the wheel and had nothing to do with the lithium ion battery configuration which was originally thought to blame after another fire happend in Texas last May.  

In an article at Autoblog written by Sebastian Bianco, Fisker announced a voluntary recall that involves some 2,400 Karma sedans with the suspect cooling fan.  

"As the latest statement makes clear, and as we expected, the parking-lot fire was not caused by the lithium-ion battery. Company co-founder Henrik Fisker said, "This incident resulted from a single, faulty component, not our unique EVer powertrain or the engineering of the Karma. As this situation demonstrates, Fisker Automotive is dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to address safety and quality concerns." 

"Fisker says the supplier is responsible and will work together with the unnamed company to fix the problem. Retailers will contact customers and "this recall campaign is not expected to have a material financial impact on Fisker." The fix entails a new cooling fan "that meets the required specifications" and a new, extra fuse "for added protection." Around 2,400 Karmas are affected by this recall.

According to Bianco, " Fisker is also saying that there is no discernible connection between the Woodside fire and another fire involving a Karma that happened in Texas in May. Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher told Bloomberg that, "The report for the Texas fire is not in the public domain and we do not have access to it. ... the real root cause [of the Texas fire] is unlikely to be determined."

Fisker Karma Sedans are becomming increasingly popular due to the electric vehicle's ability to be charged using a standard 120V outlet.  Able to travel 50 miles on the lithium ion battery pack which is enhanced by a solar roof configuration, when the battery pack runs low the vehicle's gas powered engine/generator kicks in to provide another 250 miles on a full tank.

See a full overview description of the Fisker Karma at AOL Autos.  These extremely "green" engineered vehicles are the first of their kind in that they charge with a standard 120V outlet, get outstanding mileage, and are extremely environmentally friendly.  They are constructed soley from "eco friendly" products including corn fiber based floor mats, 100-percent recycled post-industry polyester Eco-Suede, and rescued wood trim retrieved from the 2007 firestorm in Orange County, California.

As stated by AOL Autos., "The Fisker Karma is a vehicle that will appeal to any environmentally-conscious consumer".

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Car, Trucks, and SUVs Reviewed By The People That Drive Them!

Vehicle Reviews Written By The People That Matter The Most

The People That Own Them!

Researching a vehicle before you buy is a great way to avoid costly mistakes and also narrow down the zillions of ads that are available to us via the Internet, classifieds, and more.  Knowing what you want before you start looking can save you lots of time and unnecessary driving.  It can also help you head in the right direction when it comes to price, comfort, and a myriad of other things that are important when it comes to buying a vehicle.

Many people choose to read reviews of the vehicle's they are interested i,n hoping to find the 'best' and the 'worst' of the type of vehicle they are looking for.  Reviews are a great way to learn about vehicles.  What kind of motor configurations are available, colors, sports editions vs. luxury editions, and lots more.  But, most reviews are written by "professional reviewers", and, well, a professional reviewer is "just that", a professional.  

These reviewers are hand picked by the manufacturer's, flown to their destinations first-class, given a vehicle configured by the manufacturer, and wined and dined while they are putting together their "journalistic" comments about the vehicle in question.  I love reading reviews done by the pros because they (the pros), do a great job making sure that they cover all the important things we're interested in, like motor size, options available, and, last but not least, price.

However, we always have to remember that these reviews are done by professionals and not someone who just went out and bought the car, truck, or suv, drove it for awhile, and, then decided to put their reactions to the whole experience down on paper.  They are paid to do what they do.

Yesterday, while going through my "social networking" tasks, (a task which is getting longer and longer by the day I might mention), I came across a site that is dedicated to vehicle reviews done by the folks that own them!  What a great idea.  These reviews are done by people just like you and me.  These "reviewers" actually own the vehicles they are reviewing.  They are not "special" vehicles that have been 'customized' by the manufacturer to be the "ultimate" vehicle.  They are "real" vehicles.  The kind that people like you and I are going to end up with if we buy one.

The site is called Car User Reviews and you can find it at http://www.caruserreviews.com.  This is a great place to do your research when looking for a specific vehicle.  You can look up the vehicles by type or by manufacturer.  But, the best part is, the reviews are as real as they get.  They are also, for the most part, concise and to the point.  

Who could be more "brutally honest" than the person who went out and spent their hard earned dollars for their dream vehicle?  That's right! NO ONE!  I mean, if you want to find out about a specific kind of vehicle and get the truth, ask someone who owns one, right?  That's exactly what this site is all about.

Car User Reviews also reviews car dealerships!  That's right....you can look up the reviews for dealerships in your area and find out which ones people love and which ones, well, not so much.... Anyway, it's a great site that you really should check out, especially if you're in the market for a new or used vehicle.

It's also a place where you can voice your own opinion.  Have something to say about the car, truck, or suv that you own?  Tell it like it is!  You can even tell everyone about the experience you had buying your vehicle if you bought it at a dealership.

So, the next time you need some info regarding a specific vehicle, head on over to Car User Reviews and check it out.  

You could save yourself some money, time, and even the grief of not making the same mistake someone else already has.  I think it's a great idea.

Finding out as much as you can before you purchase a vehicle is the best way to avoid headaches.  Running a vehicle's history report is also a good way to ensure that the car, truck, or suv you are looking at is worth your hard earned dollars.  Protect yourself from hidden problems. AutoCheck® vehicle history report for only $29.99.

Happy Motoring!
Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body & Mechanical, Gibsonton, FL
www.ldjautobody.com

Know of a site that our readers would love? Send us the site url and a description so we can let everyone know about it.  We are always looking for new and interesting information to share with our readers.

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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

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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

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The Art of Custom Car & Motorcycle Maintenance Has a Great NEW Look!

Welcome to "The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle"' blog's new look.  We are always looking for ways to bring the best and most insteresting content to our readers.  We have reconfigured our blog page to make it easier for our readers to navigate and we've added some neat things too.

It has always been our desire and goal to bring our blog subscribers the best products at the lowest prices.  After careful consideration and lots of price comparisons, we've come up with a list of the best car, truck, and motorcycle parts and accessory suppliers anywhere on the World Wide Web!

LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical's staff of professional technicians has put together the most comprehensive list of parts and accessories that are second to none.  These are the parts that the pros use.  And, they know how to pick them.

From full body kits, ground effects, spoilers, lambo doors and more, LDJ Auto Body's technicians do them all.  "Nothing is worse than trying to fit parts on a vehicle that are poorly made and not up to spec", said Larry Blackman, owner of LDJ.  "Add-on accessories can make or break the look you are going for, not to mention breaking the bank for unnecessary technician time in trying to fit a poorly manufactured part.  Going the extra nine yards to ensure that you purchase high quality parts will actually save you money in the long run.  They fit better, they paint better, and ultimately, they look better."



"Motorcycle parts are no different than car and truck parts", Blackman went on to say. "Quality is everything when you're accessorizing any type of vehicle."

That's why we have gone to great lengths to promote the suppliers that the professionals prefer.  Check out the links in the side-bar for some great deals from the best suppliers in the business. 

We'll also make sure that we keep you informed of any sales or promotions that are going on.  We do the homework so you don't have to.  Enjoy your shopping experience here at "The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle Maintenance" knowing that you're getting the best.....for less.

Happy Motoring!
Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
www.ldjautobody.com








http://test.skimlinks.com

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Another ‘Jackass’

The day started with clear blue sky however by the time I got out of town the weather changed with clouds rolling in to sit above the border ranges. A chance for a small ride and a little bit of photography. I was reading Fuzzy Galore’s blog and her comment of being a ‘reformed jackass’ struck a chord with me. I used to be a jackass on a motorcycle (and in general) and  used to think I needed

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