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There are a lot of things you can do to restore your car's wheels, and you can do most of it yourself. In this video we take a look at common types of wheels and what you can do to bring them back to the land of the living.
Choosing the right performance tire for you vehicle can seem like a pretty daunting task. In this video we look at 5 tips for choosing performance tires that are right for your ride.
Choosing the proper insulation and ventilation options can help save money and make your home more comfortable. For new construction, there is a wide range of insulation and ventilation options you can introduce during the building phase. These same issues can be addressed for existing homes, but some options may be limited. Your local power company may be able to offer some advice or suggestions.
The ductwork in your heating system consists of the warm air ducts, known as supply ducts, and cold air ducts, which function as returns. The importance of both supply and return ductwork imposes exact sizing and design considerations. Manual D, the industry standard software published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, is used by HVAC specialists to calculate duct sizing and compose a layout providing optimum comfort and energy efficiency. Cold air returns have their own set of critical parameters and stipulations. Problems specific to return ductwork usually result when these requirements are not met.
With frequent use, wooden gates are vulnerable to the effects of gravity. If the gate is in good shape but rubs or the latch is not aligned, installing a diagonal brace can correct the problem. Wooden diagonal braces may work for a while, but moisture causes the wood to expand and contract and the gate can sag again. Anti-sag gate kits consist of a stranded steel wire brace that isn't affected by moisture. In most cases, a homeowner can install the kit and align the gate in a relatively short time using everyday do-it-yourself tools.
Restoring a car involves taking an older model and making it look as good as new. Find out if you need insurance on your car if you're restoring it with help from an independent insurance broker in this free video clip.
Producing 189 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque, the 525i is quite spunky with the 2.5-liter engine and five-speed transmission. Perhaps the one of the first upgrades to a car is some kind of aftermarket air induction. K&N’s cold air intake kit for your 525i comes will all mounting hardware and tubing required to give you a couple extra horse power and if the lord is willing an extra mile per gallon. Out of the box the kit may look like a jumbled mess of brackets, nuts and bolts, tubing and a cone filter, but combined the kit will give…
For a Chevy’s self-proclaimed heavy-duty truck, the 2006 Chevy 2500HD seems to drag a bit when towing a heavy trailer, leaving you to feel more like a slug than a power hauler with the 6.0-liter engine under the hood. Almost every aspect of your engine, transmission and rear axle has an effect on the ability and ease of towing. Naturally, it will be harder on a truck to haul and extra 8000 pounds behind it, but you should still be able to accomplish the task comfortably. Minor upgrades can help to ease the pain of the sluggish acceleration when towing,…
The factory exhaust tips on a 2008 Nissan Altima are located on the exit pipes of the muffler. These factory-fitted tips aren’t welded in place, nor are they secured with clamps like most aftermarket exhaust tips; they are lightly pressed into place and held on by pressure. Some Altima owners have even reported these tips coming loose and falling off on their own after time, although this is relatively uncommon. The automotive aftermarket provides a vast array of exhaust tips options, available from a number of performance parts websites, mail order catalogs, and automotive parts stores.
The 2003 Honda Civic was offered in several trim levels starting with the DX followed by the LX, EX, HX and EX for the coupe and sedan body styles. All models of the 2003 Civic included rear wishbone suspension that provides for a decent ride and ride height. Adding an aftermarket strut bar between the rear struts works similar to a sway bar and will help prevent body roll during hard corning. An aftermarket strut bar Is mounted to the rear struts on the inside of the trunk compartment. The installation process is straightforward, but for a clean installation, the…
Adobe Photoshop can create a wide variety of different types of graphical documents, like bumper stickers. Learn how to make bumper stickers in Adobe Photoshop with help from a well-versed web, graphic and illustrative designer in this free video clip.
Towing a large trailer correctly can mean the difference from having a serious accident to arriving at your destination in one piece. Cross winds and other factors can make a trailer start to sway, which can cause your tow vehicle to loose control. A load equalizing hitch -- such as the one manufactured by Equal-i-zer -- can eliminate sway by taking some weight off the rear axle of your tow vehicle and transferring it to the front. But even an Equal-i-zer hitch may not help if it is not adjusted properly.
The amount of use you can get out of a patio is limited not only by your free time, but also by the weather conditions. Installing an insulated patio cover will keep your patio area dry on rainy days. It will also provide shade and keep the heat of the sun out, making your patio a more comfortable place to enjoy. While different insulated patio cover kits have specific installation instructions, the process usually follows the same general procedures to achieve a cover that will withstand the elements without damaging your home.
Advanced Micro Devices released the C3 stepping version of its Phenom II X4 Model 965 microprocessor chip in November 2009; it replaced the C2 version introduced in August of that year. The stepping code refers to an update to the chip’s design; from C2 to C3 is a small step, so the differences between the two chips are minor.
Finding yourself in a sailboat that's becalmed in the fabled Middle of Nowhere is not a fun experience. Your choices are few -- wait for the wind or put on a pair of swim fins, hang your feet over the stern and kick your feet for all you're worth. The third choice requires some planning: you install an engine and turn your "pure" sailboat into an "auxiliary sailing vessel." Once you've installed the engine, you have to install an exhaust system. The system includes a water-lock silencer, a chamber not unlike that of a water pipe, that prevents water from…
Love it or hate it, the third generation -- 1982 to 1992 -- Camaro was nothing if not revolutionary in terms of aesthetics and aerodynamics. The Flying Wedge's boxy lines were a study in functional aesthetics, bringing to bear all the best that early 80s engineering had to offer. But time marches on, and the relentless truth of aero science stops for no man. So, it's only fair to look back and re-examine where GM got it right, where the corporation got it wrong and how we can apply those lessons to most efficiently display our love of Bon Jovi,…
Dwarf cars are open-wheel, coilover-suspension race cars powered by motorcycle engines; the name comes from their being small enough to fit in a pickup bed for transport to races. The term “dwarf car” does not refer to the small cars used by clowns to comedic effect in circus routines. Dwarf cars are sometimes referred to as “krotch-rockets” by racing insiders, but this term is more often used in connection with high-performance street motorcycles.
Dodge introduced the Dakota pickup in 1987 and created a new size-class – the mid-size. First-generation Dakotas were produced from 1987 to 1996. Second-generation models were produced from 1997 to 2004. 2003 Dakotas were powered by a 3.9-liter V-6, a 4.7-liter V-8, or a 5.9-liter V-8 and available in two- or four-wheel drive. The instrument cluster on the 2003 Dakota can be replaced with very little disassembly.
In the early years of the 20th century, financier Charles Dana joined engineer Clarence Spicer in mass-producing the latter’s patented universal joint. It was the first device to remove a chain-and-sprocket system from the drive systems of the then fledgling automobile, and the company was soon producing drive-train components for the Model T. Among numerous other mechanical items, it now manufactures parts for 18-wheelers and giant earth-moving machines, and has supplied components to every car on the NASCAR circuit. Of its past catalog, the Dana 60 is one of the company’s signature products.
The second-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse is a car that in many ways both defines its genre and breaks it into highly polarized splinters. With all Paul Walker references aside, it's fair to say that the 1995 through 1999 Eclipse is a truly transcendent automobile, one of the few cars capable of turning muscle car fanatics into turbo and all-wheel-drive converts. The aftermarket has been more than kind to this chassis, particularly where body kits are concerned; there are literally hundreds available, ranging from functional aero pieces to wild and ridiculous eye-catchers seemingly designed to swallow Hondas whole.
Patio covers work like awnings, stretching over the patio's surface to protect it from rain, snow and the light and heat of the sun. A number of companies produce DIY patio covers -- and some implement foam in their design. Easy to install, the foam provides corrosion resistance to the metal exterior. Foam is also used in the posts and roof panels for extra weight support. Installing a DIY patio cover, however, is a two-person job.
Flush-mount sash lifts are decorative and functional, and they are not complicated to install on any solid-construction wood window. As the name implies, flush lifts rest flat against the window sash. A recessed area or depression in the center of the lift acts as a handle for raising the window. Before cutting into the sash, compare the thickness of the sash with the depression in the lift. If your window is especially thin, consider a surface-mount lift instead. Installing a flush lift on a vinyl or aluminum window could void your warranty.
While cold air intakes as known today may seem like a recent thing, they're actually just a modification of a principle that's been around since the beginning of automobiles. Cold air is oxygen-dense air, and more oxygen in your motor means more fuel burned and more horsepower produced. Factory air boxes may seem tailor-made to choke you motor into oblivion, but there's actually quite a bit of potential there in terms of both air quantity and quality.
The crank pins, or crank journals, are the cylindrical pieces of steel or aluminum that hold the counter weights of the engine crank together. Crank pins are also the mounting points for the connecting rods of the engine. When you increase the displacement of an engine using a "stroker kit," offset crank pins are typically used to increase the travel distance of a connecting rod and piston. If you install stroker crank pins incorrectly, you risk disrupting the balance of your engine.
The term “shaker hood scoop” refers to an automobile air intake that protrudes out of the hood through a specially created opening. The proper way of referring to the unit is as a shaker scoop, although “shaker hood scoop” and “shaker hood” are also frequent, if incorrect, colloquialisms. Mopar is the trade name of Chrysler’s auto parts division -- the name is a contraction of “motor parts" -- and a production shaker hood first appeared on Chrysler’s Barracuda and Challenger muscle cars.
SVS manufactures three high-end ported box subwoofers designed to be used with home theater systems. Two of these subwoofers, the PB12-Plus and the PB13-Ultra DSP, or digital signal processor, feature similar designs and components with a few significant differences. The main differences come in the size of each unit and the woofer, subwoofer and amplifier included with each unit.
Cold air intakes aren't unique to Toyota's youth-oriented and mod-friendly Scion; in fact, they're not even unique to this or the last century. Cool air is oxygen-dense air, and oxygen-dense air makes for more horsepower and greater engine efficiency. Toyota's no stranger to making horsepower through efficiency, which is part of the reason a CAI is, in and of itself, kind of a pointless upgrade. But don't give up yet -- there's more going on here than just cooler airflow.
A flexible steel hose for plumbing applications will extend the reach of a shower massager or dual showerhead. These hoses are sold at bath and plumbing shops with universal connectors on the ends to hook up bath fixtures, including dual showerheads. Installing a dual showerhead on a flexible steel hose takes only a few minutes. Use plumber's tape to help seal the dual showerhead to the flexible steel pipe.
You don't have to make the trip down to the mechanic's shop if you want to install exhaust donuts. Learn how to install exhaust donuts with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video clip.
The very act of owning and driving a Mustang says something about the one behind the wheel; so, modification and personalization seem like something of a logical progression from the purchasing decision itself. Deciding on the right exhaust crossover for your application may ultimately come down to the statement you're looking to make about yourself and your pony of choice.
Installing a mopboard, or skirt board, along stairs gives the this plain area of the home an attractive edging. These large baseboards run along the length of the stairs, where the wall meets the steps. This project can be costly when you hire a professional. But with a few tools and some accurate measuring, you can complete it on your own. Make a template before cutting the expensive wood skirting, since the size and shape of stairs vary.
Its always important to be able to identify the various parts and components in your automobile. Identify an exhaust header with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video clip.
Many homeowners wish to have high volume water faucets both indoors and outdoors. When searching for the best high flow outdoor faucets, look for faucets that meet WaterSense standards. These products must meet guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. All WaterSense faucets are designed to produce high volume, while saving as much water as possible.
Installing a retractable awning requires attaching brackets to the side of your home. In the course of taking your measurements for the awning bracket locations, you might find that you are installing directly on a rim board. The rim board is the board that caps the ends of the floor joists at the second floor. Installing retractable awning brackets on a rim board is a more secure way of installing the awning. Most of the time, though, it is necessary to install the bracket over vinyl siding that covers the rim board. Standard wood shims help make the brackets square…
Fascia boards are usually found on the ends of rafter tails on a roof. The fascia provides a surface to install your gutter system. Sometimes it is necessary to install a fascia board against a wall. Most often this is on the side of the house following the direction of the rafters or as a trim board for a vinyl soffit under the roof eave. Installing a fascia board against a wall depends on whether you are attaching it to a brick or wood wall.
Board and batten refers to a type of siding or wall covering that places a series of wide, vertical boards next to each other and covers the seams between them with a narrow board called a batten. Board and batten wainscoting kits are available in home centers or you can make your own from MDF panels and 1-by-2 lumber. The boards and battens fit between a rail at the top and a baseboard at the bottom.
Exhaust system modifications come in all shapes and varieties, each designed to produce a different result in terms of sound and power. Exhaust system engineering is a fairly complex science, but there are a few maxims that hold true regardless of the vehicle. At the end of the day, the choice usually comes down to a matter of cost and expectation.
The nuts that hold exhaust heads -- called manifolds -- onto the top end of the engine are prone to rusting and seizing. They are subject to extremely high temperatures, typically are made of a base metal and must be torqued down to extreme tensions to maintain their seals under operation. These reasons contribute to their being the bane of many a mechanic’s day. That said, a number of tricks can be effective in freeing the exhaust heads.
Many modern refrigerators come with water and ice dispensers on the outsides of refrigerator doors. These dispenser components are protected by housings, which act as guards and frames. While these housings protect the components, they are prone to scratches or cracks. It's possible to replace a refrigerator dispenser housing in minutes.
If the controls on the top control panel, such as the timer or start buttons, of a Maytag washer can't be used, the control board within the control panel may need to be replaced. If the control board is fried or broken, a replacement part can be ordered from a Maytag manufacturer or online or brick-and-mortar retailer. Once the new control board is installed, problems from the washer's controls will be gone.
Heil is the manufacturer of high-efficiency air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces. If your Heil furnace is constantly blowing cold air even when the unit is turned off, it could mean you have a significant problem with the system that requires professional assistance. There are a few reasons this issue might occur, and figuring out which one is the cause can help you decide whether it is time to call in the technicians.
A refrigerator is only useful if it is able to properly maintain your food at a cool temperature, and may be broken if it is not blowing out cold air while plugged into a power source. The appliance's temperature controls maintain the proper temperature for the refrigerator's interior by blowing cold air throughout the unit, and requires reconfiguration to restore airflow.
A hot tub cover assembly connects to a spa cover and lifts the cover on and off the tub, unlike covers that you must lift on and off by hand. The lifting assembly makes the chore less laborious. Hot tub cover assemblies consist of mounting brackets. A handle, also called a support arm, connects into the brackets. Each assembly may vary slightly in its installation, but because they work in a similar fashion the installation process shares several of the same steps.
A dropped beam, or drop beam, is a critical component of home construction, as it fulfills an important structural need. Also referred to as a girder or a cantilevered beam, the drop beam provides additional needed support for framework such as the joists used for decks and roofs.
It doesn't take much to transform the appearance of a room when it lacks architectural details. One solution is to install baseboards along the base of a room's walls. The aesthetic appeal of baseboards includes their ability to add detail, style and weight to the room, grounding the walls with finished details that mark an era of design or make a contemporary statement. While corners and short sections of the wall pose their own installation challenges, the installation of long runs of baseboards also raise some questions. Matching identical baseboard strips downplays the seams and makes the baseboard appear as…
Although the ClosetMaid shelving system was designed primarily for closet storage, their sturdy, lightweight, adjustable wire shelving can be used for a variety of applications, such as extra kitchen storage, pantry shelving and garage storage racks. In addition, a number of optional accessories, such as storage baskets, drawers, shoe racks and hanging rods for clothing, are readily available. Before shopping for supplies, measure the space carefully and use graph paper to plan your layout.
Cabins have different needs than residential homes when it comes to interior finishing. The main reason is that many cabins are not heated continuously, and the radical shifts in temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on drywall and other interior finishes. Finishing the interior of a cabin with properly dried pine boards can solve this problem. Pine boards provide an inviting, rustic finish to a vacation home.
Thermal insulators are materials designed to slow down the transfer of heat between objects. There are three basic types of insulator that are designed to prevent heat from moving due to conduction, convection or radiation. Most thermal insulators around the home are designed to prevent conduction from transferring heat through contact between solid objects. Insulators designed to prevent heat loss through convection are designed to limit air movement while radiation barriers are designed to reflect radiated energy.
Bubble framing requires a strong header for any doors or windows you include in the frame. A strong header is especially necessary when hanging it over a wide space, because it has to accept a large amount of weight. This is because the bubble framing uses long, uninterrupted studs that stretch from the top of the frame down to the bottom of the frame. A weak header will bow, especially when spanned over long distances. Select a strong, healthy board for your long header that will support the weight of your frame without bowing.
A frieze board is a decorative trim mounted over a house or building’s siding or soffit to enhance its appearance and make its overhang appear taller. The length of 1-by-6-inch lumber is typically installed between the brickwork and the eave to seal gaps, thereby preventing moisture and insects from coming through and finding their way into the attic. Ensure the ladder you are using is tall and sturdy, so you have easy and safe access to the parts of the house where you want to install frieze boards.
