Cash For Clunkers - Art Car Renaissance???

Monday, August 31, 2009
Cash For Clunkers Art Cars
Cash For Clunkers Art Car
During the recent government "cash for clunkers" program this country witnessed an art car renaissance within the car dealership community. The program gave birth to the hidden talent that laid dormant within some of our countries finest car sales people. No longer did they just have to blow up balloons first thing every morning or make sure that the standard signage was clean and ready to go. During cash for clunkers a new and innovative signage program was needed so they took to their canvas with gusto to tell the world about it. What we saw was the raw inner creative spirit coming through as public works of art through car painting, car sculpture and even car destruction performance art. I don't know if our country will ever be the same, but I hope this new cash for clunkers art car renaissance will not effect us adversely.




Cash For Clunkers Sculpture
Cash For Clunkers Sculpture


Cash For Clunkers Destruction Performance Art
Cash For Clunkers Destruction Performance Art by two kids with sledge hammers

Why You Need a Mechanic to Check Over a Used Car Before You Buy

Sunday, August 30, 2009
If you got the relevant information about the market value of your desired car that does not mean your work is over. You need used car inspection by a professional. The mechanic will be able to inform you the exact condition of the car and the required estimate for its repairing. After going through a test drive, you have finally decided the model and make of the car you are going to buy. After considering the model and make of the car, go through the complete list of cars that you are having. Select one or two cars as your final selection. If your mechanic approves your selection then get ready to buy your car. Your selected vehicle required some deposit from you. You must take certain precautions before giving them check. On the check write down,’ Deposit is refundable, as it is dependent on the approval of the mechanic.’

Take the vehicle and call the seller for a drive. Suppose the seller wants to have a private transportation. In such situation, pay half amount of the bill. It is possible to get private transportation and that too at a lower cost, if your mechanic arranges the transportation. You must inform your mechanic, if your vehicle is currently registered. You should call the seller at your garage in the presence of mechanic. If the seller is not ready on this arrangement then you must stop dealing with him. If the seller is acting in this manner that means there is something suspicious. The seller very well knew that your mechanic would catch the problem in the vehicle. Therefore, you must be a little alert while dealing in such situations.

The Professional Check

A used car inspection by a professional mechanic is the significant step you are taking while purchasing the car. You can avoid many troubles that may occur without an active participation from the mechanic. You must check thoroughly the title certificates or damages due to any accident, the vehicle had met in past. Before buying a used car, it must be examined thoroughly by a mechanic. You can save a lot of money by this initial examination from your mechanic. The complete review of the mechanical aspects of the car will cost you around $100 to $200. The used car always require a little bit of repairing. These small faults may cause big damages to you later. Mechanic is the only person who can give you the exact condition of the car. He could also give you an estimate of the amount that is needed for repairing. While negotiating the price, this report will help you a lot. Try to avoid a bargain-priced car. The Bargain-priced car demands a lot of work. It can be a bad experience for you. The experienced wholesalers of cars often lose a lot of money.

Mechanic Search

The mechanic plays an important role while buying the used car. You must start the professional check with a mechanic. However, if you are not getting then get him as early as possible. Take care not to waste time in looking for mechanic. Search a dealer or an independent garage that specializes in that particular model you are buying. It would be better, if you ask in your neighborhood or with your friends. It would be best, if someone had already dealt with that particular mechanic or dealer. It also need visit by you on different shops and dealers. Try to analyze their behavior and their specialization of the model. After getting the mechanic, you must treat him/her politely. This one person can save a lot of your hard-earned money. Moreover, he will give you the accurate condition of your vehicle.

Inspection of Your Selection

After doing the final selection, take it to your mechanic. He will give you the accurate condition and estimate of the vehicle. You can help the mechanic a lot by giving him all the documents regarding the vehicle. For Instance, the complete maintenance receipts and documents. These documents will help the mechanic in judging the accurate estimate and condition of the vehicle. A car with good billing records means it had gone through a proper maintenance. Thus, it is quite possible that it is a good car to buy. The documents must be checked thoroughly. The documents should belong to the selected car, from the same owner and the same area. Mechanic must be informed, if you find the documents for the repairing of same items more than once. You must ask your seller regarding this. Inquire the seller, if there are inconsistencies in maintenance records. This shows the attitude of the seller. All claims by the seller must be written down in document form. Such as, repairs, fitness of the vehicle and prospective repairs.

You must ask for all the repairs needed by the car and the estimate cost of repairing. All these things must be done, while the vehicle is in garage. Many tests needed to be done by your mechanic. For Instance, battery and charging tests, frame inspection, alignment and suspension check, fluid leakage inspection and brake inspection. The performance of engine and transmission could be tested by a test drive. There are certain areas where the emission inspection is important. If you reside in such an area then go for that test also. Do not forget to ask the way to tackle problems regarding the vehicle in future. Collect information about the selected vehicle, along with general information about the model. You can easily get the sales contract of automobiles at most of the office supply stores. If the official there demands for a cash or certified check then take him to the bank along with you. Do the final transaction at bank. On the sales agreement and any other sales tax form, both of you must sign correctly.

The owner can make several other excuses. Such as, a need of co-owner, holder had been removed, or the owner is not an original owner. In such situations, you must act intelligently. Ask the owner for copy of the old title, bill of sale, completed and dated request form for title.

How Safe Is Your Second-Hand Car Purchase?

Whenever you consider buying a second-hand car, one of the first things you’ll want to know is that your purchase is mechanically sound. It is no good having everything you want in a car; such as a luxurious interior, a great MP3 player and the right colour exterior if it is a lemon, when it comes to its mechanical status.

Unless you are a mechanic, or have one in the family or as a close friend you will probably have to turn to MTA Vehicle Inspections, who offer used car inspection as well as all kind of vehicle inspections for a reasonable fee. Or, you could take the chance that the car is as sound as it looks and buy ‘as seen’. But, don’t forget the old Latin phrase ‘caveat emptor’, literally translated as ‘buyer beware’, that normally applies when it comes to buying second hand cars. Unless you are buying from a garage that offers a warranty, purchasing a second-hand car involves a great deal of risk, so do your utmost to minimise that risk and protect your investment.

And remember, even if the second-hand car you are intending to buy is less than three years old and isn’t required to have an certificate, it is still worth getting an independent vehicle inspection carried out. It might seem like yet another cost; an expense that you might consider unnecessary, but in the long run could save you thousands. Especially, as cars around two to three years old are likely to have all the original components that will need replacing over the next year or two such as brake pads, suspension bars, tyres, clutches, and the list goes on.

There are no guarantees when buying any second-hand vehicle. However, ensuring that you get your used car inspection by an accredited mechanic or road organisation, such as MTA Vehicle Inspections will help allay your fears, or even expose the vehicle as totally unsuitable for purchase. Can you afford to take the risk?

Do You Know How to Inspect a Used Car?

It seems you have looked at every used car in your area and have finally decided on that one special gem to purchase. Before you plunk down all your change, you need to make sure this little jewel is worth what you are willing to pay and the used car salesman is willing to accept.

Here are a few tips for used car inspection:-

1) Body damage – this is a little tricky to determine but you can do some checking. Open the hood and trunk and inspect the paint edges feeling to see if it is rough. Look for overspray on the inside of these areas and also make sure the paint inside the hood matches the outside of the vehicle. Stand in front of the car at each corner and look down the body line of the vehicle checking for waves. Open the doors and look for overspray or a paint line on the door jams.

2) Engine and transmission – pop the hood and look carefully at the engine and do not be fooled by a clean compartment. Look at the belts and hoses, the air filter; check the oil and transmission fluid by sniffing it. If you smell smoke, that could indicate problems. Start up the car and listen to the engine for knocks and metal noises; put the transmission in gear – does it clunk or go smoothly. Look under the vehicle for leaks – if you find water don’t worry that’s just the a/c.

3) Electrical – start the car and turn on all the electrical features making sure everything works properly. Windows should roll up smoothly and quick, door locks should function, the a/c should blow cold, the heat should heat and always check the windshield defroster – if it smokes or has a funny smell, the heater core could be bad. Make sure the wipers work properly as well as the horn, turn signals, hazards and headlights.

4) Test Drive – make sure to check all functions of the moving vehicle including the brakes, steering, suspension, engine response and transmission. Before you take off look at the tires and inspect the wear and tread depth. If the tires have scalloping or damage you should get the dealer to replace them prior to purchase.

5) After the Test Drive – turn off the car, pop the hood checking for temperature issues and smell. Also get back down again and look under the vehicle checking for any residue on any surfaces.

6) Before you buy – take the car to a trusted mechanic and have them go over it as well. Ask for receipts and service or repair invoices as well.

If your potential car purchase lives through all that scrutiny then buy it. If it fails a few tests, you will need to determine the potential costs you might incur and if you really want to buy a vehicle with possible problems.

The bottom line is, it is next to impossible to determine if a vehicle is good or bad, but you can decide whether or not it is worth the risk of buying.

Source:- articlesbase

Van Covered with Stuffed Bear Road Kill

Saturday, August 29, 2009
Van Covered with Stuffed Bear Road Kill
A van covered in stuffed bear trophies is one way to tell the world "I am cute and cuddly" or "I brake for carnival games" or "I break for garage sales" or "I am covering a major bad paint job or "my car is really a clunker in disguise"

The Witchmobile! Another Art Car By Rebecca Carthedral

Monday, August 24, 2009
The Witchmobile! Another Art Car By Rebecca Carthedral
The Witchmobile! Another Art Car By Rebecca Carthedral
The Witchmobile with rear booster brooms
The Witchmobile with rear booster brooms
The Witchmobile! CrowThe Witchmobile Driver Seat
Photo by JanasJournal.com

The Witchmobile is a 1962 Dodge Lancer decorated by Rebecca Caldwell the creator of the Carthedral and David Hilborn. Vexing, hexing, and perplexing from Oakland, California, the Witchmobile was created to bring art and craft (witchcraft!) to the mundane and to honor the creative spirit on the highway of life. The Witchmobile, a work in progress, started in June 2009 and will be at it's first Art Car Fest this September in the bay area.

Automorphosis Movie Trailler by Harrod Blank

Friday, August 21, 2009


This is the 2 minute trailer for the film "Automoprhosis" by Harrod Blank creator of the Camera Van. The full length film runs 77 minutes and is currently being shown in film and art festivals.

The Santa Cruz Film Festival VIII Worlds Fastest Art Car in the Making-David Best & Crew


via scscreamer

I found this posted on facebook today and is a great way to see and art car in the making with time lapse video. Most people take weeks and even years to build their art cars. David Best with a team of people can take three days to build his cars. In this video they took one day to build the "worlds fastest art car". I don't know, I think I have seen faster but the end result is simply stunning. Here is the YouTube description of this video.
On Thursday, May 14, 2009 artist David Best and a team of art car creators beat and beaded a Miata into a masterpiece. The creation of the "world's fastest art car" at The Tannery Arts Center was completed in 14 hours by David Best and SCFF volunteers. This collaborative event was illuminated by our friends at Photoflex and filmed as a time lapse short by Peter McGettigan and Ed Schehl. The film screened alongside Harrod Blank's Automorphosis at the closing night festivities on Friday, May 15, 2009

Panoramic Picture of the underside of a Cadillac???

Thursday, August 20, 2009
Panoramic Picture of the underside of a Cadillac??
Panoramic Picture of the underside of a Cadillac
via

I never thought that a panoramic picture of the underside of a Cadillac would be so amazing, but here it is, amazing. I found this by accident while surfing the net and this caught my eye. It almost looks like a motivation poster, maybe a whole series of these could be made. Its about time the guy who designs the underside of cars gets some artistic credit:) Well done great idea.

15 Most Popular Penny Art Cars Worth Every Penny

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Penny covered cars seem to be a dime a dozen, but are worth every penny. These are the 15 most popular penny vehicles I found on the web starting with Steve Baker who covered his 1971 Ford Econoline van in pennies. He was also featured in Harrod Blanks Art Car Book "Wild Wheels" but I believe the car is no longer in operation. Steve is seen here wearing a penny suit that he wore while driving his art van and while playing golf. Steve wore this suit because he believed in the healing power of copper.

1) Penny Van Creator Steve Baker in his Penny Suit
 Penny Van Creator Steve Baker in his Penny Suit


2) Pennymobile Art Car
Pennymobile Art Car
via GypsyMermaid

3) The Penny Armored Art Truck
The Penny Armored Art Truck
by tokyohanna

4) Penny Honda Civic Art Car at the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum!
Penny Honda Civic Art Car at the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum!
by abbyanduriah

5) Jimmy McDole and Susie Q and the Penny Art Van
Jimmy McDole and Susie Q and the Penny Art Van
by Delta Niner

6) Cadillac Penny Art Car
Cadillac Penny Art Car
by Theresa Thompson

7) Penny Art Bike named Copperhead
Penny Art Bike named Copperhead
by denaldo

8) Old Penny Art Car

 Old Penny Art Car
by RoxanneRayes

9) Penny Minivan Art Car
Penny Mini Van Art Car
by SanDiegoMama

10)Penny Mini Art Car
Penny Mini Art Car
by edenacadia

11) Penny Cadillac Art Car
Penny Cadillac Art Car
by Photosbychristensen

12) Penny Ford Escort Art Car
Penny Ford Escort Art Car
Photo by

13) Penny Corvette Art Car
Penny Corvette Art Car
via PennyVett

14) Penny Art Truck by T Stone
Penny Art Truck by T Stone
via Zenzibar

15) Penny Canadian Penny Dodge Van
Penny Canadian Penny Dodge Van
by Endlisnis

Knitted Motorcycle Cozy - For cold night rides

Monday, August 17, 2009
Knitted Motorcycle Cozy - For long cold night rides
Knitted Motorcycle Cozy - For cold night rides
The knitted motorcycle "cozy" was created by Washington DC artist Theresa HoneywellI assume for long chilly night rides. Her artwork series is titled KNIT!, and Theresa uses the traditionally feminine mediums of knitting to embellish "macho" subjects such as a motorcycle and a jackhammer.

LaundryCar by Smitty Regula- Mobile laundromat for a clean gateway

Sunday, August 16, 2009
LaundryCar - Mobile laundromat for a clean gateway
LaundryCar - Mobile laundromat for a clean gateway
Have you ever robbed a bank and needed to make a "clean" gateway, well the "laundromatic 2000" will allow you to do just that. This is the LaundryCar created by Smitty Regula over in Houston Texas. Its totally covered in washing detergent containers, clean laundry and a washing machine up on the roof. I do hope you don't need quarters for that, but what a great idea, a mobile laundromat. Drive over to someones house, do their laundry, put it up on the line, go around the block a few times to air dry and presto, clean clothes.

Apocolypticop Cruiser FOR SALE - Fashion Police Artcar to Intercept the Ordinary!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Apocolypticop Art Car and Creator
Apocolypticop Art Car and Creator
Apocolypticop Art Car Front
Apocolypticop Art Car Front
Apocolypticop Art Car Rear Window
Apocolypticop Art Car Rear Window
Apocolypticop Art Car Inside Dash
Apocolypticop Art Car Inside Dash
Apocolypticop Art Car Roof Mounted Arsenal
Apocolypticop Art Car Roof Mounted Arsenal
Yet another Art Car for sale and this time its an ex police interceptor purchased back in 2000 with a 5.7 v8 engine with only k200 on the clock. This one is called Apocolypticop Art Car and is for sale right now on ebay for only $2,249. The sale ends in 9 days so you better get over there and put your bid in for this fashion police beauty. It comes complete with an unparalleled roof mounted rocket arsenal, radar, small garbage can, alien techno thingies and lots of red and blue lights. It also has a separate electric system for all the art car extras, such a deafening hoof mounted horn, fog lights, public address speaker and various other odds and ends. It also has a ton of glued objects and an assortment stickers attached all over the the car. Best of all, the car smells fine.

Artistic Licence - The Art and Adventures of Steve Porter

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Artistic Licence Art Car By Steve Porter
Artistic Licence Art Car By Steve Porter
Art History By Steve Porter
Art History By Steve Porter
I found this Volvo Art Car this morning called Artistic Licence by Steve Porter. He created it to promote his new music album and also created a video featuring his car. During the summer of 2007, Steve went on tour around Europe in his ArtCar. In total he travelled 3461 miles and visited eight different countries. I like what he wrote on his web site:
"Once upon a time there was a boy who loved making up art and music.He had lots of different ideas and spent many years creating them. Some ideas worked well, some not so well.But he kept on and on, with new songs, pictures and inventions.

When he was more grown up, the boy realised that making things up was the best way for him to feel real and alive. So he tried his very best to make his living through his ideas and creations.

The story continues..."

He also created these really cool custom demo CD packages to send his music out in the mail. He calls it "the greatest demo tape ever". The CD case for his music looks like and old school tape and then stuffed into a custom bubble wrap envelope. I agree this is really a great idea!!!
The greatest demo tape ever
Thanks Steve, I love your work and I wish you the best in all your endeavors:)

Snake Art Cars - Kevins GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car

Monday, August 10, 2009
GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car - Rear View
GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car - Rear View

GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car - Side View
GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car - Side View

Inspiration for the GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car
Inspiration for the GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car

I finally got around to the most sought after car in the world, the snake art car because last week was like snake central. I go a second email from Kevin owner of the Hundai Cobra Art Car shown above explaining to me why he though his cobra car was a good candidate for art car central. Then I kept finding snake pens around the house and one in the car when my phone went missing. Then I went to the county faire and my kids wanted to see the snake exhibit. Snakes every where, so I finally gave in and decided to get this over with and post Kevin's cobra art car. I showed Kevin the real snake car and asked him if he though his car was up to par for consideration to ACC, here is what he said:

"I'm sure you will see that the whole car is in theme of a G.I.Joe/Cobra Vehicle and a lot of effort and design went into it. While I enjoyed the cobra car link you sent me I feel as though my car has a lot more artistic design complexity over a simple repeating snake scale pattern wrap on a car.

I'm also including a pic of the cobra rattler toy that my car's theme is based on, please view it to compare my car and the the theme I'm trying to achieve.

Thanks again, your blog is fun to look at!"

Kevin H.
Kevin thanks for your submission and I apologize for the long wait into ACC. I am sure it was well worth the wait. I also added other snake Art Cars so as not to excluded any o the other Snake Art Cars.

Snake Car - Covered in Vinal Wrap and "Real" snakes.
Snake Car - Covered in Vinal Wrap and
(snake car that Kevin mentioned in his email to me)

Snake Art Car - Truck actually "hand" painted.
Snake Art Car - Truck actually hand painted
Photo by Eli the Bearded

Snake Van - Printed Vinal Wrap
Snake Van - Printed Vinal Wrap
Photo by Akbar Simonse
 

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