Honda Element Gets Extreme Makeover - Daisy Singer by Philo Northrup

Philo Northrup is responsible for giving his Honda Element named Daisy Singer an extreme makeover and in his own words this is what he had to say:
"Daisy Singer is so named because of two objects attached to it. I started to artify this brand new 2004 Honda Element in Marcola, Oregon, with my mentor, Jack DeVore. He had an old SINGER sewing machine treadle and an old DAISY stove door. The names on these iron relics just seemed to fit for some strange reason. Later I found out that Daisy Singer, sewing machine heiress, left her fortune to whoever found her will in a bottle. She tossed this bottle into London's Thames River in 1937, and it washed ashore in San Francisco in 1949 to be found by a very lucky beachcomber named, of course, Jack.
So Daisy Singer it is!
My ambitions with this ArtCar are formal, not thematic, focusing on design & texture. I am creating something antique and curvilinear out of a new shoebox. I am indulging my love of oxidation - the patina of decay. Daisy is an earthy ArtCar, which fits in nicely with the fiery Truck in Flux, and the aquatic Buick of Unconditional Love. Like the Buick of Unconditional Love and the Truck in Flux, this ArtCar features a living garden on the roof.
Daisy has already traveled extensively from Canada to Arizona and I plan to take it on ArtCar tours to schools & hospitals around North America." via
Daisy Singer by Philo Northrup


Daisy Singer Door Panel Close Up

How Berkeley Can You Get? Art Car Fest Video

This Art Car Fest video was taken on my first event with my Mercedes Pens Art Car and was featured in it as well. They interviewed artists from all over the US & Canada who gathered for the 2005 ArtCar Fest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the other art cars also featured were: Amethyst, Cinnabar Charm, Temple Bus, Siren, Von Tiki, La Sirena, Science Is Golden, Periodic Table Car, Glass Quilt, Daisy Singer, Truck In Flux, Buick of Unconditional Love, Banana Bike, Sopa Box Derby Coffin and many others. Enjoy

Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry

Samonberry is the creator of the Amethyst the Magic Bus who learned his craft at the Old-world school of Gypsy Painters. His art is very true to the original psychedelic art of the 60's and has managed to do a great job of capturing that era. His art includes posters, stickers, fine art, clothing along with this amazing 72 VW bus called Amethyst. I saw Samonberry at my first Art Car Fest in 2005 and was also featured in a video in which he describes how his art car came about.

Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry

Houston Art Car Parade Video - Weird, Wacky, Wild Cars!

You have seen plenty of art car pictures but seeing them in action at the 2009 Houston Art Car Parade is something else. Check out this fun art car video and see some of the famous art cars in real life.

4 Steps to Protect Children

Securing our Most Precious Cargo

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14, due in large part to the nonuse or improper use of child seats and seat belts. Working with parents and our partners our goal is to ensure every child is properly secured and safe every trip, every time.

Parents - Not Sure Which Car Seat to Use?

Are you looking for a new car seat for your infant, toddler or 4-8 year old child but overwhelmed by the choices and worried about how to properly install your car seat? Our 4 Steps for Kids campaign will help you properly choose and install the correct car seat for your child. Simply click on the link below that best matches your child.

REAR-FACING SEATS

Infants - from birth to at least 1 year old

For the best possible protection keep babies in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep babies rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds.

FORWARD-FACING TODDLER SEATS

Toddlers - Age 1 & 20 lbs to Age 4 & 40 lbs

When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in a forward-facing toddler seat, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).

BOOSTER SEATS

Children - from about age 4 to at least age 8

Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4'9” tall).

SAFETY BELTS

Tweens - age 8 and older

When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4'9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest).

Pimp my Japanese Motorcycle

Here is another one of them crazy pimp my Japanese motorcycle jobs.

African Truck Covered in People

This is a new one, a truck in Africa is covered in people and goods, and somehow ends up looking very artistic.

Man gets around with remote control tank

Maybe this guy had his license suspended and all he had left was his remote control tank to get around town.

Skinny VW Bug always finds great parking

With this Skinny VW Bug you never have to worry about parking, because you can always find some space that will work. I am sure you could even park in a motorcycle parking spot if you wanted.

Cruising in a Convertible Salvage Special

It must be Saturday night by the looks of these guys in their convertible salvage mod. Smoking up a storm,(obviously the cool crowd) they are ready to go cruising. I am so jealous because I am stuck here blogging.

Bug Eyed Bug Saves Lifes

Via

The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing in Germany has a new plan to prevent drunk driving by using this Bug Eyed Bug to saves lives. There is a whole fleet of these crazy bugs cruising public events to raise public awareness and have been very successful in raising awareness about the campaign. Agency: Scholz & Friends Berlin, Germany.

Pez Motorcycle is a sweet ride

I have seen many hot motorbikes but this Pez Motorcycle is simply a sweet ride.

Motorcycle Time Machine with Flame Thrower

Its about time someone invented the Motorcycle Time Machine with a flame thrower.

Motorcycle Time Machine at Night


Motorcycle Time Machine in the day time

Knitted Bus from Mexico

The Knitted bus from Mexico is covered because they get cold at night.

via

The Crash Tests and Dummies

Road traffic accidents takes lives of more than one million people a year, injuring another thirty-eight million (5 million of them seriously). The death rate of the world's roadways makes driving the number one cause of injury and death for young people ages 15 to 44 years.

How safe is that a used or a new automobile you are thinking of purchasing? With the inventions of the airbags and crash testing, the numbers of citizens injured and killed by vehicles has decreased in many nations.

A crash test is a form of destructive testing usually performed in order to ensure safe design standards in Crashworthiness and crash compatibility for automobiles or related components.

The Crash tests are done under very careful safety and scientific standards. Every crash test is very costly so the maximum amount of data must be got from each and every test. Typically, this requires the usage of high-speed data-acquisition, atleast one accelerometer and crash test dummies.

Two types of crash tests are been performed on each automobile – one is an offset frontal test and the other is side impact test. These tests suggest two of the most common crashes that occur on our roads.

Dummies are used to calculate the level of injury that would affect the front seat occupants wearing the safety belts in these crashes.

The crash-rating dummy represents an average-sized adult is been placed in the driver seat and rear passenger seats and secured with the vehicle's seat belts.

The mandatory standard for crash tests is to:

• Reduce the level of risk to drivers, passengers and public by preventing supply of dummies that do not meet key safety requirements.
• Reduce the incidence of serious injury associated with poor quality products.
• Give consumers confidence that dummies available in the market have
• a reasonable level of safety.
• Provide a framework for industry to determine appropriate levels of safety for dummies.

Add social bookmarks to every blog post

I have been trying to add social bookmarks to every post for months now and today I have conquered the beast. I found this great tutorial at  blogger plugins that was easy to read an implement. "They" say this is the thing to add to your blog to generate more traffic so here goes.

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

Even a half inch change in the lowering of a van floor can affect a driver's ability to use equipment or to have an unobstructed view of the road; so, take time to find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle. Begin with a phone inquiry to find out about credentials, experience, and references. Ask questions about how they operate. Do they work with evaluators? Will they look at your vehicle before you purchase it? Do they require a prescription from a physician or other driver evaluation specialist? How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle? Do they provide training on how to use the adaptive equipment? If you are satisfied with the answers you receive, check references; then arrange to visit the dealer's facility. Additional information to consider is listed below.

Are they members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?

• What type of training has the staff received?
• What type of warranty do they provide on their work?
• Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
• Do they stock replacement parts?

Once you are comfortable with the dealer's qualifications, you will want to ask specific questions, such as:

• How much will the modification cost?
• Will they accept third party payment?
• How long will it take to modify the vehicle?
• Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?
• Will they need to modify existing safety features to install the adaptive equipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, you will, most likely, need to be available for fittings. This avoids additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.

5 border crossing tips - with a car with no roof

You find yourself in Afghanistan in the middle of a war zone and you have to get back home. All you have is a car with no roof, and your buddy riding shotgun, what do you do at the border crossing?

1. Act normal

2. Don't say anything

3. Pretend there is nothing at all wrong with your car.

4. Show your papers and pray to God.

5. Stay cool

Car with no roof in Afghanistan

Crazy VW Tube Car - What is it?

I found this VW covered in tubes a long time ago and I thought it would be great for wacky wednesdays. If you can tell me what it is I would appreciate it.

VW art car covered in tubes

Apple Car - Two interpretations

What we have here with the Apple Car two very different interpretations. One is a literal view of a car filled with actual apples on the way to the market I assume. The other Apple Car, a fanatic of the Apple Computer who decided to cover his Saturn in Apple Stickers. There is no better way to say "I am a super crazy user fan of the apple computer" than by plastering your car with apple stickers.

Apple car filled with apples

Car covered in apple computer stickers

Kool-Aid Car - Stay cool in a crazy ride

Get ready because this ride is going to be a bit crazy with the Kool-Aid Car. Do not fear because as long as you keep drinking Kool-Aid you will remain calm and cool at all times. So get in, fasten your seat belts, turn up the volume grab your self a cup of your favorite flavor Kool-Aid and enjoy the ride.

Kool-Aid Car Front

Kool-Aid Car Rear

by Chorca

5 Daily Reminders from a Motorcycle Mailbox

When I saw these Motorcycle Mailboxes I thought maybe there was some hidden positive message in them. Life has a way of reminding us valuable lessons and I think if you had one of these Motorcycle Mailboxes you too would be reminded of something positive every day. Here are my 5 daily reminders.

1) Daily reminder that life could be worse.

by -mrh

2) Daily reminder that you are surrounded by beautiful nature.

by Wiking66

3) Daily reminder that bigger is better.


4) Daily reminder that life is short.

more info

5) Daily reminder that when life hands you half a bike, you make a mailbox


Be sure to check out Ugly Mailbox for more mailbox fun.

Car with a Park Bench Spoiler - Budget Mod

The only thing this guy got right about his Car with a Park Bench Spoiler is the shape. Everything else about this is wrong in every way if you are particular about the performance of your car. With this Park Bench Spoiler you are more likely to get their eventually, in a leasurly fashion doing 0-60 whenever. Or maybe he just wanted to have the ability to pull over any time, enjoy the view and smell the roses. Or watch the sunset, or feed the ducks, or take a nap, the list goes on.

via

GP Limo - Formula Racing Car for Six

This GP Limo, Formula Racing Car for Six was created by Mike Pettipas from Canada. Now you can have the feeling of racing without having to actually do all the work. Sit back strap in and enjoy the bugs at 250 mph.

via Autoblog

Red Double Decker Car

This Red Double Decker Car is ideal for those wanting to relieve their trip to London last summer. You can drive through town and relive the sound of trees hitting the upper deck every day of your life. You can pick up as many hitchhikers as you want and on your lunch break you can go upstairs and just hang out.

Pack of dogs own their car

What dogs really want is to own their own car and just hang out. None of this getting locked inside business, they want windows down and and the ability to just sit were they want. Isn't that what we all want?

Pink Bunny Slipper Motorized Mutant Vehicle

If you go to burning man in the middle of the desert don't forget to bring your pink bunny slippers. This Bunny Slipper mutant vehicle is perfect for the week long sleepover. Pink, Fluffy and Motorized.

Tire Maintenance

There is a close working relationship between your tires and other mechanical systems in your vehicle, such as the wheels, brakes, shock absorbers, steering and suspension systems. To ensure you have a safe, comfortable ride and good tire mileage, click on the areas of interest below.

Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle's original tires or another size recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner's manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer.

Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in treadwear indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear "even" with the outside of the tread, it is time to replace your tires.

Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you are ready for new tires. The tread on this tire covers the top of Lincoln's head, so it's not yet ready for replacement.


Balance & Alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly balanced. This balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel-and-tire assembly.

A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are positioned correctly relative to the vehicle's frame. This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires and prevents your car from veering to the right or left when driving on a straight, level road.

These adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a qualified technician.

Rotation
Rotating tires from front to back and from side to side can reduce irregular wear (for vehicles that have tires that are all the same size). Look in your owner's manual for information on how frequently the tires on your vehicle should be rotated and the best pattern for rotation.

Repair
A plug by itself is not an acceptable repair.

The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. The repair material used - for example, a “combination patch and plug” repair - must seal the inner liner and fill the injury to be considered a permanent repair.

Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired.

Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.

The Pelosi 2012 Sports Car- Made by Congressional Motors

When the government final takes over every aspect of our lives they will also get into the car making business. And of course we know that the government is so efficient in everything that they do and produce, what does the government actually produce now? Anyways, this video is a commercial for Congressional Motors and the new Pelosi Car that will be coming out in 2012. This car will take 100 billion dollars to make and it will take the entire congress to design it. The Peloci Car will have an MSRP of only $629,999.95 (that's inflation dollars) but it will help save the planet in a big way. I am so excited about this and you will be too after you see this fantastic video.

The Peloci Car


Peloci Car Promo Video

Bubble Truck Art Car - never a dull moment

The Bubble Truck is a modified 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab pickup truck "sculptured" with a variety of ornaments and other devices installed solely for the creation of making bubbles of all sorts of shapes and sizes. When I was emailed this art car and I had to post it to cheer up those of you in cold weather today. This art truck is also available for private parties, birthday parties, parades, corporate events, and charitable causes. Never a dull moment with this ride.

The Bubble Truck



The Bubble Truck in action, its better on video

Hummer H3 Art Car - Made from Lottery Tickets

Brooklyn-based artists Adam Eckstrom and Lauren Was collected $35,000 in lottery tickets and built a Hummer H3 Art Car. The piece is called “Ghost of a Dream,” because they realized that most people think of buying a car when they dream about winning the lottery - hence the name of the project. They also made it so the value of the art car came out to about what a real Hummer H3 would cost. Just don't park it out in the rain.



via

Driving More Efficiently

Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Fuel Economy Benefit : 5-33%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings : $0.08-$0.55/gallon

Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.
Fuel Economy Benefit : 7-23%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings : $0.12-$0.38/gallon


Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Fuel Economy Benefit : 1-2%/100 lbs
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.02-$0.03/gallon

Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Chillin in My Cadillac Coffin Art Car

Yep this guy is definitely "chilling" in his Cadillac Coffin Art Car. It must be a Cadillac because it has the Cadi logo and the Cadi grill up front. It also comes with nice rims, sound system and leather reclining seats. It must a convertible as well.

PriusTorik Art Car by Ken Duffy

PriusTorik Art car was created by Ken Duffy the official photographer of all the art car fest here in the San Franscisco Bay Area. Since it's Kens birthday and is as old and ancient as his car today, I decided to wish him a Happy Birthday on ACC.

PriusTorik Art Car in its natural habitat.

Sinking H1 Hummer in a tar pit, very telling

PriusTorik Art Car rear view, nice decals

PriusTorik Art Car Mirror

photo by Frank Synopsis

Spotted Art Car parked in front of Spotted Art House

Here is the Spotted Art Car in front of the Spotted Art House. By the way these were done by two different people in England, what an amazing coincidence.

by imothepixie

Hideous Fat Art Cars - Safest Car on Earth

Pink Fat Art Car - Pepto Bismol

Austrian artist Erwin Wurm is the creator of these Fat Art Cars, as part of a "Fat Car" series. Definitely one way of looking at gas guzzlers and I guarantee you, we would drive a lot less if our cars actually looked as hideous as these. On the other hand very safe and good for beginner drivers.

Silver Fat Art Car Central

Red Fat Art Car Central

Car Runs on Garbage - Magical Gasifier Budget Mod

Finally a car mod I can get excited about, turning garbage into fuel for my car. Do you remember the Movie "Back to the Future" well this guy pretty much did and his entire 24 step process is outlined on instructables. This "magical" device is called a gasifier and what it does is called gasification. Dude you rock!!!!!!
Gasifier


Cool Video