Recent content by JNewkirk77

I concur with Fred's suggestion, and add one of my own:  Also check the online stores like Newegg.com, which often have parts and accessories you won't find in most big-box stores.

I was born well after Studebaker had "split the scene," so to speak, but I've always dreamed of owning a Lark, maybe even a Hawk.  There's a '61 Lark convertible -- with the six -- not far from us for sale, and yes, I am tempted.  However, the boss has said that unless it merits her approval...

Cherokees are a good choice, IMHO.  They weigh about the same, model for model, as a Wrangler (especially the '97-04 Wranglers) and they weigh considerably less than the new Wranglers. As I recall, the average '99 Cherokee should come in around 3200 lbs. soaking wet.  If that's too heavy, try a...

I read somewhere last night after my previous post that M-B has convinced the original 40-some-odd Freightliner dealers who have handled Sprinters since they first came to the U.S. market to stay with the program. The closest dealers to my area are in Nashville (Neely Coble Co.), Indianapolis...

I've yet to hear who's going to handle Sprinters in SW Indiana/W Kentucky.  The only dealer in this neck of the woods was Sternberg Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep in Jasper, Indiana, but since Daimler has taken Sprinters away from Dodge, I doubt they keep 'em. The Mercedes car dealer is D-Patrick in...

Could be.  It wouldn't be the first I've heard of it, and I can verify that it happened to me in my old Ford pick-em-up.  If I bought gas in the winter at our local Walmart (Murphy USA), the thing wouldn't run worth a darn.  If I switched to Kroger gas, it was fine. The secret?  Kroger gas = no...

I've yet to see -- in person, at least -- a newer Chevy-chassis "C" with anything more than the 6.0 engine.  I can tell you this:  There is NO way I'd tow ANYTHING if my RV had that engine.  It's a good, solid motor, don't get me wrong, but my gut feeling is that it's not big enough nor powerful...

Have you considered the Ford Escape?  With a manual transmission, you could pull one easily, as both the 2WD and 4WD models are well under 3,500 pounds. If I didn't have four kids, I'd have one as an everyday vehicle.  ;D

We got our '00 Jayco C (it's the Designer, top of the line model) 27-footer back in August, and at this point, with four kids ages 3 to 13, we've yet to wish it had a slide, although I will admit we've not used it much yet.  I guess we'll see how it works once we're able to hit the road again in...

I'd follow the manual's recommendations on timing of the first change (and succeeding ones as well).  As far as the oil itself goes, I've always had good luck with Rotella oil in diesels, and wouldn't use anything else.  Indeed, I've used it in my older gas-engined farm trucks and never have had...

I read somewhere that the redline is well over 5000 RPM, but I can't find the exact number now.  4200 is well within the margin of safety.  What can I say ... it's a motor that likes to rev!  ;D

Autoblog is reporting today that GM's last big-block engine, the 8.1L, rolled off the Tonawanda, NY assembly line last week and into the waiting arms of the folks at the GM Heritage Collection. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-last-gm-big-block-engine-rolls-off-the-line/ I'm sure...

I'm a big believer in the ceramic heaters.  Just bought a new one at our nearest Fred's store (sort of a baby Walmart-type of store found mainly in the Southeast) for $16.99.  It's sold under the "Comfort Zone" brand name. The unit is maybe a foot tall and six inches wide, has 950 and 1500 watt...

The original Fiesta had a bad reputation mainly because Ford didn't keep it around long enough to get it right.  It wasn't long before parts supplies dried up, and once you can't get parts, well ... I think the new Fiesta will be a great car.  It seems to me that it will be more of a successor...

It looks like Ford and Chevy are courting us with new choices in toads.  I'm not sure if they'll be four-wheel-down towable yet (I will find out ASAP), but the new Fiesta and Cruze sure look good. The Fiesta, which is smaller than the Focus, will have a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and either...