LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces Auto Parts Supplier of the Month For September, 2012

LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces Our First Automotive Industry's

Automotive Parts Supplier of the Month

Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL!

"LDJ Auto Body News has gone through some major renovations in the past 30 days.  We've added many great new concepts to our line-up to help our readers and those in our industry gain knowledge of things happening in our industry and we've added some exciting new regular features", said Dee Blackman, Senior Editor of the newsletter. "One of the things we are adding is our "Supplier of the Month" award that is given to auto parts and auto industry suppliers who go above and beyond the call of duty in their respective niche to provide a great experience for their customers.  In an economy where everyone is affected by price, it's important that we give recognition to those that do their best to offset the ever increasing prices for both consumers and businesses, thus affecting the industry as a whole.  We want to let people know that there are companies out there who go the extra nine yards to provide the best customer service while still keeping pricing at a minimum."  

A big congratulations to Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL for being named LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News' "Automotive Industry Auto Parts Supplier of the Month" for September, 2012.

Located at 5509 E. Broadway in Tampa, FL, Allen's provides new, aftermarket and recycled parts for auto industry businesses and consumers alike.  Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they keep a vast inventory of used parts.  Their huge inventory of mechanical parts and body parts is well maintained and impeccably organized.  "I have been doing body work for 40 yrs.", said Larry Blackman of LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical, Gibsonton, FL, "and I was extremely impressed by the organization of their parts inventory.  In our business, it is key that the used body parts we buy for our customers are in good shape and Allen's is the first place we call when looking for used parts.  They tell us when our order will be ready and we plan our job scheduling based on that time frame.  If Allen's tells us our order will be ready for pick-up at a certain time...it is.  That's as important to us as the price.  Nothing is worse than having to tell a customer that their vehicle will be late because your supplier didn't deliver on time.  That just doesn't happen at Allen's.  These guys do great work and we depend on them."

In addition to their parts supply, Allen's also offers auto repair services like parts installation, tune-ups, oil changes, and more, all of which are reasonably priced and expertly done by their staff of knowledgeable mechanics.   "It's a great place to do business and we even send our own customers there to buy their parts. There aren't many suppliers that I'll actually send my customers to," said Blackman, "When it comes to that, you have to really be the best. We don't make recommendations like that lightly.  This is a competitive business and you have to be careful when you recommend someone to one of your own customers.  There has to be an amount of trust there and that takes a lot of time to build.  Allen's is one of those places."

EDITOR'S NOTE

Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL is owned by Hoss who works the counter along wiht Dean, Brian, Mike, and Todd.  This hard-working team of auto professionals assembled by Hoss will provide you with a great customer experience.  Whether you are an automotive industry business owner or just the owner of your favorite vehicle, you owe it to yourself to give Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL a try.  We highly recommend them for all your auto parts and service needs.  Give Hoss a call today....we promise you won't be disappointed.  Tell em Dee sent you!

Congratulations guys......and keep up the great work!

-Dee Blackman
 Senior Editor and Publisher
 LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News
 Happy Motoring!

LDJ Auto Body News Welcomes Don Elfrink, New Contributing Author

LDJ Auto Body News Welcomes Our Newest Contributing Author, Don Elfrink of AutoMatStore.com!

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Don Eflrink of AutoMatStore.com as our newest contributing author here at LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News.  Don has done several guest posts for us in the past and had such a great response from all of our readers that he is going to be a regular here at LDJ Auto News.

For those of you who don't know Don, here's a short bio to bring you all up to speed as to Don's expertise in the automotive industry.  We are looking forward to some great upcoming articles from Don Elfrink and welcome him to the new team here at LDJ Auto News.  We'll be running new articles by Don regularly, so be sure to register now so you don't miss any of the great info Don Elfrink has to offer and be sure to stop by his website at www.AutoMatStore.com for some great deals too!

Check out AutoMatStore.com for some great ideas on floor mats for your car or truck!

Here Don Elfrink's autobiography!  Look for more article soon!

An Entrepreneur for Life

I’m no stranger to owning my own business – I’ve operated several over the past three decades. I’ve owned everything from a vending business (which wasn’t one of my best decisions, by the way), to an expedited delivery business, a trucking business, a manufacturing business and, today, an ecommerce website. I’ve also been involved in entrepreneurial enterprises since college. You might say it runs in my family.

Getting Off to a Good Start

I actually left college after completing my junior year at the University of Missouri in St. Louis so that I could go to work in our family business. We operated an LTL (less than truckload) trucking business in the greater St. Louis area. I learned the ropes and honed my skills in St. Louis, and then made the move to Columbia, Missouri, where I opened and ran a terminal that served the central part of the state.

Perhaps the greatest strength of our trucking business was our ability to deliver overnight to destinations as far away as 400 miles, which was unheard of in the industry. However, even with our excellent service, we were limited by the geographic area we served. To supplement our trucking service, I started an expedited business, which gave us a greater serviceable area and more profitability. Unfortunately, four years after I moved to Columbia, the family trucking business was sold. Like they say, though, when one door closes, another opens. That’s when I expanded my expedited business to include truckload services and began doing business with clients across the country.

Entering the Automotive Industry

Really, it was my time spent in the trucking business that helped me get involved in the automotive world. One day, I visited a client that manufactured automotive floor mats. One of his designs really caught my eye – it was manufactured for a full-size van, and covered both front floorboards, as well as the area between the seats. I saw immediately how it would benefit truck drivers, so I asked my client if he had floor mats that would fit 18-wheelers. He said no, but that if I could provide templates and patterns, he could make them for me. They were a huge hit with truck stops, trucking companies and truck manufacturers, and after a few years, I actually bought the floor mat plant from the original owner. I was now in the automotive industry.

Finding My Own Success

There are many different aspects to owning a manufacturing business, but one in particular helped me establish my current business, AutoMatStore.com. In the manufacturing process, we created an inventory of overruns, returns and obsolete products we had a hard time finding a market for. However, with the advent of the Internet, especially sites like eBay, we were able to address that issue.

That was when I realized the potential of the Internet. I sold the manufacturing business about seven years ago so I could start up an Internet ecommerce site focused on automotive floor mats. We decided from the beginning that customer service was going to be the difference between our company and our competitors, and it provided to be the lynchpin of our success. With our emphasis on customer service, we have realized an astounding growth of between 15 and 20% every year for the past five years, during a time when the auto industry was suffering one of its worst slumps in history.

Forward to the Future

Of course, we’re not content to rest on our laurels. Our plan for the future is to create similar ecommerce sites that focus on either a specific type of item, a specific vehicle or a specific vehicle type. That specific focus and our drive to provide outstanding customer service will help us stand out in the market.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto floor mat company based out of Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore.com, Elfrink was the operator of a company that produced automotive accessories. AutoMatStore.com focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.

Automotive Memories.....Your First Driving Experience, A Moment Locked In Time.

There Are Some Things in Life We Never Forget

No Matter How Old and Forgetful We Become!

Share Your First Driving Experience!

Don't Forget to Add Your Pics!

As we age, many things in our lives become distant, blurry, half-memories.  We don't actually forget them, they just become a little blurry! LOL.  However, one thing just about everyone can remember is the first time they drove.  It's just such a great feeling that it becomes burned in.  It's just a great feeling!

Add caption

While reading through my daily reading digests, I came across an article in one of my favorite blogs, Jalopnik.com.  The article entitled, "How Did You Learn To Drive?", by Patrick George, caught my eye and my husband and I just started reminiscing about how we learned to drive. That feeling of "total control" when you first take the wheel, no matter what age you are, is just really "cool"! LOL  It's a great topic of conversation not matter where you are or who you're with because EVERYBODY has a story to chip in.  Try it next time you need to "break the ice" at a boring occasion, you'll be the hit of the dinner table!

1959 Oldsmobile 98 Regency...the car that
'daddy let me drive'!

My own experience happened when I was just 5 or 6 years old, (ok, I'm a little unclear of the exact age, but, I am....whoops, almost gave it away there!  Suffice it to say, it was quite a few years back....LMAO!), and my dad, a Chicago police officer, sat me on his lap and took his own hands off the whee and let me drive his 1958 Oldsmobile down the road....  Now, if you're any kind of mathematician at all, that should give you a pretty good idea of the year we're talking about!  Anyway, what an awesome day that was.  It changed the way I felt about everything!  From that time on, all I wanted to do was grow up enough to experience driving on my own.  Now my hubby, Larry, says the first time he ever drove was with his dad in a 1959 Studebaker Lark! (We're pretty close to the same age, although, he does have me by a couple years! LOL)

Larry's first "drive", 1959 Studebaker Lark. (Kinda
looks like a "Rolls Royce 'wannabee"! LOL

Regardless of what year it was or who it was that let you drive, I'll bet you can answer that question without too much hesitation, right?  Like I said, it's just an awesome feeling to have that much control over something that powerful and the first time you do it....well, it makes an impression!.  

So that's the question of the day.....what was the very first vehicle you got to drive?  We'd love to hear your stories (and see your pictures!).  Larry and I had a good 1 hour conversation that included some really good memories and lots of comic relief!  Larry's got me digging around in the old picture boxes and trying to find some our old photos.  If I find them, I'll be glad to publish them for ya!  Be sure to send us your pics too!  Let's see what some of us were driving around back in the day!

Recent Comments

Powered by Disqus

Welcome to the NEW & IMPROVED LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, & Motorcycle News!

September 1st Marks the First Day of Our New Format Here At LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News

Register Now to Make Sure You Don't Miss ANY of The Great New Features Starting Today!

You can register via email or RSS feed. We're compatible with all readers including Google Reader, which we recommend.  LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News is now available via your smart phone! Our mobile site is now optimized for most mobile operating systems including tablets.

We decided that the official end of Summer would be the official start of the new and improved features being implemented here at LDJ Auto News!  We're excited about our new format and we're sure you'll enjoy all the great information that passes through our doors.  

Here's An Overview Of Our Newest Features

• You'll enjoy a host of new guest bloggers.  Each week, we'll have at least one new guest article from some of the most interesting and influential people in the auto industry. 

www.caruserreviews.com

• New car, truck, and motorcycle reviews from some of the best review sites on the Internet to help you find your new car, truck, or motorcycle.  We do the research so you don't have to.  From pricing to accessory packages, you'll love our new review section.

• New automotive product and accessory information.  Here you'll find information on the latest, greatest car, truck, and, motorcycle parts, accessories, and even clothing and gear.  Our bloggers will research and review the best products and find the best places to buy them.  We'll be updating our affiliate lists so you'll be able to find those products at the lowest prices possible right here in this blog.

• Live "chat" with one of our professional technicians here at LDJ Auto Body & Mechanical!  We're excited about this great new feature.  People will be able to chat live with Larry Blackan, Dee Blackman, Rich Downs, and more.  Information for the "do-it-yourself" project owner straight from the pros who do it for a living.  Get tips on choosing paint and materials for your project vehicle. Tips on bodywork, tools, proper procedures and more.  Get recommendations on what accessories are best for your particular application, and just about anything else in the automotive industry.  Live "chat" is active now.  Simply scroll down to the bottom right of the screen and click on "Contact Us" to initiate a live chat conversation.

• Each month we will be featuring a specific job or project.  Each feature project will include start to finish progress reports along with "how-to" articles, detailed pictures and descriptions of the work being done, and instructional videos.  There will also be a "discussion" forum regarding each project so you can ask questions and get exactly the information you need from our professional technicians.

• We will continue to provide you with a list of the best suppliers for ALL your automotive and motorcycle parts and accessories.   We strive to make your automotive accessory shopping experience a good one.  We monitor feedback on all of our affiliates and ensure that only the best suppliers with the best prices are listed here.  We'll continue to do our homework so you don't have to.  Our list of automotive specialists continues to grow, so be sure to check out our pages for the best bargains in town!

Next month, we are working on a "classifieds" page to allow our readers the ability to list their cars, truck, motorcycles, and related parts for sale to other readers.  Listing your vehicles and parts is free!  Reach thousands of buyers with similar interests to help you sell your items fast.

We hope you like our new format and we'd love to hear your opinions, good or bad, along with any ideas you might have for what you'd like to see here.  We look forward to seeing all of you here again and meeting all our new subscribers too!

Happy Motoring!

-Larry and Dee Blackman

LDJ Auto Body & Mechanical

Gibsonton, FL

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".

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.

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

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

2000 Mustang GT - A Father & Son Project by LDJ Auto Body & Mechanical, Gibsonton, FL

2000 Mustang GT Project Car!
A Father and Son Colaboration
by Howard and Eric McCorkle! Great Job Guys!

Cars are something that all of us deal with daily.  But, our first car....well, now, that is something special!  We all remember that special day when we got our driver's license.  That day is, if you think about it, the first real step into the future.  The day when we experience real freedom. It's a special feeling to push that key into the ignition knowing that we are truly "on our own". 

The next step to "emancipation" from parental control is the day we get our first car.... And our first car is something that stays with us for the rest of our lives.  I'll bet there isn't a single one of us that doesn't remember the day we bought it!  I can even remember how it smelled!  Seriously....our first car is something special.  It is a special feeling that we just never forget. 

That's why this story is special to me.  I love seeing a father and son team up and work together on that special vehicle.  It's something I have been lucky enough to share with many "father and son" teams and each and every one of them makes me smile.

Our latest project car was just that.  We got an email from Howard, Eric's dad, asking how much it would cost to "just paint the car and install a carbon fiber hood".  There's "no body work" the email went on to say, "but, my son would like a nice paint job, and we're thinking about a Lemans stripe package".  "He is paying for the work himself and I have heard that you guys do some really great work there." "I'd like to see him get a nice job." "Please get back to me. Thanks. Howard".  As I read the email, a smile crept over my face as I thought about all the "first cars" we had painted here at LDJ.

I remembered my youngest daughter's first car, a Mitsubishi Eclipse that Larry had literally "cut in half"!  Yep, she wanted that car more than anything in the world, and, at that time, the only way we could afford a DOHC, fully turbo charged, gleaming black Eclipse was if we "fixed one up" and the only one we could find to fix up was basically "a total loss" in the rear end!  So, Larry and I bought another one and he cut the damn car in half and welded the two halves together!  Walah!  One gleaming black, DOHC fully turbo charged Mitsubishi Eclipse commin up! Yes, having one of the best body men on the planet for a dad has it's advantages!

As I answered Howard's email, I already knew that we'd be taking on this job.  My husband Larry is a great bodyman.  But, first and foremost, he is a dad and a husband.  And, I also knew that Howard had come to the right place to get his son's car painted and modified.  As Larry looked at the pictures of the car, I could see the smile....the same smile I see every time we paint a "first car".  It is just something that he loves to do....and, he loves seeing the look on the face of that "first car owner" when they see the car for the first time after it's done.

This is an awesome representation of what a great
father & son team can do when they put their heads
together!  This beats all the video games and time lost
with our kids due to "texting" and "facebooking"!

This car was special though.  We both love Mustangs and Howard and Eric had already been very busy doing what guys do to "first cars"!  When I was asking Howard for his permission to share this car with all of you, I also asked him what he and his son, Eric, had done to the engine and the rest of the car....it was obvious that they had been working hard on turning this first car into something very unique!  In his own words..." We started with brakes and suspension.  We replaced the brakes, shocks, struts, ball joints, and lowering springs. Installed 4.10 gears and a cold air intake. Installed Comp 270 cams, long-tube headers, and catless X-pipe. Intalled racing seats and short throw shifter. We purchased a 3 1/2 inch cowl hood. Then we started searching for a painter and decided to go with LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical. Very happy with the outcome of the paint and the hood installation!  And believe me, they did an outstanding job!  Here's a shot of "under the hood"!  I wish I had recorded the sound of this car....it's awesome!  You can see the time spent under her hood is significant and the car runs great.

The car was in great condition for it's age to begin with.  A few minor scratches were the only "body work" that needed to be done.  We started by removing the finish on the vehicle.

The car was fitted with a new, fiber carbon, 3 1/2 cowl inducted hood.  After fitting and prepping the hood.  The painting process began.

From primer to base coat, the car progressed nicely.  The Lemans stripe package really impressed me.  The color of the stripe is a pearl, gun metal blue-gray that really set off the red in the car's primary color scheme.


The paint job was completed using all DuPont products.  From the filler for the 3 very minor scratches to the base coat / clear coat finish, DuPont supplied every stitch of the material.  Even the outrageous "gun metal blue to silver" flip / flop pearl Lemans stripe was DuPont. 



The finished product is spectacular and the color combinations are fabulous.

The 2005 Mustang GT has some fantastic body lines and screams "muscle car" with styling that brings back the original "pony" car itself. 

Ford's attempt at re-creating the original look of the early Mustangs was a huge success and the Mustang, new or old, has become one of the most popular cars on the road today.

We hope Eric enjoys this outstanding "first car" as much as we enjoyed helping him get this project finished! 

We'd like to thank Howard and Eric for letting us share this great vehicle with our readers and we wish them all the best.






For more information on restoration and custom paint work, give us a call at (813) 644-4497.  Larry Blackman is always available to answer your questions and help you find the best solutions to getting your project up and running at prices that will fit your budget. 

We also do motorcycle restoration and custom bike work. 

Estimates are always free so call us today to see how little it can cost to get your dream car or bike on the road today!

Happy Motoring!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Gibsonton, FL
www.ldjautobody.com
lblackman@ldjautobody.com

Auto Window Tinting 101 – What You Need to Know

When it comes to adding style to your vehicle, there are few things that can do more than window tinting. However, it also offers many other advantages, including helping protect your interior from UV damage, keeping your car cooler and can even offer protection for those with medical conditions aggravated by sunlight. Of course, there are a few things you should know before you slap a sheet of tint on your windows.

Seasonal Considerations

Many drivers don’t realize that adding window tint to their cars can have a huge impact on their comfort throughout the year. For instance, just a slight tint can help block sunlight and heat during the summer months. This can make a drastic difference in your comfort levels, particularly when getting into a car that’s been parked in the sun during the summer. Of course, you should still use a windshield sun screen to really cut the amount of heat buildup in your car. During the winter, you won’t notice any adverse effects from tinting, either.

Health Considerations

Some individuals actually have a medical reason for adding window tint. For instance, medical conditions like lupus and eye health problems can be severely aggravated by direct sunlight. Other conditions include skin cancer, allergies to sunlight and photosensitivity. Adding window tint can save pain and suffering for these individuals.

Save Your Interior

While it might seem benign, sunlight is actually a damaging force of nature. All you have to do if you need proof is look at an item left in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Paint fades, vinyl cracks, fabric fades and loses elasticity – sunlight is actually a slow death for the interior of your car. For instance, if you have leather interior, you’ll find that prolonged sun exposure can cause serious damage in a rather short period of time. However, adding window tinting to your vehicle can block the UV rays responsible for drying, cracking and fading your leather interior. Not only does that prolong your interior’s life, but it can have a beneficial effect on your time and finances as well. Less damage means less time and money spent on conditioners and protectants.

Legal Considerations

Of course, adding window tinting is not as simple as you might suppose. You might think that all you have to do is head down to your local aftermarket shop and buy a roll of tint. That’s wrong, though. Most states in the US have some very specific rules regarding the amount of tint (the darkness of the tint) that you can have on your windows. There are even laws that determine which windows can be tinted and how much tint is legal for each window. Understanding your state and local laws is vital. The best place to find out what your state requires in the area of window tinting is your state’s DMV website.

Which Windows Can Be Tinted?

Most states allow you to tint all your vehicle’s windows except the windshield. However, you do need to be aware that the degree of tinting varies with window placement. For example, rear passenger windows can have a darker tint than the driver window. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, and you might find yourself forced to remove the tint that you just paid good money to have installed.

As you can see, window tinting for your car can be a huge benefit, but there are some specific laws that you need to know prior to having it applied. You also need to remember that if you move to another state, your car might not comply with their regulations, so find out what to expect beforehand.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.

Custom Ordered Cars – Worth the Hassle?

Most buyers get their hands on a new car in the same way. That is, they drive down to their dealership of choice, choose the car they want, go through the purchase process and then drive away in their new ride. Of course, it’s not always this simple. Some would-be owners find that they just can’t seem to locate the car they want anywhere, on any dealer lot. Automaker websites show a variety of unique colors and package options that might not be available in your area. What are you to do? Custom ordering is the answer, but is it really worth it?

What Is Custom Ordering?

Custom ordering a car is exactly what it sounds like. And, contrary to what you might have been told, it is possible, and it’s available from virtually all automakers. However, it’s not as cut and dried as just sending in an order form and then driving off in your new vehicle when it gets delivered to the dealership. Also, don’t believe the hype that custom ordering costs more – you can get the same pricing on a custom ordered car as one the dealer has on the lot (you might sacrifice some negotiating power, though). There are a few things you need to know.

Some Dealerships Balk

First, you’ll find that while the automaker might be happy to supply you with a custom ordered automobile, the dealership you choose might not be so happy about it. There’s a good reason for this. If you don’t like the car when it arrives and cancel the order, then they’re stuck with a car that was tailored for you and will have very little chance of selling to someone else. However, custom ordering is possible, so if this is what you want to do, stick to your guns and find a dealer willing to help. Be prepared to put down a significant deposit, though.

Is It Right for You?

While some folks might be fine driving whatever they find available or what’s most popular on the market, some drivers aren’t willing to compromise. Perhaps you want a specific color or trim option. Maybe you want a unique set of wheels coupled with a different interior choice. Regardless – custom ordering is the way to go.

Of course, you’ll need to exercise patience here. Custom ordering takes time – usually a pretty good chunk. Most automakers require 8-12 weeks to deliver a custom order, and that time can be increased depending on a variety of factors. So, if you’re hoping to put in your order and have your car in a week or two, it’s time to rethink that stance. If you can wait that long, then go ahead and order, but if the thought of waiting a minimum of two months doesn’t work for you, it might be time to reconsider compromising on what you want.

A Few Notes

While placing an order with a willing dealer is really all there is to the process, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. First, make sure you’re working with a good dealership. They’re going to be integral here, and you want a company you’re happy to work with. Second, make sure that the deposit the dealer requires is refundable – this protects you in the case that you change your mind about the purchase. Finally, make sure you get everything in writing from the dealer, from the options and paint to the promise of your deposit being refundable. Without proof in writing, it’s just your word if something goes wrong so take the time to ensure that you’re protected.

Custom ordering a car can be a very good thing for buyers willing to exercise patience, but it’s certainly not a process that’s ideal for everyone.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.