100 Years Ago, This Was Your Right Front Wheel.

In 1911, if you were driving a motorcar, it would likely be a Model T that was sitting on wooden wheels. They were probably between 21 and 24 inches tall, and had a speedometer gear on the back side.  Inflatable tires were still very new to the automotive world, but added huge comfort to the vehicle because of the rough, turn of the century roads.  Wooden wheels like these were the norm up into the late 1920’s when steel took over.  100 years later, this 1911 Model T is running like a top, still rockin’ the wooden dubs, and still wrapped in black paint, like when Henry’s workers originally made it.

Four Carburetors, Air Conditioned, Air Cooled.

 

I realize that not everybody is a fan of Corvair’s, but for those of you that are, I have some eye candy for you.  This is a “trunk” full of air cooled goodness.  It’s got chrome.  It’s got four carbs.  It also has working air conditioning.  Haters may hate, but I think this a totally boss setup.  If and when I own a naturally aspirated Corvair, it will be a copy of this setup. Oh and don’t mind the shadowed silhouette in the picture, I’m still learning how to ruin my own photography.

The Final Launch – Now You’ll Never Be An Astronaut.

Today was the final launch for a manned space craft by the NASA program (for now).  That means that all of your lofty dreams of being a real life astronaut, and repelling off of that weird mysterious face on the moon are now null and void.  You will never feel the force of a rocket on your back pushing you to 17,000 mph, and you won’t be taking the moon rover over any sweet jumps.  Again, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  Luckily for you, you have something more exciting than intergalactic space travel in your life.  I’ll give you a hint.  The special thing is in front of you right now.  It’s called – a sextuplet of shiny new NASA related pictures! Read More

You Named Your Pet After A Car Didn’t You

It seems to be common practice in car enthusiast households to have pets named after cars, auto parts or famous figures in automotive history.  I personally know of several pets past and present that have had some great names.

  • A fish named Tucker
  • A cat named Turbo
  • Another cat named Turbeau (Keeping it classy)
  • A cat named Piston
  • A cat named Malibu
  • A cat named Monte

It’s odd that they are mostly cats, isn’t it?  Hmm. Well, you can be rest assured knowing they aren’t all mine. Did you really think I was secretly a crazy cat lady for a second? That would surely be awkward.  So – if you have a pet with automotive related name, share it with us! Bonus points if you went with an engine size.

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Mercedes Benz CLS Is Always Keeping It Classy.

Yesterday I found myself in a parking garage in Boston.  I got out of my lowly Subaru, turned around and KaPow! In front of me was a beautiful Mercedes Benz posing for a picture.  Since I am never one to deny the 1A Blog from automotive beauty, I quickly snapped this picture.  I really need to start carrying a better camera, or photographer.

In any case, what we are looking at here is a newer Mercedes Benz CLS-Class. I’d say it is probably a 2006-10 model.  It appears to be lowered a bit and sitting on wheels that are worth far more than my truck.  These cars make close to 500 horsepower, and 500 foot pounds of torque, so attempts to escape one from a stop light will likely be futile.

This Road Runner Took Full Advantage Of The 1970’s

In the beginning of the 1970’s muscle cars were it. The more cubic inches you had, the more you could brag.  Then the big bad catalytic converter jumped into the car scene, and ruined everybody’s fun. Way to go smog. By the time the late 1970’s came around, the best you could hope for in a new car was a manual transmission, some groovy disco stripes, and t-tops to let your hair breath.  In short, you hoped for this Road Runner.

Flat out, I have no idea what year this Road Runner is, but I’m quite sure its between 1976-80.  The front bumper is throwing me off because it has the parking lights in it.  I’m not sure if that was a specific year thing or a Road Runner thing.  No matter what year it is, this car is the bees knees.  Just look at it for god sakes!  360 V8, manual transmission, t-tops, side pipes, chrome Cragars, window vents, a hood scoop, and those frickin stripes!  Oh god, I gotta have those stripes!  If cool options were land mass, this Road Runner would be the Louisiana Purchase.  I’m serious.  I would put a comb in my back pocket, bury my foot into the cutpile carpet, and rock this thing hard.  Would chicks dig it you ask?  Who knows!?  Who cares!?  Just look at those stripes!