DHT Autos - Volume 1 by Daily Herald Tribune

autonet.ca • APRIL 12, 2012 • Volume 1 / Issue 1

Regal idea • 2012 Buick Regal

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Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

ouT of TheiR ShEllS toyota INSIDE spurs spring greening

CLOSER LOOK ENVIRO WATCH

time to be detail-oriented

THE PASSING LANE

APRIL 12, 2012

BUILD AND PRICE THIS CAR

are aftermarket destined drawings. The Spring Greening Challengeconvertible appli- consumers,” saidtops Pete Selleck, cation will be available through April 23,for 2012, extinction? chairman and president, offering four different weekly challenges. Michelin North America.

lin’s MaxTouchConstruction to distribToyota is teaming up with the ute forces of acceleration, braking and U.S.’s National Auduboncleaning Society to a comprehensive cornering across the entire patch, launch the Spring Greening Chalmakes your car look its for longer and more uniform wear), This online engagement campaign, which is “We listened to the marlenge, a Facebook application best and helps preventthat improved fuel efficiency, longer future damage and decay a component of the larger TogetherGreen pro- ketplace and realized offers weekly conservation chal-autonet.ca lusted drop-tops, too. actually used aftermarket com- whotread life after and shorter braking distire buylenges, data on the impacts of gram (a five year partnership between Toyota that Americanturers car during the winter. Now all that Convertibles require a whole difpanies to make convertible versions tances. ers are looking for a green choices anyone make stuff — even ifcan you have rubber and the Audubon Society launched in 2008), RUSS floor mats — is still in the car. structure to the wear of their says thesave tire tire,established coupes — Nissan ferentMichelin around the home, and an opportu- was designed with a key goal of reaching a safe, fuel-efficient SUBSCRIBE TO mainOUR It is impor tant to get all that Bond joeduarte@sunmedia.ca tear on other car components — and Toyota are prime examples, with andtains grime removed from the inside broad audience and encouraging participation the same wet handling with long tread life and nity to win prizes. r.bond@russbondagency.com and outside of your car. NEWSLETTER a chop shop doesn’tgenertake into their 240SX and Camry Solara mod- things Think of it like a bitto of food stuck in meaningful conservation actions. To date, characteristics as previous excellent value for the The app encourages fans take Buick Regal gets This year, we didn’t have what in your teeth that can’t be brushed account. It was tough for traction consumers els, respectively. off. Ifis it the gets left there for a pro- the partners say TogetherGreen has saved $5.8 you’d call a ‘brutal’ winter, but that ations and increases snow money.” that week’s challenge, which completion can with fuel doesn’t mean that your car didn’t longed period of time, you help understand that takingGreen the roof It used I usedsupport, to marvel at the prolifera15%. Tires designated improved In today’s tough econ- to be easy to turn two-door to by of aabuse. particular conservation action around theyour million through volunteer with a cavity. As with take Now is the time of the end up good. year when we all switch to sum- teeth, cavities in cars aren’tefficiency off the vehicle and replacing it with models into convertibles (not by the tion of convertibles in Europe. For the goal BUILD AND X provide greater fuel efficiency, omy, many drivers are home, likegivechanging buying (e.g. purIt ishabits impor tant to get all that 10,540 acres of wildlife habitat and engaged mer tires and our vehicles the of PRICE hinged steel girders put DIYer, mind you) — make four metal a series longest time, it seemed every car their in cars once-over for the summer driving stuff removed from the outside THIS CAR which the company equates to 218,311 participants through its grants, felkeeping longer chasing recycled products). Once the challenge and inside of your car. What you season. READ MORE (and eventually Europe had a convertible variant — cuts, weld some hinges and latches, unforeseen pressure T h e r e i s s e e m i n g l y e n d l e s s need are two things. One, a good savings of $250 in fuel over the life is completed, participants click the “I Did It” lowships and volunteer programs. The latest and racking up more kiladvice on just what you should do, quality full ser vice detail shop, from the smallest Peugeot to the larg- create and assemble a steel frame, wear and tear) on a vehicle’s chassis and two, the grand saying, “give it the online engagement campaign is meant to help but here isto one of advice that Michelin’s Defender tire gives four tires. ometres on their vehibutton bebitentered in weekly and prize will not only pay dividends now, works.” things that wouldn’t be covered by est Citroen — and those that didn’t stretch some canvas over it, and — of The benefits to you are twofold. broaden the reach of TogetherGreen by offerbut also for years to come: give, or excellent value for the money. Defender is backed by Michecles before replacing the factory warranty because the facwere often converted, especially in voila. have your car given, a damn good First, once the car has been fully cleaned and detailed by a full- ing anyone the opportunity to take important cleaning. lin’s Promise Plan, which features them. MichelinBut claims tory didn’t build the vehicle that way. somewhere along the line, manplaces like the Rivieras. Keep in mind that a comprehen- service shop, you will have confi30-day satisfaction guarantee, three demandyear Defenderufacturers tire will lastdecided up to 34,000 km amake sive cleaning is very, very difficult dence that the car is as clean as conservation actions around their homes. Consumers also got more they could There used to be a thrivingthe convertto do on your own. You see, as the the day it left the showroom, and roadside assistance (toof fixconvenience flats) and limited longer than itsconvertibles leading competitor (the Conwinter went on, more and more chances are it will look the best ing in areas — they much more cheaply and ible customization business in North grime, salt, and snow got pushed you have ever seen it. lifewanted warranty. Consumers are encourtinental Pro Contact ECO Plus Technology) — tread New Michelin tire defends the driver (again) Second, you will be secure in the into areas of your car that are not to open up to the sky at the effectively by taking the design into America, too, especially in perToyota launches intended to house such materials. knowledge that all those potenMichelin’s Tire Selector at www. a figure that equates to before roughly the 1.5 additional push of a but ton ins tead of havaccount car ever gotaged nearto check petually warm climates such as CaliUSED CAR This happens because unlike rain, tially harmful chemicals that were which is a fluid, salt, snow and placed there courtesy of Mother spring “greening” michelin.ca. years of service for the average driver. Michelin has launched what it callsand the the greata production line — and they would be ing to unclip here and push up there fornia, Florida southwestern rocks are projectiles, and they can Nature are now gone, and that will penetrate remote areas of your save you money in the long run. Defender fits virtually every standard passenapp est passenger car tire the company has ever (it’s much easier to create a convertmuch better received by customers United States. In fact, some manufacIt’s like the old Fram oil filter ad vehicle and become lodged there. And that’s just on the outside. that said, “You can pay me now, or made — the Defender — reported to keep drivger car and minivan on the road today (covering ible top where you simply flip a couThink of all the stuff that was on pay me later.” Pay the detail man SUBSCRIBE OUR ers safer and save them money over a longer 93% of the marketplace), ranging in size from your boots when you got into the now. ple of latches and TO manually push the 175/70R13 to a 225/55R18. It features Michetop back,NEWSLETTER behind theCOMPARE rear seats, than period of time. • Supplied photoS to attempt the electric replication of “The Defender is the best standard pas- lin’s IntelliSipe Technology, which the company The Spring Greening Challenge encourages some of today’s top folding and storsenger car tire we at Michelin have ever made, claims provides superior stiffness for greater meaningful conservation actions. autonet.ca/newsletter ing ballet). delivering tremendous quality and value to our grip in the contact patch (which uses MicheThe other must-have these days is a convertible hard-top, which not only READ MORE preserves the look of the coupe but Comprehensive also the isolation from ambient noises cleaning makes when the top is up. THE VIDEO car look grate These are tough to do in the aftermarket, are considerably pricier (makand protects for ing them less cost-effective for entryfuture level models) and require certain body • Photo courtesy LA DetAiL PHOTO designs, such as a rear compartment Getting professionals like these at LA Detail to give your car a thorough cleaning USED CAR can really pay off in the long run. in order to have a place to put the top. GALLERY DhT Autos is published by the And with globalization ONLINEstill a hot Daily herald-Tribune, 10604 100 topic, someday we too may get Fiat Street, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Punto and Nissan Micra convertibles.

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Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

toyota spurs spring greening

Toyota is teaming up with the U.S.’s National Audubon Society to launch the Spring Greening Challenge, a Facebook application that offers weekly conservation challenges, data on the impacts of green choices anyone can make around the home, and an opportunity to win prizes. The app encourages fans to take that week’s challenge, which is the completion of a particular conservation action around the home, like changing buying habits (e.g. purchasing recycled products). Once the challenge is completed, participants click the “I Did It” button to be entered in weekly and grand prize

drawings. The Spring Greening Challenge application will be available through April 23, 2012, offering four different weekly challenges. This online engagement campaign, which is a component of the larger TogetherGreen program (a five year partnership between Toyota and the Audubon Society launched in 2008), was designed with a key goal of reaching a broad audience and encouraging participation in meaningful conservation actions. To date, the partners say TogetherGreen has saved $5.8 million through volunteer support, improved 10,540 acres of wildlife habitat and engaged 218,311 participants through its grants, fellowships and volunteer programs. The latest online engagement campaign is meant to help broaden the reach of TogetherGreen by offering anyone the opportunity to take important conservation actions around their homes.

New Michelin tire defends the driver

• Supplied photoS The Spring Greening Challenge encourages meaningful conservation actions.

Michelin has launched what it calls the greatest passenger car tire the company has ever made — the Defender — reported to keep drivers safer and save them money over a longer period of time. “The Defender is the best standard passenger car tire we at Michelin have ever made, delivering tremendous quality and value to our

lin’s MaxTouchConstruction to distribconsumers,” said Pete Selleck, ute forces of acceleration, braking and chairman and president, cornering across the entire patch, Michelin North America. for longer and more uniform wear), “We listened to the marimproved fuel efficiency, longer ketplace and realized tread life and shorter braking disthat American tire buytances. ers are looking for a Michelin says the tire mainsafe, fuel-efficient tire, tains the same wet handling with long tread life and characteristics as previous generexcellent value for the ations and increases snow traction money.” by 15%. Tires designated Green In today’s tough econAND X provide BUILD greater fuel efficiency, omy, many drivers are THIS CAR which thePRICE company equates to keeping their cars longer savings of $250 in fuel over the life and racking up more kilMichelin’s Defender tire gives of four tires. ometres on their vehiexcellent value for the money. Defender is backed by Michecles before replacing lin’s Promise Plan, which features them. Michelin claims the Defender tire will last up to 34,000 km a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, three year longer than its leading competitor (the Con- roadside assistance (to fix flats) and limited tinental Pro Contact ECO Plus Technology) — tread life warranty. Consumers are encoura figure that equates to roughly 1.5 additional aged to check Michelin’s Tire Selector at www. michelin.ca. years of service for the average driver. Defender fits virtually every standard passenger car and minivan on the road today (covering SUBSCRIBE TO OUR 93% of the marketplace), ranging in size from 175/70R13 to a 225/55R18. It features MicheNEWSLETTER lin’s IntelliSipe Technology, which the company claims provides superior stiffness for greater autonet.ca/newsletter grip in the contact patch (which uses Miche-

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Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

Ford marches into first

Ford has taken the monthly Canadian sale s crown from Ch r ysle r fo r Ma rch , sellin g 24,690 vehicles, though Chrysler has still moved the most units so far in 2012. Ford’s sales numbers were actually down 3.3% over last March, while Chrysler’s 22,703 vehicles sold gave it an 8% increase year-over-year. The automaker said its Fiat 500 and Chrysler 200 posted their biggest monthly sales since both launched about a year ago. General Motors was a mere 19 vehicles behind Chrysler, with total sales of 22,684 between its Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and

• supplied photos Mazda received a big boost in sales thanks to its new CX-5 crossover.

Cadillac lines. Big sellers for GM included the Buick Regal and Chevrolet Volt, the latter of which saw 116 deliveries, good for the second-highest number of monthly deliveries for the electric vehicle. Mazda received a 34% year-over-year boost in sales, with a big thanks coming from its new CX-5 crossover. The automaker sold 7,779 total vehicles in March, with 1,649 coming from the CX-5. Kia saw its best March ever in terms of sales, moving 6,628 units, good for a 23% increase year-over-year. The entire Forte family, which includes a sedan, coupe, and hatchback, accounted for 1,407 of Kia’s overall sales, while the Optima moved 1,237, the first time it has reached 1,000 sales. Honda finished fifth in overall sales with 13,74 3 units moved, putting the automaker behind Toyota (17,342) and ahead of Hyundai (12,605). Combined Honda and Acura sales were down 9% year-overyear, while Toyota’s were up 11.6%, and Hyundai’s increased 8%. Every other major automaker in Canada saw an increase in monthly sales compared to March 2011. This included Nissan/Infiniti (9,417 total sales), Mercedes-Benz/Smart (3,403), BMW/Mini (3,205), Subaru (2,791), Mitsubishi (2,026) and Porsche (227).

New sports car starts under $26,000 Toyota is setting the price of the new Scion FR-S 2+2 sport coupe at $25,990. FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. The highly-anticipated lightweight sports car, created in collaboration with Subaru (which has its own version in the BRZ), features the world’s only boxer engine (Subaru’s 2.0 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder) using Toyota’s D-4S double fuel injection technology (direct and port) to deliver 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s controlled by either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional ($1,180) sixspeed automatic with paddle shifters and rev-matching on downshifts. Mounting the engine behind the front axle and low in the engine bay allowed engineers to attain a front/rear weight distribution of 53/47 — essential to the sporty handling so desired for the car. Lightweight design (aluminum hood and equipping the vehicle with a trunk rather than a hatchgate) and the car’s compact size reportedly makes it quick and nimble into and out of corners. The car sits on 17-inch alloy wheels supported by MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones in the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are standard on all corners.

The new Scion FR-S’s compact size makes it quick and nimble into and out of corners. The FR-S will be available in Raven, Asphalt, BUILD AND Hot Lava, Argento, Ultramarine, Firestorm or PRICE THIS CAR Whiteout exterior colours. To highlight the coupe’s AE86 heritage (a rear-wheel drive Corolla noted for its handling and performance) and the design of the horizontallyopposed engine, the car wears the iconic 86 piston emblem on the front fenders. Inside, FR-S features a Pioneer 160-watt AM/FM/CD MP3-capable sound system with USB and AUX ports, as well as Bluetooth streaming capability.

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Autonet.ca. for reviews. Also check out sites like J.D. I would like to take this Power for reliability ratings. I would also suggest oppor tunit y to share you do not purchase a car with more with you a bit about one than 250,000 km on the odometer. I of my first loves. was lucky in that I had an uncle who was My first car was an a mechanic and put a lot of work into ancient Mazda 626. It kay.layne@sunmedia.ca Doomie. w a s p u rc h a s e d fo r a With the price of gas rising with no signs of dropwhopping $300. I named it Doomie, after a car character from the ping, you need to factor in fuel economy. The Canada Office of Energy Efficiency has a great website that classic Beetlejuice cartoons. My loveable Mazda and I were almost allows you to compare cars. Also as a teenager or the same age. Doomie had been around new driver you will want to research the cost of insurthe block many times and had a gazil- ing your future ride. Call a few insurance companies lion kilometres under its fan belt. Some and ask for quotes for your potential choices. Once you have done your homework and you are days, my baby would only start if I used a wooden clothespin to hold open the choke. It burned ready to start looking, enlist the help of someone through oil like Carrie Bradshaw went through with automotive knowledge. Be prepared to ask a lot of questions before you even go to see the vehicle. shoes. All that being said, I loved Doomie deeply. My first Ask about the mileage. Were there any major repairs? car granted me great freedom. It delivered me to Are the service records available? When you go to school in a fraction of the time the bus did. My friends check out the vehicle, look for things like rust, dings, and I had great times in that car. If you are ready for or damage. Does the engine look maintained? How your first “car” love, please allow me share to a few does it drive? Make sure to test it at different speeds. Check out the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tips with you. Do your homework. Check out websites like before you make a purchase. Make sure that it has not been in any incidents of any kind. Lastly, trust your gut and do not allow yourself to be forced into anything. Remember that like many first loves, as memorable as they are, there will be others.

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Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

TEST DRIVE

2012 Buick REgal

Regal gets assist on fuel goal Engineers have tweaked underbody aerodynamics and bolted on 17-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires to improve efficiency

HaRRY

Pegg

psdoph@telusplanet.net Ahh, springtime in the mountains. The winter’s snow is beginning to melt in the warm sun, wildlife is more active and the air is somehow fresher. A cool way to get there is in an eco-conscious car like the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist. I t m a ke s t h e t re k i n to t h e Rockies without using buckets of fuel and without watering down the performance. T h e e A s s i s t s ys te m i n t h e Regal is linked to a 2.4-litre Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The system uses power stored in a lithium-ion battery located behind the rear seat to provide electrical boost in certain driving situations. Sto m p o n th e th rot tl e a n d the battery will boost power by 15 horses during acceleration. On the other end of the scale, torque “smoothing” provided by the electric motor-generator unit (mounted in place of the alternator) enables aggressive fuel-cut-

off during deceleration down to zero. Engineers have tweaked underbody aerodynamics and bolted on 17-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires to improve efficiency. Just to give me a nudge to the green side, there’s an ECO gauge that continuously responds to what I’m doing and encourages more efficient driving. A power-flow readout in the colour infotainment screen or d river info centre sh ows th e energy flow though the eAssist system. I can also select ECO for the air conditioning which allows for longer stop periods. The 29-kg eAssist power pack lives between the trunk and the right rear seatback contains the lithium-ion battery, power inverter and 12-volt power supply. A vent in the package tray behind the rear seat provides air to an electric fan that cools the battery pack. A s yo u m i g h t ex p e c t , t h i s technology cuts down on cargo space but, unlike other cars with rear-mounted battery systems, the Regal retains a 60/40 split rear seatback. Half of that folddown system is blocked by the e-Assist pack, the rest opens

onto the trunk, but the bottom third is still blocked by the battery system. Regal’s trunk is spacious on it s ow n s o th e lim ite d o p e ning through the seats is no real hardship. There’s lots of room for road trip luggage. If you do make use of the fold-down seat, you’ll find yourself loading from the rear passenger doors rather than the trunk, unless you’re sliding in a long item or two. Regal has one of those fourdoor coupe designs with a short rear deck and short overhangs. Inside, four people have plenty of leg room to stretch out but headroom is at a premium in the rear. B e in g g re e n d o e s n’t m e a n making any creature-comfor t concessions. This member of the Regal stable – with its $5,700 wor th of options—has all the power and convenience equipment you’d want in a car. The extras include navigation, sunroof and bi-Xenon HID headlights. Around town, the Regal performs flawlessly. Engine shutoff stops idle emissions and helps me tolerate the waits at a long string of red lights. (Why can’t

they be synchronized?) The eAssist six-speed automatic transmission works effortlessly and seamlessly through its settings. A sharp step on the go-pedal brings instant response from the eAssist system. Passing slower traffic is a snap. W h i l e t h e Re g a l’s e l e c t r i c power steering is rather numb on-centre, it responds well when asked for a change of direction. Spring time brings the frost out of the highways, leavi n g h e ave s a n d h o ll ow s th a t would unsettle the occupants of a lesser vehicle. The Regal’s M a c Ph e r s o n s tr u t f ro n t a n d four-link independent rear suspension handles those springtime hazards easily, maintaining a surprisingly level passage. Outside sound is effectively muted. The smooth, quiet, highway trip is almost regal (if you will pardon the pun). This Regal carries all the usual s a fet y ge a r i n cl u d i n g St a b iliTrak electronic stability control, OnStar communication with turn-by-turn navigation, and six airbags; but, my tester has a couple of extras – side impact airbags for rear seat passengers.

faCT fIle Price as tested (before taxes): $39,950 options on test vehicle: 1sV eassist preferred equipment group ($1,885) includes leather seats, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, ultrasonic park assist; sunroof ($1,395); navigation ($995) inc.: satellite radio; Bi-Xenon HiD headlights ($650); rear seat side-impact air bags ($415); remote start ($275) freight/PDI: $1,495 BUILD AND Configuration:PRICE front engine/ frontTHIS CAR wheel drive engine/transmission: 2.4l 4 cyl. with electric assist/ 6-spd auto with sequential shift Power/torque: 182 hp/ 172 lb.-ft. fuel (capacity): Regular (59l) fuel economy ratings (l/100km): 8.3 l/100km city; 5.4 l/100km hwy observed fuel economy: 7.1 l/100km over 426 km SUBSCRIBE TO OUR Warranties: 3 years/ 60,000 km NEWSLETTER (basic); 5 years/ 160,000 km (powertrain)

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PHOTO GALLERY ONLINE • haRRy Pegg/qmi agency The Buick Regal’s eAssist six-speed automatic transmission works effortlessly and seamlessly through its settings.

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Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

You’ve probably heard the old joke: In Canada, we have so much salt on the roads through the winter that you can get high blood pressure just taking out the garbage. Imagine what all that salt spray and build-up can do to your car by the end of the season? The plastic surfaces of your headlights are especially vulnerable. Damaged headlights create dangerous driving situations in any weather.

says Mark Shore, the vice president of sales and marketing at Quixx Care System. “If you have foggy headlights, driving your car is just dangerous. Foggy, yellow and scratched headlights reduce a driver’s visibility by 50%, putting them at higher risk for accidents.”

HoW to tell To help you determine if your headlights need restoration, examine them in daylight for one or more of these conditions: * The lenses look milky, foggy or yellow * You can’t see the bulb through the lens * The lenses are scratched or scarred Restoring headlights can be done simply and inexpensively with a quality do-it yourself products. The next time you’re in your local automotive supply stores, take a look at big sellers like Quixx. Popular products, such as the Headlight Restoration Kit, have been shown to restore up to 95% of a headlight’s original clarity and light performance. For heavily damaged and scratched headlights, see a local professional auto repair technician. Imagine the difference those four seconds could make in your life, says Shore, and in the lives of others on the road. More information is available online at www.quixx-usa.com.

HeadligHts play a major role The effects of yellowed and hazy headlights in fog has become such a concern that last year, CAA-Quebec released a study showing that damaged automobile headlight lenses (from harsh weather, abrasives and debris) become so opaque, they can reduce lighting effectiveness to half that of headlights in good condition. Tests conducted on a closed track confirmed: A motorist travelling 50 km/h at night will have four more seconds to react to an emergency if the headlights are in good condition and undamaged. The best way to prepare and protect yourself is to make sure headlights are clean and clear and at optimal visibility, experts say. Restoring headlights to their original crystal-clear and scratch-free finish can help you get back those crucial four seconds to help save both human and animal lives. “It’s like trying to find your way blindfolded,”

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This year, we didn’t have what you’d call a ‘brutal’ winter, but that doesn’t mean that your car didn’t take abuse. Now is the time of the year when we all switch to summer tires and give our vehicles the once-over for the summer driving season. There is seemingly endless advice on just what you should do, but here is one bit of advice that will not only pay dividends now, but also for years to come: give, or have your car given, a damn good cleaning. Keep in mind that a comprehensive cleaning is very, very difficult to do on your own. You see, as the winter went on, more and more grime, salt, and snow got pushed into areas of your car that are not intended to house such materials. This happens because unlike rain, which is a fluid, salt, snow and rocks are projectiles, and they can penetrate remote areas of your vehicle and become lodged there. And that’s just on the outside. Think of all the stuff that was on your boots when you got into the

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Bond

car during the winter. Now all that stuff — even if you have rubber floor mats — is still in the car. It is impor tant to get all that grime removed from the inside and outside of your car. Think of it like a bit of food stuck in your teeth that can’t be brushed off. If it gets left there for a prolonged period of time, you can end up with a cavity. As with your teeth, cavities in cars aren’t good. It is impor tant to get all that stuff removed from the outside and inside of your car. What you need are two things. One, a good quality full ser vice detail shop, and two, the saying, “give it the works.” The benefits to you are twofold. First, once the car has been fully cleaned and detailed by a fullservice shop, you will have confidence that the car is as clean as the day it left the showroom, and chances are it will look the best you have ever seen it. Second, you will be secure in the knowledge that all those potentially harmful chemicals that were placed there courtesy of Mother Nature are now gone, and that will save you money in the long run. It’s like the old Fram oil filter ad that said, “You can pay me now, or pay me later.” Pay the detail man now.

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RUSS

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a comprehensive cleaning makes your car look its best and helps prevent future damage and decay

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CLOSER LOOK

Headlight help wanted

Brenda McFadden 780-513-3990

Phyllis Finch 780-532-1110 ext 254

• Photo courtesy LA DetAiL Getting professionals like these at LA Detail to give your car a thorough cleaning can really pay off in the long run.

TIME MACHINEs

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

picture-perfect meteor shines GLeN

WOOdCOCK

glen@manicgt.com

A couple of years ago, Don Little said he’d “had enough of the car show circuit” and sold his much admired 1956 Monarch Richelieu convertible at the fall 2009 Toronto Classic Car Auction. But that didn’t mean he’d had enough of old cars. Always passionate about Canadianbadged Fords (his first car was a 1956 Monarch), the resident of Campbellford, Ont. has a special fondness for 1957 Meteors like the one a neighbour had when he was a kid. Don found such a car through former newspaper and T V repor ter Alyn Edwards, now a Vancouver public relations executive with a passion for vintage vehicles. When they were on the phone one night in 2011, Al asked, “Are you ever going to buy another old car?” Don confessed he might — if he could find the right 1957 Meteor Niagara 500 four-door. Not many of that model were made, but Al just happened to know where one was for sale, just 45 minutes away from him in Abbotsford, B.C. This Rideau 500 had been sold new in Abbotsford and a couple of decades ago had been bought by a gentleman who repainted it to match the one he’d had in his younger days. The exterior paint scheme was changed from its original yellow, black and white to Dresden Blue, Colonial White and Starmist Blue — a tri-tone treatment appropriate for the year and model. At that time, the Meteor also got a matching blue interior. Other than that, and an aftermarket Continental kit likely installed at the dealership when the car was new, it hasn’t been touched.

But the Abbotsford man became ill before he could really enjoy the car and eventually died. Last licensed in 1993, the car had sat in his widow’s garage for years. When Al examined the Meteor and deemed it fit, Don followed the advice of his friend, bought it sight unseen and had it shipped east. Since its arrival last July, he’s not been disappointed. “The chrome and stainles s are decent,” Don says, “and so is the repaint. It’s not Concours perfect, but it’s picture perfect. The floors and rockers are solid as a rock.” Indeed, in its handsome tri-tone paint, this Meteor is one of the bestlooking four-doors ever made — not just in the 1950s, but in any decade. And it’s rare, too. Of 34,164 Meteors built that year in Oakville, only 691 were Rideau 500 four-door hardtops. Power comes from Ford’s 292-cubicinch V8 with 2-barrel carburetor and column-shift automatic transmission. This engine, standard on ’57 Rideaus and Rideau 500s, puts out 212 hp. When it arrived from B.C., the car was shod in period-correct bias ply tires, but now wears a set of wide whitewall radials. Like me, Don believes changing to radials is the greatest thing you can do to improve the handling and driveability of an older car. Spring arrived early in Eastern Ontario, so Don has already had the car out a few times, although he’s waiting for some good rains to wash away the residue of road salt and sand before he takes it on a long run. The Rideau 500 was the top-of-theline offering for Meteor in 1957. With a base MSRP of $3,096, the four-door hardtop cost $662 more the entrylevel Niagara two-door sedan with 233-cubic-inch inline six. Oakville assembled the 250,000th Meteor in July, 1957. But the brand, produced by Ford of Canada starting in 1949, was gone after the 1975 model year.

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Get the best coverage of business, entertainment, sports, local and national events with the Daily Herald-Tribune. Call 780-532-0691 or email dhtcirculation@bowesnet.com before noon today for doorstep delivery tomorrow morning. ��

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1957 Meteor owned by Don Little of Campbellford, Ont.

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Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Thursday, April 12, 2012

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