Category Archives: collector cars

Is oil analysis a good idea

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This is a good question for not only aircraft owners but ,boat and performance car owners. too.

Question. Is oil analysis a good idea or just a waste of money?
Answer. 
I think it depends on the engine.  Most mechanics would probably agree that a high time engine would benefit from oil analysis.  If you are trying to extend the time between overhauls (TBO),  oil analysis is a must.  Flying your aircraft past TBO can save you a few bucks in the near future but can (but not always) increase the actual cost of the overhaul in the long term.  It could be one of those “pay me now or pay me more later”!  Extended use might damage parts instead of just wearing them down.  

But oil analysis and regular oil changes can help the owner monitor some of the internal conditions of the engine.  Which also means if you start a new engine on the oil analysis program from the very start you can continually monitor the engines wear throughout the years of operation. 

Typically, the average oil change would be sufficient for most owners to check the oil for any contaminants.  The mechanic or owner  who does the oil change should cut the filter, or inspect the oil screen and look for any type of contamination.  If you are looking at an aircraft to buy, and you have the time, an oil analysis would probably offer you finer (no pun intended) details than just the filter or screen test.  In fact, if you find something in the screen or filter it will probably indicate wear or damage that may be significant and might be a indicator that you should do oil analysis.

So in the end, no I do not think it is a waste of money.

SEMA TV SPECIAL PREMIERES FEBRUARY 6

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2017
For media inquiries, contact: Della Domingo
909-978-6723 | dellad@sema.org
SEMA TV SPECIAL PREMIERES FEBRUARY 6
Program features the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition; Airs on the Velocity Network

DIAMOND BAR, CA (January 17, 2017) — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will showcase its third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition in a one-hour TV special premiering February 6 at 10 p.m. (PT/ET) on the Velocity Network. This unique program makes it possible for consumers to connect with manufacturers and see the great new products and trends that debut at the leading automotive trade show in the world—the SEMA Show.

Hosted by industry personalities Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “AJ” Janic, the program takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2016 SEMA Show, where more than 140,000 industry professionals gather to discover new products and trends. Viewers will be able to watch and join the journey of top builders as they battle around the clock to create and finish one-of-a-kind vehicles to be displayed at the annual event in Las Vegas, NV.

With more than 250 vehicles entered into the competition and the addition of a new Young Guns distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition was more exciting and intense than ever before.

The Enthusiast Network Executive Producer David Freiburger, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road Editor-at-Large Fred Williams, and Meguiar’s Customer Engagement Leader RJ de Vera served as judges of the program and narrowed down the field to the Top 10 cars, before the finalists judged their fellow competitors in front of an audience at the SEMA Show.

Watch the action unfold and learn more about the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition by tuning in to the Velocity Network on Monday, February 6, at 10 p.m. (PT/ET), or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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Thinking about a collector or custom vehicle for Christmas?

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While you are shopping for the next cool vehicle, keep in mind you should look for specialty insurance to go with it. 
 
 
Custom and collector vehicle insurance is a specialty product.  It is tailored for vehicles that are not regularly driven, usually less than 5,000 miles a year. Maybe they are driven for fun, to local club events, a show or rally.  Other restrictions or limitations could include that all drivers need to be over 26 years old and you must have another vehicle that you use as your regular “daily driver”.  Company requirements vary.
Other items might include that the vehicle does need to be in a fully enclosed and locked garage, shop or building. But recently, some of the underwriters have started approving carports and other storage areas as protection.
Dont insure your custom car or bike for a “used vehicle” value from an underwriter that doesn’t understand the value of your vehicle.   Specialty coverages are usually “agreed” values which will make sure you get what you have it insured for (minus any deductibles). You have too much time and money in your vehicles not to protect them for what they are worth.
Have more than one custom vehicle on the same policy?  With most specialty policies, you pay the liability once, for all your cars or motorcycles listed on that policy.
Have an accident?  Claims are settled by adjusters that understand custom and collector vehicles.
The basic breakout of categories for custom or collector vehicle insurance are:
Antiques (over 25 years old),
Classics (20 to 24 years old)
Collectibles (15 to 19 years old)
Customs (mechanically or cosmetically altered)
Exotic cars (less than 15 years old but appreciating)
Street rods (usually cars built before 1950 that have been and mechanically or cosmetically altered)
Kit cars (built from a package)
Each company has a different variation on their categories and what qualifies as modifications.
The vehicle usually needs to have some appreciable characteristics. If the vehicle is newer and doesn’t have any collectable or appreciable status, it’s probably not going to meet the underwriter’s guidelines.
Doesn’t mean a new car can’t be on a specialty policy, it just depends what model and the market for the vehicle.
Oh, even collector boats can be insured with a specialty company. So that old Chris Craft ,in the barn, better finish the restoration and put it in the water.