About sharkguy48

sharkguy48 · ‎05-04-2021

Just what the market needs; another roach-back SUV.

sharkguy48 · ‎05-04-2021

Kinda Ford's answer to GM's Futurama vehicle (??) But its a double-trailer, not a bus. Also, did you notice the TV dinner and black and white TV?

sharkguy48 · ‎05-04-2021

What really got me were the camera shots along the left (non-driver) side of the van during the track demonstration. Back then, there were no suction cup Go-Pro cameras. Look carefully and you can see that the camera moves back and forth indicating the photographer was hanging out of the van and holding the camera as steadily as possible. Gutsy!

sharkguy48 · ‎30-03-2021

Let's hope he put it in his garage and does not drive it.

sharkguy48 · ‎24-03-2021

Under the best of circumstances, the Porsche and the Ferrari might be worth something. A connected seller might have some overly enthusiastic clients who just might want to undertake a "sure-to-eat-up-a-lot-of-money" project. As the saying goes, "Some people have more money than brains and it takes only one."

sharkguy48 · ‎09-03-2021

A 6 or an 8 would be like one of those V8 motorcycles - it can be done but, your better half would check to be sure your life insurance policy is up to date. Also, didn't someone build a motorcycle with a Lambo 12?

sharkguy48 · ‎03-03-2021

Zuckerberg sat before Congress a couple of months ago and stated that FaceBook was not able to influence the public as some have claimed. Then, about three weeks ago he stated that he was not allowing any political discussions on FaceBook for a couple of weeks so things would, "calm down." No influence? Can you say, "hipocracy?"

sharkguy48 · ‎03-03-2021

For the life of me, why in the world would anyone want to take her/his hands off the steering wheel and let a computer drive the car? Just one more opportunity to be distracted - a dangerous and neglectful condition. While everyone of us "enthusiasts" has an opinion about EVs, there is one obvious fact we can't ignore. The present administration (like it or not) has been steadily reducing US energy production of oil. Gas prices have been skyrocketing in California in the last 30 days where premium gas is over $5 per gallon at some locations and still rising. As a logical result, EVs look more attractive (no gas, oil, overheating, tune ups) but, their demand for electricity will increase. No one in California or most anywhere else wants nuclear plants or electricity produced by coal burning plants. My question is; Where will we get all the needed electricity? (Perhaps Texas utility engineers will come up with the answer since they had a "real life experience" with energy production.)

sharkguy48 · ‎12-02-2021

These vehicles would look so much better with "STP" stickers, spinning wheel covers, and pine tree scented deoderant devices hanging from the rear view mirrors. Perfect!

sharkguy48 · ‎05-02-2021

Here's your buyers' guide: Don't buy one to drive. Or, buy one, trailer it for people to admire/laugh your "horse" at shows only. If you do drive it, make sure your life insurance is up to date and you never ride in it with you wife/girlfriend or kids.

sharkguy48 · ‎05-02-2021

What is the point of a back seat in this Charger? If Kevin and the builder were out to take advantage of lightening the car to the max with carbon fiber, eliminating the entire back seat (leather, springs, console, carpeting, seat belts) would save a lot of weight.

sharkguy48 · ‎03-02-2021

I see the Audi as a Golf R with a $10K+ premium. Have you noticed that the R only comes in the four door configuration? If it came as a two door, it would compete with the Audi and buyers would save a bushel of $$$$. Audi also gets the good stuff (higher hp, better trans) a year or two before VW to further influence buyers. For my money, I feel the BMW m roadster with the S54 engine (2001 & 2002), or both the older and newer m's, puts the Audi to shame.

sharkguy48 · ‎01-02-2021

Yes. Fixing the A/C is worthwhile. In SoCal, I had my A/C repaired because it gets really hot here. Was very uncomfortable when it was out and I have no regrets about the repair. Who wants to sweat it out on an otherwise fantastic day in the canyons? Re: convertibles vs roadsters? The answer to a question most never ask or care. More significant, when is an SUV a Mustang?

sharkguy48 · ‎30-01-2021

Having an m roadster, I looked forward to the new Z/Supra. Didn't buy one. No manual trans.

sharkguy48 · ‎30-01-2021

I can go along with all these cars except the Cadillac and the BMW e-30. The Cad was not and is not a good car. The BMW e-30 is too great a car - they are progressively hard to find and are now demanding top prices.

sharkguy48 · ‎30-01-2021

with a guy like Kerry (who looks disturbingly like Bullwinkle J. Moose) at the helm of climate issues, he'll make sure gas is $10+/gallon in short order. then he'll tell us that buying internal combustion cars was making "bad choices" and to go F yourselves. with his heinz wife and wealth, he has no problem replacing his vehicle with a $200,000 e car. all the rest of us can all go suck eggs.

sharkguy48 · ‎28-01-2021

Since you can now label anything you want these days, why doesn't Ford buy the rights, make it out of fiberglass, call it the Mustang Flash-o-Matic 3000, drop in their electro-torque blender with 950 hp and call it a day? Attention is the only reason people want a DMC. They "look cool", but they don't drive well, are not fast, are a PIA to get in and out of. And that stainless steel? Give me a break!

sharkguy48 · ‎21-01-2021

The "environmentalists" think that electric is clean. But they don't ask how the electricity is produced. A lot comes from coal fired plants. Its ok if the Indians in New Mexico have polluted air since others don't see it. And what is going to happen to all those batteries? Lots of heavy metal (not the music kind) that will have to go through very careful recycling programs. If 95% of used batteries can be re-cycled, then pregnant women will only have to worry about the 5% that got away.

sharkguy48 · ‎21-01-2021

don't monkey around with me.

sharkguy48 · ‎19-01-2021

When all is said and done, is that a 2019? Still not exciting to look at and the interior still looks too plastic. And, you won't get out of the dealer for less than $40K with a car that truly flies under the radar. (If that's what you like/want!)

sharkguy48 · ‎19-01-2021

As has been said so many times before, "The wanting is often better than the having." Most of these cars had drum brakes, no anti-lock braking systems, no stability controls, poor crush zones, carburetors instead of fuel injection, etc. We tend to dream fondly about Dad's car, the one that we almost bought or sold to soon, the neighbor down the street with what we thought was a great car. In reality, most were overweight, gas hungry, and slow by today's standards not to mention, demanding high maintenance and expensive insurance rates. While "collectors" seek these cars out to corner certain markets, true "car guys" will not buy them, wrap them in plastic, place them into garage storage and wait 20+ years to possibly make profits.

sharkguy48 · ‎08-01-2021

In '69 Los Angeles, a radio station had a contest with the winner getting a Subaru 360. Second prize was two (2) Subaru 360's. Also worth noting on the print advertisement, a "sport pack" could be added for $69 (I think this was for the racing stripe and ???) and the "Western Division was located in Newport Beach, California - one of the most exclusive and expensive communities in the U.S. (Who'd have thunk it?) I think the person that recently bought one for over $50K was Malcolm N. Bricklin, the original importer. By doing so, he single-handedly drove up the market. Brilliant! (He's 81 and still alive. He was also responsible for creating the Bricklin SV-1 and importing the Fiat X1/9, Fiat 124 Sport Spyder, and the ever popular Yugo.)

sharkguy48 · ‎08-01-2021

the lighter was probably on the list of "deluxe extras"

sharkguy48 · ‎07-01-2021

Couldn't agree with you more. See my similar comments. sharkguy48

sharkguy48 · ‎07-01-2021

Once again, these are not cars. They are "jewelry" for collector/investors. None of these will be driven to local super markets or parked on streets for fear of damages or theft. Some will be garage queens parked in isolation for years in the hopes of gaining value over time. Others will be driven to car shows just to garner attention and bragging rights. With initial cost, minimal maintenance, insurance, and storage, these "collectors/investors" will be lucky to break even years down the road. Those issues aside and concern for one's safety, they also lack ABS, front crumple zones, air bags, stability controls and side impact bars in the doors. Some don't even have three-point seat belts. Lastly, memories of their performance capabilities are greater than their actual performance. The current six cylinder Toyota Camry can easily outrun the legendary Chevrolet 409. Car enthusiasts are different from "collector/investors".

sharkguy48 · ‎29-12-2020

When I drove my roadster with my wife as passenger, there was always a shrill sound in the cockpit. When I drove alone, the shrill sound stopped. I wonder why?

sharkguy48 · ‎29-12-2020

The driver, and not necessarily the car, can be a decisive factor in the performance of a car. I bet Mario Andretti in a Corolla could out-drive many owners of so-called performance cars.

sharkguy48 · ‎29-12-2020

While driving the Santa Monica mountain canyon roads, I came across two BMW i8's at a roadside vista. After admiring and letting me sit in these two cars, the owners asked if they could follow me to a location about 10 canyon miles away. They assumed they would leave me in the dust if I were to follow them. My 2002 BMW m roadster surprised the hell out of them. The i8's being wider and with relatively skinny tires were no match in the canyons. When we met up on Pacific Coast Highway, they were able to wring out their rides. They moved pretty well but, only a fraction faster than me in drag race acceleration. These cars look great but, leave a lot to be desired. The Ferrari shoting brake is interesting. Just like the BMW m coupe ironically called the "Clown Shoe" it is either dearly loved or flat out hated. Once again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

sharkguy48 · ‎29-12-2020

$338,000! Another case of more money than brains. (The eventual buyer will probably also want the wrecked Princess Di car for $$$ - because its "rare".) Performance? A 2020 Camry will more than likely shut this POS down.

sharkguy48 · ‎22-12-2020

Another case of, "More money than brains."

sharkguy48 · ‎22-12-2020

What, no Diablo!

sharkguy48 · ‎22-12-2020

Fifteen years ago, I wanted a small two-seat roadster as I remembered my friends had in the sixties. These cars were typically English or Italian roadsters that handled well but, were low on power. They were designed to travel on lonely back roads where 50mph was exciting. (The joke to achieve performance was to get up to speed and never slow down.) They also had histories of unreliability. My pick was a 2002 bmw m roadster; German originated engine, (it was imported to the U.S. where the rest of the car was assembled) two seats, gobs of power, manual transmission, and descent handling. (Re: handling; The base Z-3 frame tended to flex but, that was resolved with the installation of the Strong Strut trio; a stress bar up front, another in back called a Butt-Strut and two frame support rails along the chassis.) The 86 and BRZ are great looking but, with over 300 hp, an almost 8,000 rpm capability and 0 - 60 times under 5 seconds, this "old", analog car leaves them (and a lot of very expensive/exotic cars) wondering what just passed and left them in the dust.

sharkguy48 · ‎11-12-2020

All these kits look tempting. However, I would be concerned about safety features like ABS, stability control, air bags and crush zone characteristics. Another note; Everyone seems to cherish the Cobra. My experience when speaking with Cobra kit owners is they are very pleased with acceleration, cornering capabilities and stoping power. But, they have no audio systems, no heaters, lots of buffeting at any speeds over 30mph and can be punishing to drive more than 50 miles at a time. Lastly, as a manual transmission driver, I have noticed most Cobra kits do not have any room just left of the clutch pedal. The result is the driver having to pull his leg back and placing his foot on the floor several inches in front of the clutch pedal. (One kit I have seen does have room left of the clutch pedal but, most do not.) What I am saying is, there is no room or allowance for a dead pedal - driving position is awkward. On the positive side; if this is how the original was built, then so be it. Sometimes the memories and wanting are better than the owning.

sharkguy48 · ‎08-12-2020

Audi TT? A chopped VW Bug with a little more performance. Looked around and questioned Audi owners finding out that the "build" on these cars was scetchy (sp) and used prices artificially high.

sharkguy48 · ‎04-12-2020

Besides the timing and the economy, I saw a number of DYI articles where some Solstice owners were transplanting Corvette V8's into them. Like the article stated this would threaten Corvette sales But what a set up!!

sharkguy48 · ‎02-12-2020

Only recommendation: Paint it white and remove all "go fast" labels. The ultimate Q ship.

sharkguy48 · ‎23-11-2020

I have made about 30 mods to my ride. The first key to changes is to make them look like they came that way from the factory. Only the most diligent owners of a car like mine can point out most of the changes. The second key is have the changes "reversable" so a new owner can restore the car to original.

sharkguy48 · ‎23-11-2020

Just saw this "Baby" yesterday at Malibu Mart. James (an English man) and his family brought the "Baby" there. Cute car but, I can't figure out where in the world can you drive (ride) this thing? A big back yard? A deserted parking lot? In a parade? Or on a public road if you have a death wish.

sharkguy48 · ‎23-11-2020

Car bras or masks can be very practical. I cruise the canyons in southern California. Lots of stones ready to "pit" the front end and side mirrors. I prefer the bras (masks) over 3M plastic wrap applications. The plastics last about 5 years, yellow over time, have a distinct "line" that shows badly, they are expensive, real big stones will still damage the car's surface (the padded backing on well made bras prevent this.) The bras (masks) downfall is when they experience rain; moisture gets under the material causing paint damage. The key is removing the bra and getting the surfaces and the bra dry. This has worked for me for 15 years on a concours winning car.

sharkguy48 · ‎17-11-2020

Have a friend with a Prowler. Raced against my m roadster. Not even close. The SSR looked cool - end of story. It was way too heavy and slow. Keep in mind that Chrysler had unbelievable success with the PT Cruiser when it first came out. Dealers went crazy and were asking (and getting) as much as $36K for them. Then reality set in - the public found out quickly what pieces of s**t they were asked to buy even after dealers stuck with inventory gave them away for less than $16K. Conclusion: The general public appreciates form (fins, gizmos, hot names, new for new's sake only) over function. Time and experience have ways of equalizing real life.

sharkguy48 · ‎17-11-2020

This reminds me of the 60's when motorheads would mate a Chevy V8 with a VW. Sure it was an eye grabber BUT, it was only of value when at the drag strip. Going around curves would result in out of control spins and crashes not to mention insurance companies saying, "You have a what? (and you expect us to insure that?"

sharkguy48 · ‎16-11-2020

Great looks BUT, over time most of these Mazda's had problems. Lots of problems. $48K? If the new "collector" keeps the battery charged, houses it in a climate controlled garage and never drives it - it will be a new "collector's" car in 2045 maybe worth $48K.

sharkguy48 · ‎10-11-2020

Affordable at $145,600. ha ha ha ha ha ha

sharkguy48 · ‎06-11-2020

Most recently I had contemplated purchasing a Golf R. Even used they went for around $40K. My only real problem with it is that no matter how I looked at it, it still looked too much like an ordinary Golf, or Rabbit to old guys like me. Incredible performance enhancements, all-wheel drive, lots of modern tech but, still looking like an ordinary VW. I feel VW has to take all that "good stuff" and put it into something like a newly styled Scirroco-like body. Flying under the radar is one thing but, looking cool is important too.

sharkguy48 · ‎03-11-2020

Until there are charging stations as numerous as gas stations along with the ability to charge an EV in 10-12 minutes, consumers will hold out. On top of that, the total weight of these EV's cannot defy the laws of physics. I have a 3,000 pound sports car that occasionally gets tailgated by a Tesla. I leave it in the dust the moment there is a sharp curve in the road. There is no practical way to corner a 5,000-6,000 pound vehicle at truly high speeds. Lastly, 0-60 times for EV's are great but, every time an EV accelerates quickly, the capacity (driving distance) available drops dramatically. The pure EV is still a number of years in the future. The GM experiment with this Blazer is just an exercise in, "Even if its impractical, let's see if we can do it." A little like the Amphicar, car/boat - a little of each but, neither very good.

sharkguy48 · ‎02-11-2020

I had a 1968 Opel Rallye (sp?) - a Kadette in disguise. Great handling and economy. BUT, it had solid lifters that made the engine so loud and intrusive that I could not hear myself think. Even after a tune-up, it took 50 miles when the loud engine took over again. Couldn't wait to sell it. The Opel GT looks great but, ....

sharkguy48 · ‎29-10-2020

Another Chinese grill? For that alone, I would never consider one. It may be Korean but, it has no sole. (pun intended)

sharkguy48 · ‎29-10-2020

Chip is right. BMW did not do a good job. Sell them to the Chinese and re-design them for the rest of the world.

sharkguy48 · ‎27-10-2020

Fast depreciation is always a concern. However, my bigger concern is that the C8 is a First Year Car. At GM, that means the first persons who buy this Vette will be the "testers". They'll find out all those big and little things that tend to go wrong. Some will be minor, some will be major and some things will be problems over the life of ownership. Saw one advertised on-line for $90K with less than 6,000 miles and 9 (CarFax stated) services! I'll be patient and see what happens.

sharkguy48 · ‎21-10-2020

Alfas look nice but, the American market response has been cool. Too many problems and too few dealers. Resale prices reflect those issues. Dealers seem to be the "second" car they sell - like GM selling Dihatsu or Mercury selling deTomaso years ago.