Dangers of "Universal Fit" wheels

Replacing the wheels that originally came with your car is one of the newer trends with vehicles of all types, including restorations for some. Some drivers like the looks of the low profile tires, or have a particular type of wheel they like, even if it wasn't one that ordinarily was used on their ride.

"Universal fit" wheels are designed to fit multiple vehicles by using shims and "make it fit" bolt patterns. This can be a costly mistake...and a dangerous one, yet people do it all the time to save money or to get the wheels they crave. The problem is that wheels are made very specific to the vehicle. Correct rims (metric vs. non-metric), backspacing, bolt pattern and lug nuts are critical for your particular vehicle, and shims of any kind are downright dangerous.

Before you buy any non-factory wheel, check your manufacturer's specs to make sure that the wheels you want are designed to fit your vehicle (a good tire shop can be of great assistance). Don't be lured into purchasing something which will put you and your ride at risk!

For more information contact Motorheads Performance at 830-424-3883, or visit on-line at www.motorheadsperformance.com.

Heart of Texas CARavan

Motorheads' loves people who get out and enjoy their rides. We've met lots of friends here in Texas who enjoy a cruise, and we've got news of a great one coming up in April. If you own a classic and want to join others for lots of fun time behind the wheel, consider the Texas CARavan 2006. The event is sponsored by the Classic Car Club of America.

This particular event, called the Heart of Texas CARavan, begins and ends in Waxahachie (just South of Dallas). It runs April 20 to 28, 2006 and has overnight stops at the Barton Creek Resort near Austin, the YO Ranch Hotel in Kerrville, the Horseshow Bay Marriott near Marble Falls, and the Stagecoach Inn in Salado.

For more information contact Hilda and Steve Chapman at 972-938-2726. You may also visit Classic Car Club of America's website at www.classiccarclub.org. Tell them Motorheads Performance sent you! We hope to see you along the way.

Event for dragster fans

New enthusiasm has surfaced about vintage front-engine dragsters. And it's growing by leaps and bounds. Started in 2000, Cacklefest began with nine vintage dragsters. It now has over 50 cars - many with great racing histories. Imagine four of Don Garlit's Swamp Rats! Or the Bounty Hunter, The Jade Grenade, Pure Heaven and Pure Hell, the Glass Slipper and others.

Cacklefest now has an 11-Event schedule which you can pull up on their new website: www.Cacklefest.com. The website has histories of many of the cars that attend the events and also has complete schedule for 2006. If you're a fan of front-engine dragsters, like we are, you'll love it.

Event for Vintage Stock Car fans

Stock car racing fans won't be left out of the excitement at Daytona pre-race events this year. The Living Legends Auto Racing Museum in Daytona, Florida is planning events including a parade, exhibit, live charity auction and an autograph signing session with racing legends.

Tuesday, February 14th - Parade begins at 10 AM. Exhibit is from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.Other events will take place on the 15th and 16th. Visit www.livinglegendsofautoracing.com.To exhibit or enter the parade, call Glenn McGlone at 386-253-1333, or the museum at 386-763-4483.

Motorheads hopes to see you there! Visit us at www.motorheadsperformance.com or call us at 830-424-3883 if we can help get your car ready for the events!

Cleaning your engine

Keeping your performance or show car engine clean is important to most of us. We don't want to put our car's performance at risk, however. Some swear by "pressure-washing", using home high-pressure sprayers or those found in self-serve car washes so popular in our area. The problem with this is that the high pressure jets often force water past rubber seals and weather stripping...into places it isn't supposed to go.

Our hood is put there to prevent moisture, road debris and contaminants from causing malfunctions with sensors, wiring harnesses, sending units and other electrical parts and components. Excessive moisture can cause short-outs and those troublesome intermittent problems. You're far better off using a degreaser and your standard garden hose to get your engine sparkling again. Do yourself and your engine this small favor.