Archive for the ‘Repairing’ Category

The thought of finding parts for an older vehicle -- much less one that's rare -- is enough to put many people off the idea of restoration altogether. But as Jay Leno demonstrates in his latest "Garage" clip, modern technology can come in very handy in these situations. Using a special scanner (cost: around $3,000), Jay creates a 3D image of the part that's broken; then, using a 3D printer, he makes a resin copy of the part (alternately: send the scan to Shapeways). Finally, a fab shop creates a mold from the model and casts the part in metal. Click "Read More" to watch a video of the process in action. [PopularMechanics via KickingTires]

The thought of finding parts for an older vehicle -- much less one that's rare -- is enough to put many people off the idea of restoration altogether. But as Jay Leno demonstrates in his latest "Garage" clip, modern technology can come in very handy in these situations. Using a special scanner (cost: around $3,000), Jay creates a 3D image of the part that's broken; then, using a 3D printer, he makes a resin copy of the part (alternately: send the scan to Shapeways). Finally, a fab shop creates a mold from the model and casts the part in metal. Click "Read More" to watch a video of the process in action. [PopularMechanics via KickingTires] Read More

If you live in a crowded urban environment, you understand the value of minicars. No, they can't haul sheetrock, and trips to the grocery store become more like social calls, but where parking and (occasionally) fuel economy are concerned, they can be a condo-dweller's dream.

Until, of course, they get in a fender-bender.

To demonstrate, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put seven mini- and micro cars through a series of low-speed crash tests. The results were pretty appalling.

At speeds ranging from 3 mph to 6 mph, none of the seven received a ranking of "good", and only one--the Smart fortwo--rated an "acceptable". One...

If you live in a crowded urban environment, you understand the value of minicars. No, they can't haul sheetrock, and trips to the grocery store become more like social calls, but where parking and (occasionally) fuel economy are concerned, they can be a condo-dweller's dream. Until, of course, they get in a fender-bender. To demonstrate, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put seven mini- and micro cars through a series of low-speed crash tests. The results were pretty appalling. At speeds ranging from 3 mph to 6 mph, none of the seven received a ranking of "good", and only one--the Smart fortwo--rated an "acceptable". One... Read More

Yes, it's Wednesday--in fact, it's Ash Wednesday--but don't let that stop you from enjoying a little gearhead infotainment. Try these on for size:

Drawing board FAIL -- The Chinese have a lot of great inventions under their proverbial belts--fireworks and pasta, for starters. The automated street-sweeper you see above, though, probably doesn't make the cut. [AutoMotto] Talking turbos -- Folks who watch SpeedTV's SuperCars Exposed might be interested in a FoxNews interview with host Tanner Foust, which offers some behind-the-scenes info and shots from the show's next season. Not a fan? Just wait: there's more video below. [FoxNews] Wednesday... Yes, it's Wednesday--in fact, it's Ash Wednesday--but don't let that stop you from enjoying a little gearhead infotainment. Try these on for size: Drawing board FAIL -- The Chinese have a lot of great inventions under their proverbial belts--fireworks and pasta, for starters. The automated street-sweeper you see above, though, probably doesn't make the cut. [AutoMotto] Talking turbos -- Folks who watch SpeedTV's SuperCars Exposed might be interested in a FoxNews interview with host Tanner Foust, which offers some behind-the-scenes info and shots from the show's next season. Not a fan? Just wait: there's more video below. [FoxNews] Wednesday... Read More