PT Cruiser Weekly.com

More MPG

2009-09-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, probably near the 1990's also, manufacturers started to streamline the transmission industry of the automotive world by mainlining the automatic transmission.

I started riding motorcycles about a year ago and have also driven many manual transmission vehicles. One day while driving my PT cruiser, I thought, why not drive it like a manual and place my automatic into neutral at all stops when I will not be moving for more than a second.

The PT Transmission slips in an out of gear with the flick of the wrist and no brake pedal required or push of the trans button in the lever, so you can't accidentally change into the wrong gear. With motorcycles or manual transmissions, you have to pull the clutch in and slip into neutral at a light to be able to let the clutch out. Usage of the clutch takes all the power away from the wheels meaning that the engine is running at the lowest possible RPM range when the clutch is pulled.

Did this for a short while in my PT at lights as a test. Averaged 230 to tank of 11.5 gallons under normal driving. Averaged 270 to tank of 11.5 with the Neutral trick. Got 300 once after filling up with Chevron and using an additive which I always use.
Yes 300 miles to my 11.5 out of a N/A auto Pt city driving.

My PT Cruiser has over 110k on the odometer.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Muscle Car City Monthly

2009-07-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

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Muscle Car City Grand Opening

2009-05-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend 5-16-09 marks the beginning of a grand opening for our newest local car museum, the Rick Treworgy's Muscle Car City Car Museum!

If you don't know what a car museum is, it is a place which has cars of older generations which have been lost through production and new model replacement. Car Museum's give people the chance to re-live history of mechanical greatest. Big-block muscle engines, boat large 4-door sedans and the cars we all loved as children.

During this opening Rick deiced to open with a bang and incorporated a car show into the functions as well. With the Museum's holdings of over 200 cars and the car show turn out of about 175-200 vehicles this made for a very nice day for onlookers and participants.

With the help of the Southwest Florida Motor-sports Club Council volunteers and others on staff, our cooperation was indeed helpful to the overall outcome of the event.

Unfortunately for me I had to cut my services short to be somewhere by 2:00 PM, or I would have like to stay and taken more pictures and look at more history masterpieces. Although my time was short it provided me a wonderful day of doing something I quite enjoy.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Chrysler to End the PT Production

2009-02-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

One of the United States best selling, cult following, car club enthused vehicles...is coming to a production ending!

From Mike Ramsey with the bloomberg.com online web-base, "The need for that product has passed," said John Wolknowicz, a product analyst at consulting firm IHS Global Insight Inc., in Lexington, Massachusetts. "It (the PT Cruiser) created a buzz back in 2000, but it's outlived its usefulness."

This has been about a month ago and my question is why? The PT is a vehicle which applied to the average person. The PT was priced so that most to everyone could afford to buy one and it was sized and proportionally made well to fit the average American family. Vehicle owners of the PT can't help that the PT brought back many older Americans memories of the 1930's-1940's gangster sedans we all loved so much (I wasn't around then, but I like those vehicles too).

I mean just look at this thing and what people are doing to the PT!

Awesome!

So what does Chrysler decide to do?

Per Mike Ramsey bloomberg.com "Chrysler has said it is trying to sell its Dodge Viper sports-car brand, and it will discontinue production of its Jeep Commander SUV, according to people familiar with the company’s plans."

What?

Chrysler is trying to keep the "Dodge Viper sports-car brand" for what?

So that Americans can't afford to drive a car anymore?

With an estimated based price of $83,145 per rsportscar.com, how can an average blue-collar and white collar American worker afford such a vehicle!

I think Chrysler kept the Viper in production because we all know that car companies overcharge for vehicles and the Viper surely has a 100% profit margin. That and the Chrysler execs. just like to drive the Viper on the test track.

It seems the world has become obsessed with the next vehicle that goes faster than the last vehicle. I thought we were in a oil/gas crisis?

Get this, the 2008 Dodge Viper, currently being sold, boast a 6.4L V10 estimate HP of 600, for a production car with 2 doors?

With that kind of power, they should fit the Viper with a trailer hitch and consider it a truck with a towing capacity of 10k lbs.

I think until Chrysler learns how to build one of these...

...I will stick with my PT.

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References:

Comments by:

Mike Ramsey (1/14/2009) Chrysler to End PT Cruiser, Seek Buyer for Equipment, Bloomberg.com online web-base, retrieved 2/18/09, from bloomberg.com, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aCLJhN4i0sRk&refer=home

Some photos and comments by:

No author specified, (no date specified) 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster Specifications, Rsports.com online web-base, retrieved 2/10/09 retrieve from rsportscar.com, http://www.rsportscars.com/dodge/2008-dodge-viper-srt10-roadster/

Other photos and references were obtain by my own previous usage.

4th Annual Rock 'Til You Drop Car Show & Concert after show

2008-12-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

The show turned out to be a great show as the first show presented in the Cape!

This show was relocated from the Downtown Fort Myers location which we have all known for a few years now to be held at the Sunsplash water park grounds during the water parks off season.

Although some entrance signs were poorly placed and the event listing didn't mention that the entrance to the show was in the rear of Sunsplash (one block down and around the back of the school), leading many people to the wrong entrance, all went pretty well. For any of those who did manage to get caught up in the miss understand of entrances, you may have seen me out there helping to direct traffic in the correct direction (I was the guy with the grey hat on).

These events are always so much fun to be a part of for me and seeing the cars, excitement in others, and generally happy people is always plus. All car enthusiasts should have taken the opportunity to visit such a large local car show. Better yet, this show also had great music to add to the event experience. I'm sure next year will be even better!

Many people had complaints about the $5 donation entrance fee, yet managed to make an exception. With this $5 donation you got a FREE hand stamp which gave you access to see the show cars up front and personal (no touching) live music, and food. To me that $5 was a darn good value. Many people remember the coconut festival I'm sure. The Coconut festival also charged an entrance fee for generally the same basic principles.

The Progeria Research Foundation was very happy to have gotten the proceeds and monetary donations from the event. Each year the sales of 50/50 tickets awards one person half all of the money raised, half to charity, half to winner. Although that lucky person returned their share of the money to Progeria, along with the biggest club attendance award for most cars, Best of show award money, and Sheriffs choice award money. All of these actions really show the car enthusiasts good spirit towards charity.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

4th Annual Rock 'Til You Drop Car Show & Concert

2008-11-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

This event is coming up very fast on all of us for Sunday Decemeber 7th, 2008.

As some of you may know the event was moved from the Downtown Fort Myers location to the Cape Coral Sunsplash location.

Sunsplash is a seasonally opened water park servicing the SWFL area and is one of Cape Coral's many attractions for summer time fun. During the winter times when many natives do not like to spend time in the water, Sunsplash closes for special events like this car show.

Here is a short video by Chip Foose himself talking about the show and the charity which will receive the monetary donations collect by the show.

Click Here To Watch Video http://www.fortmyersrock.com/chip-foose.html

Come Join us at the show and show support for the Progeria Research Foundation.
The Progeria Research Foundation is an organization that supports the finding of a cure for this diesese.

"HGPS or Hutchinson-Gifford Progeria Syndrome (Progeria or HGPS) is a rare and fatal genetic condition characterized by an appearance of accelerated aging in children." taken from The Progeria Research Foundation website.

This children are affected by this disease by aging as if they were much older then in appearance, making them often loose hair, body fat, stiffening of the joints and other growth signs much like those of elder adults.

The 4th Annual Rock 'Til You Drop Car Show & Concert is being held on Sunday December 7th from 9 am for participants and 10 am for spectators until around 3:30-4:00 PM.
See come out and show you support, enjoy some good food, good music, and see some beautiful classic cars.

For more information visit: http://www.capecoralrock.com/

You will see me around as a volunteer.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

References:
The Progeria Research Foundation, web-base (November 21. 2008), Retrieved 11-24-08, accessed from, http://www.progeriaresearch.org/

Tony Allen Press Release

2008-09-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

This article below was published about Tony Allen a local car enthusiast in our local area.
Please read.

PRESS RELEASE

September 22, 2008.

Tony Allen has recently been named the Director of Marketing & Business Development for Classic Auto Restoration Specialist, Inc. (C.A.R.S.).

In 1992, Mike Case, President and CEO of C.A.R.S., decided to restore a 1968 Camaro Z28 that he had owned for twenty years. He took the car to two different shops, but both were unknowledgeable and very slow with the restoration process. These experiences forced him to set up a shop in his garage where he began the restoration of his Camaro in his spare time. His wife, however, was opposed to their garage becoming a classic car restoration shop so Mike rented a small shop and with the help of a local auto body man and a mechanic, working evenings and some weekends, he began his restoration business. During the next two years, Mike accumulated 20 project cars and had once again out grown his shop space.

After thirteen years of personal, hands-on experience restoring classic cars, his present day enterprise, Classic Car Restoration Specialist, Inc. was born. Their new 40,000 plus square foot building meets the needs of a world class classic car restoration facility and they have spent the past two years acquiring zoning approval and remodeling their new facility. C.A.R.S. has successfully restored over 100 classic cars. Their new facility also contains a large array of memorabilia which is for sale, as well as a vast collection of over 1,000 classic car and gas station memorabilia items.

C.A.R.S. also features an online marketing business selling classic cars, auto parts and collectibles. With Tony Allen’s assistance, they plan on establishing themselves as the foremost destination in the U.S. for classic car restoration, sales and service. C.A.R.S. strives to create a pleasant experience and an enjoyable destination to bring friends and family.

Tours of the facility are encouraged. C.A.R.S. is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and by appointment for special tours.

The facility is located at

17570 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 2,

North Fort Myers, FL 33903,

just north of the Shell Factory.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tony Allen239 229-8529

tallen@classicautoresto.com

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SWFL PT Cruiser Meeting 9-11-08

2008-09-12T09:28:00.001-07:00

So we held our meeting last night, first meeting back after several months of disband due to "season".
Seems the rest of the world is back to normal besides us. We had two members show last night and 2 guests.
A nice couple from Marco Island in there 2003 Red PT Cruiser GT with lots of add ons.

I had to discuss with the Victory Land owner that we were looking to change locations for a bit to see if that might get some members back, we have to do what we have to do.
I explained to her that it was nothing against the restaurant, we love the place and that we will be back off and on for events and things. So we will see what happens. We are trying to figure things out and this is the first attempt.

When our original president left and gave us the demand of the club, we didn't mind we wanted the club and wanted to develop it more. We are were seeing the downward slope. So it was time to bring in new ideas.

I have taking this upon myself, as many other things, to get the word out better about the club. It seems after we have changed board members, some of the club may not like that idea. It is what it is...we are an open club and I respect the choices of others. I just wish we would get some feedback as the job we are doing. We do not get paid to do this and take out time from our own lives to share something we each enjoy.
As the only active member on the board this month, I have released that my efforts need to expand. I will have to get somethings together for telling others about our club and see what that does. We all have attempted this at one point, however I have ideas others may not have thought of.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Local Car Show coming up

2008-09-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Rock ‘Til You Drop: Sunday, December 7, 2008
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2008
New Year’s Eve: Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2009
Corvettes on the Gulf Sunday, January 4, 2009
Cub Scout Car & Bike Show Saturday, January 10, 2009
Cool Cruisers show: Saturday, January 31, 2009
Super Bowl Sunday: Sunday, February 1, 2009
Ferrari Club: Saturday February 14, 2009
Fireant Follies: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 12, 2009

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Tony Allen Thanks Everyone

2008-08-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

"I want to thank everyone for their support of the Andrew Widman Gulf Coast Town Center Cruise-in this past Saturday and apologize to those that couldn’t find a parking place.

All of the car clubs were bidding for the privilege of winning the 50/50 and donating their winnings back to the Widman family. Many of the clubs purchased ticket together. Corvettes of Naples purchased $275 and the Quarter Mile Car Club purchased $175 worth of tickets. There were many other clubs and individuals doing the same. Finally Dick and Diane Bird of the 3-T’s Car Club won the privilege.

Their winning half of the 50/50 was $750. Diane didn’t hesitate to donate it back to the Widman family. The Fort Myers Police Department, Cape Coral Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department were all represented. Law enforcement actually has nicer (and faster) Hot Rods than most of us! There were several local businesses that made donations; including the French Connection from Downtown Fort Myers, Kilwin’s of Gulf Coast Town Center and Computer Xcellence.

I would also like to thank Julia Moore of the News-Press for including this event in the calendar of Gulf Coasting and for the fantastic coverage from NBC-2 and Amie McLain. We have ordered a film clip, that we’ll email to everyone. You couldn’t buy better media coverage than what was given to us by the News-Press and NBC-2.

There were so many people helping park cars and walking with the 50/50 barrel.

Another special thanks goes to the voice of this special event, our D.J., Tom Brooks, his wife Darlene and their friends Keith and Jennifer; in addition, our good friends, John and Tami Ferrell. My son and wife, Bonnie and Michael saw so many good friends that we haven’t seen in years; all there to support the Andrew Widman family.

OK….I know, how much money did we raise?

We presented the money to Sergeant Patrick Gallagher of the Fort Myers Police Department. The Sergeant will email us with the final count but we estimate that it was over $3,000.

I apologize if I haven’t acknowledged someone or their club, but consider yourself a valued friend. Thank you, each and every one, for helping to make this event such a success for the Widman Family!"

"Thanks again, Tony Allen"

Wow sounds like a really great day, sorry I did manage to attend.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Our Local Club is meeting again

2008-08-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

So back at it after a long winter for most, or should I say a cooler summer for us in Florida.
Our Local Club is back at it with meetings again. We will be picking up again in September at our normal local place the Victory Lane Cafe.

However come October we will be moving to a more centered location at Mel's Diner in Fort Myers. Our board has come to an agreement from the number of members we have whom live down south of the city, they find it hard to drive to our existing location. In an effort to keep us all having and feeling an excitement for events and meeting with friends, we have moved to this location.

This location will be good to revamp our spirits and get us back into the swing of things. Best part of all, it is a 60's replica diner! So for all the older members, they should find this place a nice fit ;). After all the PT is a "retro" styled vehicle and should be located in a retro styled place, don't you think.

Anyways we will see what happens here with the club. I have heard through the grapevine that the spirits of many other club members has been done recently and many have disbanded because of the vacationers who typically leave around this time of year.

Hope to see everyone real soon.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Movie Cruise Night

2008-07-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

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THE "DUMBING DOWN" OF CHRYSLER

2008-07-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

THE "DUMBING DOWN" OF CHRYSLER
A Personal Editorial and Observation

I'll apologize to begin with on this lengthy semi-editorial and any grammar errors you may see. Many of the views you read here are not necessarily mine but shared by many.

I was accepted and part of the "Chrysler Advisory Board". A moderator driven board posing questions and polls in a forums based website. Maybe 50 people are part of this board and are able to give thoughts and ideas about Chrysler who is reading and supposedly taking in the thoughts and ideas that are being discussed. The board has been up for about 7 weeks now so hundreds of posts have been made. Many redundant but all valid in their own eyes.

Such subjects are: Brand Identity; Current Chrysler Cars; Current Dodge Cars; Current Jeep vehicles; Dream Cars; Ideal Features; Older Chrysler Product Cars; Eco-Conscience; Online Shopping; Safety & Security and Technology. The moderator, who is a Chrysler employee poses questions and the board responds.

Below, in no particular order or heading are some of the thoughts from the board postings: (and more below on the PT)

- Daimler did more damage to Chrysler in the few years they owned them than Chrysler could have done to themselves had they remained independent. People think that Daimler "dumbed down" Chrysler so that Chrysler would not compete with the various Mercedes products.
- Chrysler was not allowed to market and advertise certain products properly. Why? Have no idea except possibly for the reason mentioned above.
- The number one complaint are the cheap interiors. They all look the same, they all use that same dark gray hard plastic, all are basically laid out the same, all extremely cheap looking.
- Everyone agrees that the Chrysler brand should stand for upscale luxury. But the lines are so blurred between all the ChryCo models that they all look the same. Dodge should stand for every day cars and performance. Jeep should be rugged off road vehicles.
- The 300 base model is cheaper than the mid-model Charger. It shouldn't be, Nor should it be offered with the tiny 2.7 V6. The 300 should be offered as several models including a coupe and a Magnum wagon version (the Magnum was sold in Europe as a 300 Touring, it had the 300 dash and front end). The 300 should move much more upscale. A higher end Imperial should be offered that competes with Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes.
- The Chrysler Sebring sedan should either be deep sixed or completely redone. Busy body lines, a busy and cheap interior, no power are just a few of the complaints.
- The Dodge Avenger should not look like a Charger wanna-be. It should be a stand alone car and needs to be redone top to bottom to compete with the Camry's, Accord's, Malibu's.
- Apparently there is a clean-burn bio-diesel engine being used by Chrysler in Europe that gets better fuel mileage than hybrids and puts out less carbons and pollutants. And is quick compared to the current V6's offered in the US. Bring it here as an option. No smoke, no diesel rattle.
- Hybrids possibly pose a greater risk and cost down the road than gas engines. Battery replacement will cost thousands per car and then of course the land fills will fill up with hazardous batteries. Hybrids are supposedly just a quick fix for right now that again could pose more issues in the future.
- Two cars that were killed should have never been. The Magnum and Pacifica were cancelled. The Magnum, mentioned above should have been sold as a Chrysler. The Pacifica was one of the nicest vehicles Chrysler had. It had a unique and classy interior totally unlike anything else Chrysler had. It was the crossover Chrysler should have advertised and pushed.
- The Caliber should have never happened as should the Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Compass and the remodel of the Durango/Dakota. The Caliber is NOT a replacement for the Neon even though Chrysler thought it would be. The Jeep Compass is a Caliber is Jeep's clothing. The Aspen is the answer to a question never asked. The Durango/Dakota are ugly, boxy replacements for what once was a decent looking vehicle. (these are not necessarily my thoughts but the general consensus of the board). The Dakota pickup which was once advertised as a "mid-size" pickup is now larger than the Ford F-150 was just 7 years ago. Ditto on the Durango. The Aspen shouldn't have happened, Chrysler should have kept and pushed the Pacifica as their SUV crossover.
- Quite a few people think the Plymouth name should be brought back and let it be the low cost offerings. Let Dodge be the performance brand and Chrysler the up market version.
- Almost everyone agrees that Chrysler, somewhere in some division needs entry level gas sippers like the Aveo, Yaris, Versa, etc.
Now onto the PT.......
- Most people on the board think the PT should be axed. Best case they think it should change and be sold as a Dodge. They don't think the PT falls in line with where they think Chrysler itself should be headed. Unless it had a complete change and went upscale, Chrysler should drop it.
- A few like myself disagree and have posted reasons why.
- Chrysler (or maybe Daimler) dumbed down the PT excessively. As many of you know who have 2001 or 2002 Limited Edition PT's, the current models don't hold a candle to it. We have items on our PT's that came standard equipment that you can't even get as options now. It should have only gotten better than worse.
- Why in the world would a special edition PT be built off the base model? Why would hot rod type editions such as the Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway or Sunset Strip edition not even have fog lights as an option? The turbo lite offering? Makes no sense.
- Why was the GT dropped? Even Chevy is hot rodding the HHR and offering sedan delivery versions...something PT people for years have been begging for. Chrysler not listening is one of the reasons it's in the shape it is. How many years and how many millions of dollars is it going to take to reverse peoples perception of Chrysler? Can Cerebus handle this?

I could ramble on more and more about what all is being said in the Advisory Board. Some is totally unrealistic, much repeated over and over by many people. It boils down to Chrysler overall having poor quality and poor offering of vehicles. Too much over lapping of products and parts. Too cheap looking. Way too much redundancy between their line up. Many perceive Chrysler as being on their way out.

I would like to see that changed. Not sure if this Advisory Board will amount to any more than someplace for a few to vent. Will Chrysler listen? Do they have the means to make the changes? Will they make the changes? Only time will tell.

Original author undisclosed.

This was a colaboration of thoughts many had from various forum boards via the internet.
Thanks for reading.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Chrysler Quarterly

2008-07-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

The thought lost magazine has gone electronic!

Since the fall of the Chrysler provided magazine, the initial editor has decieded to bring this mag back in an eletronic format. This is the new wave of the future for all magazine types. Makes printing of paper less of a demand and you can receive you issue as soon as it is made possible via the internet.

See the first installment here!

Check out the first ever PT Impressions. Make sure you click on the sponsors to let them know that you want their support for the e-zine.
http://www.flip24.com/issues/cq/#

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2005 PT For Sale

2008-05-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Super low milleage Turbo!
See link here

Blue and in like mint condition!

Someone asked me if I would add this to promote the sale, so I'm trying to help out.

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SW Florida PT Cruisers Meeting

2008-05-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last nights meeting was horrible! We only had 3 of our members show up. This time of the year, most of our members travel back up north for the season because it gets too hot for them here in Florida.

As a result, we have postponed our meetings for the next few months. Typically we cancel through June and August because of the lack of members. This is typical of most clubs in the area. As a area member of the 3 T's (Traveling Timeless Treasures) I have information stating that they have postponed their meetings because of the change in seasons as well.

Aside from that mentioned above the meeting went great. We all enjoyed dinner as usual and talked about coming events and things to happen with the club. We are going through re-structuring and looking to bring the club back to its fun environment as it used to be. We simply keep others informed about meetings and cruise in's. We all love cars so why not hang with other car lovers.

Also, the working of a regional board is forming. However this board is merely just a connection to other local clubs to get each name out and people together for a great time! I am a board attendee as a representative for the SW Florida PT Cruisers. My plan is to link to as many other local area clubs as possible. Where we each can go and see some great cars, bike and all around great vehicles!

Colby Butler aka KingKole02

Use of Turn Signals

2008-04-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Use your turn signals!

This isn't hard to do is it! However you lazy people out there don't use them. So how is the person in the next lane over going to know that you are moving over to avoid driving into the side of your vehicle? By using your signals.

I almost got hit the other day because this guy in a large van did not use his signal. I used mine, I looked and as I moved over, he did the same. However the difference here is this: I had my signal on, if he had even looked he would have seen my signal and chose not to move over, also if he had used his signal himself, I would have not almost hit him as he rushed over into my lane.

So day I was driving and there it goes again. Someone moving into another lane without using there signal while a person in the opposite lane does the same. So one person gets mad and feels cut off. Well...if each of you had used your signals, none of this would have happen.

Quit driving in the dark people! Open you freakin' eyes and use your signals!

The use of the turn signal:
Did you know that it is ILLEGAL, yes ILLEGAL (in state of florida) to change direction without indicating your signal prior? I think it should be illegal to change lanes without indicating your intentions by using your signal. This law would probably save lives or at least your vehicles.

So might I ask you, "What is the point of a turn signal that doesn't get used?" Nothing...turn signals there aren't being used are pointless. Why do you think the car manufacturing industry added them to vehicles, so you have yellow lights?

Colby aka Kingkole02

Save the PT

2008-04-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

Save The PT Cruiser! Rumors have been swirling that Chrysler does not plan to redesign the PT Cruiser and that the 2009 model year will be the PT's last...the time has come to act. Scott Kissinger from PTenthusiasts.org has made SaveThePT.com and is asking for our cooperation. Please take the time to visit SaveThePT.com and sign the online petition to tell Chrysler how we feel and that the PT Cruiser deserves better than to just ride off into the sunset. Scott says "If enough of us act, we can make sure that there are PT Cruisers for years to come."

Follow the link below.

http://www.savethept.com/node/9

SW Florida PT Cruisers

2008-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

As something for value I will be adding some details from our local club to this site.

4-10-08 Thursday's Monthly meeting.

We covered many bases last night as the meeting was rather a short and small meeting. During this time of the year we have less members because the seasons change and they leave us to go back up north or vacation to a place less hot.

Last nights meeting consisted of about 11 people and a total of about only 6 cars. As we re-structure and re-focus on building the club up again we are trying new approaches. In an attempt to stream-line the building materials, yet still make each unique to each vehicle owner, we are focusing on ideas still in the making. We are looking to form a stronger club and get the word out about the club. At one point we had a dedicated 35+ member string, which is now down to about 10.

We are in hopes of starting weekend membership drives. Simply put, this will be the outing of people in the club through their daily lives. See a PT, provide them information about the club and see if they wish to join us. We are a fun club, nothing strict, and we just love cars.

Visit us at
www.swfloridaptcruisers.com

Kingkole02 aka Colby Butler

Cut out a PT

2008-04-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Came across this in my search for new content, thought it might be fun for a bit. Check it out. Right Click on picture and go to Print. Then cut out the design and build. There work out pretty well, a little boxxy, lol, but I don't mind. I think if you try to save it into another program such as Paint, you can even change the colors a bit.

Kingkole02 aka Colby Butler

PT Through Creation

2008-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Don’t know how many have already seen this but it is a treat!

Below is a picture of a PT Cruiser as a reference of what a standard silver model from 2001-2004 would have looked like stock.

2001 PT Cruiser

The following are pictures of a PT that was created from the imagination, truly one of a kind. Used as an advertisement purpose perhaps, yet I believe it is just filled with only the components. This PT has very unique body work and fiberglass sculpting from the looks of it. Differently a one of a kind creation to be seen in person if anyone gets a chance.

This "Alien PT" if you will, was created or developed in Russia, has made a definite hit in the Russian car show scene. I believe this PT is featured somewhere in the 2006 Russian IASCA shows.

This is a PT modeled from that of the Alien movie series, where the alien has take the PT as its host and is now coming out of the host organism. Made to look like the alien is ripping the grille to pieces and the head crown is coming out through the hood area.

Following are some shots of the interior and the components.

The neon's are nice touch! I would have loved to see this get created!

Looks like all Audiobahn equipment was used here in this install. Hard to believe this was once where the backseats where in this cruiser.

I obtained these images from the net via an image search. I have also noted the links for more information at the bottom.
www.autocult.com.au/Image.aspx?id=17840

http://www.ptcruiseralliance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=2

Colby aka Kingkole02

True Enthusiast Cars?

2008-03-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been in search for, the perfect car. I have come to the exclusion that I don't believe that vehicle form exists in today's market. Its seems every vehicle I look at is fitted with foofoo frilly unnecessary equipment. Who needs a hands free phone adapter to listen to your cell through your radio, or a navigation system (driving is an adventure, unless you really really get lost), or perhaps a TV. Whats that point of all this? Do you hate driving that much that you wish to do something else? I think all these components are stupid and a waste of the driving experience.

What ever happened to the drivers car? The car that was geared towards driving and the thrill of driving? It seems today every vehicle owner wants their home amenities in their vehicles. I have been looking at the PT cruiser more recently then I used to. We as enthusiasts, love to drive, simply put. Some of us have the navigation, sure, some have the XM and Sirius radios, of course. Those items came equipped and we didn't complain at the extra options. However if you are that bored while your drive, then frankly you need a new vehicle.

When I first bought my PT it was all about the driving. I purchased the PT based on driver feeling and comfort, not options. Of course the price was nice too...however I shopped 12 other vehicles ranging from, Volvo's, to Mazda's, Toyota's, and even other American and non-American dealers. The one thing that sold my on the PT was comfort and drive-ability. This vehicle is not highly equipped nor had a massive horse power engine. It was simply fun to drive, no other way to say it.

Since my recent researching of new vehicles I find that, I cannot find, a vehicle that fits my priorities in a drivers car. What I like about the PT is the ability for the passenger to control the windows and other non driving essential utilities. One thing I find I hate the most about new cars is that the passenger is left to do nothing while the driver does everything. I can see it now, your trying to drive and the passenger keeps complaining about the windows, or the sunroof and the controls are out of the way. The driver must take their hands off the wheel to satisfy the passenger, what a waste! I want a car with every non-essential control right down the center so that the driver is concerned with only one thing, driving.

Driving the PT is raw and real with minimal computer buttons and things to worry about. No useless items to worry about figuring out or having to research through the manual. Do you think they have TV's in Nascar race cars? Almost like a debut Viper back in the 90's. Just look at the debut Viper, "Those rare early Vipers only 285 were built the first season (1992)--had nothing so civilized as air-conditioning, ABS, or traction control. Not even roll-up windows or external door latches. And no one seemed to care.*" Of course a machine like that, who needs all that stuff to worry about, just drive.

If I ever happen to ever become a vehicle reviewer, I think I would point out the obvious driver pluses and the possible driver minuses due from distractions. I think every driving enthusiast dreams of only one thing. Them and their car on an open rode, nothing more than that.

Colby
Kingkole02

References:
*Marc Cook, "Pre-Owned: 1992-2002 Dodge Viper", Motor Trend
http://www.motortrend.com/buyersguide/preowned/112_0408_1992_2002_dodge_viper

PT Cruiser Quaterly

2008-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Gets cancelled!!

Yes shocking. The magazine that has opened our minds to the PT world or added to it, is now being cancelled by Chrysler. Apparently Chrysler figures it can subsidized the publication through advertising. Maybe Chrysler can, but what happens to the real car put into a project run by advertising? It eventually gets dumped through lack of interest.

The PT Cruiser specific magazine also provided some incite to some other Chrysler vehicles on occasions. The magazine provided an insider world to a vehicle that seldom really knew they were a part of. Special articles can still be read on there website, www.cruiserquarterly.com.
This particular magazine's website also featured some key interests for cruisers looking for clubs or part distributors. If anything, some readers would join the forum and post messages on the board. Or clubs would join to get their name recognized.

Through the years we all have enjoyed reading the articles. Others have been dreaming of having their own PT shown in some issues. May no longer get the chance to make that dream a reality. Only time will tell.

Sadly it will be missed, forever? I hope the starting editor will find an avenue elsewhere.
Colby
Kingkole02

Chysler 300c For Sale

2008-02-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

2006 Chrysler 300C - $26,900 Fully loaded, power everything, satellite radio ready, heated seats (yes, you need them in FL!), like new condition. Hemi V8 but gets good gas mileage as vehicle senses how many cylinders you need to run on and adjusts to them. One owner - must sell. For more info, contact me.
Lisa @ carolinabound2@comcast.netcourtesy of Colby

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/kingkole02/100_00122.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/kingkole02/300c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/kingkole02/100_00144.jpg

Boyd Coddington

2008-02-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

2-27-08, 6:20AM, Boyd Coddington died.

Details vague, possible relation to recent, undisclosed, hospital visits.

Boyd Coddington is best know for his wheels and tires in the car show industry. Enthusiasts of all types have seen or heard his name before. Maker of self designed products, created a uniqueness for all to enjoy. Best know for hot rods and other custom era vehicles. He was associated, some say, to the rise of custom car era with his contributions.

This legend will be missed.

See more complete story at:
http://jalopnik.com/361391/boyd-coddington-hot-rod-king-dead-at-age-63
Colby
Kingkole02