Heacock also incorporates a number of sources, ranging from owner input to printed value guides, along with the expertise of its staff, who are also car enthusiasts, to determine a realistic value for any number of vehicles. Plans are then based on the "agreed value" and the number of miles driven in a year. Typically these policies have premiums that are less than half of a conventional automotive policy. For collectors with multiple vehicles, Heacock Classic assesses liability charges on just the first vehicle and also offers zero-deductible policies.
Heacock also offers some special benefits, including the Heacock Classic Driver Club, which includes free roadside assistance with flatbed towing, lock-out service, fuel delivery, and other emergency services.
Classic Website
Classic Industries has completely revamped its website, which now features faster, more efficient parts searches; complete order tracking; restoration tips; featured cars; and integration with Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube. Classic revised every aspect of the site, from the look to the content, and the webmasters have done a great job of creating a 24/7, one-stop online destination for GM restoration enthusiasts. Make sure to check out www.classicindustries.com.
Meguiar's Top 10 Car Detailing Tips
What better way to get your muscle car out of the garage than with a little spring cleaning? We got together with the folks at Meguair's, and they provided us with their methodology when it comes to car detailing. Here we listed their top 10 tips on getting your muscle ready for the show. Who knows? It may provide you with some new tips you never thought of. Check out meguairs.com for more information and the products to get the job done.
10. Contaminants are continually landing on your paint finish whenever your car is driven or parked outside. Many contaminants can bond or etch into your paint finish in less than a week. For 100 percent protection and a "just detailed" appearance every day, keep a bottle of a quick spray detailer and clean microfiber towels in your car at all times for quick and easy removal of fresh contaminants before they do damage.
9. Swirl marks are microscopic scratches, primarily caused by harsh or contaminated application/wipe-off cloths or abrasive cleaners, polishes, and waxes. To prevent swirl marks, use only foam or cotton terry cloth applicators and either 100 percent cotton, deep-pile terrycloth, or premium microfiber towels for wiping off with nonabrasive formulations.
8. The durability of any car wax varies widely depending on the environment and how often your car is driven or parked outdoors. When your spray detailer becomes slow to wipe off, it's time to rewax.
7. Polishes that boast of cleaning action or protective qualities should be avoided because they are not pure polishes that produce an optimum gloss.
6. Abrasive compounds and cleaners are dangerous and should never be used on clearcoat paint finishes. To guard against scratching, only use nonabrasive cleaners and compounds to remove below-surface stains, blemishes, and oxidation.
5. After washing your car, rub the back of your hand across its top surfaces. You will quickly feel bonded contaminants that must be removed with a clay bar before clear gloss and lasting protection can be achieved.
4. When washing your car, always work from the top down to prevent scratching your paint with the more abrasive contaminants from the lower sections of your car.
3. Dishwashing detergents should never be used on paint finishes. Only use dedicated carwash shampoos and conditioners to wash your car.
2. Unless otherwise directed, "show car perfect" results are best achieved when all five of the following steps are performed in the shade and to surfaces that are not hot.
1. Five basic steps for restoring and maintaining your paint finish:
* Wash. This removes loose contaminants on your paint finish.
* Clean. This removes bonded contaminants, stains, blemishes, scratches, and oxidation before polishing or waxing.
* Polish. This is the optional step for creating perfectly clear reflections on black paint finishes and other dark colors.
* Protect. Form a barrier of waxes, polymers, silicones, and resins on top of your paint finish to protect it from the elements.
* Maintain. The missing link between washing and waxing is the regular use of a spray detailer to keep your car looking like it was just detailed.