autofixworld.com

In the Groove

Standard Torx® fasteners (A) are no longer an oddity, and most professional technicians and skilled pro-sumers have a standard assortment of Torx sockets and drivers. What you may not have, however, is a special driver made to remove the annoying-by-design Torx fasteners (B) that have a small center post. For example, GM likes to use these "anti-tamper" fasteners on some MAF sensors. (Thanks, General.)

If you find yourself in a situation where you'd like to remove the MAF, but don't have the special driver tip, grab a small hand grinder (Dremel or similar) and groove the center of the fastener to create a slot (C).

Then find a common screwdriver tip that fits snugly into the slot and remove the fastener.

1 Comment

Return of the El Camino?

This new Pontiac looks a little desperate, since the original El Camino car/pickup wasn't all that popular, and that was long before gas cost more than 20-year old scotch. This may be another niche market that saturates a lot faster than a Bounty paper towel. Maybe they'll call it the El Pontiaco.

The new half-car half-truck is based on the G8 performance sedan.

The G8 sport truck is powered by a 6.0L engine, rated at 361 hp. Able to haul more than a 1,300-pound payload.

Able to tow a 3,500-pound trailer.

Faster than a speeding train; able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

The vehicle has a one-piece outer body panel and wraparound tail lamps to fully conceal the tailgate hinges.

I'll bet my yawn is bigger than yours.

No Comments

Small Cars - Toyota iQ

Only 118 inches long, the Toyota iQ is a head longer than a Smart For Two, and as wide and tall as its larger sibling, the Yaris. Toyota says it seats 3+1; that's three normally configured humans, plus a child, a gold fish, or a grocery bag. The dash ahead of the front passenger is recessed somewhat, allowing the front seat passenger to scoot the seat forward farther, creating additional leg room for the starboard rear seat passenger. With fore and aft movement of the driver seat limited by the steering wheel—and in some cases a second slice of pie à la mode—port side rear seating is pinched.

To coax as much interior room as possible out of the limits imposed by the tiny exterior, road wheels go to the extreme corners, creating a 79 inch wheel base. The fuel tank is flattened, while normally bulky components like HVAC have been miniaturized to save space. Like Smart, Toyota has been mindful of safety concerns associated with small vehicles, and their efforts garnered a 5-star safety rating in Euro NCAP tests.

Other space saving innovations include:

• A flat-bottomed steering wheel for improved driver comfort
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Uber slim seat backs to add passenger space.
• Fold down split rear seats for cargo

Toyota says engine options will include three choices: two gas and one diesel. Expected production? Late 2008.

No Comments

Smart Advertising

The folks at Smart decided to attack some of the more common concerns about their small vehicles. This is easily one of the "Smartest" videos you'll see this week. Click on the photo to visit the site. Please come back when you're through.