Hydraulic Valve Treatments

Oil companies add solvents, detergents and other additives to the refined oil sold to consumers.

All modern engine oils must meet strict EPA standards that require the addition of certain additives to their finished products; additives can include solvents and detergents that reduce engine sludge and carbon build-up. In addition to the standard motor oil products, there are a host of after-market oil treatment products, such as hydraulic valve lifter oils, that claim to quiet valve lifters and prevent valves from sticking. While additive proponents cite scientific studies, field trials and consumer endorsements, critics continue to be skeptical of the true value and effectiveness of many of these engine and oil additive supplements.

Wynn's Hydraulic Valve Lifter Treatment

Wynn's Hydraulic Valve Lifter Treatment "...is an oil soluble supplement developed to clean away internal engine deposits that create noise and reduce efficiency," states the company's website. This Belgium company was founded in 1939 by Chestien Wynn, who created a formula he called, "Wynn's Friction Proofing" Oil. In 2005 Wynn's became part of the Performance Polymers division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. and is now headquartered in Azusa, California.

Marvel Mystery Oil

The Turtle Wax company reports that by adding one quart of Marvel Mystery Oil to the crankcase in place of a quart of regular motor oil with each oil change will, "...reduce and prevent valve sticking and clatter by breaking down harmful deposits of carbon and sludge." Marvel Oil company was founded in 1923 by Burt Pierce, who had already become well known for his invention of the widely used Marvel carburetor in 1918. The company was purchased by Turtle Wax, Inc. in 1999 and operates out of the Chicago area.

Rislone Engine Treatment

Rislone product information claims that, "Sludge and other deposits can clog lifter passages and make valves stick. The unique cleaning and penetrating properties of Rislone Engine Treatment remove these deposits and lubricate to free sticky lifters and valves, reducing noise." Rislone was originally formulated by the Shaler Company in 1921 and was one of the first automotive chemical additives. The company was acquired in 2006 by Bar Products Co. of Holly Michigan.

"Pros" and "Cons"

Automotive additive products generally fit into two broad categories, those that contain detergents and solvents that dissolve engine sludge and those that carry suspended chemical compounds to coat cylinder walls and fill in microscopic scoring. Critics argue the chemical additives in modern motor oils negate the need for more additives, and simply following the car maker's oil and oil filter change instructions will protect the engine under normal driving conditions.

On the other hand, there many car owners who believe these products have rejuvenated their vehicles, improved performance or increased mileage. The controversy over the benefits of oil and engine treatments will continue until recognized independent testing labs can publish their results for all to see.

Tags: Wynn Hydraulic Valve, chemical additives, company founded, engine sludge, Engine Treatment, Hydraulic Valve

Install A Harleydavidson Easy Effort Clutch Kit

The primary chain case is the chrome structure above the jiffy stand.

Harley-Davidson's Reduced Effort Clutch Kit, sometimes called "Easy Effort," reduces the effort needed to squeeze the infamous Harley clutch lever by 30 percent, and it is one of two products intended to decrease clutch pull. The reduced effort clutch has been standard equipment on all Twin Cam Harleys since the beginning of the 1996 model year. The reduced effort clutch kit installs on all Twin Cam 88 and Twin Cam B 88 motorcycles sold before 1996.

Instructions

1. Raise the motorcycle on a motorcycle jack until the bike is upright and level, but not elevated.

2. Drain all primary fluid from the primary chain case drain plug on the bottom of the chain case. On recent models, the plug is a hex nut and should be loosened with a socket wrench.

3. Remove the top and rear inspection cover screws on the racetrack-shaped inspection cover in the middle of the primary cover. Remove these screws with an Allen socket. Remove all eleven primary cover screws around the perimeter of the primary chain case cover with an Allen socket.

4. Remove the primary chain case cover, the cover gasket and both tower gaskets. Discard all three gaskets.

5. Disassemble the clutch pack until you can remove the diaphragm spring. Replace the standard diaphragm spring with the diaphragm spring in the reduced effort clutch kit.

6. Replace the primary cover gasket with a new gasket. Replace both tower gaskets with new ones.

7. Reinstall the primary chain case cover. Tighten all eleven primary cover screws with an Allen socket and torque wrench. Tighten the screws to between 108 and 120 inch-pounds.

8. Replace and tighten the top and rear inspection cover screws with an Allen socket and torque wrench. Tighten the inspection cover screws to between 84 and 108 inch-pounds.

9. Drain the transmission through the transmission drain plug using a socket wrench and hex socket.

10. Remove the six clutch release cover screws with an Allen socket and socket wrench. The clutch release cover covers the transmission. Squeeze the clutch lever on the handlebars two or three times to break the clutch release cover free.

11. Remove the clutch release cover and gasket. Discard the gasket.

12. Pull up the clutch cable adjuster boot near the middle of the clutch cable to expose the clutch cable adjustment nut. Loosen the lock nut with an open-end wrench.

13. Completely loosen the clutch cable adjustment nut with an open-end wrench. Unscrew the cable fitting from the clutch release cover.

14. Note the position of the retaining ring opening in the upper left quadrant of the clutch release cover. Remove the retaining ring around the inner ramp with snap ring pliers.

Wash all ball and ramp mechanism components in cleaning solvent.

15. Replace the original inner and outer ramps with the replacement inner and outer ramps included in the kit. Screw, but do not tighten, the clutch cable fitting into the clutch release cover.

16. Place the new outer ramp in the side cover and place the three original ball bearings in the outer ramp slots. Re-seat the retaining ring with snap ring pliers.

17.Connect the end of the clutch cable to the ramp coupling. Install the coupling on the replacement inner ramp. Position the inner ramp and coupling in the clutch release cover.

18. Install a new clutch release cover gasket and replace the clutch release cover. Tighten all six screws to between 84 and 108 inch-pounds with an Allen socket and torque wrench.

19. Tighten the clutch cable fitting with an open-end wrench to approximately 40 inch-pounds of torque.

20. Replace and tighten the transmission drain plug with a socket wrench and hex socket. Replace and tighten the primary chain case drain plug using a socket wrench and hex socket.

21. Refill the transmission with the amount of transmission fluid specified for your motorcycle in your owner's manual. Readjust the clutch cable adjusting nut with an open-end wrench until there is no more than 1/8-inch of free play in the clutch handle.

22. Lock the adjusting nut in place by tightening the lock nut with a second open-end wrench. Recover the clutch cable adjusting nut assembly with the rubber boot.

23. Remove the clutch cover in the primary chain case cover by loosening the five Allen bolts with an Allen socket and socket wrench. Remove the clutch cover gasket and discard.

24. Add primary chain case fluid until the fluid just touches the bottom of the clutch plates. Install a new clutch cover gasket, replace the clutch cover and tighten with an Allen socket and socket wrench.

25. Carefully lower and remove the motorcycle jack. Allow the motorcycle to lean left on the jiffy stand.

Tags: clutch release, clutch release cover, release cover, chain case, clutch cable, Allen socket, primary chain

Get Possession Of Your Home During Divorce

If you want to obtain possession of your home after your divorce, do not move out. Get your spouse to leave, if at all possible.

Instructions

1. Think about which parent your children will live with. It usually makes the most sense for the children to remain in the home.

2. Know that if you get custody, you have a better chance of getting the house. But don't ask for custody just because you want the house. The children should live with the parent who has the most time and best parenting skills.

3. Consider the mortgage payments. Will you and your ex-spouse be able to afford them after the divorce? The two of you are going to have the same total income you had before the divorce, but you will have to pay for a second residence.

4. Ask your spouse to move out as soon as you know you want to keep the house. You will have a better chance of being awarded the home if you are the only one living in it.

5. Do not move out yourself. It may be nearly unbearable to live in the same house with your soon-to-be ex, but if you leave, you're less likely to get possession.

6. Ask the court for a removal order, which will give you temporary possession of the home and force your spouse to move out while the case is heard. Removal orders are generally granted when there is danger of physical abuse.

7. Be prepared to prove to the court why you should get possession. Some good reasons are: you run a business out of the home and it would be a hardship to move the business, you have custody of your children, you have the ability to care for the home, you can make the mortgage payments.

Tags: your spouse, better chance, have better, have better chance, live with

Make A Motorcycle Exhaust

Building your own motorcycle exhaust is a project that takes some specialized tools, like a pipe bender, steel bender or welder and if you want chrome, you have to do the plating yourself, or take your pipes to a metal shop where they will plate your pipes for a fee. We will look at build the basic exhaust, but how you paint it is up to you.

Instructions

1. Measure your bike from the head pipe connection on the engine down to the foot pegs and then to the rear. Now sketch out a basic shape for your exhaust, using these measurements as a guide.

2. Build a full size template for your exhaust system on poster board, cardboard or plywood. Use a heavy marker, and be very precise with your measurements. Have a friend hold the template steady, and match it up several times. Be sure it works on both sides, if you are building exhaust on both sides, since each side of the bike is different.

3. Figure out how many welds you will need to make, if any, then purchase the tubes for your exhaust. Buy them to the full length of the system, which you should have measured using a flexible tape measure, or tailor's measure. Measure the outside edge of each side for the most accurate measurement and take the larger one and add a foot or so.

4. Mark the location of each bend with a magic marker at the start of the bend. Allow for an extra half foot at the head pipe section so you can fit the tube in the bender.

5. Heat and bend the pipe at each mark. Make your bends fast but be accurate and do not over bend the pipe. You don't want to have to bend the pipe backwards again.

6. Finish your bending, then attach the muffler. It should slide right on to your pipes.

7. Attach the hardware for the exhaust to your bike. This might have to be custom made as well. Then be sure the exhaust fits all the attachments, including the head pipes and rear braces.

8. Attach your new exhaust and pat yourself on the back. You made your own motorcycle exhaust.

Tags: your exhaust, bend pipe, your pipes, both sides, each side, head pipe

Clean Motorcycle Wheels

Don't hit the open road with dirty motorcycle wheels. Regular cleaning of your motorcycle wheels will keep dust from brake pads--and grime from the environment--from damaging your wheels. Though motorcycle maintenance can be a drag, the finished result will add to your freewheeling style.

Instructions

1. Take off all jewelry and watches to prevent brushing them along the bike and scratching it.

2. Hose down your wheels to remove all excess dirt and sand. Use a good nozzle with a strong stream of water. Keep the stream away from your brakes and clutch to prevent contaminating fluids.

3. Dilute motorcycle-specific soap, Showbike Spray Wash or Detail Devil's Cycle Wash, with water in a bucket (see directions on the packaging for the proper ratio). Scrub wheels with the solution, using a soft brush like a dish brush. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

4. Dry the wheels with soft, non-abrasive terry cloth rags.

5. Protect your wheels from cracking with tire dressing. Apply a generous amount of tire dressing like Detail Devil's Tire Dressing on a sponge and rub over tire. Allow dressing to absorb for 20 minutes. Buff the tires with a chamois.

Tags: your wheels, Detail Devil, motorcycle wheels, wheels with

Change The Battery In A 2006 Harley Sportster

Without a battery, your Harley Sportster will not operate.

Like cars and trucks, motorcycles require a power source to operate electrical features such as headlights, turn signals and ignition. You should replace the battery in your 2006 Harley Sportster when you begin to hear your motorcycle take longer to start than usual. Replacing the battery on your Sportster is a simple but essential part of the process for proper motorcycle upkeep.

Instructions

1. Lift the seat of your Sportster to reveal the battery access point.

2. Detach the retaining strap holding the battery in its compartment.

3. Examine the battery for any signs of corrosion or damage. If there is a powdery blue or green substance built up around the negative and positive charge points, put your gloves on. If the battery is mostly clean, you can proceed without gloves.

4. Disconnect the negative battery connection point (the black cable or wire) by pulling up on the wires connected to the metal connection device.

5. Disconnect the positive battery connection point (the red cable) by pulling up on the wires connected to the metal connection device.

6. Lift the battery out of the housing compartment and set it aside.

7. Place the replacement battery into the compartment and connect it to the bike's electrical system by reconnecting the positive connection device, then the negative connection device. Reattach the retaining strap and replace the seat.

Tags: connection device, battery your, Harley Sportster, 2006 Harley, 2006 Harley Sportster, battery connection

Installation Directions For A Sifton Harley Oil Pump On Harley Davidson Motorcycles

The installer must drill a primary chain oil supply hole to install a Sifton pump on this Panhead.

Sifton oil pumps are available for all Harley models for all years after 1935. Flatheads, Knuckleheads, Panheads and Shovelheads manufactured before 1980 may require crankcase modification. Good shop practice for Sifton installation on Harley-Davidson motorcycles manufactured between 1948 and 1962 requires the installer to plug and re-drill the crankshaft feed hole. Installation on models manufactured in the 1970s requires the installer to drill a pressure valve relief hole. Installation of a Sifton oil pump on Panheads manufactured from 1965 to 1969 requires the installer to drill a primary chain oil supply hole.

Instructions

1. Fit the pump assembly to the crankcase and inspect to ensure clearance between the oil pump body and crankcase. Improve clearance by carefully grinding down the oil pump body with a grinding tool.

2. Disassemble, clean and inspect the oil pump. Use combination wrenches to disassemble the oil pump. Reassemble the pump dry without lubrication.

3. Rotate the pump gears to check for binds. Confirm that drive gear keys are properly installed.

4. Determine if gears that bind are supply or return gears. Remove and rotate gears that bind 180 degrees.

5. Apply 20W50 engine oil to the oil pump drive shaft and the drive shaft bushing in the crankcase. Install the oil pump in the crankcase using combination wrenches and a flat head screwdriver. Place the pump drive gear over the drive shaft as the shaft is passed through the bushing and into the crankcase gear compartment.

6. Install the drive shaft gear key and snap ring with snap ring pliers

7. Hand tighten the two 1/4-inch x 1 1/2-inch bolts in the upper holes in the oil pump body. Attach the pump cover by hand tightening the four 1/4-inch x 2 3/4-inch bolts.

8. Turn the oil pump gear to check for binding. Tighten the four 2 3/4-inch bolts in a cross pattern to 10 foot pounds of torque with a torque wrench. Check for binding after tightening each bolt.

9. Turn the drive shaft to confirm free operation of the pump. Tighten the two remaining bolts to 10 foot pounds of torque with a torque wrench.

10. Remove the oil pump check valve ball assembly by hand. Pour clean motor oil into the pump supply fitting while turning the oil pump drive gear.

11. Replace the check ball, spring and cap after oil fills the check valve cavity.

12. Install the pinion shaft drive gear, pinion gear and remaining parts in the gear case following the procedures stated in the shop manual for your year and model Harley.

13. Connect the oil lines by tightening hose clamps over the return and supply fittings with a flat head screwdriver.

Tags: drive shaft, drive gear, pump body, pump drive, requires installer, 4-inch bolts, chain supply

Integrate A Gps With A Harley Davidson Intercom System

Bluetooth technology is a friend to many GPS and intercom users as it allows you to sync your GPS voice control right to the intercom ear piece. This is particularly handy when using a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Harleys are not known for being quiet rides, and it is near impossible to hear a GPS unit voice system without an ear piece like those from the intercom system. By enabling both devices via Bluetooth the voice and sound is broadcast into the intercom ear piece.

Instructions

1. Turn on your GPS unit and the Harley Davidson intercom. Place the intercom ear piece in an ear. Enable the Bluetooth on the equipped intercom. Most intercom systems have a special setting for Bluetooth or an icon to press that turns the broadcast on.

2. Press the power button and turn the GPS unit on. Press or tap the Bluetooth icon on the GPS display menu. Follow the prompts as the Bluetooth locates the Harley Davidson intercom.

3. Highlight the intercom on the menu as a synced Bluetooth device.

4. Turn the voice turn-by-turn directions on with the GPS unit. Listen on the intercom for voice prompts and directions to verify the synced Bluetooth connection.

Tags: Harley Davidson, intercom piece, Bluetooth icon, Davidson intercom, Harley Davidson intercom, synced Bluetooth

Sunbeam Alpine History

Sunbeam Alpine History

The Sunbeam Alpine, based in Midlands, England, was a two-seater roadster, coupé and fastback manufactured by the Rootes Group between 1953 and 1975. The car, however, is most identified as the 1959-68 Alpine Series 1 through 5 open roadsters with their sharp tailfins, low profile and nimble handling. The attractive Alpine enjoyed immense success in films and television, and its famous drivers included Grace Kelly and Sean Connery.

Origins

The original Sunbeam Alpine was designed by George Hartwell and introduced in 1953 as a Sunbeam-Talbot, the result of mergers between Sunbeam, Darracq and Talbot. It was also referred to as the Talbot Alpine. It featured typical postwar British styling with rounded front fenders with integrated headlamps, a long vertical grille and a large trunk. It sat on a short 97.5-inch wheelbase and measured only 168.5 inches long.

Limited Production

Only 3,000 of the first generation Alpines, powered by a 2267cc 4-cylinder engine, were manufactured since production only lasted two years. Most of them were built as left-hand drives and exported to the United States where very few survive today.

Second Generation

In 1956, the Ford-trained designer Ken Howes and his partner, Jeff Cromptom, were charged with redesigning the Alpine to appeal to the American market. The result was a sharply detailed roadster that bore no resemblance to the first generation Alpine and had more than a few characteristics of the Ford Thunderbird.

Dimensions

The new Alpine debuted in 1959 as a two-seater roadster. It sported an underpowered 1494cc 4-cylinder engine, which made the sports car a poor candidate for competitive racing. Its wheelbase was only 86 inches and its length 155 inches. It was built on a Hillman Husky frame, and the gearbox came from the Sunbeam Rapier.

Performance

While later models of the second generation Alpine featured larger powerplants, the roadster never tore up the race track. It recorded a 0-60 mph speed of only 13.6 seconds, but it got a remarkable 31 mpg and cost only £1031.

Mid-1960s

By 1963, the Alpine introduced a removable hardtop. Sunbeam seemed to resist the idea of putting more power under the hood. Although engine displacement increased for the 1963-64 cars with 1592cc, its power output dropped. For all of its performance failings, the impressive body design made it ideal for use in television commercials and as movies props. It was featured in the opening sequence in the first season of the TV series "Get Smart" and was driven by James Bond in the 1962 film "Dr. No."

Fastback

In all, about 70,000 of the roadsters were produced before Rootes introduced its Alpine fastback in 1969. The Alpine fastback was actually a rebadged 1968 Rapier fastback coupé. It sat on the same wheelbase as the roadster but measured much longer at 174.5 inches. It featured a 1725cc engine but still suffered from anemic power output. The fastback was produced until 1975. By then the Chrysler Corporation had purchased Rootes and ended the Alpine's production.

Tags: Sunbeam Alpine, 4-cylinder engine, Alpine fastback, Alpine featured, Alpine History, first generation, generation Alpine

Get The Fx Channel

The FX channel is a pay television channel and part of the FX Network. The FX channel features action movies, such as "Hancock," and original programming such as "Archer," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "Justified." You can only access the FX channel if you subscribe to a pay television service, such as cable or satellite, that carries that channel as part of its programming lineup. The FX channel provides information on which providers carry its content.

Instructions

1. Launch your Web browser and enter FXnetworks.com in the address bar. Hit "Enter" to navigate to the website.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and find the header "FX Shows." Click the link to "Get FXHD and FXVOD."

3. Enter your zip code and select the name of your pay television provider. Click "Go." A box will pop up showing you which channel has FX.

4. Tune your television to the channel in the results box. If you do not have that channel, call your television provider's customer service line and upgrade your service to the package that carries that channel.

Tags: that channel, your television, your television provider, carries that, carries that channel

Ideas For A Harley Davidson Wall Mural In The Bathroom

A mural is a creative and eye-catching way to work your personality into your home design. If a mural is too dramatic for your living room and not restful enough for your bedroom, don't rule out the bathroom. In either the master or the guest bathroom, you can design a mural of any size to showcase your enthusiasm for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Does this Spark an idea?

Open Road

To recreate the wide vistas reminiscent of riding your Harley along an open highway, design a mural that incorporates a highway landscape. Work with your mural artist to design an image that includes open road and scenic features all around. You might select a particular stretch of road that you've traveled yourself and particularly enjoyed, and work from photographs to recreate it on your bathroom walls. As an extra benefit, a masterful mural artist can create a landscape with proper perspective so that your bathroom seems more spacious.

Focus on the Details

If you're all about the workmanship and classic styling of a Harley Davidson bike, you may prefer a more close-up approach for your mural. Take a series of photos of your bike, varying your angles and focusing on parts with interesting forms and lines. Use the photos as inspiration for your mural composition. For a stylized look, play with the lines and colors until you find an interesting effect. If you prefer a representational mural that's easier to identify, keep the colors realistic. For a sophisticated effect, do the mural in just one or two colors and incorporate them into the bathroom elsewhere with linens, tiling or accessories.

Ready-Made Options

If you're on a budget and are short on artistic talent, it's possible to buy a ready-made mural that you simply affix to your wall. With Harley Davidson's cult following, it's no surprise that various wallpaper and decal companies offer images of the legendary bikes. Murals range in size, from three to nine feet across. Typically, they come on adhesive paper, in several panels for easy application. Expect to spend a couple hours installing a mural, especially a larger one.

Unusual Options

For a truly eye-catching bathroom, look for creative ways to incorporate your love of Harleys into the decor. The Harley Davidson logo is relatively easy to reproduce in paint. Simply blow up an image of the logo and mount it on cardboard to create a stencil. Put an enlarged logo on your walls for a vivid pop-art look. Let it extend from one wall to another or from the wall onto the ceiling for an even more dynamic effect. If you like whimsy, take your mural into three dimensions by painting from a head-on point-of-view and mounting a real reflector to the wall as its headlight.

Tags: Harley Davidson, your mural, design mural, mural that, from wall, mural artist, your bathroom

Calculate Spoke Length

Racing bike enthusiasts are concerned with spoke length calculations.

Spoke length calculations are primarily for racing and mountain bike enthusiasts who design and package their bikes for peak performance. However, the same calculations or formulas can be applied to tricycle wheels, wheelchair wheels and motorcycle wheels. Spoke length is a relationship between rim radius, hub spoke radius and spoke anchor angle as to ensure perfect physical harmony between

the spoke, rim and the hub of the wheel. Proper length ensures roll stability and durability across rough terrain at high speeds. To calculate spoke length, you can use a formula for a radial spoke configuration or a cross-laced spoke configuration, whichever is applicable.

Instructions

1. Measure and determine the following variables in units of millimeters: rim radius plus spoke penetration, or "RRSP," hub spoke radius, or "HSR" and spoke anchor angle, or "SAA." Use a micrometer to make these measurements in units of millimeters, or "mm."

2. Calculate the spoke length, or "SL," for a radial spoke configuration using the formula: SL = SQRT ((RRSP-HSR)^2 + HFO^2 where the word SQRT stands for square root and ^2 denotes to the power of 2.

3. Calculate SL for a cross-laced spoke configuration using the formula: SL = SQRT [ (RRSP - (HSR * cos(SAA)))^2 + HFO^2 - (HSR * cos(SAA))^2 ] where cos (SSA) means the cosine of SAA.

Tags: spoke configuration, radius spoke, anchor angle, bike enthusiasts, configuration using, configuration using formula, cross-laced spoke

Usps Servicar History

The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company manufactured a three-wheeled motorcyle known as the Servi-Car from 1932 to 1973. The Servi-Car had one wheel in the front and two wheels in the back. A box could be positioned between the two back wheels to carry cargo. Harley envisioned the Servi-Car for use for garages and service stations as a way to get mechanics quickly to automobile customers. But for several years the United States Postal Service used Servi-Cars to deliver mail.

Motorcycles and Mail

Businesses began using motorcycles equipped with sidecars for deliveries in the second decade of the 20th century. The sidecar could hold cargo, while the motorcycle could maneuver in tight spaces and use less gas than a car. By 1914 the United States Postal Service ordered 4,800 motorcycle and sidecar units from Harley-Davidson to use to deliver mail on rural routes, where mail carriers sometimes had to drive miles between deliveries.

The Tri-Car

In 1908, the Postal Service experimented with three-wheeled motorcycles, the forerunner of the Servi-Car, for mail. According to the U.S. Postal Museum, these vehicles solved the problem of where to put the mail, but they did not perform well on rural roads and the USPS eventually abandoned the plan to use them. They motorcycle and sidecar combination held up better on long rural routes, though maneuvering with the sidecar took skill and the amount of mail a carrier could handle was limited.

Advantages of the Servi-Car

A 1934 brochure for the Servi-Car advertises the vehicle as ideal for delivery packages at much less cost than driving a car or truck. The Servi-Car's cart could handle 500 lbs. of mail and used less gas than a car or truck. With the box in the center back, the Servi-Car was easier to navigate. The box provided space for an advertising logo or the Postal Service legend. But no record exists of the Postal Service using the Servi-Car on any kind of large scale.

Decline of the Servi-Car

By the 1930s the USPS was focused on developing a fleet of trucks to deliver mail. Trucks could carry more parcels and mail and kept the postal carrier out of the weather, a concern during cold, snowy winters, wet springs and hot summers. In cities, smaller Cushman vehicles were almost as economical to operate as Servi-Cars and offered the advantage of an enclosed cab to protect the driver.

Tags: Postal Service, deliver mail, could handle, less than, motorcycle sidecar, rural routes, States Postal

Change Safe Combinations

Changing a safe combination is a straightforward process.

High-quality safes are fitted with a combination "change key" slot on the lock housing located inside the safe. The dial of such a safe is marked with an inward-pointing arrow at the 12-o'clock position on the rim of the combination dial. This is the "open index" mark used for normal operation. There is a straight, inward-pointing mark situated either at the 11-o'clock or the 1-o'clock position on the rim of the dial. This is the "change index" reference mark used when changing the safe combination.

Instructions

1. Open the safe and turn the handle to lock the door in the open position. Spin the dial to scramble the lock.

2. Unlock the open safe door, using the standard procedure. Slow down when the third number of the combination approaches the 95th mark. Stop when the number is opposite the open index arrow. This will activate the opening mechanism and retract the lock bolts.

3. Insert the change-lock key into the change-lock slot situated on lock housing inside the door. Turn the key a quarter turn counterclockwise. This will delete the old combination and set the lock mechanism into the neutral position.

4. Spin the dial counterclockwise three revolutions past the open index mark. Slow down on the fourth turn when the first new combination number approaches the change index mark. Turn the dial slowly until they are both perfectly aligned. Please note: The first combination number must be greater than 25.

5. Turn the dial clockwise two turns past the change index mark. Continue turning and slow down when the second new combination number approaches the change index mark. Align as described in Step 4.

6. Reverse directions and turn the dial clockwise once. Continue past the change index mark a second revolution until the third number of the new combination approaches the change index mark. Align the third number as describe above.

7. Leave the dial with the third number lined up with the change index mark. Set the new combination by turning the change key clockwise a quarter turn. Remove the key.

8. Leave the door open and practice locking and opening the door several times before closing and locking the safe. Commit the new combination to memory without writing it down or recording it in your computer.

Tags: index mark, change index, change index mark, third number, approaches change, approaches change index, combination number

How Protect My Logos

Copyright symbols let users know that a logo is protected from being used by someone not authorized.

In the United States, copyrights protect an author's original works. Copyright protection can extend to logo artworks. If you are the original author of the logo, you can get "Initial Ownership" copyright protection. If your logo is a product of joint efforts, then all the creators are co-owners under "Initial Ownership" protection. If your hired another company or person, then under "Works Made for Hire" copyright protection title, you are considered the author. You have the copyright ownership and all associated rights unless specified otherwise in writing. Copyright registration is a voluntary process and is essential if you want to file a lawsuit for infringement.

Instructions

1. Go to the official website of the Copyright Office (See Resources). Click "Search Copyright Records" to search the online database of the Copyright Office, which has works recorded since Jan. 1, 1978, to know if you are not infringing on another copyright. Results for your search display brief descriptions of recorded work. You have the option to download the entire report.

2. Click "eCO Login". If you already have an account, use it to login. If you are a new user, create a new account.

3. Fill in your application to register your work once you sign into your account. Select the type of your work depending on the examples given or use the drop-down menu of options. Choose a title for your work. Proceed according to instructions, giving information on whether or not you have published your work; give related details in either case. Give details about the author(s) of the work. Give required information in case your work contains a pre-registered material. Proceed to certify the application. Check if you are eligible for certifying the application. You have to be either the author, copyright claimant, owner of exclusive rights of the logo work or an authorized agent of any of the preceding, to be eligible. If you are any of these and if you are sure that the information provided in the application is true to the best of your knowledge, complete the application certification by checking the checkbox. Proceed to the payment. (See Reference 5)

4. Select your method of payment, enter information as required and complete the payment process. You should receive a payment successful message and an email receipt confirming your payment. (See Reference 5)

5. Upload electronic copies of your work if your work is eligible for upload, or choose to attach the shipping slip for sending hard copies of your work. See Resource 2 to know if your work qualifies for electronic upload. If your work requires hard-copy deposits, submit your application and payment online and mail the copies through express courier or the U.S. Postal Service to the address given on the shipping slip. This completes your copyright claim registration. (See Reference 5)

6. Wait for the Copyright Office to process your application. You should receive your certificate within a period of six months or earlier. (See Reference 6)

Tags: your work, Copyright Office, your application, copies your, copies your work, copyright protection, Initial Ownership

Tune Up A Harley 883

Regular tune-ups can prolong the life of your Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster, preventing excessive wear from damaging the motorcycle's motor and transmission. However, a tune-up should cover more than just oil. The motorcycle's brakes, spark plugs, air filter and even the electrical system should receive attention routinely to help you catch problems before they cause serious damage on the road. Expect to spend at least one and a half hours on the job to give each component the proper amount of attention.

Instructions

1. Locate the oil tank's drain hose on the left side of the frame. Loosen the hose's clamp with a flat screwdriver and pull the hose off of the frame. Drain the oil into an oil pan and reattach the drain hose to the frame. Tighten the hose clamp with a flat screwdriver. Unscrew the oil filter from the motor and replace it with a fresh oil filter. Tighten the oil filter by hand until the base of the filer is touching the motor, the tighten it an additional half turn. Fill the oil tank with three quarts of fresh 20W50 oil.

2. Unscrew the drain plug from the bottom of the transmission unit with a socket wrench and drain the transmission fluid into an oil pan. Screw the drain plug into the transmission and tighten it with a socket wrench. Refill the transmission with 1 qt. of transmission fluid.

3. Remove the bolts from the outside of the air cleaner cover with a Torx screwdriver. Pull the cover off of the air cleaner. Remove the filter element from the air cleaner base and replace it with a new filter element. Place the cover onto the air cleaner base. Tighten the air cleaner cover bolts with a Torx screwdriver.

4. Pull the spark plug wires off of both of the motor's spark plugs. Unscrew the spark plugs with a spark plug socket. Set the new spark plugs' electrode gap to 0.40 inches with a gap tool. Screw the spark plugs onto the motor with a spark plug socket. Push the spark plug wires onto both spark plugs.

5. Inspect the brake pads on the front and rear wheels. Use a flashlight to illuminate the area where the brake pads meet the brake rotor. Replace the brake pads if there is less than 1.8 inch of pad material left.

6. Lift the battery cover's lid to access the battery's terminals. Test the battery's charge with a multimeter. Ideally, the battery should have a minimum charge of 12.8 volts. Charge the battery with an automatic charger and retest the battery.

Turn the motorcycle's ignition on and check that all lights and indicators operate properly. Replace any burnt-out lights. Start the motor and test the battery with a multimeter to check the charging voltage. Ideally, the battery should have a minimum voltage of 14.1 volts. Stop the motor and close the battery cover's lid.

Tags: spark plugs, spark plug, brake pads, battery cover, battery should, battery should have

Build A Career As A Writer

Depending on your area of interest or expertise, building a career as a writer isn’t as difficult as you might think. While the competition is stiff, talent, dedication and persistence will pay off. Here are some tips for getting started.

Instructions

1. Develop one area of expertise and focus your efforts. This is where the old adage “write what you know” comes in to play. In particular, do you have knowledge about a particular industry, such as the beauty industry, or trade, such as mechanics? Use these to your advantage. Also, consider using your technical knowledge, such as in engineering or medicine, as a starting point for your writing career.

2. Learn market yourself. Marketing is a major part of becoming a career writer. If you would like to be a screenwriter, you need to know construct a terrific pitch. If you would like to be a magazine writer, you need to perfect your query letters. However, if you only did those things, you would be selling yourself short. Write some freebie or cheapie articles and use them as opportunities to get your name out there. Let everyone know that you are a writer. People will only hire you if they know that you exist.

3. Network. Get to know other writers. You might feel like you’re fraternizing with the competition, but in truth, every writer is unique and most of us are happy to pass jobs that aren’t a great fit to another writer. In addition, network with non-writers. Are you a beauty writer? Go to some beauty conferences or insider events and pass your business cards out. Again, people will only hire you if they know you exist.

4. Keep a portfolio of your work and show it off. I recommend keeping an extensive online portfolio and sharing the link freely. Also, keep a physical portfolio of your best work handy. Share both often.

5. Be extremely professional. If you want to build a writing career, the number one most important thing you can do is be easy to work with. This means, always being polite, detail-oriented and fastidious with deadlines. Learn interview well and treat your editors with kid gloves. Doing so will take you a long way toward writing career success.

Tags: writing career, career writer, hire they, hire they know, know that

Lengthen Vstar Cables

The throttle, photo left, and clutch cables, photo right are visible in this photo.

A V-Star is a cruiser style motorcycle, manufactured by Yamaha, that is designed to mimic the appearance of an American Harley-Davidson. Like Harley, Yamaha encourages owners to customize their motorcycles with aftermarket parts and accessories. The V-Star advertising slogan is "Make it your own" and one popular way to do that is to either change handlebars or alter the location of the bars on the bike with an extension called "risers." The problem with raising the bars is that afterward the clutch, brake and throttle cables may be too short. If they are, they must be replaced with cables that fit. The trick is knowing measure.

Instructions

1. Save and measure the clutch, brake and throttle cables you removed to install your new handlebars or risers. Measure the cables with a steel measuring tape. The length of those cables will be the "stock length" and replacement cables are always identified by their length over or under stock. For example, "2 inches over."

2. Tape a four-foot-long length of piano wire to the throttle control housing on your handlebars using electrical tape. Turn your handlebars fully left because your throttle is under your right hand and the cable will be most fully extended when the bars are turned to your left. Route the wire to the throttle control on your fuel injection or carburetor and mark the spot where the wire reaches the throttle with masking tape.

3. Un-tape the wire from your handlebars.

4. Measure the length of the wire from its end to the masking tape using a steel measuring tape. Compare that length to the length of your stock throttle cable. The difference between the two measurements is the length your new cable must be "over.

5. Repeat the process you used to measure the length of the throttle cable you will need to measure the length of the cables that will reach from your handlebar brake controls to your front brake, and from your handlebar clutch control to your clutch housing. Turn your handlebars fully right when you measure for your new clutch cable since your clutch control is on the left side of your handlebars.

6. Purchase cables of the correct "over" or "under" stock length from a Yamaha dealer or from an aftermarket supplier.

Tags: your handlebars, from your, your clutch, brake throttle, brake throttle cables, cable will, cables that

About Bathroom Pictures & Decorations

Add your own pictures and decor to make your bathroom one of a kind.

If you've just moved into a new home, or want to change some decorative accents in your bathroom, you can start by adding some things to the walls. Additional accessories can help to complement your new wall decor for an eye-catching bathroom space that you'll find welcoming. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Pictures

Select a large print to place on the main wall of the bathroom that matches your color scheme or decorative theme. If you've decorated your bathroom with tulips, choose a picture that shows the vivid color of the flowers and complements the shower curtain or linens. For a black-and-white bathroom, download a picture of your favorite bathroom design from online, convert it to black and white, and place the enlarged version in a black frame before putting it on the wall.

Smaller Pictures

Use small pictures of items from your decor theme to place on the bathroom shelves or on the back of the toilet. Frame a dried single flower or plant for a nature-inspired theme, or take a picture of a sailboat or rubber duckie to house in your frame to keep the theme consistent.

Additional Decor

Make sure that all your bathroom decor is in the same color scheme, even if you can't buy a 'set' of small accents with the same design. For instance, if you're using reds and bronzes, purchase a bronze toilet brush holder and bronze toothbrush cups to complement the red towels and rugs in the bathroom.

Tags: your bathroom, color scheme

Installation Requirements For Directv In Hd

To enjoy the full benefits of DirecTV's high-definition programming, you must meet a few installation requirements, each of which your authorized DirecTV installer or sales representative will go over with you before installing the necessary equipment. The first requirement is to contact DirecTV or an authorized retailer to schedule an appointment for an installation technician to visit your home.

Hardware

DirecTV's HD service requires the installation of a high-definition satellite dish and receiver to work properly. Usually, the satellite dish is installed to the rooftop of your home or to a sturdy metal pole. The installation technician will attach the dish to a part of your rooftop so that an unobstructed view of the southern sky is attained. If you rent the home you are living in, you will need to get permission from the home owner or landlord before the technician will install the satellite dish. A special high-definition receiver connects to the satellite dish through a wired connection and transmits programming from the dish to the receiver, and then to the TV. A high-definition TV is also needed to display high-definition programming, although a high-definition receiver will work with a standard-definition TV.

Package

You must also subscribe to a DirecTV HD service package to enjoy the benefits offered by the provider's high-definition services. Each DirecTV HD package offers various amounts of cable channels and the option of adding premium movie channels, such as HBO, Cinemax and Showtime. These packages contain standard- and high-definition versions of each channel that broadcasts in high definition as part of your package. This means you will have to tune to a specially assigned channel to view your desired programming in high definition.

Internet Features

Your DirecTV HD receiver is capable of connecting wirelessly to the Internet through a Wi-Fi router. A special connector kit is needed to make this connection, which can be made by you or by the installation technician. Special connectors need to be attached to the back of the HD receiver and the Wi-Fi router to complete this link. Once connected, you can access DirecTV Cinema, an on-demand video service that gives you access to more than 6,000 movies and TV shows at the time of publication, some of which are not available in high definition.

Considerations

Some TVs are available in Internet-ready models, offering access to the Internet without the need for the special connectors needed for establishing an Internet connection in TVs without this feature. In these types of TVs -- typically produced with high definition capabilities -- you or your installation technician can connect the DirecTV HD receiver directly to the TV to enjoy the Internet-based features. With a wireless Internet connection, your DirecTV HD receiver also enables you to search for and watch YouTube video content, but not in high definition -- unless the video accessed was recorded in high definition.

Tags: high definition, installation technician, satellite dish, DirecTV receiver, DirecTV service, dish receiver

Change Oil On A Honda Lawnmower Motor

Honda HRX217VKA lawnmower

Changing the oil in your Honda lawnmower is just as important as changing the oil in your vehicle. Regular oil changes help your lawnmower running more efficiently and also make it last longer. Refer to your owner's manual for recommendations of specific oil to use in your mower. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Start the engine and run the mower until the engine is warm; then shut off the engine.

2. Turn the fuel valve to the "Off" position to reduce the possibility of leakage.

3. Wipe the oil-fill area clean, then remove the dipstick.

4. Place a suitable oil container next to the mower and tilt the mower to the right side. Allow the oil to drain completely. Wipe away any excess oil from the fill area with a rag.

5. Fill with recommended oil. SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended for general use. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Do not overfill.

6. Replace the oil cap securely.

Tags:

Increase The Mpg In Your Dodge Cummins Pickup

There's no hyperbole in saying that Cummins' B-series engine helped to redefine the diesel truck market in America. The Cummins light-duty truck engine itself was an evolution of previous designs, but the fact that Dodge opted to install it into consumer-grade pickups made it truly revolutionary. Dodge's Cummins diesel trucks aren't the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the world, but they do offer efficiency in a different league from any gas engine with the same performance.

Instructions

1. Install a cold-air intake, high-flow air filter, aftermarket exhaust system, turbo down tube and underdrive pulleys. These upgrades are fairly universal, but they work particularly well on diesel engines where fuel efficiency is concerned. Diesel fuel economy is directly connected to torque output with a given amount of fuel, so anything you can do to enhance power without injecting more fuel is going to increase fuel efficiency.

2. Buy and install an aftermarket power programmer with a fuel efficiency setting. A power tuner will probably make the biggest difference in fuel efficiency without tearing into the engine and making major changes to the hardware -- and even then, you'll probably never match the power tuner's return on the dollar.

3. Lower the truck. Your truck's aerodynamic size and aerodynamic profile has at least as much impact on fuel economy as its weight, which you can't very well reduce without scrapping things that you probably want. Lowering the truck will reduce its aerodynamic cross-section (the size of the hole that it must punch through the air) and the amount of air that goes underneath the chassis.

4. Install a front air dam that very nearly scrapes the ground, and cover the bottom of the truck with a flat, sheet-metal belly pan. A belly pan will smooth and accelerate airflow going under the truck, which will increase fuel economy and high speed stability. This is especially crucial for big 4WD trucks like the Ram, whose axles and transfer case make the chassis about as smooth as the moon.

5. Fabricate or pay someone to fabricate a fiberglass Aero Tonneau cover. Aero Tonneau covers are completely different animals from Flat Tonneau covers, which are merely flat sheets that cover the bed. An Aero Tonneau cover tapers down from the top of the truck's cab to the top of the tailgate, and essentially turns the bed into one massive fast-back roofline. As of 2011, true Aero Tonneaus don't exist for this application, so you will have to fabricate your own, but in doing so you'll end up with a truck that looks like no one else's.

6. Get rid of the dual tires and install a set of 20-inch rims no wider than eight inches, and go with a set of lower-profile, all-season Touring tires. A set of 205/60-R20 tires will work best for this application; they're only about 0.5 inch smaller in overall diameter, so your engine rpm will remain about the same. You'll rarely hear this from anyone with a clue, but big rims and skinny, low profile tires are dynamically perfect for this application. This package will greatly reduce rolling resistance over the stock 245/70-R17 (10-inch wide) tires, but will do so at a slight penalty to ride quality and traction.

Tags: fuel efficiency, Aero Tonneau, fuel economy, this application, Aero Tonneau cover

Cabins Near Deadwood South Dakota

Tour Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Taking a vacation in the old mining town of Deadwood takes you back in time to the outlaw and gambling days of the Wild West. As a historic landmark, Deadwood offers attractions like Mount Rushmore, Wild Bill's grave and the Broken Boot Mine, where you can pan for gold. Over 80 casinos and gaming halls provide you with a wide range of games. The surrounding Black Hills offer numerous trails for bicycling, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. You can also hunt and fish during your visit, while you stay in one of several cabins nearby.

Cole Cabins‎

Choose from four cabins when you stay at Cole Cabins. For example, Cabin 1 sleeps up to four people in one bedroom with a queen-size bed and a full-size sofa bed. The fully equipped kitchen includes a microwave, dishwasher and all utensils. In the living area you will find a cast iron gas fireplace, television and a DVD/VCR player. The bedroom has another television, and the bathroom offers a shower with linens and soap. Original Lakota artwork from local artists adorns the cabins. These cabins also offer full handicap accessibility.

Next to Cole Cabins, you will find the Forest Service Trail connecting to trails for horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. Hunt for elk, deer and turkey out behind the cabins. Fish within walking distance at Strawberry Lake or in the local streams. If you play golf, visit Tomahawk Country Club just one mile south on Highway 385.

Cole Cabins‎

21357 US Highway 385

Deadwood, SD 57732

(800) 245-7335

colecabins.com

Fish 'N Fry Campground‎

Just five miles south of Deadwood, you will find the Fish 'N Fry Campground with three fully equipped cabins or three sleeping cabins. For two to three adults, stay at The Miner's Shack, for example. Sleep in a queen-sized bed and on the twin-size mattress in the loft. For a bathroom you must use the campground shower houses nearby. Bring your own bed linens. The Chalet sleeping cabin sleeps up to six adults with a queen-size bed, twin bunk beds and a loft with a full-size mattress. This cabin comes with a private deck, fire ring and picnic table. Made out of circles of stone or metal, fire rings have no bottom and contain fires.

If you need to sleep up to 10 adults, select The Big Log House, a two-story, four-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin. Enjoy two private decks, one on each floor. Three bedrooms upstairs have full-size or queen-size beds, a bathroom, a separate, private bathroom for the master bedroom and a large-screen, satellite television and DVD player. The main floor contains a fourth bedroom with a full-size futon and a queen-size bed and a family room with a television and DVD player. All beds have linens and comforters.

Fish 'N Fry Campground‎

21390 U.S. 385

Deadwood, SD 57732

(605) 578-2150

fishnfry.com

Mystic Hills Cabins and Campground‎

Located just south of Deadwood in a secluded area of the Black Hills National Forest, Mystic Hills Campground has nine cabins. Choose from a single cabin, which sleeps up to six people with two double-size beds and one fold-down bed, or the loft cabin, which sleeps up to eight people with two double-size beds and two fold-down beds. You will also find one handicap-accessible, single cabin for your convenience.

All cabins come with kitchenettes containing a refrigerator, microwave, a two-burner hot plate, cookware, dishes and linens. Bathrooms have showers. Other amenities include an outdoor fire ring and an outdoor picnic table. The cabins do not provide telephones.

Dine at Mystic Hills Campground and enjoy beer, wine, fish, burgers and steaks with friends. Eat outside on the patio, in the gazebo or around a campfire. Join friends in the lounge for beer and wine.

Mystic Hills Cabins and Campground‎

21766 Custer Peak Road

Deadwood, SD 57732-7334

(605) 584-4713

mystichillscampground.com‎

Tags: Cole Cabins, Mystic Hills, Fish Campground, television player, will find, bedroom with

Replace Harley Rocker Box Gaskets

The two spade shaped rocker box covers gave this model the nickname shovelhead.

Leaking rocker box gaskets were a particular problem with Harley Evolution engines. Harley went through four generations of lower rocker covers and four versions of the middle cover, or D-Ring, as the motor company tried to solve the problem. The earliest gaskets, from 1984 to 1987, were made of cork. The next versions, which lasted until 1990, were made of zinc and leaked the most. Subsequent versions were rubber. Removing rocker box covers to replace the gaskets is a straightforward process. Very experienced mechanics can do the job without removing the gas tank but less experienced mechanics should probably begin this job by remove the tank.

Instructions

1. Close the petcock. Ensure the motorcycle is cold.

2. Remove the seat bolt and washer from the tab on the rear of your seat. Remove the seat to access the battery. Loosen the negative battery cable from the terminal with a box wrench and remove the cable from the battery.

3. Remove the center console. Typically, the center console is attached to the center console bracket with three Allen head screws.

4. Remove the fuel line from the petcock. Typically the petcock and fuel supply are joined by a hose clamp. Loosen the hose clamp with a flat head screwdrivers.

5. Drain the gasoline in your tank into an adequately sized, sealable, gas can. On models with dual gas caps, disconnect the crossover and fuel venting hoses in the front, middle bottom of the tank.

6. Remove the front mounting bolt, flat washers and acorn nut with a box wrench and socket wrench. Remove the rear mounting bolt, flat washers and acorn nut.

7. Disconnect the fuel gauge connector on recent models. The fuel gauge connector is under the left side of the fuel tank.

8. Remove the gas tank from the motorcycle. Set the tank on a flat stable surface in a well vented place.

9. Remove the six Allen bolts and washers that connect the rocker cover to the rocker assembly. Begin with the front rocker box and work on one cylinder at a time.

10. Remove the metal D-ring if your motorcycle is equipped with an Evolution engine. Note the top, bottom and orientation of the D-ring. Completely remove the old gasket. Use a gasket scraper if necessary.

11. Examine your rocker arm housing. Rocker arm housings with only a partial inner lip require you to use an adhesive like high temperature rubber cement to properly install the new gasket. Rocker arm housings with a full inner lip do not require adhesive.

12. Apply adhesive if needed and properly place the gasket on the rocker arm. Replace the D-Ring on Evolution engines. Replace the rocker arm cover.

13. Tighten the Allen bolts in a cross pattern to 10 to 12 foot pounds of torque. Refer to the shop manual for your motorcycle and use the exact torque sequence and specifications described there.

14. Re-bolt the gas tank to your motorcycle. Reconnect the fuel gauge connector. Reinstall the fuel line to the petcock.

15. Reinstall the center console. Refuel the motorcycle.

16. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery. Reinstall the seat.

Tags: center console, fuel gauge, fuel gauge connector, gauge connector, rocker covers

Change An Led Lamp In Jvc Hd56g647

If the LED Lamp in your JVC HD-56G647 needs replacing, a message appears on your television screen every time you turn it on. You can clear the message by pressing "OK" on your remote control but eventually, the lamp will burn out and the screen will go black. When this happens, you won't be able to watch television again until you change the lamp. Your model of television requires the replacement lamp unit model number TS-CL110U. JVC warns that using a different model number can cause your TV to malfunction or possibly damage your TV.

Instructions

1. Turn off your television. Once the screen is off and the Lamp LED light on the front of the TV has stopped blinking, unplug your television. If the TV has been on for any amount of time, let it sit for at least an hour for the lamp to cool off.

2. Remove the lamp cover on the bottom left part of the television under the screen. Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw securing the cover. Then use the knob on the cover to pull it off the television.

3. Loosen and remove the two screws securing the lamp housing unit with the same screwdriver. If you feel any heat from the lamp, wait until it has cooled off completely before continuing.

4. Grab the handle for the lamp housing unit and gently pull the entire unit out of the television.

5. Insert the replace lamp housing unit into the television. Hold the unit by the handle. Never touch the bulb with your fingers.

6. Secure the lamp housing unit with the two screws.

7. Replace the lamp cover and use the screw to secure it.

Tags: housing unit, lamp housing, lamp housing unit, your television, housing unit with

Harley Low Rider Shovelhead Specs

The Harley-Davidson Lowrider was the first of the Motor Company 's"factory customs."

The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead era spanned the years 1966 to 1984. The Shovelhead engine, named for its rocker covers' resemblance to the back of upturned coal shovels, is quieter, smoother, more oil-tight and maintenance-free than its predecessor, the Panhead engine. One of the most popular of the Shovelhead models is the Low Rider (FXS), introduced at Daytona Bike Week in 1977. An overwhelming success, the Low Rider, was immediately embraced by the public and became the best-selling Harley model, representing nearly 20 percent of the total sales for Harley-Davidson in 1978.

Engine and Performance

Produced only for 1977, 1978 and 1979, the Low Rider features a 74 cubic-inch, or 1,206 cc, four-stroke, 45-degree, air-cooled, V-Twin engine delivering 58 horsepower at 5,150 rpm with a top speed of 105.6 mph. In 1980, the Sturgis became the new kid on the block with its 80 cubic-inch motor.

Styling

The Low Rider was the first of the Harley-Davidson "factory customs." Renowned for setting the stylish customizing precedent for future models such as the Bad Boy, Fat Boy, Heritage Springer and others, the Low Rider lives up to its moniker. It cuts a long, lean and low-slung profile with its scooped 26-inch seat height, extended front forks with 32-degree rake, drag bars, shortened shocks, raised white-lettered tires on front and rear alloy mag wheels and a standout two-into-one slash-cut exhaust, since emulated by numerous motorcycle manufacturers.

Paint Color Schemes

Originally offered in gray with orange-red graphics in 1977, the Low Rider is also available in black and silver in 1978 and 1979 editions.

Tags: 1978 1979, factory customs

Infinity Fx35 Package Options

The Infiniti FX was introduced in 2003 as a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV), sharing the same platform as the Nissan 350Z, and utilizing a "cool fusion" design style that combined SUV and sports car elements, according to the auto experts at Cars Directory. The 2011 Infiniti FX35 comes with standard features including a power moonroof and an 11-speaker Bose audio system, but there are also a number of package options available.

Premium Package

The Premium Package for the 2011 Infiniti FX35 SUV includes a hard-drive navigation system with eight-inch touch-screen display, lane guidance, voice recognition for audio, navigation and information systems, quilted leather-appointed seats, dual occupant memory system for driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel and aluminum roof rails. This package is priced at $4,800 for 2010.

Deluxe Touring Package

The Deluxe Touring Package, offered for $2,700 in 2010, includes a 20-by-8-inch, five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, a maple interior accent, aluminum pedals and a fitted Tonneau cover for the SUV's cargo area. The Deluxe Touring Package requires the purchase of a Premium Package.

Technology Package

The Technology Package for the 2011 Infiniti FX35 features Intelligent Cruise Control which automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicles in front of the SUV, lane departure and lane prevention warning, alerting drivers if the SUV is veering, front pre-crash seat belts, rain-sensing front windshield wipers and an adaptive front lighting system with auto-leveling headlights. The Technology Package is priced at $2,900 for 2010, but requires the purchase of the Deluxe Touring Package.

Appearance Value Package

The 2011 Infiniti FX35 offers an Appearance Value Package, priced at $2,980 in 2010, which includes 18-inch silver painted aluminum alloy wheels and an eight-piece aerodynamic kit with front chin spoiler, side sills, door under moldings and rear under protector. This package is not available with the Technology Package.

Tags: 2011 Infiniti, 2011 Infiniti FX35, Deluxe Touring, Deluxe Touring Package, Infiniti FX35

Secure A Motorcycle In A Truck Bed

Secure a Motorcycle in a Truck Bed

Motorcycles of all shapes and styles can be safely hauled in truck beds, provided a few precautions are taken when loading. The key to properly securing a motorcycle in a truck bed is to make sure there are numerous points of contact with the bike and truck itself and that there is absolutely no slack left in the securing straps. Any motorcycle enthusiast can securely mount a bike in the back of a truck bed with a bit of practice.

Instructions

1. Mount the motorcycle ramp on the tailgate of the truck and have a friend help push the bike up into the truck bed. You can also back the truck up to a small hillside and ride down into the bed. Pull all the way forward in the truck bed until your front tire is touching the front of the truckbed and is centered width-wise across the back.

2. Turn the bike off if and be sure it is in gear. Put the parking brake on, if it is equipped with one, and put the kickstand down. Place the wooden blocks under the kickstand until the bike is sitting vertical in the back of the truck.

3. Attach one end of a ratchet strap to the mounting hole on the driver's side of the pickup bed and then wrap it twice through the center of the handlebars. Attach the other end of the strap to the passenger-side mounting hole.

4. Depress the front shocks and then ratchet the strap tight. Attach a strap to the driver-side rear mounting hole in the bed and then run it across the back of the motorcycle's seat and attach it to the opposite corner. Tighten the ratchet strap. Close the tailgate and place the ramp in the back of the bed.

Tags: back truck, mounting hole, ratchet strap, across back, Motorcycle Truck, Secure Motorcycle, Secure Motorcycle Truck

Mount Soft Saddle Bags On A Harleydavidson Road King

Some motorcycles come with saddlebags, which provide space for storage on the bike. The Harley-Davidson Road King does not include saddle bags, but installing them yourself is an option. Throw-over saddlebags are an easy installation compartment that allows the quick addition of carrying space to your Harley-Davidson. It is also one of the cheapest aftermarket methods of adding storage to your motorcycle.

Instructions

1. Remove the screws securing the seat to the bike frame. This is required for most bikes but not all models. If the model of bike requires the seat to be removed, you can locate the screws in the rear of the seat. Not all models of bikes are the same; if you have difficulty locating your screws or removing your seat, consult your owner's manual for assistance.

2. Measure and align your yoke, which is the portion of the bags that will sit beneath the seat. Untie this section before installing it onto your bike. Marking the yoke may help to keep your measurements proper for the actual installation.

3. Position the saddlebag across the rear fender and secure it to the frame rail. Make sure that the bags will be kept well away from the wheels, turn signals and exhaust pipes of the bike as this will affect your ability to drive. Adjust your saddlebag's straps so that the bags hang further apart then your fenders width.

4. Replace your bike seat. Be sure to secure the seat tightly to the frame. The seat will be what holds your saddlebags properly in place and keeps them from moving. Fasten your screws tightly but do not overturn your screws as this may make it difficult to remove the seat and saddlebags with a manual screwdriver should you need to do so in the future.

Tags: your screws, Road King, that bags, your bike

Vintage Exhaust Tips

Vintage cars present a number of challenges where exhaust is concerned.

Old cars are wonderfully emotive things, but are generally far from perfect where engineering is concerned. Although you could say the same about most any car of any vintage, the fact is that the restrictive exhaust systems and obsolete muffler designs of yore haven't improved any with age. Modern technology and engineering solutions give you the option of maintaining your car's old-school flavor with a boost in power, fuel efficiency and sound control.

Replace the Pipes

Unless you own a musclecar era performance machine, odds are your factory exhaust system is a bit to restrictive. Even if you opt to stay with your factory exhaust size for restoration purposes, you should have an entirely new exhaust system built using mandrel-bent pipe. Mandrel bending produces a smooth exhaust system without the kinks and bend-wrinkles that mar older designs. Mandrel bent pipes will enhance flow without changing the exhaust note.

Use Thick Pipes

Older engines as a whole aren't known for their smooth and mellifluous exhaust note, and anything but a large V8 is almost certain to produce a racket of high-frequency sound waves. Many modern exhaust shops like to use thinner-wall tubing to save weight and money; this tubing is fine if your engine produces a smooth exhaust note, but may result in irritating exhaust drone when used on vintage cars. If you take your antique ride to an exhaust shop, make sure to specify that you want the thickest-wall tubing they have.

Use a Resonator

A resonator is a small muffler that sits in your exhaust system somewhere between the engine and rear axle, and serves to catch high frequency sound waves before they can make it to the main muffler. you don't need to buy a purpose-built resonator, either; a "cherry bomb" style straight through glass-pack installed within two to three feet of your header collector or exhaust manifold will serve the purpose. Just make sure to get one about 3/4 of an inch larger in diameter than your pipes and use adapters to install it. Otherwise, you risk impeding flow with a too-small resonator.

Use Chambered Mufflers

It's a fact: all old cars sound cooler with all-metal chambered mufflers than fiberglass-packed units. From V16 Cadillacs to inline-3 Volvos, a chambered muffler will give your exhaust a raw, primal note which will leave no doubt that you're running vintage iron. The only problem with chambered mufflers is that they tend to drone or sound a little ragged when used with anything smaller than a modest-sized V8. Consider a resonator of some sort mandatory if you're running a small V8 or any six or four cylinder.

Tags: exhaust system, exhaust note, chambered mufflers, factory exhaust, make sure, produces smooth

Make A Lexan Windshield

You can make a Lexan windshield for your motorcycle.

Lexan is a polycarbonate which makes it a tough durable plastic that is safer than glass. Because of this, it makes a wonderful windshield for boats, motorcycles or cars. Lexan resists chipping, but because it is soft, care must be taken so it doesn't become scratched. Lexan is simple to cut so you can make or cut down an existing Lexan windshield to the size you want. No need to hire someone else to do this job when you can make a Lexan windshield on your own.

Instructions

1. Cover both sides of the new Lexan piece with blue masking tape. This helps ensure that the surface will not become scratched as you cut and work with it.

2. Remove the old windshield, trying to keep it intact. You can use this for a pattern.

3. Trace and cut out a pattern. Tape and lay poster board or thin sheets of cardboard over the old windshield. Draw around the outside of the old windshield with a marker onto the poster board. If you need to drill holes in the Lexan, draw these onto the template as well.

4. Lay the template on one side of the Lexan and trace around it with a marker.

5. Cut the Lexan windshield with a jigsaw or saber saw. For the right sized blade to use, ask the sales clerk where you purchased the Lexan.

6. Cut the Lexan slowly and evenly, following the line you previously drew. As you cut, have someone stabilize the windshield for you. This will keep the Lexan windshield from vibrating as you cut.

7. Drill any holes that you may need. Drill holes with a smaller drill bit than you need. Drill the holes again, but this time use a slightly bigger drill bit than the bolts you are using. Do not make the holes the same size as the bolts, because you risk cracking the windshield when installing.

8. Remove the tape from around the outside of the windshield. Leave the rest of the tape on to protect it from scratches.

9. Stand the windshield upright and sand the outside edge with a sanding block equipped with 120-grit sandpaper.

10. Sand the outside perimeter again with 220-grit sandpaper.

11. Remove the blue masking tape. You can now install the new windshield.

Tags: Lexan windshield, Drill holes, around outside, around outside windshield, become scratched, blue masking

Specifications For Crane Cams

Crane Cams manufactures cam shafts in Daytona, Florida.

Crane Cams, based in Daytona, Florida, produces custom aftermarket replacement cam shafts for stock parts installed on foreign and domestic cars and motorcycles. Crane Cams specializes in several types of cam shafts, which are available in both stock engine replacement, and custom aftermarket options.

Types of Camshafts

The complete lineup of auto manufacturers for which Crane manufactures replacement camshafts includes American Motors, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Crosley, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Edsel, GMS Honda, Acura, MG, Mitsubishi, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Rover, Studebaker, and Toyota. Crane camshafts are manufactured from carburized 8620 alloy steel billet cores. Crane Cams also manufactures custom roller cams, made from 9310 alloy billet, and flat tappet camshafts, made from flat iron.

Hyrdaulic Flat Tappets

Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshafts are commonly installed in high-performance muscle cars built before the end of the 1980s. Hydraulic Flat Tappets provide 7,000 revolutions per minute and might require a custom grind to increase the engine torque.

Hydraulic Roller

Hydraulic Roller camshafts are ideal aftermarket replacements for engines manufactured with push-rod-style engines. Hydraulic roller camshafts have a flat power curve and are a suitable replacement option for retrofitting older engines.

Mechanical Flat Tappet

Mechanical Flat Tappets possess a maximum power band of 8,500 engine revolutions per minute. Mechanical Flat Tappets are an ideal stock engine replacement option for muscle cars.

Mechanical Roller

Mechanical Roller camshafts are optimized for performance levels that exceed 10,000 engine revolutions per minute. Mechanical Rollers are typically used in competitive racing environments.

SOHC and DOHC

SOHC and DOHC camshafts are an alternative design, typically seen in Ford automobiles. The SOHC and DOHC camshafts are an overhead cam design and do not have lifters such as other traditional camshafts have.

Customizations

Crane Camshafts provides many advanced customizations to the standard manufacturer's camshaft lines. Customizations typically include replicating vintage cam shaft designs, improving cam shaft drive and efficiency, and re-engineering cams for a more prominent sound. Crane Camshafts also employ custom regrinds to restore camshafts to original OEM specifications.

Tags: Crane Cams, Flat Tappets, Mechanical Flat, revolutions minute, SOHC DOHC, camshafts have, Crane Camshafts

Back Up Os X 10 4 11 To An External Firewire Hd

Back Up OS X 10.4.11 to an External FireWire HD

Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 and later versions include the ability to create a fully bootable working copy of the currently installed operating system to an external FireWire hard drive. This process creates an exact duplicate in every manner and is current as of the time when the copy is created. This is different than the Time Machine backup introduced with Leopard. You can perform this process by using the software built into the Mac OS X 10.4.11.

Instructions

1. Connect the external FireWire hard drive to the Mac.

2. Open the Disk Utility software located under the Utilities subfolder of the Applications folder.

3. Click the Mac's internal hard drive.

4. Click the "Restore" tab.

5. Drag the partition containing the currently installed Mac OS X 10.4.11 to the "Source" box.

6. Drag the partition listed under the FireWire drive to the "Destination" box.

7. Click the "Restore" button to start the copying process. After it completes, an exact bootable duplicate of the currently installed Mac OS X 10.4.11 is created.

Tags: currently installed, hard drive, Back External, Click Restore, Drag partition, external FireWire, external FireWire hard

Install Leather Saddlebags

Installing leather saddlebags on your motorcycle is a great way to increase cargo capacity, while adding a stylish accessory. Before you install leather saddlebags, purchase and install steel support frames, made specifically for your make and model. These support frames will not only provide an anchor point for securing the bags, they will also keep the bags from interfering with the drive chain, belt or shaft and rear suspension.

Instructions

1. Follow the instructions written by the manufacturer for installing the specific brand of support frames on your motorcycle. Most manufacturers will utilize bolts or holes already in place on the motorcycle to mount the frames.

2. Remove the motorcycle seat. Lay the saddlebags into position over the rear wheel. Make sure the bags hang evenly from side to side.

3. Secure the saddlebags to the frames. Most saddlebag manufacturers will attach D-rings to the side of the saddlebag that faces the rear wheel. Tie the bags to the frames using nylon straps.

4. Reinstall the motorcycle seat.

Tags: support frames, leather saddlebags, manufacturers will, motorcycle seat, rear wheel

Capture Photos From A Sony Hd Video Camcorder

Capture Photos From a Sony HD Video Camcorder

Many HD camcorders record video footage to digital media tapes, but users sometimes wish to capture a still frame of that video after transferring it to their computer. First you will capture your Sony HD digital video to your computer, then capture a still image of that video using video editing software.

Instructions

Capture Sony HD video to your computer

1. Connect your Sony HD camcorder to your computer's USB or FireWire port using one of the cables described above. Then, push the power button on your camcorder to turn it on.

2. On a PC, open Movie Maker and click the "Record" button. On a Mac, open iMovie and click "Capture mode" on the menu.

3. Set your capture settings. In Movie Maker, choose whether you want to capture audio, video or both, and select the quality of your transfer. In iMovie, select the desired start point.

4. Begin capturing. In Movie Maker, click "Record." In iMovie, click "Import."

5. When your video has finished capturing or you have captured as much video as you need, click "Record" again in Movie Maker or "Import" in iMovie to stop the capture process. Save your newly captured HD video to the desired location on your computer.

Capture a frame or 'photo' from your video

6. Open your video in video editing software such as Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere.

7. Select the image you wish to save. In Final Cut Pro, go to the "Modify" menu, then click "Make Freeze Frame." In Adobe Premiere, go to "Export" then select a ".jpg" or ".giff" format. In iMovie, right-click the frame and select "Add Still Frame to Project." In Windows Movie Maker, select "Take Picture" from the main menu.

8. Save your image to your computer or insert it into your video.

Tags: Movie Maker, your computer, your video, click Record, Adobe Premiere, Capture Photos, Capture Photos From

Tie Down Harley Motorcycles

Tie Down Harley Motorcycles

Although Harley-Davidson motorcycles are well-known on long stretches of highway, they occasionally hitch a ride to various locations. Properly securing a Harley-Davidson for transportation is an important step in protecting the bike from accidental tip-overs. Luckily, the process only takes a few minutes. Getting the bike onto a trailer or the back of a truck can be made easier with the use of proper ramps and the help of a friend.

Instructions

1. Select a well-made, motorcycle-specific ramp and center it on the middle of the trailer or truck bed. Load the motorcycle and stop when the front tire touches the edge of the bed . If you are using a narrow ramp, enlist the aid of a friend to help you push the vehicle up the ramp. Lower the motorcycle onto its kickstand.

2. Select two points on the forward portion of the bed for use as anchor points. These points must be durable enough to support the weight of the motorcycle. Attach the ratchet-side ends of the tie-downs to the selected anchor points. Run the loose end of the tie-down straps the motorcycle's handlebars, sliding the tie-down hook over the portion of the bar closest to the front fork. Add a small amount of tension to the strap with the tie-down's ratchet. Repeat on the other side of the motorcycle.

3. Lift the motorcycle upright and pull the left side tie-down strap until it is tight and repeat on the right side. Both straps should be tightened evenly. Shake the motorcycle slightly to test the tension on the straps. The motorcycle should be secured firmly by the straps and should not move or wiggle. If the motorcycle moves at all or begins to lean to one side, tighten the straps again.

4. Remove the key from the ignition switch and raise the tailgate. Secure the loose tie-down straps by tying the excess lightly around itself.

Tags: anchor points, Down Harley, Down Harley Motorcycles, Harley Motorcycles, loose tie-down, loose tie-down straps, straps motorcycle