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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (March 29, 2017)
THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM ❘ / SIUSLAWNEWS ❘ @ SIUSLAWNEWS WEDNESDAY EDITION ❘ MARCH 29, 2017 ❘ CRUISIN’ Siuslaw News CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK A Special Supplement to SECTION C SIUSLAW NEWS FILE PHOTOS Those interested in classic automobiles find ample year-round opportunities to participate in the hobby on the Oregon coast. Exploring the classic/ historical car hobby ors were increasingly pulling their money out of stocks and converting assets into tangible items, such as classic cars. As late as 2013, collector cars were outperforming other tangible investments like art, wine, stamps and coins by large margins. Those ready to dip their toes in the classic car waters should understand a few key fac- tors that can affect how much they enjoy this potentially rewarding hobby. • Environmental regulations. Some col- lectors face challenges when attempting to Auto hobbyists devote substantial time restore classic vehicles because the cars do and effort to purchasing, restoring and dis- not meet today’s stringent clean air initia- playing classic cars. While the hobby of tives that govern automobiles. With the restoring classic cars is not necessarily for increasing number of new, clean cars on the everyone, its popularity suggests it’s an road, vehicles that fail to meet modern activity that’s here to stay. Florence itself hosts multiple car clubs, such as the British emissions standards may pose a costly prob- Car Club and the Military Vehicle Club, as lem to classic car collectors. • Introduction of alternative fuels. As well as several car cruises and show and governments increasingly emphasize the shines. According to an article in The Economist, importance of clean fuel options, classic car in the wake of the recent recession, invest- owners may find it challenging to find more ar enthusiasts appeared as soon as the automobile was intro- duced to the general pub- lic in the 18th and 19th centuries. Through the years, certain vehicles have proven more desirable to customers than others based on their looks and other attributes. C Essential items for roadside emergency kits traditional fuels or face the added expense of adapting their vehicles to run on alterna- tive fuels. • Lack of mechanical expertise. Workers in the automotive trade are trained to man- ufacture and repair new vehicles. As a result, classic car owners without much mechanical ability of their own may find it difficult to find mechanics with the skills necessary to repair and restore classic cars. • Historic requirements should be heeded. Each state has its own requirements govern- ing classic cars. To qualify for historic vehi- cle registration, vehicles may need to be 25 years or older, owned solely as a collector’s item and used exclusively for exhibition and educational purposes. When driven for per- sonal use, such vehicles may not be allowed to exceed 1,000 miles per year. Classic cars continue to attract hobbyists from all over the globe. Restoring classic cars can be a rewarding pastime, but one that involves dedication and an investment of both time and money. — Metro Motorists never know when problems with their vehicles may force them to pull off the road and onto the shoulder. Whether it’s a flat tire, a sputtering engine or an empty gas tank, such circumstances are never welcome. But such situations need not be so unbearable. Drivers who keep roadside emergency kits in their vehicles may find themselves getting back on the road more quickly the next time an unforeseen problem forces them to pull off the highway. The following are some must-have items drivers should include in their roadside emergency kits. • • • • • • • • Roadside flares First-aid kit Jumper cables Warm blankets Flashlight Screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips) Tire-pressure gauge Spare tire and jack • De-icing agent • Nonperishable snacks and water • Extra fluids (i.e., motor oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer) • Pliers • Cell phone charger • Important phone numbers (i.e., mechanic, auto insurance company)