Auto Car Accessories

Reenacting History – An Activity Filled With Knowledge and Passion!

One of the most enjoyable things about living history museums is watching historical reenactments performed by troops of actors that bring the past into the present.

As fun and impressive as these living history events are to watch, they are even more so for the people involved in them.

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One of the most enjoyable things about living history museums is watching historical reenactments performed by troops of actors that bring the past into the present.

As fun and impressive as these living history events are to watch, they are even more so for the people involved in them.

These living history reenactments are performances unlike any other, events that allow participants to go far beyond a simple love of history to the point of being able to actually live it, too.

When Did Military Reenactments First Appear?

The first modern military reenactments in the U.S. happened starting in preparation to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the American Civil War.

For four years from 1961 to 1965, the first historical reenactments played out scenes from an era gone by, all of them based on years of research about the Civil War and what it was like for all involved.

They dressed, lived, and ate like the people of the time, creating as real of an experiences as possible, their way of acknowledging this country’s history in what was a new and exciting way at the time.

When Did Interest in Historical Reenactments Increase?

Although the idea of reenactments would slowly catch on afterward, it was not until the 1980s and 1990s that the hobby really took off, this time as the 125th anniversary of the Civil War came around.

The Civil War is possibly the most well-researched and frequently reenacted period of the American past for all of its period history and the depth to which people enjoy studying it.

It was also a period of time that spawned a whole new way of learning about America’s roots and sharing that experience with more people in a very enjoyable way.

How Many Are Interested Now In Living History Reenactments?

Today, there are reenactment groups performing privately and at military history museums, that study and act out battles and encampment scenes from all wars, and not just the American Civil War.

An estimated 30,000 people in countless reenactment groups are doing living history reenactments all over the country exist.

Although this number has been shrinking from a high of 50,000 in the early 2000s, many involved in the hobby say the number is growing once again.

The passion for history and appreciating our roots is growing again as America works through its current struggles.

It is especially growing among women, as evidence of female soldiers fighting in the American Civil War becomes more abundant.

The Passion for Military History Reenactments Keeps Growing

Historical reenactments make learning about the past and the good and bad associated with it more interesting.

They give the actor participants in these reenactments held at military history museums and elsewhere the ability to express their passion in an enjoyable way, one that attracts the attention of many others, too.

In doing so, a few more passionate history buffs get pulled into the scene each time, helping to keep the passionate flame of living history events like these alive!

What Is A Military Half-Track?

A lesser-known military vehicle used in the two World Wars was the half-track, a combination wheeled and tracked vehicle that was the predecessor to the first tanks.

Half-tracks were mainly used as troops and equipment carriers and as such, they were not designed with combat-capable armor.

Eventually as the […]

A lesser-known military vehicle used in the two World Wars was the half-track, a combination wheeled and tracked vehicle that was the predecessor to the first tanks.

Half-tracks were mainly used as troops and equipment carriers and as such, they were not designed with combat-capable armor.

Eventually as the need for stronger and more powerful tracked military tanks and vehicles grew, the design was modified and the first military tanks were born.

Still, these half-wheeled and half-tracked vehicles were used well into World War II and beyond.

The Beginnings of Half Track Vehicles

Half-track vehicles, which originated as agricultural vehicles, began as tractors that had two wheels in the front and a set of tracks in the back.

This unique design of the early 1900s made working in the fields easier, especially since steering with the front wheels was still possible.

Adaption as Military Vehicles

As useful and nimble as these early half-tracks were considering the technology of the day, they were quickly adapted as a military vehicle at the start of World War I as personnel carriers.

These new tracked military vehicles used by American and German forces could be steered quickly and easily over muddy battlefields to transport as many as 12 soldiers and their weapons at one time.

They were also used to pull artillery guns, as radio and command cars, or as field ambulances that drove around to pick up injured soldiers.

They were made in numerous sizes and designs ranging from 1-ton to 18-ton vehicles, with the most nimble models reaching a top speed of approximately 31 MPH.

Design Evolution of World War II Half-Tracks

Although they were open-topped military vehicles, World War II half-tracks were lightly armored to provide a degree of protection to their occupants.

Over time, the design of the military half-track evolved to include machine guns, howitzers, anti-aircraft guns, and even flame throwers, and many other features.

When the need for stronger armor and the ability to cross entire trenches grew during WWI, armored personnel carriers designed from the concept of the half-track were developed, followed soon after by the first actual fully-tracked tanks.

The Importance of Half-Tracks During WWI and WWII

World War I and World War II half-tracks, though not as well-known among the military tanks and vehicles of the day, were important military vehicles that were relied on throughout both wars.

They were used extensively by military forces throughout the world until the late 1960s, though most forces discontinued their use beyond that, replacing them instead with only all-wheeled and tracked vehicles.

The production of armored personnel carriers was also continued, as these were fully enclosed, fully-tracked vehicles that became more useful.

In Summary

Today, many military tanks and vehicles like World War II half-tracks can be found in military museums and private collections as the remaining supply of these vehicles was sold as military surplus in the 1960s and 1970s.

Some are still being used by civilians for tasks that involve travel over difficult terrain.

Half-tracks are still found in service as all-terrain fire department pumpers, while others equipped with hitches, winches, and small cranes are being used for various other jobs.

Rear Bumpers With Swing-Out Tire Carriers

The rear bumper essentially is an important place which add the protection when you are upgrading an armor on the Jeep. With the rear bumpers with swing-out tire carriers, when you are off-roading, the rear bumper often is slammed into the rocks when you slide off as the obstacles. The heavy duty bumper can help to prevent the damage to the vehicle and ensure you finally get a home. The rear bumper will also offer the additional features too.

There are some common features you will find in the rear bumper are the additional recovery points and integrated receiver hitches which may be used to tow or carry the accessories like bike racks or cargo baskets. The heavy duty bumper will even include the provisions of carrying the swing out of the tire carrier which is capable to support additional weight of the larger sized spare tire.

If you are running the swing-out tire carriers on the Wrangler, factory tire carrier which a tailgate won’t be up for a job. Even the 33" tires will stress out which factory carriers. Actually, this rear bumpers with swing-out tire carriers is a solution. Being built to known 40" tires. This will it takes all load off a tailgate and the put on a bumper using the swing-out tire carriers design.

Tire and Tailgate carrier normally swing out because of single unit, with which has one-hand operation.
The tire Carrier arm essentially is mounted through the bumper on swing-out tire carriers with the MIG steel welded bracket with the Heim joints which work to tailgate it.
3/16” laser steel of cut with the E-coat and wrinkle having the finish powder-coat.
There is included with Class 2.5 receiver hitch that accepts the popular measurement of the 2" hitch mounting accessories
There is no-drill application with the bolt-on convenience which is to many factory mounting points.
The fire extinguisher and Hi-Lift Jack with the mounting points.

Why Use Mobile Auto Glass Repair Over Visiting The Shop?

Dealing with a cracked windshield can be a real inconvenience when it involves taking time out of the day to go to the auto glass repair shop.

It is one of the reasons why so many people end up driving around with a cracked or chipped windshield in need […]

Dealing with a cracked windshield can be a real inconvenience when it involves taking time out of the day to go to the auto glass repair shop.

It is one of the reasons why so many people end up driving around with a cracked or chipped windshield in need of auto glass repair for much longer than they should.

Not only does this increase the chance that a small crack will turn into a major repair, but it can also be unsafe.

Look Into Mobile Auto Glass Repair

A better option for those who lead busy lives or cannot take time away from work or other duties is mobile auto glass repair, a service that makes auto glass chip and crack repair much easier than it has ever been.

Now there is no need to drive to an auto glass shop and wait for windshield repairs to be made.

With mobile auto glass crack repair, the auto glass shop goes where the vehicle is.

What Are The Benefits of Mobile Auto Glass Repair?

With only the need to schedule a time and a place, anyone in need of mobile auto glass repair can appreciate all the benefits of professional windshield repair when and where it is most convenient for them:

Time Savings - Mobile auto glass chip and crack repair can be easily performed almost anywhere. Mobile auto glass technicians can come to the home and do it in the driveway, go to the vehicle owner’s place of work and make repairs there, or go anywhere else they need to, making the repair without requiring anyone to sit and wait for the service to be completed.
Quick Service - Most mobile auto glass repair services can do same-day or next-day service, which means no driving around for days or weeks with a dangerous, cracked windshield.
Almost Any Weather - As long as there is a dry area for the technician to work, mobile auto glass chip repair can be performed just about anywhere.
Professional Repairs - Mobile auto glass crack repair uses the same approved processes and quality materials as when it is done inside the auto glass shop. Mobile windshield repair services literally bring the glass repair shop to the vehicle.
Experienced Technicians - Mobile auto glass repair services employ skilled, certified repair technicians and installers to ensure that every mobile repair is expertly done.

Overall, there is almost no difference between mobile auto glass crack repair and the repairs done at the auto glass shop location, other than the need for a dry location.

It is a safe, professional, and convenient service that can help every vehicle owner get their auto glass issues taken care of promptly without time away from work or family.

How do You Mount a Combat Rim on a Restored WWII Vehicle?

Nothing says you’ve paid attention to detail in your functional military vehicle restoration than outfitting it with real combat rims for military vehicles.

Combat rims, which were standard on all but the first 20,000 Jeeps produced for WWII, were designed to allow the vehicle to drive a few extra […]

Nothing says you’ve paid attention to detail in your functional military vehicle restoration than outfitting it with real combat rims for military vehicles.

Combat rims, which were standard on all but the first 20,000 Jeeps produced for WWII, were designed to allow the vehicle to drive a few extra miles on a flat tire and also make switching out the flat tire easier and faster.

How Are Combat Rims Mounted?

If you’ve ordered a set of combat rims for your restored military vehicle and wondering how to get the tire mounted, learn how in 5 easy steps!

Assemble in the Valve Stem In the Tire Flap - Slip the valve stem into the hole on the tire flap until it pushes into place. If the hole in the tire flap is too small, use a Dremel tool to shave the hole a bit wider until it does. Put on the valve stem protector and screw it down until there are just a few millimeters of space between it and the tire.
Insert The Tube - Slightly inflate the inner tube with a few pumps of the bike tire pump. Then dust it all over with some of the baby powder to make it slippery. Slide the lightly-inflated tube into the tire.
Put In the Tire Flap - Put in the tire flap and align it so the valve stem hole on the military vehicle is in position with the stem on the inner tube. Put the stem through the hole in the flap, then put on the stem protector and screw it down to lock it in place. Tuck the flap into the tire all the way around, push all the air out of the tire, then pump the tube up 8 or 10 times so everything molds around the flap.
Mount The Tire On The Rim - Remove the valve stem protector first and take apart the combat rim. Coat the bead of the tire on both sides with some dish soap mixed with water so it slides onto the rim during inflation. Put on one side of the rim and align it with the valve stem, then turn the wheel over and put on the second side, making sure the bolt holes on both sides of your restored military vehicle line up. Pull the valve through the hole in the rim and put the stem protector on again. Lastly, put on the bolts and tighten them in an equal cross pattern until each nut is at 75 foot-pounds.
Inflate the Tire - With the rim bolted together, sit the tire upright, let out the air in the tube, then pump it up again with 20-30 pumps from the bike pump. The tire should eventually slide into place on the rim. Once it has, and the bead is sealed, you can use a compressor to fill the tire to 30 PSI.

As a final tip, take care not to scratch the rim as you align, insert, and tighten the bolts. Once it is all inflated and the bead has locked against the rim, the tire is ready to be mounted on your now fully functional military vehicle!

How to Choose a New Grille For Your Truck

When you bought your pickup, chances are that the overall look of the truck was a fairly big factor in your final decision. While power, performance and price are all important considerations when shopping for a new vehicle, the feeling in our gut when we look at our pickups […]

Making a change

While you may love your truck's look as a whole, there are probably a few things about it that you want to change from an individual perspective. For some people, this may mean adding on items such as mud flaps or just hanging fuzzy dice from the mirror, but for others it gets a bit more serious. You might be part of the group who are looking to change a more major component in order to achieve an individualized look.

Starting at the front

A truck's grille is usually the centerpiece of the front end's design. A perfect example is the Dodge Ram, which uses a bulky, muscular grille to define the entire vehicle's styling. This visual focus means that by replacing your truck's grille with a billet grille, you yourself can make a bold statement to the rest of the world about your pickup's looks.

Billet grilles

What is a billet grille? The term refers to a grille which has been cut from a solid piece of steel or aluminum - not molded or cast. This means that the materials used in the grille are much stronger than non-billet materials. Wholesale billet grilles come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, but many of them employ strong, horizontal bars or slats which help to give the truck a rugged, unique look. Some billet grilles are so ornate that they even incorporate designs or shapes in between the bars of the grille itself, providing a further layer of customization.

Replacement or cover

The level of difficulty involved in installing a billet grille is related to the type of grille you decide to purchase. Some grilles are intended to cover or compliment the stock grille of a pickup truck, and as such they merely used brackets and clips to install over top of the existing grille. If you decide to go with this type of grille, make sure that it does not block any of the air moving through to the radiator behind it.

Five Fairy tales Of Automobile Bumpers

1. All vehicles worked in the US have 5 MPH bumpers.

In 1982, the national government bowed to weight from automakers, restoring the accident test prerequisites for 1983 and later model autos from 5 to 2.5 mph. The 2.5-km/h standard additionally takes into account boundless harm to bumpers and connections - and a large portion of the present thin cradles cost fundamentally more than the old 5-mph supports to fix.

2. Today, 2MPH guard guidelines apply to all vehicles made in the USA.

Government guard prerequisites apply just to traveler vehicles.

3. bumpers don't need to be progressively viable.

Customers need more grounded bumpers, and they need them on a wide range of vehicles. In a 1998 overview from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 77% of respondents said the administration should request that bumpers withstand 5 miles for each hour of effect without harm. Eighty-eight per cent said the guard guidelines ought to apply to all vehicle types, not simply autos.

4. New bumpers are superior to old ones.

bumpers used to be more grounded are as thin as previously and somewhat more awful," says Adrian Lund of IIHS. "The most elevated measure of harm was in the tail-in-post test, the whole guard was pushed down, and the back end was packed, and the left and right guard end crashed into the back bumpers.

5. All bumpers are the equivalent.

The bumpers contrast enormously as far as parts and execution. Truth be told, a few vehicles don't have bumpers. As indicated by Adrian Lund of the IIHS; When a Toyota RAV4 was hit at 10 km/h against another Toyota RAV4, "he didn't initiate the back guard since this SUV did not have a back guard, rather, the striking RAV4 hit the extra tire on the rear end." Lund says, "This extra tire was the" guard. "It didn't ingest vitality, it didn't avoid harm, indeed, it made the most harm the two vehicles.

Get Protection From Front Bumper

Some vehicle driving tips are intended to enable you to spare gas. Others are depended upon to engage you to save yourself some weight. This one does both.

If you every now and again end up making surprising stops or swerving to keep up a first detachment from things, […]

Some vehicle driving tips are intended to enable you to spare gas. Others are depended upon to engage you to save yourself some weight. This one does both.

If you every now and again end up making surprising stops or swerving to keep up a first detachment from things, you should need to consider correctly how out of sight of your bumper you drive. The more remote, the better as it engages you to foresee hazardous conditions, changes in flood hour gridlock stream, and different things that are better recognized well early.

From the viewpoint of sparing gas, it's ideal for recognizing when to change your speed or coast into a condition so you can use extend fuel that overall would be squandered by getting you rapidly to the point where you have to apply the brakes in any case. Drifting is an excellent technique to spare centrality and additional mileage on the brakes and tires.

Considerably, more importantly, being able to envision trouble can enable you to get a decent arrangement on vehicle naughtiness and individual mischief. It could in like way engage you to spare your life and the lives of those riding with you. Here is a touch of the things that are essential to screen well before your front bumper:

Street conditions like ice and flooding
Traffic entering the roadway
Creatures and people by strolling in or going to enter traffic
Cross traffic
Changes in flood hour gridlock speed and course of improvement

Looking at The Jeep Gladiator Aftermarket Parts and Accessories

Jeep Gladiator after market parts are designed for the new Jeep truck that is part pickup truck, part Wrangler with a package capable of towing 7,650 lbs. and carrying 1,600 lbs. in the five-foot bed.

Yet this strange-looking Jeep is still doing the Jeep things such as climbing mountains […]

Yet this strange-looking Jeep is still doing the Jeep things such as climbing mountains and fording 30-inch rivers.

With the debut of the Jeep Gladiator, there are essential design elements for the Wrangler that have been combined with the nostalgic appearance of former Jeep pickups that were offered years ago.

Using the body taken from Wrangler Unlimited four-door models, Gladiator adds a 5-foot pickup truck bed and includes amenities that are aimed towards Jeep buyers who might need the features of a true pick-up truck.

Design Changes or Additions

Main changes for the Jeep Gladiator over the standard Wrangler in addition to the cargo bed are:

Wide grille slots which has best air intake that facilitates towing.
There is also slight sweep to upper portion of the grille that improves the airflow over a truck bed which is behind.
A full-sized tire spare, typically mounted on a rear tailgate of Wrangler can be mounted underneath cargo bed of a Gladiator that improves access to a bed.
Bed of Jeep Gladiator has three-position, locking tailgate with the damped opening that softens its drops. Three-position normally stops for a tailgate to make loading of different cargo types very easy including boats, kayaks, and other longer objects.
Lighting which is mounted under rails illuminates a bed while protected from road damage.

Added Options

The options can include the Trail Rail Cargos Management System of Jeeps for storage options and cargo stowage.

This also covers the external 115-volt of three-prong power outlets.
The liner of spray-in bed, the tonneau cover, and bed divider are available for a Gladiator.
The bed rock rails are similar to the Rubicon model.

With Jeep Gladiator Aftermarket Parts, you will see they are available in the four trim points that include the hardcore Rubicon off-road option.

Happy Jeep Gladiator off-road trail riding!

How Exciting are Ford Super Duty Matrix Front Bumpers!

If you own a Ford Super Duty truck, you may be looking for a way to make yours even more unique than it already is because you want your Ford vehicle to look powerful on the road while also looking original and sleek.

All this can be accomplished through a […]

All this can be accomplished through a unique bumper system that has the ability to give your Ford many looks, giving it the demanding presence on the road a Ford deserves.

The Ford Super Duty Matrix Front Bumpers literally provides you so many benefits, including extreme protection, easy installation, extra features, and of course it is ready to have a winch installed. This bumper system gives you both style and durability with one great product - great and affordable.

Available Options

The Ford Super Duty Matrix front bumper system comes with many options for you to choose from including an Integrated Winch Mount that can be used with virtually any aftermarket winch and two light mounting options.

The options with the Matrix front bumper include a 2x2 block-style light and a 30" centered light bar.

Another thing you may want to take into consideration when installing this incredible bumper system is how easy it is to install, which is important to most off-roading fans who want to install their latest mod and get right back out to the trails.

Although the Matrix bumper comes in a black 2-coat power coating, it can be purchased base and painted to match your specific Ford Super Duty truck like it came from the factory.

When you want complete and durable front end protection, the Matrix front bumper system for Ford Super Duty trucks is just what you need!