#Used Ford Transit Engine | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

kaleidescopebite · 2 months ago

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Chapter Two - Chapter Three - Chapter Four - Chapter Five - Chapter Six - Chapter Seven - Chapter Eight - Chapter Nine - Chapter Ten - Chapter Eleven - Epilogue

Prologue

Obviously, Shuang knew that her coming out wasn't going to go over well, but being completely shunned by every person she'd ever known to the point that she had to leave the country, wasn't exactly what she expected to happen.

Every single cent she'd had to her name was spent on a plane ticket and somewhere to live in America, the only place she felt she could be herself; she'd done some research, through watery eyes, prior to buying a ticket on the best areas to live in the country as a transgender person, and Washington State was what had come up— not the cheapest place to live, but the cheapest to fly to, so that was what she chose.

Since she hadn't yet secured a job (and was on a temporary visa), she came to the unfortunate conclusion that living in her car (which she got from some guy on Facebook) would be her best, and frankly only, option for the foreseeable future; it wasn't helped by the fact that her English was passable at best, and without any American friends to help her assimilate, the prospects of a living situation were slim. But, at the end of the day, she had somewhere to rest her head at night, so it wasn't like it was all bad.

Another positive, too, was that she was able to begin her transition fairly easily, thanks to a place called Planned Parenthood. She'd found out about the clinic online, and had gone to see about starting estrogen; not only had they done that, they'd also helped her get a social worker that spoke Mandarin to assist in getting her her citizenship, medical insurance, and basic necessities like access to a shower at the local homeless shelter.

Thanks to that, she, for the first time since she'd come out, felt like maybe she was going to be okay.

Chapter One: D-Day

If Shuang didn't get to this interview, she was screwed.

Five years, it had taken her five years to finally get off the waitlist for this halfway house. They'd called her to schedule an interview to potentially get a room the week prior, but of course, her car decided that today was the day that it was going to break down on the way there and strand her on the side of the freeway, miles from the next off-ramp to anything helpful. Why, why today, of all days?

“Come on, Lǐ, don't do this to me!” She whined as she fruitlessly cranked the ignition for the fourth time— to no avail. Lǐzǐ spluttered, his lights flashed, but nothing.

And then the engine started to spout smoke.

Gasping, she scrambled for the hood release and popped it, punching her hazards on as she climbed out of the car; more metallic-smelling smoke was billowing out, completely shrouding the hood to the point that, when she made it around to the front, she couldn't see a thing. This was bad, this was really, really bad!

Her hands found her hair, tears welled in her eyes, and as she stood there and watched her one and only possession sizzle and die before her, one thought crashed into the front of her skull: I'm never making it out of here.

Wheels over pavement and motion out of the corner of her vision tugged her attention away from her car to whatever had pulled up behind her on the shoulder; it was a sort of beat-up black truck, a Ford. The hazards came on as it slowed to a stop, the door swung open, and—

Oh.

Shuang’s stomach leapt into her throat at the sight of who got out of the driver's side: a tall, broad-shouldered, wide-chested man with scars and freckles marking the surface of his rugged face. He was dressed in a plain grey Tee and well-worn jeans that had a chain hanging off the belt; there were bracelets and a necklace, but she didn't get to examine him any further, as he started talking as he drew closer. “Looks like you could use some help,” He said, offering a small, crooked smile.

Shuang lowered her hands to her sides, chewed her lip— his voice was just as intimidating as his appearance. Though… he didn't seem to want to cause her any harm, but that didn't mean anything in the moment. She'd been duped by men too many times to fall for that as easily anymore. “I am,” She answered, motioning vaguely to the still-smoking engine. “It just… gave up on me, and then started doing that.”

“I can take a look at it, if you'd like,” The guy told her. “Though, if it's spewin’ smoke that colour, could only be two things.”

With a nod, Shuang stepped aside and allowed the guy to come closer, which he did, striding around to the front of her car to unlatch and lift the hood; he waved the smoke away with a big hand, took one glance at the engine, and sucked air in through his teeth. “Damn,”

Uh oh. “What?” She asked, peering over the side.

“Cracked engine block,” He informed, flitting his eyes up to her. “Pretty bad, too.”

Shuang checked her phone— she was running out of time… “Well, can you fix it? I really, really need to be somewhere important, very soon,” She shifted her weight, worry sitting heavily in her gut.

“Nah, there's no way I could fix this, ‘specially not here. It needs to be welded, and I ain't certified fer that yet,” He dropped the hood and it slammed shut, his bushy brows quirking upwards. “Not t’ mention, it'd cost ya more’n the price of yer whole car. Better off buyin’ a new one at that point.”

Those words punched Shuang in the stomach and she groaned, burying her face in her hands with a shake. This couldn't be happening, not now, not when she finally was about to get her life together! Burning built up in the back of her throat and pressure formed behind her ribcage, travelling up to strangle her as she felt herself start to cry. And in front of a stranger, too… “為什麼是我..? (Why me..?)” She whimpered.

“But uh…”

A small sniffle, Shuang lifting her head; the guy had his hands in his pockets, his eyes cast down at the ground. “If you want, since you said you had t’ be somewhere, I could take you,” He gave a half shrug and looked up at her. “Could tow your car, too.”

“Really?” She quipped, only a little hesitant; if this were any other situation, she probably wouldn't be as trusting, but… she was more than just desperate— she was out of options. This was literally life or death.

The man nodded. “Ain't no thing. Won't take long, neither,” He smiled out of the corner of his mouth. “since you seem like yer in a hurry.”

Shuang bit down on her lip, then nodded, fiddling with the ring on her finger. “Please. I'd appreciate it.”

Wiping his hands on his jeans, he started back towards his truck. “Just lemme get my brother.”

Brother?

Sure enough, as they walked towards the truck, Shuang spotted a young male, a teenager, sitting in the passenger seat; he wasn't paying attention, instead looking down at something in his lap— a phone, maybe. As they drew nearer, though, he looked up and met Shuang’s gaze for all of a split second before he darted it to his brother’s, keeping it there as the other opened the driver’s side door. “Kel, help me get her car hitched up. She needs a ride.”

The brother— Kel, apparently— didn't reply verbally, instead turning to climb out of the cab and onto the pavement; he paused in front of Shuang for a brief moment and dragged his striking, blue-gold eyes up and down her frame in a way that she could only classify as analyzing, a bit of discomfort tingling in the base of her spine at it— could he clock her? She thought she passed pretty well today…

No sooner had she had that thought that Kel moved on to do what he'd been told, falling in line behind his brother as they headed towards her car. She wasn't really sure what to do, so she sort of just stood there as she watched them do their thing: the taller brunet pulled his truck around and in front of her car whilst Kel sat in Lǐzǐ’s driver's seat, doing something she didn't know. After that, they both got out and lifted the front of the car so they could attach it to the hitch, which was done in a matter of minutes.

She checked her phone again— fuck, she was running behind. Urgency bit at her insides and she bounced on the balls of her feet, tucking her phone away just as the brunet called out, “We're all set, c’mon!”

“Finally,” She hissed under her breath.

Quick as she could, she rushed over to the truck and tugged open the rear door to find Kel already in there, once again on his phone. “You can sit up here,” The older male told her, peering back at her from the driver’s seat. “Ladies first.”

A bit of warmth rose up in her cheeks at that and she looked away, shutting the cab door in favour of the passenger; she hopped up with help from the grab bar and buckled in, just as the guy shifted into drive. “I never got yer name,” He said.

“Oh,” She replied, “It's Shuang.”

“Pretty. I'm Evan,” He shot her a quick glance, that gentle simper still toying about his lips. “In the back is Kellen.”

The compliment both warmed her cheeks and tightened that small bundle of unease in her stomach, but she tried to ignore it. “It's nice to meet you both. Uhm, and thank you again for helping me.”

“‘Course, babydoll,” Evan assured.

And again with the flustering coil of distress. Well, at least she seemed to pass with this guy… “So where you headed?” Evan's voice cut in. “You'll have t’ guide me.”

Oh, right; she pulled out her phone and navigated over to Maps, bringing up the directions as she spoke. “It's the Housing Authority building in Everett, if you know where that is. It's not far.”

“Nah, never been. Just lemme know where t’ turn.”

And with that, they were off, only the sound of the stereo breaking the silence.

Although they had to drive slower than she would've liked due to the fact that they were towing another vehicle, they eventually pulled into the parking lot of the Housing Authority, with one minute to spare.

Shuang rushed out a “thank you” as she clambered out of the cab, running to her car around back and the passenger side door to snatch her purse off the seat. As she passed by the hood of the truck, Evan called through the window, “Hey, you got a ride home?”

Shuang paused, shifting her weight. “No, uhm, probably not. Why?”

Evan held something out to her, and she moved a couple steps closer to take it— a piece of paper? “There's my number. When yer done, gimme a call, or text me, whatever. I'll come take you where you gotta go.”

She blinked. “...Really?”

“Well, ain't like you got a car,” Evan stated, “And I ain't got nothin’ t’ do today. Just lemme know, aight?”

As much as Shuang wanted to stay and discuss just why exactly Evan wanted to help her, she was going to be late if she didn't leave, so instead she replied, “Yeah, okay.” And took off towards the building, running across the lot, up the steps, and through the double doors.

She really hoped she made it in time…

Well, she'd made it, but it wasn't like it mattered, anyway— all the stress, all the waiting, the months of preparation, and she didn't even get the room.

Shuang sat on the steps outside the building with her face buried in her hands, full-on sobbing into the sleeves of her shirt; her mind was utterly incapable of thinking of anything besides the one absolute she had hoped she had left behind on that freeway shoulder: I'm never making it out of here.

Car was fucked, leaving her with nowhere to stay, she had no job, no one to turn to, and now… no promise of a better life. She usually tried not to be negative, she really did, but the past, fuck, three years had just consistently been beating all the optimism out of her, to the point that, as she sniffled and dried her wet eyes with the back of her hand, she found herself contemplating if it was even worth continuing to try— really not a good sign.

But then she remembered…

Sniffling again, she wiped her nose with her sleeve and then dug into her beat-up purse for that slip of paper Evan had given her earlier, the one that had his number on it; once she found it, she pulled it out to stare at it, indecision clouding her expression.

On one hand, asking a complete stranger for help was a terrible idea, not to mention dangerous, especially considering her track record with men, but… On the other, this was, again, the only option she had left. It was Evan, or nothing.

A deep sigh, and then she called the number.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

“Evan.”

“Hey, uhm, it's Shuang,”

“Oh, hey. You need a ride?”

“Yeah, and uh, I had something else I wanted to ask you, too. It— It can wait though, until you get here.”

“Sure thing, babydoll. Text me the address, I'll be right over.”

“Okay. Uh, see you.”

“Yup.”

Call ended.

Roughly half an hour later (as far as she could tell, anyway, she hadn't exactly been paying close attention to the time), Shuang spotted Evan's truck pulling into the parking lot, her vehicle no longer in tow; he'd told her on the drive up that he would be taking it to his auto shop for storage, so she assumed that that was where it was. Hopefully, anyway.

She stood from the steps and descended towards the curb, Evan pulling up right as she landed; as she climbed in, she noticed that he was alone. “Did your brother not want to come with?”

“He’s at baseball practice,” Evan told her, that crooked smile painting his lips once more. “And nice t’ see you again, Shuang.”

“Oh,” She muttered. “Nice to see you, as well…”

“So,” He faced forward and shifted into drive, turning the radio down a couple notches after. “What'd you wanna ask me?”

Fuck. “Right, uhm…” Shuang hesitated as she buckled up, a heavy exhale blowing out of her; she'd long since lost her ability to be any kind of embarrassed or ashamed of asking for help thanks to the whole homeless thing, but that didn't mean that she couldn't still be uncomfortable, especially when it came to talking to men. Wasn't like Evan was making it any easier, either, with the way he spoke to her…

Chewing on her lip, she twisted the strap of her purse in her grasp and looked at him. “I wanted to ask, uhm, since… the reason I had to go to the Housing Authority is because I was having an interview for a room at a halfway house, but I was denied. And since my car is dead, I don't have anywhere to stay anymore.”

“You were livin’ in yer car?” Evan interjected, shooting her a widened glance.

“Yes,” She affirmed, looking down at her lap. “So, I wanted to ask if… you could help me. I know that fixing my car is really expensive, but I don't really have any other options, and—”

“Hold on a sec, Shuang,”

They came to a stop at a red light and he turned to face her, concern etched into his features. “I can't help you by fixin’ yer car, ‘cause I don't really got the ability t’ do that. But maybe I can do somethin’ else fer you,” He told her. “I’ll have t’ talk about it with my brother, but you could crash at my place, if you want.”

…Wait, what?

Shuang blinked wide, her mouth flapping. “You— You want me to live with you?”

The light turned green and Evan began to drive again, shrugging as he returned his eyes to the road. “It doesn't seem right t’ me to let a woman live on the streets when I can do somethin’ about it. I'd hate fer anything bad t’ happen to you.”

Shuang felt her stomach flip over itself, all of her thoughts running at a million miles an hour in every direction, because there was no way this was real. People don't just… open up their homes to random strangers like that, that wasn't how it worked, at least not in her experience. But… Evan seemed genuine, had certainly acted as much in the short amount of time she'd known him, so… maybe he was being legit?

Then again, he was a man, and a big one, at that— what would happen if she said no? Would he get mad? Physical? Wouldn't be the first time. “I appreciate the offer…” She meekly began, wringing the strap of her purse.

“It's aight if you ain't wanna, I understand,” Evan said carefully, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. “If you wanna stay in yer car, and since it's at my shop, I could let you live there. Could use the bathroom ‘n stuff whenever you want. No shower, but… it'd be somethin'.”

Honestly, Shuang didn't know what to say, so she kept quiet; he seemed so adamant about it, like her plight was hurting him personally— it almost made her feel bad that she had so much cunctation. Not like she could really help it, after everything. She wondered if there was some kind of ulterior motive… With men, there usually was. “You’re being very generous to someone you've just met,” She commented lightly, looking over at him. “Almost makes a girl wonder if you're expecting to get something out of it.”

At that, Evan promptly blushed and scoffed under his breath, his head ducking. “N-Nah, I uhm… I just like t’ help, is all. I know what it's like to be on yer own, with no one t’ turn to and nowhere to go. Ain't fun,”

She hummed softly, analyzing him as she mulled over his words; if that, the mere insinuation of something sexual was enough to fluster him, then perhaps she didn't need to be as scared of him as she thought. She'd be cautious still, obviously, but she felt she could at least kind of trust him. For now, anyway.

Yeah, that sealed it.

Just as she opened her mouth to say as much, a phone went off— Evan’s, it seemed, as he dug around in his pocket for it. He came up with a smartphone, a nice one, too, eons moreso than her own cheap chocolate bar; it'd been provided to her by the state along with her food stamps, so it wasn't the best, but it was better than nothing. “Looks like Kel’s ready to get picked up,” Evan announced as he quickly tucked it back into his jeans.

“Then I guess that gives you the chance to ask him about me staying with you,” She said.

He darted his eyes over to her, a brow rising. “So you do wanna?”

She nodded. “Well, it'd be stupid of me to say no, in my position. Besides,” She let slip a smirk. “I like you enough.”

To her surprise, that visibly flustered Evan, his broad shoulders coming to tense. “Ah, well…”

Interesting… Shuang hummed to herself and leaned back in her seat, a bit of intrigue tingling in the back of her mind.

About twenty minutes later, they arrived at the park where Kellen was having practice.

Evan had barely slid into a parking spot before Kellen was materializing on the other side of the passenger window, making Shuang jump; she only got a glimpse of his wide eyes before he averted his gaze.

Evan rolled her window down. “Sorry, Kel, I ain't get the chance t’ tell ya she'd be here,” He projected from the driver's seat. “Can you hop in the back, baby?”

Kellen nodded and did what he was told; once he and his sports bag were loaded up, they were off. “How was practice?” Evan asked.

No answer, at least not a verbal one, which Evan must've expected, because he continued, “That's good. So listen Kel, there's somethin’ I gotta ask you. I know this is kinda sudden, but Shuang here needs a place t’ stay fer a while, ‘n I was thinkin’ she could crash with us.”

Kellen made a little noise, a low, almost moan of displeasure; at it, Evan went on, “It's aight, baby, nothin's gonna change. You can still keep doin’ yer thing, she's gonna be in my room, ain't gonna bother ya. It's okay.”

Another little noise, but this time Shuang looked in the side mirror to see what Kellen was doing in the backseat; he had his brows furrowed and was rocking back and forth, his gaze seemingly fixated on nothing. Strange. That was really strange. “Don't worry, baby, if it gets t’ be too much fer you, I've got another plan. Let's just try it, aight? Can you do that?”

Kellen was still rocking back and forth with that displeased expression, but he nodded, anyway, which earned him a cheery, “That's my boy.”

A bump to her shoulder jerked Shuang's focus from the mirror to Evan, looking up at him to find him doing the same. “You hungry?”

Her stomach must've heard that question, because after he said it, it growled and panged angrily. Kind of embarrassing, but, well, it had been a few hours since she'd eaten last. Thanks to her interview, she'd been too nervous for breakfast. “Yes, actually, I am,” She replied.

Evan turned his attention to Kellen in the rear-view. “How ‘bout you, Kel, you hungry?”

A nod in response. “Then let's get food.”

Where they stopped was a Jack-in-the-Box; Shuang had only been a few times, so she got something simple, as she wasn't overly familiar with the food: a medium chicken sandwich meal with a cherry Sprite. Kellen got four tacos and fries, and Evan also got a chicken sandwich, but he swapped his fries for onion rings.

Only a couple minutes later, they were turning into a mobile home complex, and then two streets and a stop sign after that, they were pulling into the driveway of a blue, new-build, single-wide trailer. They all got out, Shuang sipping her soda as she trailed behind the brothers up the porch steps to the front door and inside.

To her surprise, the interior was clean and rather orderly, with only a few knickknacks scattered about the space: LEGOs and a couple books on the living room floor, a few jackets thrown over the rear of the sofa. The air smelled nice, like jasmine, and it had her feeling a bit better about her decision to say yes— this almost definitely wasn't the home of a serial killer.

The instant that he was inside, Kellen toed off his shoes next to the others in a row at the entryway and took off down the hall, his sports bag and food in tow; after a second, a door opened and closed, and Evan let out a little scoff. “Don't take it personally,”

Shuang turned to him, her head slightly cocking. “What do you mean?”

Evan set his wallet and keys in a little tray on the breakfast bar, that easygoing simper still on his countenance. “Him runnin’ off like that. He’s not too good with new people, or with changes in his routine. He’ll come around.”

“Oh, it's okay, I don't mind,” She said. A brief reminder of how the younger had acted when they picked him up came to her then, and she contemplated not saying what she was about to next, but her mouth moved before she could stop it. “Earlier, in the car… I saw him rocking back and forth.” She stated. “And I noticed that he doesn't talk.”

Evan kicked off his shoes, grabbed his bag of food from the bar. “If yer gonna be here a while, you might as well know. He has autism.”

Oh. Well. Now she felt bad for thinking him strange. “Ah, I see. Thank you for telling me.”

“Sure,” He nodded towards the dining room. “Let's go sit and eat, huh?”

Yeah, they sat and ate, but that wasn't all they did.

Shuang had only just taken a second bite of her chicken sandwich when Evan prodded, “So Shuang, I was wonderin’... How did you get t’ be homeless?”

She slowly chewed her food, glancing up at Evan as she did— how honest should she be? So far she hadn't been clocked, and it would probably be in her best interest to stay stealth, considering…

A swallow that she followed up with a sip of soda, and then she answered. “I'm not originally from America. I grew up in a small village in Tongxin, in China,” She began, “But when I… came out, to my parents when I was 18, they kicked me out. America was the only place I felt I could uhm, be myself.”

“You’re a lesbian?” Evan asked, his brows dipping.

Shuang laughed softly. “I wouldn't say that.”

Evan blinked in confusion, then slowly nodded, the corner of his mouth tugging upwards. “I'm bisexual, too,” He grabbed an onion ring. “Not that it matters. I ain't been with anybody in years.”

Wow, she actually had not expected that at all.

This new knowledge made her diaphragm flutter, her cheek being bitten between her molars; thoughts and ideas she knew would get her into trouble tried to run wild in her mind, but she just as quickly shut them down, munching on her sandwich to distract herself. Don't even start, Shuang. “Any reason why?” She decided to question.

“It's…” Evan started, looking down at the onion ring he still hadn't eaten. “It's a long story. Mainly that I just… got bigger, more important things t’ be worryin’ about right now. Like Kel, my shop, shit like that,” He shrugged. “Just easier not t’ bother.”

“Mm, I understand. You do have a lot of responsibilities for someone your age,” Another sip of her soda as she paused, her brows quirking. “Actually, how old are you, anyway?”

“27,” He answered. “You never told me yer age, neither, now that ya mention it.”

Much younger than she thought he was… “I’m 24,” She said. “I honestly thought you were older. Not that you look it, just… you give off a sort of—” She waved her hand vaguely. “—experienced energy. Like you've lived an accomplished life already.”

Evan ducked his head in a rather cute way and cleared his throat, still fidgeting with the onion ring. “A-Accomplished is kinda a strong word for it, but yeah, I-I guess yer right.”

His freckles stood out even more against the scarlet backdrop of his blush, and it took literally everything inside of Shuang not to comment on it— keep it to yourself, you know better. “Well, we can agree to disagree,” She said laughingly.

“S’pose so.”

She returned her attention to her food, Evan doing the same.

The rest of the evening was spent moving Shuang and her stuff into Evan’s bedroom, which wasn't exactly labour intensive, considering she had almost nothing to her name; it didn't take very long to get it all moved from her hatchback and set up, and by the time dinner rolled around at 7:30, she was fully moved in.

Dinner was burritos, which were, according to Evan, Kellen’s favourite. Shuang helped him in the preparation, even though he didn't ask and she didn't know how to make them, but from the brief explanation he'd given her, it didn't seem like it'd be that hard— it was just filling in a tortilla. She'd made spring rolls and baos before, so she felt she had a pretty good idea of the methodology, and after she and Evan finished cooking and prepping all the fillings, that seemed to ring true for the most part during assembly, as by the time Evan finished setting the table, she'd managed to actually wrap four good-sized ones. She smiled to herself as she looked down at them all nestled together on the plate, her hands finding her hips. “Not too shabby for yer first time,”

She cocked her head up to Evan where he now stood beside her and simpered. “I think the saying goes, ‘this ain't my first rodeo’.”

Evan laughed. “Yeah, seems like it.”

Creaking of a door opening drew their attention towards the hallway, whereupon Kellen appeared out of the darkness, unfocused eyes pointed at the floor, a stray hand fidgeting with his eyebrow piercing. “Hey, baby, I was just about t’ call ya fer dinner,” Evan greeted.

Kellen didn't say anything, just stood there with a slight waver to his frame; after a couple seconds, though, he mumbled something so low Shuang couldn't even hear what it was. To it, Evan replied, “Yup, yer favourite.”

Shuang frowned slightly. How the hell had he even heard that?

Kellen quickly sat down, rocking back and forth in his chair with his hands shoved between his thighs, his head hanging low. As she watched him, an idea popped into her head: Maybe… this could be her chance to be friendly. She knew that he was shy, so perhaps using food would be a good neutral approach. Couldn't hurt to try.

She took up the plate of burritos and walked with it over to the table, the corners of her mouth lifting into a soft smile as she came near him. “I made you two, since your brother said you have a big appetite,” She told him, setting the plate down in the middle. “I did, too, when I was your age. It was like I couldn't eat enough.”

Obviously, she didn't expect a response from him, and of course, didn't receive one; Kellen stayed quiet, but didn't stay still, instead reaching out to grab two burritos off the plate to place them on his own. He had that same listlessness to his expression she'd noticed earlier in the car, sort of like he was dazed, yet there was a rather strange, material intensity behind his pupils. She wasn't quite sure what to make of it…

Wait, she was staring. Don't make it weird, Shuang.

Looking away from him, she served up the rest of the food before taking the plate back to the kitchen, and then grabbing a few cups along with a 2-liter of soda from the fridge.

She returned to sit in her seat, a small, wriggling pit in her stomach.

#my works #my ocs #queer story #transfem character #writing

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seat-safety-switch · 2 years ago

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When I was growing up, people used to get all froggy about how many cylinders their car’s engine had. Mine’s a V6. Well, mine’s a V8. Nowadays, that doesn’t matter so much: if you have a V8, that’s cool and all, but technology has moved on. Now, automakers will sell you cars that come with little three-cylinder lawnmower engines. With enormous turbochargers attached.

All these big automakers are finally returning to the glories of turbocharging, after having abandoned it in the 1980s for being “too dangerous” and “kind of crap.” Modern technology has made turbocharged engines more reliable, smoother-driving, and easier to live with in general. Those of us who never abandoned the forced induction lifestyle are wondering: what took you folks so long?

I remember the first time I strapped a turbocharger to an engine. We’d lured in a handful of art-college students and made them create an intricate turbo manifold for a 1993 Plymouth Breeze. The Breeze, as you may remember, was not any good at acceleration. Adding a turbocharger made it really good at acceleration. Eventually, one of the art students defected, becoming a mechanical weirdo like ourselves, having transitioned to the cult of boost from whatever pitiful religion he used to follow. I don’t remember his name. Let’s call him Choo-Choo.

Here’s the problem with a turbocharger: once you get bored of how much power it makes, you can tell it to make a little more power, but then you will get bored again. Then, you realize that since you’ve put in infrastructure to support a turbo, you can pull it and put in a bigger turbo, very easily. Say, one from a semi truck. And then one from a bigger semi truck. And then one from a Komatsu heavy loader that requires you to cut a hole in the hood just so that the compressor housing can fit.

Choo-Choo learned the limits of human enterprise on that day, when the Breeze ejected its pitiful automatic transmission into the heavens while on its way to what we all believed would be a 10.16 pass at 139 miles an hour. He survived, albeit forever changed. The last thing he told me was that he was going to go work for Ford, to spread the gospel of the snail to them, too. We laughed, and laughed, and laughed, and yet here it is. Ford’s greatest performance monster: the base-model 1.0-litre EcoSport.

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dr-futbol-blog · 6 months ago

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The Hive, Pt. 7

From Ford's ominous description of what happens when the enzyme wears off we transition back to Atlantis where Beckett has sedated McKay in the infirmary. We get an outside view of what is either a beautiful sunset or a sunrise behind the city. On Earth, we might interpret it as the sunrise but being that this is an alien planet, it is difficult to tell. Given that we recently had the episode called Aurora, named after the Goddess of the Dawn, a sunrise might be the more likely interpretation of the view also on the symbolic level. Regardless, against this beautiful backdrop we find Weir walking into the infirmary with Caldwell in tow, McKay laying on a bed behind Beckett.

Beckett: Colonel Caldwell! I didn't think you were due back here for days. Caldwell: Doctor Weir requested that we join the search ASAP, so we pushed the engines a little. Weir: How is he? Beckett: I've sedated him; administered a beta blocker to bring his blood pressure down to a more manageable level. It's a wonder he didn't suffer a stroke.

We see McKay in an oxygen mask in fitful sleep even being that he is sedated, and Beckett tells us that it is a wonder he did not die. And yet some people are going to think that it is Weir who is so very worried for Sheppard, enough even to have asked Caldwell to join them sooner even though she hates having to ask him for favours. She sure is worrying herself sick over him. And yet, McKay literally worried himself to death's door over Sheppard and the only thing that keeps some viewers from appreciating the enormity of what he had done is that Sheppard and McKay are both men.

Caldwell: Did he mention anything further about the location of Colonel Sheppard and his team? Beckett: Nothing coherent, I'm afraid. By the time he arrived here, he was hyperventilating, pulse extremely rapid. He could barely get out a word. Although, being Rodney... he certainly tried.

McKay appears to be restrained and there is an armed guard watching over him, and this may be due to Beckett's own previous experience with someone under the influence of the enzyme. We see a nurse taking some readings off of McKay in the background and possibly relevant for later is the fact that, even while he is unconscious, we see McKay turn his face away from her. It is not a conscious act on his part, it is more symbolic here. McKay is not drawn to hot nurses, the dark-haired nurse here not unlike the honeypot currently sharing a jail cell with Sheppard.

Here, we see Beckett talk about McKay in a way that he have seen him talk about and to him before: he depreciates McKay as a form of masculine bonding. They are friends and especially in UK, banter is the way that straight men show that they like someone, the only way they can let their affection be known. It is clear that Beckett cares about McKay in spite of the small digs that he takes at him, their intention more to show how familiar the two of them are with each other. They all know McKay is verbose, and they all appreciate him regardless. What is actually important here is what may be overlooked because of the tone in which Beckett says it: McKay had been trying to tell them about Sheppard up until he could no longer get words out. Up until the very last moment, he had been trying to get them to understand that he had to get to the jumper bay because Sheppard needed him. McKay may not have been coherent, but we are told that he had been trying to help find Sheppard (and his team).

Weir: How much of the enzyme did he take? Beckett: A very big dose, I'm afraid. I found a significant amount of it in his system, nearly as much as Lieutenant Ford. Weir: Alright. Can you wean him off it? Beckett: I wish I could. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Ford took the last supply of our enzyme when he left Atlantis, so an incremental withdrawal is out of the question.

Again we are confirmed what we watched him do: McKay had done something very reckless and dangerous because his need to find Sheppard was worth to him more than his own life. Ford's system had been awash with the enzyme because a wraith had died while draining his life, helping Ford survive the cold ocean water for longer than any human should have been able. This amount of the enzyme had altered Ford irreparably and McKay, someone who valued his mind most of all and thought that all problems ought to be solvable by logic had willingly injected himself nearly the same amount because he could take no chances, he had to get to Atlantis and the jumpers. His plan of action had been all action, rational thought had barely factored into it.

And here, we also come to the question of McKay and illicit substances. McKay's history of use and abuse of substances is interesting because even this, now, is definitely at least symbolic of a withdrawal from a particular substance that is often injected and is highly addictive. Also curious regarding McKay's line about having toked pot in college is the fact that the combination of this substance and pot is called the "A-bomb," which is what McKay had been literally building the first time that we saw him abuse stimulants.

Caldwell: Unless we harvest more enzyme. Beckett: Not an option. By the time you go out and collect it, the enzyme will have broken down in his system already. No, I'm afraid for Rodney the only choice is... Caldwell: ...cold turkey. Beckett: Aye, to put it bluntly.

As we shall soon see, all of the people that had been taking the enzyme are having to quit it cold turkey, and one of them dies as the result. While all of the others had been taking the enzyme for longer, and Ronon and Teyla seem to be saved because they had not been taking it as long as the others, Beckett just confirmed that McKay's dose was much larger than that of the others. He had nearly as much as Ford had in his system the first time. Ford had just told Sheppard that when ever he had run out of the enzyme, it had been bad. What ever we see the others go through, McKay has it worse. Had it not been for Beckett, he would most definitely have died of it. And now he is having to go through a whole withdrawal. And the enzyme is not even his true addiction. His true addiction is Sheppard, and incidentally in the following episode we have to watch his withdrawal from Sheppard.

Beckett: I can administer some drugs to help ease the process: anti-nausea medication, pain reliever, benzodiazepine for anxiety, as well as a multi-vitamin injection to bolster the immune system... Weir: Good. Beckett: ...but there's no dodging the fact it's gonna be difficult, possibly even deadly.

We hear McKay moaning in pain in the background in spite of the fact that he should be heavily sedated. Even as he is explaining his condition to Caldwell and Weir, Beckett keeps glancing back at him because McKay is touch-and-go at the moment, he is not out of the woods yet. Sheppard would never have wanted McKay to do it, he would never have allowed this to happen, and we saw Sheppard actually convince Ford to stop administering the enzyme to McKay at all because it was important to him that McKay was safe. And just to hammer home this point: McKay risked his life to save Sheppard, because he believed that Sheppard needed him. He is not doing this for friendship. He did it because he cannot live without Sheppard. Risking his life for Sheppard is easy a breathing because he does not think he can live without him.

Back on the hive, all of the others are starting to feel the effects of the enzyme leaving their systems and it seems like Ford, who has been on the stuff the longest, is having the worst time of it. Neera is taking care of him, wiping sweat off his brow, with the intention of endearing herself to Sheppard. Vulnerable, nurturing, shy, bashful; she is making herself into the dream of any dashing heroic type, all big doe eyes and pouty lips. However, it seem as though Sheppard had spent his time away from them, looking out of the cell trying to figure out a way out of there and turned around only as he heard Ford speak. He then approaches them, crouching by him.

Ford: Thank you. Sheppard: How're you holding up, Lieutenant? Ford: OK. I just need to get my hands on some more enzyme. Then I'll be able to get us out of here.

It is difficult to tell what Sheppard is thinking here as he carefully keeps his face blank, only narrowing his eyes slightly as he approaches Ford. While Neera looks up at him, it seems as though Sheppard keeps his eyes squarely fixed on Ford. Where Sheppard might have some compassion for Ford, even though the young soldier has gone above and beyond to drain any warm feelings he may once have had for him, he has other motivations for inquiring about Ford's condition too. For one, he wants to get out with increasing desperation and because he has no intention of leaving any (hu)man behind, he wants to know how much more difficult Ford's condition is going to make their jailbreak. And he is also very concerned for Ronon and Teyla, being that they are also on the enzyme and because he feels like it is his fault that they might now be suffering the effects of the withdrawal since he had basically given Ford permission to continue with administering the enzyme to them. What the enzyme does to them, that's on him.

Also worth a note is that even here, even now, Sheppard calls Ford by his title. He called him Ford once before because he was telling Ford off, he was trying to communicate to him that he had had enough, but now that the young soldier seems to be suffering and is likely frightened, he has returned to using the title. It is meant to convey security and comfort, to make Ford feel like he is being taken care of because Sheppard still considers him a part of his outfit. Sheppard uses titles with most people because it allows him to keep a professional distance to them, it allows him to meet them through a role rather than as himself. And he never, ever did that with McKay.

Sheppard: We'll do it together. With or without the enzyme, we're a team, remember? Ford: I remember.

Sheppard further drives home his point by reminding Ford of the fact that they are a team and that they are in this together. While there is a part of Sheppard that hopes against hope that things could go back the way they were, that if he could get Ford to come back home and get treatment that maybe he and McKay could also return to that place where they were before all the hurt. But at the same time, he knows that it is not possible, too much has happened, too many bridges have been burned. He is trying to make Ford feel better because he does not like to see him suffer but he may be doing it more for his own peace of mind than to actually make Ford less burdened. The real question is, how much of this is because and for the benefit of the young and seemingly innocent woman sharing a cell with them.

Men are often on their "best behaviour" in the presence of attractive women (and it is telling that McKay's behaviour around Chaya was "as good as it gets, Major" in Sanctuary, S01E14), and one might be tempted to interpret what seems almost like an about-face in Sheppard's behaviour here a caused by her, by Sheppard wanting to present himself as a good person and as a good man to the attractive young woman. That is how men behave the world over. But let us note the fact that Sheppard does not look at her, not once, during this entire scene. His attention is entirely on Ford, it is as though she is not even there. And because we once again transition from Ford to McKay, they are once more paralleled, Sheppard's "Remember" here may also imply that he himself had just been remembering when they were a team. He does miss that. He misses those days.

The last time Sheppard had been on a hive in The Defiant One (S01E12), he had this exchange with McKay:

Sheppard: Stay with him. Gaul: No! Please don't leave us. McKay: He's right, we should stick together. Sheppard: He killed Abrams. McKay: And I'm as sorry about that as you are, but just because we both made an error in judgement-- Sheppard: I don't have time to argue about this!

McKay had begged for them to stay together but because he had needed to get away from himself, he had left McKay behind. He had been reminded of that particular exchange not just by the people like Neera that they had just now ripped out of the wraith cocoons exactly like he had torn the webbing off of Gaul then, but also by McKay's words when Ford had first brought them to the dart and explained his whole plan to them: "Yeah, and I am sorry about that but this is insane!" McKay had been right then and he had been right now, and in the cell Sheppard had nothing but time to remember all that. Like he had before, he had been thinking about what McKay would do now, in this situation. And he while he was glad that McKay was not imprisoned on a hive with them, he wished that he was there to give advice to him now. He needed McKay's advice because things seemed to go wrong for him every time he went against McKay's advice.

Continued in Pt. 8

#sga #stargate atlantis #john sheppard #sga meta #sheppard is bi #rodney mckay #rodney is gay #mcshep #ep. the hive #ep. sanctuary #ep. the defiant one

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wheelsgoroundincircles · 2 years ago

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FORD TORINO GT

Walking around a 1970/71 SportsRoof Torino at a classic car show in the States could be a confusing experience for Ozzie Ford enthusiasts. They might well be wondering, ‘Have I come all this way to look at a customised XA-XC Falcon hardtop?’ And for good reason.

When Ford Australia’s designers and engineers first sat down with blank sheets of paper in 1968 to come up with an all-new Falcon for 1972, the brief required them to make a comprehensive break from past styling. The boxy Falcon XY shape was to make way for the organic flowing look we became familiar with in the XA model and the subsequent XB and XC updates. At that time the Torino team at Dearborn was a couple of years ahead of Ford Australia in making a similar transition to a sleeker body style. No surprise then that the Ford Australia team made a conscious decision to draw on the second-generation Torino concept for some XA design elements. The decision was a no brainer. Why put in the effort and take on the costs of the pioneering stage of developing a new model when your corporate cousins have already done those hard yards?

Perhaps I’m not alone in admitting that the Torino made only a smallish blip on my Ford-model radar over the years. My excuse is that from an Australian perspective at least the Torino existed largely in the shadow of its high-profile stablemate, the Mustang.

This relative anonymity is surprising when you consider the Torino’s exposure on screens large and small over the decades. While the Gran Torino model got excellent exposure in the Starsky and Hutch TV series in the 70s and 80s and the later movie, its starring role in Clint Eastwood’s perfectly named 2008 movie, Gran Torino. capped off its profile raising. After seeing that movie you had a pretty good handle on what at least one classic Torino – the 1972 Gran Torino Sport – was all about. But there’s way more to the Torino story than was revealed by its '15 minutes of (TV/movie) fame'.

The Torino was launched in 1968 as an upmarket, upsized addition to the US Fairlane range. Naming it after Italy’s Motown was an interesting, but not ground-breaking move for Fomoco, with models like Capri, Montego and Granada also honouring various geographical locations. I'm not too sure, though, that a generously sized Torino would be my first choice for navigating the often narrow and crowded confines of its namesake city’s streets.

The Torino’s arrival relegated Fairlane-badged cars to entry-level status in Ford’s intermediate-category (US) line-up – a point underlined by Fairlane's sharing a number of panels with the utilitarian Ranchero pickup. Ultimately the Fairlane name was dropped from what had become the Torino model-range, bizarrely at the time when the Australian Fairlane was just hitting its straps as a desirable aspirational model with a long profitable future ahead of it for Ford Australia.

The Torino covered most model-variant bases with two four-door sedans, a two-door hardtop, even a Squire wagon, as well as Torino GT versions that also included a convertible. While base-line Torinos initially offered a 200ci in-line six as standard, V8 options included the 302ci, two versions of the 390ci and some months into the 1968 model year the 428ci Cobra-Jet was added to the motor menu to give credibility to the GT version's claim to 'Muscle Car' status.

The fresh styling of the second-generation Torino of 1970/71 we opened with was widely praised by the American motoring media. New engines included the 351ci Cleveland and buyers really wanting to burn some bitumen could opt for the Torino Cobra, powered by the legendary Cobra-Jet 429, a purpose-built hi-po engine that claimed an impressive 370 horsepower. Healthy Torino sales continued to produce smiles in Ford’s executive suite.

By 1972 with the 'Muscle Car' era fading to grey in the US, the GT label was dropped in favour of the blander ‘Gran Torino Sport’ label. These larger third-generation Torinos moved from the previous car’s taut ’n' terrific unitary construction, in favour of heavier body-on-frame construction. The Torino’s high-performance glory days were now fading fast.

Further evolution through to 1976, the Torino’s finale model, produced successively more laid-back Torinos – a process that for performance fans provided a grim contrast with the early Torino Cobras that had proudly flown the Ford flag in NASCAR racing.

Ford's Torino made a great start in 1968 by selling more than 100,000 units into a market begging for affordable ‘muscle’ cars. 1969 saw numbers dip by half but then recover. Entering the 1970s, sales were averaging above 60,000 annually. Lots of GT Torinos have been preserved or restored so there remains a deep pool into which buyers can dip to find decent cars.

Scarce variations including the 429 Cobra-Jet and Talladega occasionally top six figures in US sales but aren’t as yet totally out of reach.

The minimum specification a Torino buyer should consider while remaining credible is an M-Code with 5.8 litres and automatic transmission. These were built from 1970-72 and a few did come to Australia. Importing a decent car today will cost $45-55,000.

Seeking out a 6.4 or even 7.0-litre (390 or 428 cubic inch) GT will more seriously dent the balance. However they generally cost less than similar-looking XA-XB Falcon GT Hardtops.

Deep pockets and due diligence come to the fore when your target is an R-Code Cobra. Genuine, number-matching cars in close to showroom order (plus the cost of freighting and registering upon arrival) will top A$100,000.

VALUE RANGE:

1968-72 Ford Torino

Fair: $24,500 Good: $48,000 Excellent: $65,000 (GT390)

#ford torino #car #cars #muscle car #american muscle #ford #torino

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ms-m-astrologer · 1 year ago

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Transiting Mars enters Aquarius

Tuesday, February 13 - Friday, March 22, 2024

If Mars must be in an air sign, this is probably the best one. I have a soft spot for the placement; it makes me think of engineers and rocket scientists - of “shadetree mechanics” in the 1910s, working on a Ford Model T; of early radio afficionados in thr 1920s, clustering around their equipment, trying to pick up a new faraway station.

This is Mars in pursuit of a grand idea. Remember that Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius; when Mars hangs out in Saturn’s signs, he can acquire a sense of guidance and direction for all that energy and drive. Tangible achievements in Capricorn; brilliant ideas in Aquarius.

How this tends to play out in Mars’ different areas:

Physical strength - team sports; but also is quite content working on its own. I’m thinking track and field as the ideal sport. Can be fascinated by all that complicated, exotic exercise equipment.

Energy levels - has to watch out for the toll that “burning the midnight oil” can take on the body. It won’t be good if we burn ourselves out intellectually, either.

Sexuality - friendly, fairly open about it; not extremely romantic, as the reproductive urge is seen as being just another healthy bodily function. Be careful not to get too detached.

How we go after what we want - Saturn’s influence makes us want to have A Plan, but in Aquarius we’re a little more willing to experiment. “My way or the highway” if we feel weak or threatened.

If you want to try doing something in a new way, this is a wonderful time for that. We’re in an experimental frame of mind, wanting to innovate.

Give a few days on either side of these aspects:

Tuesday, February 13 - Mars/Aquarius conjunct Pluto/Aquarius, 0°46’. Starting things off with a bang. Something drastic comes up, and we see an opportunity for changing things up.

Friday, February 16 - Mars/Aquarius trine Pallas Athene/Sagittarius, 2°53’. Brilliant ideas and leadership. We’ll do even better if we collaborate.

Thursday, February 22 - Mars/Aquarius conjunct Venus/Aquarius, 6°57’. Friends to lovers? This is more falling in love with an idea, and is more humanitarian than romantic.

Tuesday, February 27 - Mars/Aquarius square Jupiter/Taurus, 10°52’. Taking on too much; poking the wrong bear. Can be very cruel. It’s okay to take calculated risks, if we make sure our calculations are correct.

Wednesday, March 6:

Mars/Aquarius sextile North Node/Aries, trine South Node/Libra, 17°24’

Mars/Aquarius sextile Chiron/Aries, 17°32’

If the square with Jupiter got us out of proper alignment, these aspects can get us back together and on track. We do have a right to independence and autonomy. But don’t get too cocky or bloodthirsty….

Saturday, March 9 - Mars/Aquarius square Uranus/Taurus, 19°51’. …ugh, back to the “cruelty” thing, except way way way more volatile. And cold-blooded. Accidents and contrariness.

Friday, March 15 - Mars/Aquarius sextile Eris/Aries, 24°29’. A healthy outlet for venting all our frustrations. We could find equally pissed-off groups and align with them.

Monday, March 18 - Mars/Aquarius trine Vesta/Gemini, 26°44’. We’re mentally focused, with clear ideas and direction.

#Astrology #Transiting Mars enters Aquarius #Ms M astrologer

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softrobotcritics · 2 months ago

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Photoresponsive Shape Morphing

Movement with light: Photoresponsive shape morphing of printed liquid crystal elastomers

Michael J. Ford1 ∙ Dominique H. Porcincula1 ∙ Rodrigo Telles3 ∙ … ∙ Shu Yang2 ∙ Elaine Lee1 [email protected] ∙ Caitlyn C. Cook1,5 [email protected] …

Progress and potential

Soft matter that can adapt in response to a stimulus like light holds immense promise for various applications, such as biomedical devices and soft robotics. One example of adaptive soft matter is liquid crystal elastomer composites, which incorporate a functional additive and change shape through a phase transition. The combination of the material composition, the printed geometry of the material, and the localization of the stimulus can enable novel movement and reaction to light, as we demonstrate in this paper. Our results mark a significant advancement toward creating complex, 3D-printed, intelligent materials that pave the way for developing next-generation adaptive machines and devices that can transform in response to specific stimuli.

Highlights

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Optimized inks for additive manufacturing of a liquid crystal elastomer composite

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Developed spatiotemporal control during printing for complex three-dimensional structures

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Demonstrated unique combinations of complex three-dimensional photoresponsive actuation

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Controlled novel modes of actuation with computer vision techniques

Summary

Soft machines will require soft materials that exhibit a rich diversity of functionality, including shape morphing and photoresponsivity. The combination of these functionalities enables useful behaviors in soft machines that can be further developed by synthesizing materials that exhibit localized responsivity.

Localized responsivity of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), which are soft materials that exhibit shape morphing, can be enabled by formulating composite inks for direct ink writing (DIW). Gold nanorods (AuNRs) can be added to LCEs to enable photothermal shape change upon absorption of light through a localized surface plasmon resonance.

We compared LCE formulations, focusing on their amenability for printing by DIW and the photoresponsivity of AuNRs. The local responsivity of different three-dimensional architectures enabled soft machines that could oscillate, crawl, roll, transport mass, and display other unique modes of actuation and motion in response to light, making these promising functional materials for advanced applications....

Soft machines could enable new breakthroughs in technologies related to human-machine interactions, remote exploration in difficult-to-reach spaces, and individually tailored health care. These machines will require soft materials that exhibit a diverse range of functionalities, including actuation for movement, conductivity for sensing and signal processing, stimuli-responsivity, self-healing, and reprocessability.1,2,3The demonstration of such a diverse range of functionalities results in a profound outcome where “the material is the machine.”4,5 That is, by taking advantage of behaviors like self-assembly and phase transitions, these materials as machines can replace traditional sensors, transducers, gears, levers, and electromagnetic motors to enable perception, responsivity, and motion without engineered complexity.2,4

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that are pre-programmed to change shape in response to external stimuli are considered useful for soft machines.6,7 The shape morphing is induced by heat, electricity, and light.8,9Light may be useful to stimulate localized actuation and does not require physical contact with the shape-changing material, as wires that transmit electrical power might require.10,11 Localized actuation using light could also allow for unique modes of actuation.12 For example, asymmetric illumination of photoresponsive LCEs led to twisting and rolling motions.13 Peristaltic motion that resembles the movement of biological organisms has been demonstrated by using localized impingement of different patterns of light upon an LCE.14 To extend this work, the programmed order of the liquid crystal (LC) domains could be controlled and modified....

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oakridgeford · 3 months ago

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2025 Ford Maverick Vs. 2024 Ford Maverick: What’s New?

The Ford Maverick has become a top choice in the compact pickup segment. It is well-known for its versatility, innovative features, and efficiency. While transitioning from the 2024 to the 2025 model, Ford introduced new features and upgrades to make it more appealing and one of the top choices for drivers. Let us do a detailed comparison of both models to understand which one best suits your needs.

2025 Ford Maverick: Built upon its predecessor, the 2025 Maverick introduced a facelift with a new front fascia with distinctive 7-shaped headlights, improving Maverick's road presence.

2024 Ford Maverick: The 2024 Maverick features a modern and practical design, featuring a unibody construction that combines a pickup's utility with a sedan's comfort.

Interior Designing and Comfort

2025 Ford Maverick: The 2025 Maverick introduced many enhancements in the interiors with a 13.2-inch touchscreen running the latest SYNC® 4 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and 5G LTE connectivity. Other new features like a 360-degree camera system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist are added in the 2025 model.

2024 Ford Maverick: The model has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Ford's Co-Pilot 360™ to give drivers enhanced safety and convenience.

Performance and Powertrain

2025 Ford Maverick: The 2024 model is an all-wheel drive (AWD) with a hybrid powertrain. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine is also available in the model.

2024 Ford Maverick: The 2024 Maverick offers two powertrain options: a standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine paired with front-wheel drive and an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine available with all-wheel drive.

If you want to experience the Ford Maverick prices, reach out to a trusted Ford dealership, Oakridge Ford, and contact the expert team to get details on the feature overview and best deals or schedule a test drive. Even if you want a Ford Maverick for sale, contact Oakridge Ford. Whether you are looking for a 2024 model or the latest 2025 one, you get complete assistance. Visit the Ford dealership near me today and take your dream car home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the key changes between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Maverick models? A: The 2025 Ford Maverick has a redesigned front end, updated interior, and more trim levels than the 2024 model. It also has upgraded technology and a higher maximum towing capacity.

Q: Are there any updates to the engine or powertrain options for the 2025 Maverick? A: The most significant update to the 2025 Ford Maverick powertrain is that the hybrid engine is now available with all-wheel drive (AWD), previously only offered with front-wheel drive. This significantly improves Canadian weather conditions; the 2.0L EcoBoost engine also remains an option with AWD capabilities.

Q: Has the exterior styling or design of the Maverick been updated for 2025? A: While the entire Maverick lineup enjoys refreshed styling for 2025 with updated headlamp covers, grille, and wheel options, the Lobo delivers customization and excitement tailored for those seeking a truly distinct and thrilling ride.

Q: When will the 2025 Ford Maverick be available for purchase? A: The 2025 Ford Maverick is expected to be available in Canada in early 2025, and order banks for it are expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.

Q: Are there any changes to the available colors or wheel options for the 2025 Maverick? A: Yes, for the 2025 Ford Maverick in Canada, there are reported changes to both available colors and wheel options. A few colors have been dropped, and new wheel designs have been added, including a 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheel. The Maverick Hybrid now has the option for AWD across all trims, which is also a key change.

#Ford Maverick #Ford

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fordtransitenginesuk · 1 month ago

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Reconditioned Ford Transit V363 Engine: Price Breakdown and Savings Tips Understanding the Ford Transit V363 Engine: Why Choose A Reconditioned Option? https://fordtransitvanengine.blogspot.com/2025/05/reconditioned-ford-transit-v363-engine.html

#Ford #Ford Transit #Ford Transit V363 #Ford Engine #Ford Transit Engine #Ford Transit V363 Engine #Rebuilt Ford Engine #Reconditioned Ford Engine #Used Ford Engine #Rebuild Ford Engine

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roguekhajiit · 5 months ago

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Standard intro: I work rural public transit, so our vehicles aren't the modern busses you see in a city. Our company uses Ford transit vans to make multiple stops and transport people going in the same direction. Since these aren't actual busses, people usually have to open the door to let themselves out unless they are in a wheelchair or have some other disability.

Yesterday, I was driving one of the older, more outdated vans that's slated to be retired in the near future. It's not the best, but it's a "will get you from A to B" type of shitbox. The check engine light is perpetually on, the interior lights are so dim you need to use a flashlight to see with at night, and the seat belts need to be tugged on at just the right angle or you can't get them to work.

We don't normally put it on the road unless something else happened to one of the other vehicles in the fleet, and currently, two are in the shop for repairs. But every time the company does need to use the shitbox I get assigned it, and I half suspect it's some form of punishment at this point.

Well, I had this sweet older lady in my vehicle, and I was taking her home for the day. She offered me candy, and we made a pitstop at a gas station so she could buy some cigarettes where she also offered to buy me a drink. "No, thank you ma'am, I already have one." I told her, indicating the can of Rockstar that serves to refuel my insomnia diminished energy levels.

She was the only one on board by the time we neared her house. She was chattering away about how the young man who picked her up had a hard time getting out of her driveway, how he had a hard time getting turned around in the usual spot, almost hit a tree, and had to back out. It was at that time that I recalled hearing something over the radio that morning about whoever dropped off this lady had to be in one of the newer AWD or 4WD vehicles to enter her long, narrow driveway or they risk crashing into a tree or the ditch.

I told her, "I'm sorry ma'am but I will not be able to drive down your driveway today. I can help you walk up to your door."

She seemed to think that was unacceptable. She insisted that I should be able to drive up her driveway. When I told her that the vehicle I was in was too old to risk it, especially if the driver who picked her up had a difficult time in 4WD, she went from sweet old lady to batshit crazy.

She stood up and opened the door of the van while it was still rolling!

I immediately stepped on the brakes and had to tell her never to open the door on a moving vehicle! I was thankfully only going like 5 mph. I was more than willing to help her walk up to her door. But she stubbornly refused, jumped out of the van, and stormed off on her own.

I was rattled for the rest of the day. I couldn't believe I had to tell a grown adult, a lady older than my mom, to not open the door on a moving vehicle. Wtf.

#work story #work problems #work rant #fuck customers #stupid customers #karen #bus driver

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bhavesh99 · 9 months ago

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Best Vintage Cars

The Allure of Vintage Cars: A Journey Through Time and Automotive Craftsmanship

Vintage cars are more than just vehicles; they are a celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and timeless design. These classic cars evoke nostalgia for a bygone era, reflecting the innovation and artistry that defined early motoring. From the elegance of pre-war automobiles to the muscle cars of the 1960s, vintage cars represent a passion for engineering and a love for unique, hand-crafted machines.

This article explores the world of vintage cars, their significance, the different eras they represent, and why these beautiful machines continue to capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts today.

What Defines a Vintage Car?

The term "vintage" often refers to cars that were manufactured between the 1910s and the 1930s, although the exact definition can vary depending on the region or collector's club. In general, vintage cars are those that are at least 30 years old, and they can be further categorized into different eras:

Brass Era (1885–1915): These are some of the earliest cars, named after the brass fittings and fixtures used in their design. They often have exposed radiators, gas lamps, and large, spoked wheels.

Vintage Era (1919–1930): This period saw the rise of closed-body cars (those with roofs) and significant advancements in car production, most notably with the mass-production techniques pioneered by Henry Ford.

Classic Era (1930–1970s): While not technically considered vintage by purists, classic cars—especially those from the 1930s to the 1970s—are highly sought after for their design, power, and cultural significance. This era includes pre- and post-war models as well as the iconic muscle cars of the 1960s.

Each of these eras contributes a distinct chapter to the story of automotive evolution, from early experimentation to the development of powerful, stylish machines.

The Evolution of Automotive Design

The design and technology of vintage cars reflect the era in which they were made. Cars from the early 20th century were often hand-built, with intricate detailing and a focus on luxury and craftsmanship. As industrial processes improved, cars became more affordable, and automakers began to focus on performance and innovation.

The Brass Era: The Dawn of Motoring

The Brass Era, from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, marks the birth of the automobile industry. Cars like the Ford Model T, introduced in 1908, revolutionized personal transportation by making cars affordable to the masses. Before that, cars were largely bespoke creations, crafted by skilled engineers and craftsmen. Brands like Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, and Packard became synonymous with luxury and elegance during this time.

The early cars were often open-top vehicles with large, brass fittings such as radiators, headlights, and horns. These cars required manual cranking to start and often featured wooden frames and bodies, giving them a unique aesthetic appeal. Despite their simplicity compared to modern cars, these vehicles were groundbreaking in their design and engineering.

The Vintage Era: The Rise of Style and Sophistication

The 1920s and 1930s, often referred to as the Vintage Era, saw car manufacturers refining their designs and offering more powerful and luxurious models. This period is when cars truly began to transition from functional machines to symbols of status and wealth.

Automobiles like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley 4½ Litre, and Bugatti Type 35 exemplified the blend of performance, style, and elegance that defined the era. Innovations in suspension, engine design, and aerodynamics began to make these cars faster, smoother, and more comfortable to drive.

During this time, design became more focused on aesthetics, with streamlined shapes, luxurious interiors, and increased attention to detail. Coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Zagato, and Mulliner worked with manufacturers to create custom, hand-built bodies for wealthy clients, each car becoming a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

The Classic Era: The Birth of Iconic Automobiles

The post-World War II era, particularly the 1950s and 1960s, brought about the rise of the classic car era, with manufacturers producing some of the most iconic cars in history. This period saw the birth of legendary American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and Pontiac GTO. These cars were built for speed and performance, capturing the excitement and freedom of the open road.

On the other side of the Atlantic, European manufacturers like Ferrari, Jaguar, and Aston Martin were creating cars that combined performance with unparalleled beauty. The Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type, and Aston Martin DB5 became symbols of automotive excellence, admired for their sleek designs and powerful engines.

The classic era also saw advancements in automotive technology, such as disc brakes, independent suspension, and more efficient engines. These innovations made cars not only faster but also safer and more reliable, increasing their appeal to both collectors and drivers.

Why Vintage Cars Are Still Relevant Today

In a world dominated by modern cars loaded with advanced technology, vintage cars still hold a special place in the hearts of many. Several reasons contribute to their enduring appeal:

1. Timeless Design

Vintage cars are celebrated for their timeless design. Unlike modern cars, which are often subject to rapidly changing trends, the design principles of vintage cars are rooted in elegance, craftsmanship, and simplicity. Whether it’s the sleek lines of a 1950s Porsche or the imposing grille of a 1930s Bentley, vintage cars have an aesthetic appeal that transcends time.

2. Mechanical Simplicity

While modern cars are packed with computers and electronic systems, vintage cars are admired for their mechanical simplicity. Enthusiasts appreciate the hands-on nature of maintaining and restoring these vehicles. Many vintage cars can be worked on with basic tools, making them a rewarding project for hobbyists and collectors who enjoy tinkering with engines and components.

3. Historical Significance

Each vintage car tells a story, representing a specific time in automotive history. Whether it’s a 1930s Mercedes-Benz from the pre-war era or a 1960s Chevrolet Camaro that captured the spirit of American muscle cars, these vehicles serve as living history, offering a glimpse into the design, technology, and culture of their time.

4. Investment Potential

In recent years, vintage cars have become a popular investment for collectors. Classic models, particularly those that are rare or have historical significance, have seen significant appreciation in value. Cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO or the Aston Martin DB5 are now worth millions, making them highly coveted pieces in the world of automotive collectibles.

5. Sense of Community

Owning a vintage car often comes with a sense of belonging to a passionate community. Vintage car enthusiasts gather at car shows, rallies, and auctions to celebrate their shared love for these machines. Clubs and associations dedicated to specific makes or models offer a space for enthusiasts to exchange knowledge, share restoration tips, and enjoy their cars together.

Restoring and Maintaining Vintage Cars

Restoring a vintage car is a labor of love, requiring time, dedication, and often a significant financial investment. Whether it’s sourcing rare parts, rebuilding engines, or refinishing interiors, the process can be both challenging and rewarding.

One of the main challenges of restoring vintage cars is finding original parts. Many manufacturers no longer produce parts for older models, so collectors often rely on specialist suppliers, salvage yards, or custom fabrication. Authenticity is key in restoration, with original parts and materials enhancing the car’s value and historical integrity.

Maintaining a vintage car also requires careful attention to detail. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, inspecting brakes, and checking the electrical system, is essential to keeping the car running smoothly. While vintage cars may not be as reliable as modern vehicles, their mechanical nature makes them easier to repair for those with the right knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

Vintage cars represent more than just transportation; they are a celebration of history, design, and engineering. From the earliest Brass Era automobiles to the classic muscle cars of the 1960s, these vehicles evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for a time when cars were not just mass-produced machines but works of art.

Whether it’s for their timeless beauty, historical significance, or the thrill of restoration, vintage cars continue to captivate collectors, enthusiasts, and drivers alike. As symbols of a bygone era, they remind us of the artistry and craftsmanship that once defined the automotive industry, ensuring their place in history for generations to come.

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