There is a certain forward momentum in film that unhinges in certain uncertain moments. Looking at the span of years where the Western served as the great genre for action and adventure, and then looking at the years where the less-determined action genres where cars serve as the primary source of transportation, and there is a certain development. The golden age of Westerns might very well be gone, although they do make them now and then. The car movie, that action genre that really dominated the box office in the 70s and 80s, could also very well be on its way to the past. Robots and spaceships are usually somewhere to be found in every Cineplex. The movement does seem to be from horses to wheels to air and space.

While it’s unlikely that they will disappear altogether, it is a little more difficult to find films with mud tires these days, especially in contrast to the movies with battles in the air. In this regard, then, the Mad Max films could be the high point, and possibly even that place where everything began to turn.

The setting here was very much the stuff of the old west. It doesn’t matter that it took place in the future, the idea of a lawless outpost is one that made every cowboy movie exciting and mythically potent. While horses are enormously valuable commodities in Westerns, and at times even beloved pets, the car and truck becomes powerful in the Road Warrior, and more because gasoline is scarce, not that vehicles are rare. This dark version of the future is one that sets up the next generation for another dream, and another mythical reference point.

By the time science fiction reaches a certain peak, something very interesting starts to happen. The genre dies out somewhat, but not because the ideas are gone, but because it enters into the mainstream so deeply that the stuff of science fiction isn’t even perceived as science fiction any longer. In the action films of the last generation, heroes sometimes had challenges like changing off-road tires in the middle of a dangerous moment. This has its counterparts in the Western where the hero’s horse suffers an unfortunate fall in the middle of a big battle. The most contemporary films might have problems with fuel and parts, but this time in the air.

There were science fiction films in the past, and there are Western films in the present. The genres have moments of rising and falling, but they don’t go away. There are many ways of telling the same story. There may only be one story, as some would claim, with different flavors, and all of them have a potential to move the imagination to where it sees itself, and sees itself reflecting toward the past and the future simultaneously.

Horse Power to Horsepower to Air Wars is a post from: Faux Reel

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I have an older Ford Bronco, a little over ten years old. Recently, my city decided that in order to keep the air cleaner it is now requiring all cars to partake in emissions testing and follow very strict guidelines. Something about this made me a little uneasy, probably because I haven’t had a lot of work done on my vehicle in the past year or so because money has been tight. It hasn’t broken down or anything, but I was sure it wasn’t in tip top shape.

I finally took it in to do the emissions test, and I failed the NOX portion of my test by over 200 parts per million. This seemed like a huge deal to me because I didn’t think that my truck was in that bad of shape. I figured if there was a way to fix this I could do it on the cheap by looking at the Ford Bronco repair manual, but I couldn’t make heads or tails of that thing. I felt pretty useless reading through all the technical jargon and not knowing what any of it meant. This is why I should have taken Auto Repair in high-school, then I wouldn’t have such a problem.

I ended up taking it to a great mechanic friend of mine who took one look at it and the test results and looked worried. After a little bit of time he diagnosed it with having a partially plugged exhaust passage. He said that this passage feeds the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. This was the whole cause of my problems and all he had to do was clean it out. It was really simple and even showed me how to do it, although he said that I shouldn’t have to do it again for a long time. He later told me that his worry was that he thought for a little while he was going to have to replace the valve. I’m really glad he didn’t have to and he just had to clean it. Now I can get my truck tested and not have to worry about failing the test again.

A Clean EGR Valve and I Can Pass the NOX Testing is a post from: Faux Reel

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When you purchase a brand new truck, one of the first things that you want to do is show it off. The second thing that you want to trick it out with some new custom parts like 26″ rims and custom wheels. As with all custom parts, you want to make sure you are getting the right part for your truck and, since custom parts are not cheap, that you are getting your money’s worth.
When deciding on the type of custom wheels you will get, you will first want to consider the types of activities you will be doing in your new truck. If you live in a rainy climate and will being staying in the city, aluminum alloy wheels are the best. They are the best at preventing rust; however, they don’t take well to being around off road. If you are the more adventurous type and can’t wait to get out into some dirt and do some off-roading, you are better off with steel wheels. While they do require extra care to prevent rust, they are strong enough to take just about any abuse you give them.
After you have decided on the right kind of wheels for your new ride, you will want to make sure you get them in the right size. Many truck owners get their trucks lifted and larger tires. Be aware of whether you have 20″ rims or larger. Getting the right size may seem like a no-brainer, but getting the wrong size can prove to be a costly mistake.
Many owners like to install new parts themselves but don’t underestimate the work involved. If you are uncertain what to do or do not have the proper tools, take it to a mechanic. They will know exactly what to do without damaging your parts and ensuring your safety down the road .
Once you have everything installed you are ready to hit the road, or perhaps the trail. Now you really have something to show off.

Choosing the Right Custom Wheels is a post from: Faux Reel

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