*July 6, 1955-Smog Control The Federal Air Pollution Control Act was implemented, providing federally allocated funds for research into causal analysis and control of car-emission pollution.
For more daily automotive history tidbits that define the automotive world we live in today you can log on at www.historychannel.com and click on automotive news.
Cyber Off-Roading
Are You Down With the Jeep OG Fullsize? Full-Size Jeeps (www.eskie.net/fsj.htm) is dedicated to the maintenance, appreciation, preservation, and endurance of the "SJ-series" Jeeps we now know as fullsize Jeeps. These fullsize Jeeps include the original Wagoneer, Gladiator pickups (later just J-series trucks), '74-'83 Cherokees, '84-'92 Grand Wagoneer, and the military M715/M724/M725/M726 models. The new site hosts a community bulletin board and will soon have references and resources for the fullsize Jeep enthusiast.
Do You Want Some Cheese With That Whine? One of the coolest sounds is the turbo spooling up in a diesel. Diesel-Central.com is an informative source for diesel tech articles and diesel sites. It has The Diesel Mall, industry news, polls and surveys, forum and live chat, reader rigs, classified advertisements, an events calendar, and Coming Soon, in addition to giving you the option of your own personal Web site. The coolest feature is the detailed diesel tech, including diesel combustion basics and Power Stroke info.
Business Buzz
*In 2007 Navistar diesel technology and Ford plan on using a 4.5L diesel V-6 in some of their trucks and SUVs.
*Ford Motor Company's Norfolk Assembly Plant produced its seven-millionth vehicle-a '02 F-150 pickup truck.
*American Axle may prove it's worthy to build and supply GM with a rear-steer axle system. Earlier this year the axle maker was awarded another contract to supply GM with axles for its fullsize trucks.
*An all-aluminum block will be outfitting some Chevy Trailblazers and GMC Envoys whose purchasers select the Vortec 5300 V-8 option. The engine is said to deliver 280 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
*Ford will offer a "rollover" package in the restyled '03 Explorer. The package will include side airbag curtains and rollover sensors.
*Extreme Suspensions will carry on the legacy of the Dick Cepek name with the suspension and lightening lines. Mickey Thompson will continue to carry the Cepek tires. Extreme Suspensions can be reached at 915/263-0696.
*ProRock has a new national sponsor-Randy's Ring & Pinion of Everett, Washington.
*The American Rock Crawlers Association (ARCA) announced that it will be working with the group International Rock Crawlers Association (IRCA) to promote and sanction rockcrawling competitions at the international level.
Calendar Of Events
July 19-21 Radical Rides 13th Annual Canadian Truck Nationals: Western Fair Event Centre, London, Ontario, Canada. Information: 519/652-2449
July 19-20 Jeep Jamboree USA Paragon Adventure Event, Hazleton, PA. Information: 530/333-4777, www.jeepjamboreeusa.com
July 19-20 Jeep Jamboree USA Red River Event, Red River, NM. Information: 530/333-4777, www.jeepjamboreeusa.com
July 19-24 Rocky Mountain International Harvester Rendezvous 9th Annual All International Harvester Show 'n' Shine: Chaffee County Fairgrounds, Salida, CO. Information: 303/364-4424, www.rmihr.org
July 24-28 Dakota Territory Cruisers Black Hills Cruiser Classic, Black Hills, SD. Information: www.dakotacruisers.com
July 25-28 4th Annual Oregon Trail Jamboree, Bohemia Mining District, OR. Information: 541/684-9046, www.oregontrailjamboree.org
July 27-28 CORR Exxon Superflo Series Race, Milan, MI. Information: 317/2720-2827, www.corracing.com
July 27-28 5th Annual Buckeye 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals: Canfield Fairgrounds, Canfield (Youngstown), OH. Information: 317/236-6515, www.familyevents.com
July 27-Aug. 3 NAXKA XJFest Colorado, near Buena Vista, CO. Information: www.naxja.org
Aug. 3-4 8th Annual Bond Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals: Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT. Information: 317/236-6515, www.familyevents.com