David Wood found a website that might be helpful when planning a drive. Can be searched by State and City and includes octane levels. North Carolina list: https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=NC
Ethanol Free Gas Locations
Category Archives: Tech Tips
*New* Harbor Freight Jack Stand Recall
July 2020 Update:
Harbor Freight added a fourth jack stand to their recall list. This jack stand has been recalled because of the weld splitting (breaking). This new recall is for the Pittsburgh 3 ton jack stand number 56373.
The May 2020 recall applies to three-ton and six-ton heavy-duty steel jack stands with these 3 item numbers:
56371
61196
61197
The number on the three-ton units can be found on the label at the top while the six-ton stands have their numbers printed in the yellow section of the label found on the base. These jack stands carry the Pittsburgh Automotive brand name. These jack stands have the potential to disengage their support pawl under shifting weight, causing the stand to drop suddenly. Based on the NHTSA filing, the recall applies to approximately 454,000 jack stands made between 2013 and 2020.
Harbor Freight urges anybody in possession of affected jack stands to return them to a store in exchange for a gift card equal to the current shelf price of comparable models. Any unsold jack stands covered by the recall have been removed from stores. Owners may contact Harbor Freight customer service at (800) 444-3353 or email: recall@harborfreight.com
Old Tires by Robert Milks
NC Emissions Inspections Change
As of December 1, 2018, vehicle emissions testing will no longer be required in 26 North Carolina counties including: Henderson, Haywood and Rutherford counties.
Emissions inspections remain a requirement in 48 of 100 North Carolina counties including: Buncombe county.
Vehicle safety inspections are still required for registration renewal in all 100 North Carolina counties.
Exemptions:
Vehicles manufactured prior to 1995 are exempt from emissions inspections.
Vehicles more than 35 years old are exempt from annual safety inspections.
“This change is only possible because of the strides we’ve made in improving air quality throughout the state of North Carolina,” said Assistant Secretary for the Environment Sheila Holman. The process to remove the emissions inspection requirement in these counties started more than four years ago. The Division of Air Quality determined that ending inspections in these rural counties would not negatively impact air quality or interfere with the attainment status or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
For more information:
NC Department of Environmental Quality Certification Letter
NC Division of Air Quality Inspection and Maintenance page: Inspection / Maintenance Program
NC Division of Motor Vehicles: Emissions & Safety Inspections
E15 Ethanol Fuel
Information on the plans for year-round sales of E15 fuel.
The Wichita Eagle Newspaper 2018
The Buick Bugle magazine (Buick Club of America) has allowed this reprint.
E15 Fuel
To try to do or not to try to do.
Leave a reply
Humorous article on the question of doing your own LBC service by BCCWNC member Alvan Judson.
To-try-to-do-or-not-to-try-to-doXKE Steering
Article on the correct steering rack mounting on an E-type by BCCWNC member Alvan Judson. This may also have application to other British cars.
XKE-Steering-082018Installing Third Brake Light
Article in Rootes Review by BCCWNC member Terry Ramsey.
Third-Brake-LightNorth Carolina Safety Inspection Exemption
Here is the state law exemption for a safety inspection on cars registered in North Carolina that are at least 35 years old. Safety inspection exemption.
Technical seminars
A variety of technical seminars for British Cars can be found at University Motors Ltd.
Winterize your car
Tips from University Motors Press on Winterizing your MG, although this can apply to any British car.
Asbestos and older cars
The use of asbestos in older cars is a concern for the home mechanic, particularly in brakes and clutches. See this Asbestos article for information on how to protect yourself.