Changes
By site admin | June 20, 2008
The old site has reached critical mass so its time for an upgrade.
Get ready for the next stage in PT Evolution.
New Link: http://www.ptevolution.tinkerz.com
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Built While No One Was Watching
By site admin | October 23, 2006
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Chrysler PT Cruiser - Its Among The Strangers
By site admin | September 15, 2006
“Alien” Themed PT Cruiser Invades Russia
AKA: Project Alien
This Alien PT recently made a visit the the Moscow International Motor Show held August 30-September 3, 2006. It’s now gotten a bit of international attention since the press release from Auto Express on September 13, 2006. As alien as the car may be, more so is any detailed information for the exceptional custom creation, definitely AREA 51. Various PT Cruiser forums have posted the lonely photo without details in hopes of uncovering more info…
Devling into the PT Underground armed with a poor Russian to English web translator I’ve manage to uncover some additional information about this out of this world custom vehicle. For starters it seems to have made some earlier appearances at a few 2006 Russian IASCA Shows.
But Where Did It Come From?
To answer that, took a bit more research. Using the only info at hand (car only shown in Russia, seen at many IASCA events and displaying “Audiobahn” logos and equiptment) I started sifting my way though the vast internet. First and most obvious stop was the Audiobahn website. Nothing listed there and no response from them as of this writing. However; they did have an International Dealer Directory and listed only one Russian dealer: Delta Electronics. Well the web translator didn’t do me much good but there was a thumbnail image of the car listed so I must be getting closer. Their webpage however; didn’t offer up anything else. Managed to find a few thumbnails on google but the original links were dead.Then I tracked you the author of the thumbnails, He was russian of course and our ICQ conversation didn’t go far due to to his lack of interest in having to keep translating the text, I do thank him for trying to respond, though I could get him to send the full size photos.
Back to the web. I returned to the IASCA page to see if I missed anything…not that i saw, so I started going through the links section. Second link, I hit “Pay Dirt”! I found Car & Music a Russian Car Audio website. I put in a seach for “PT Cruiser” and came up with this article: Chrysler PT Cruiser - Its Among The Strangers (ruff translation, the page does not translate well in any of the translating software I’ve used. If someone can translate this please feel free to contact me and I’ll update the article).
This PT is Owned by Delta Electronics and is indeed their “Audiobahn Demo Car”. The concept revolves around the Alien movie. The car has become the “host” for the Alien to incubate and eventually rips though the front grill and headights.
The rear cargo holds the custom amp racks and subwoofer enclosure. This area represents the “Egg Chamber”. All panels are covered with an alien like skin and plating. Custom accent lighting sest off the interior, adding to the overall effect.
Unfortunately detailed interior images were not available. I only have the center dash shot which displays the radio and custom center console switches
Audio Equiptment
Head Unit - Alpine Cda-9835r
Front Speakers - ( 2 Sets) AudioBahn ACIS63
6-1/2″ + 4″ Matched 3-Way Component System
Subs - Audiobahn AWES12P
Audiobahn AWES15P
Amps - (2) Audiobahn A4075HCT
(2) Audiobahn A2300HCT
All rear lights are overlayed with cover plates. Mirrors have been removed and backup cameras installed.
As I can translate more info or if I get a response from Delta Electronics this article will be updated.
****UPDATE****
RETURN FROM AREA 51
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Luau Lounge-From Concept To Reality In 30 Days
By site admin | August 7, 2006
I’ve briefly discussed earlier the difficulty in creating trunk displays in convertibles due to the lack of workable space when compared to a full size tailgate of a sedan. This becomes especially difficult when also having to to accommodate three passengers and luggage when traveling to an event. It is possible though; we managed a Candy Shoppe theme for last years events which allowed for packing without too much loss of space… the question was could we do it again with something more elaborate…
The Trigger: While attending the Kahunaville event this year we spent some time with some folks from Virginia who were promoting their state meet “PTs In Paradise”. Well, after spending the night with them we were convinced to attend, with a promise that we would have a great time… it was a great time by the way. The inspiration for the display by the way came from the event logo:
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PT Evolution Product Reviews
By site admin | July 21, 2006
I’ve always wanted to be a product reviewer so as I install or use products I’ll get the reviews listed here. Feel free to comment on any of the reviews, I’ll answer any addition question through the comments section as well. At some point I may expand this to inludes services and events, we’ll see how things evolve.
- American Car Craft Convertible Door Panel Inserts
- American Car Craft Flame Etched Sill Plates
- IPCW Crystal Eyes LED Tail Lights
- Turtle Wax ICE
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A Matter Of Evolution
By site admin | March 7, 2006
Well, it’s been almost two years now that I’ve had the PT (March 31, 2006 will complete the cycle). The first year would pretty much fall under the “getting your feet wet” category. Venturing out to some events, joining a local club - The Garden State Crew-zers, meeting people, making some friends, learning the culture, and becoming part of the PT community, and of course falling victim to the “MOD” bug. All in all I would have to say it was a good first year. We ended up becoming members of two other clubs as well, The New Jersey Cruisers and the Long Island Cruisers. So three clubs, one independent, and one from each of the two opposing national PT organizations (Can’t get more well rounded than that). What I found interesting was that all three of these clubs share quite a few of the same members, an alliance of sorts. I’m good with that, I’ll belong to any club that will have me. Hence, now having memberships in both national organizations. So year one came to a close with no issues or regrets, maybe next season we’ll try to get a little more involved in things…..
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Cruisin Against MS
By site admin | February 1, 2006
My wife, Jacki was diagnosed a year ago with Multiple Sclerosis after suffering with the symptoms for almost 10 years. I have to give my wife a lot of credit, MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks your nervous system. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of the disease cannot be predicted and symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis to blindness. I know this disease can tend to wear a person down but she never complains. She is always on the go with her job and taking care of us, it’s got to take it’s toll and she just pushes the MS aside to make it though another day. She’s a person that always put others first regardless of how she is feeling and I must admit, regrettably that sometimes I forget to take notice of that. I know that with such a strong will she will survive this disease and beat it.
On Sunday, April 23, 2006 I along with members of the Garden State Crewzers and others will be walking in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Jersey Chapter’s 18th annual MS Walk to help end the devastating effects of MS. I will be representing Jacki Lakatos and her Team Cruisin AgainstMS at Gateway National Park Sandy Hook,NJ. If anyone is interested in becoming a sponsor, or joining the team please visit the page:
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IPCW LED Tail Lights
By site admin | January 18, 2006
The BUZZ, The HYPE, The SAGA, The REALITY…
The Buzz:
In Pro Car Wear (IPCW) Crystal Eyes™ LED tail lights are the latest technology in performance lighting. ICPW tail lights not only perform, their unique and original styles make them one-of-a-kind works of art. With IPCW Crystal Eyes LED tail lights, you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go.
The Hype:
350+ posts in 5 different forums.
The Saga:
Damn it! They don’t fit, I’m sending them back!
The Reality:
One cool tail light…These will probably be one of the hottest mods this year.
If you’re interested they’re available at Race and Street
I’ve put together the turn of events and review here: IPCW Crystal Eyes
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Long Island Cruisers Christmas Party
By site admin | December 11, 2005
December 10, 2005
This was the last official event for the 2005 season for us. I can’t think of any better way for it to have ended. Once I recover I’ll fill in the details. For now you can get a good impression of the party from the slideshow below:
Long Island Cruisers Christmas Party 2005
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Reflections 2005
By site admin | November 29, 2005
This year is quickly coming to a close and I still havent been able to get caught up with info from all of this years events. Since I still haven’t been able to find the words, I’ve put together a slide show to tell the story instead. The page is a bit bulky to load so a memory match game can be played as the files load up.
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Return To The Beach 6
By site admin | October 25, 2005
Return To The Beach 6 - Myrtle Beach, SC October 21-23, 2005
A Multiple Sclerosis Charity Event
We’ve been looking for an event to travel to so we could expand our PT horizons a bit and did this one fit the bill! The main interest in this event for us was the charity- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
My wife, Jacki 
was recently diagnosed with MS after suffering with the symptoms for almost 10 years. Once we read about the event we (Jacki) knew we had to attend; though we figured it would be next year.
I have to give my wife a lot of credit, MS is a debilitating disease and for people with MS their symtoms tend to flare up as they get tired or if they are exposed to prolonged heat (and most events always include getting tired and hot). Yet, if there is a event we (Ben and I) want to go to she is always with us. Don’t get me wrong here, Jacki has her favorite events as well. I know this disease can tend to wear a person down but she never complains. She is always on the go with her job and taking care of us, it’s got to take it’s toll and she just pushes the MS aside to make it though another day. She’s a person that always put others first regardless of how she is feeling and I must admit, regrettably that sometimes I forget to take notice of that. I know that with such a strong will she will survive this disease and beat it.
For more information about Multiple Sclerosis click the MS Ribbon of Hope banner in the left pane of this page.
A Roll Of The Dice (and Fuzzy at that)
Through the course of conversation with our friend Rick aka: Fuzzy Dice
we talked about wanting to attend this event. He tried to convince us to go this year but we had heard that the host hotel was booked so we were going to wait till next year. A few days later I got an email from him…The great person that he is, he managed to get us a room at the hotel and offered to have us caravan down with him. Though I’ve told him, I’d just like to thank him again (Thanks Rick!). As far as people go, he’s one of the best you’ll find. He’s kind, generous and would give you the shirt off his back and ask nothing in return.
The Event
This event was great! It had pretty much everything you could ask for. Great people…got to meet many online friends in person (Hey Becky! It was great to finally meet you!). A terrific Venue- Broadway At The Beach.
There was food, shopping, plenty of conversation and shade when you needed it. An activity list that could keep you busy all weekend. (Dinner Party, Golf Championship, Bocce Tournament, PT Fashion Show, Cooler Races, Glow Show, Stereo Competition, a Dog Show was also happening, and of course a Car Show). The event coordinators did a great job making everything run smoothly and making sure everyone had a great time. As far as judging went, I think it was the best combination I’ve seen. You can’t really go wrong having three different styles of judging. Thanks for a job well done. We’ll be back next year!
We only took a few pictures due to having way to much fun. Return To The Beach 6 Pics
More pictures and links are available at the Official Site
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Time of Reflection
By site admin | October 9, 2005
Haven’t posted in a bit and summer is gone and fall is getting into full swing. It’s been a busy season full of cruise nights, shows and gatherings. I’ll get things caught up shortly, Stay Tuned…
Events:
Wheels and Wings
Red White And Blueberry Festival
Niftt Fifty’s
Shore Thing 5
5th Annual Wild Thang
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South Bound Brook’s Blast From The Past
By site admin | June 13, 2005
We’ll, we have come full circle. This was the event where we first met the Garden State Crew-zers. This years event was HOT! Not only was it in the 90’s, the cars were great too. We met up at the Riverside Pub before hand so we could all park as a group. As far as cars; this show had everything… HotRods, Classics, Customs, Bikes and of course PTs. As far as shows go, this one is well organized and quite relaxing to attend..lots of time to talk with friends. There’s music all day long and great food that doesn’t empty your wallet. I do believe we had 17 PTs attending which was quite a few more than last year.
You can find a bunch of pictures in the gallery:
South Bound Brook Photos (Note we let Ben loose with the camera again to get that unique perspective).
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It was bound to happen
By site admin | June 7, 2005
Into each cruiser some chrome must fall…
In this case it happens to be flamed etched door panels and sill plates…
These are really nice quality items. The fit is good though some additional forming was required to get the fit just right.
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Plummy’s 5th Annual Pool Party
By site admin | June 6, 2005
Like I said last year, this is a must attend event …..
This is an Invitation is to ALL
plummy & dan (king midas) have been working there hardest each year to pull it off a pool party for us the PT Cruiser family. and each year its been great!!! this year will mark the 5TH year, (thats a mile stone in my book)Lets make this year BIG.
For those who havn’t experienced a day with plumetta and gang, You’ve been missing out!!!
from friday night to Sunday Morning we take over the entire Street filled with PTCruisers from Stock to super modified and the best town cruise yet! at her house! and everybody is welcomed…
For those who cannot see image, please click link Invitation 2005!
Please R.S.V.P to Plumetta by: July 11th via: Phone, E-mail, Fax, however just do it!
LIPSYNCLADY@AOL.COM 631-472-9879
Oh, I forgot to mention Plummy is going TOPLESS this year…
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Some New Mods…
By site admin | June 4, 2005
I think mods will be minimal for this season since my VISA sponsorship is close to its limit. A few unique ones got planned over the winter. I’m spending a lot of time on the creativity factor since for the most part the mods are lighting related and I don’t want them overly visible during the day.
The List:
1) Really Cool Kick Pannels
Q-Forms custom Kick Pannel modified to hold a 6″ Lumin Disc. Warning to convertible owners the pannels do not properly fit the convertible without modifying the floor.
2) The Roll Bar Project
3) Strobes for Ben? ( He keeps asking)
Under Construction ( Completed 8/05/05)—- 4 Strobe Tubes 28 Strobes in all
4) Rear under seat Color Bar
Under Construction ( Completed 8/05/05)
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April PT Picnic
By site admin | April 19, 2005
After the last parade some of us discussed the need for another before the event season kicked in. The powers that be came up with a picnic. The place was Windward Beach Park in Brick, New Jersey. We all meet up at the Krispy Kreme in Brick and started off with some coffee and donuts. Then we all headed over to the park for what was a great afternoon.
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Woodbridge St Patrick’s Day Parade
By site admin | March 26, 2005
We’ll call this the season opener. The first outing after a long winter. Got to meet up with all our friends, and catch up on the past few months. The weather was great and the parade was a blast. Afterward we all got together for some dinner and conversation.
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Christmas Parade 2004
By site admin | December 28, 2004
All I can say is Parades are fun! Themes can be done in a convertible! (just not in the trunk) I’ll credit my wife here for the developement of the theme. She had absolutely great ideas for it. I’ll aslo give her tons of credit for allowing the project to evolve to where it is. Without her patience and understanding I’d be in the dog house…Thank You…
And the 2004 season comes to an end…
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Shore Thing 4
By site admin | October 15, 2004
October 8, 9 & 10th 2004
No packing required. For us this was a local event so no need for heavy packing. This event though short notice went off quite well. We were still a bit tired due to the back to back weekend events, but this one was quite relaxed and fun.
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Wild Thang4
By site admin | October 6, 2004
October 2-3, 2004
This was the largest show to date that we attended. There were some really great cars at this event…gave us a lot to think about and some great memories. The car show is held on the boardwalk and the cars were simply outstanging. Everyone lines up early and gets their cars ready.
Ben the “Detailer”
The hightlight for my son Ben was the neon cruise though town, so much so we also did it the second night. The show and glows that take place after the cruises were spectacular.
Wild Thang Photos 1
Wild Thang Photos 2
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Plumetta’s 4th Annual Pool Party
By site admin | August 25, 2004
August 20th - 22nd ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT
1 Pool…just add “Fairy Dust” …instant friends…
Enter Plumetta (Jo-Ann Nevins ) Long Island, NY Director
I took Gary’s advice and we made our way out to Long Island. Again, (must be a PT thing) Plummy who didn’t know us from a hole in the wall made us feel welcome and one of the PT family. If you like to have fun, this is a must attend event. Jo-Ann is one of the most fun and energetic people I now know, and CAN she throw a party!
Here was the itinerary:
So who’s coming? FOR THIS YEAR’S HAWAIIAN THEMED POOL PARTY BLAST!!!!!!!
We would love to see everybody that came to for her wonderful hospitality last year to come back again THIS YEAR! and many newbies.. Everyone’s welcome!
• ALL DAY POOL
• COOK OUT TILL FOOD RUNS OUT.. (there’s always leftovers)
• AWARDS ( ie. longest traveled, best exterior, best themed, best neons or LEDs (for later
during the night…and MUCH, MUCH MORE )
• Baby picture contest…please send in a baby picture of yourself along with RSVP for contest.
(note: you will get your picture back )
• NIGHT CRUISE
• NEON, LED PHOTO opportunity
• Gazebo photo opportunity, single or multi car photo shoot
• There is too much to do! I can’t name everything, you’ll just have to come!!!
• For those who are staying over or will be back Sunday, there is Sunday morning breakfast
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Mods Continue
By site admin | August 5, 2004
Ebay is not good for mod-aholics. When the deal is too good you can’t resist… so came the Visor TVs, Headrest Tvs and underseat DVD Player and Powered Subwoofer. I know, earlier I said no Big stereo system but it’s not and takes up no room (sub is removable if we need the space). Ok ,that was cheap and easy but more lighting was my desire (not cheap and easy). Phone calls were made and in a few days boxes arrived with more ICELED product. Thier products are all digitally controled by a central ECU so everything links up quite well. Had to get creative since I wanted none of it noticable during the day. So in went the Wheel Well lighting, replacement dome and map lights, under dash and under seat lighting, map pockets, grill and trunk were also equipped. Figured I’d do it all and be done with it (yeah right). Anyway all buttoned up off to the Pool Party….
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The begining of 1 lit PT
By site admin | July 13, 2004
Back to PTs defining their owners….I’ve been defined as Crazy by the way. This seems to be broken down to “Themes” and “Mods”. Themes being displays of just about anything of interest to the owner, from Patriotic to Elvis even a Tiki Bar. These are just outright diplays of owner passion…and one day I to will find one that fits. So for now I’ve concentrated on the second “Mods”. Mods are additions to the car…Custom paint, chrome anything, new lights, color keyed pannels, body kits, stereos etc. Being from the mobile electronics world the stereo thing had promise but after owning a vehicle that became practically unusable as a daily driver I decided to avoid that path again; also being a soft top I didn’t think a flashy stereo was a good idea. My mod of choice became undercar and interior lighting. I’ve installed it in the past but never for myself, but it filled the bill. Stealth…the car can sit like Plain Jane during the day and no one really gives it a second look. Also, it doesn’t require the loss of space which is at a premium anyway. Since I’ve been out of mobile electronic for about 3 years I poked around the internet to see what was new…LEDs now relace neon as the lighting of choice thought they didn’t have the intensity of neon. Then I found a company in the UK which offered the cutting edge in lighting ICELED.
I found a US distributor, ordered the kit, installed it, got hooked (obsessed) and the “1 Lit PT” came into being. I’ll discuss future addons in some later posts (we’re still working in the past here).
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Red, white and Blueberry Festival
By site admin | June 30, 2004
Well, we managed to pack (squeeze) all our belongings and supplies and made it to our first event.
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Meeting the Garden State Crew-zers
By site admin | June 28, 2004
2004 South Bound Brook’s Blast From The Past Car Show June 13, 2004
We didn’t enter this event, we just went to see the cars, introduce ourselves to the club and find out some more information. Not being as outgoing as I used to be we milled around a bit before we met Judy and John the clubs co-directors. Judy introduced us around and everyone made us feel welcome. All I can say is these people are all top notch.. you’ll find none better. So after talking a bit especially with Gary we were set on attending our first event:
Red, White & Blueberry Festival Hammonton, NJ
June 27, 2004
Gary also asked if we’ve met Pulmetta (which we had not) and that we should be sure to attend
PLUMETTA’S 4TH ANNUAL PT POOL PARTY ( thanks Gary..more on this later).
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Look What They’ve Done
By site admin | May 10, 2004
Once I got settled in with my new PT, I decided to venture out on the internet to find some information…and there is a lot! Communities, Clubs, Forums, and Shows. Most of this I expected… after all I spent 15 years or so in Car Audio and Electronics industry. However, after reading a bunch of Forums and viewing endless Photo galleries PT owners seemed to be different. Most of their cars had “Themes”. Tailgate displays from basic to elaborate, each defining there owner. Being a convertible owner with a tiny trunk I now pondered what could be done. (Note: I’m still pondering it). Since I wanted to do something to the car to define me I decided on some undercar lighting since “Glow Shows” also seemed quite popular. Doing the lighting has been a great “Father and Son” project.
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March 31, 2004
By site admin | April 2, 2004
This would be where it begins. Well, it actually began when I saw the pictures of the first PT Cruiser many years ago. Since then I’ve been patiently wainting for the production 2 door panel cruiser which still hasn’t happened.
Well, no pannel cruiser but the convertible showed up and caught my attention, so off to the dealer I went to have a look.
Rule #1 never go browsing on the last day of the month.
Rule #2 if you do go, drive the biggest piece of junk you can find.
Rule #3 be prepared to buy.
That being said, within 4 hours I was driving my new 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible GT home.
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The Begining
By site admin | March 31, 2004
Once you get a PT Cruiser a great story usually follows. As I get the time I’ll get this story rolling. (I’ll be catching up on the first year if the time perspective seems in the past).
Be sure to check out the different photo galleries, and video links on the left and right sidebars.
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