�������������������������"�"��"���#&����!#"(�'��*�� �� ��#"�"�+������������,� )��"����$(#&���"��"�+������)$�&��)(-��#"��$$&#*����&���(��"#(�� ��)-�&'�+� �%)� ��-��+�(�����#+"��(����"�+�&�(�� ��� �*�&-��&#!���� �&�'(#����-� �����!)'(���"�"���+�(���#&���&���(�(#�&����*�������#&���&���(��#")'�

��'��#"�"�+������������,� )��"����$(#&���"��"�+������)$�&��)(-���������� �&��#&��#!$ �(����(�� '����� � ����������" ����������" ���������� ������! ���� �������

�� ����� ������������ ��

�

FMSERV

ICES

Insulation & Seam

less Gutters

FREE ESTIMATES

515-571-2060 • 515-290-4045

Buy It, Sell It...call Classified 576-6721 -CONSUMER NEWS - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012 - PAGE 7

PAGE 8 - CONSUMER NEWS...Where Results Cost Less! - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012

B i g B o y s a n d T h e i r T o y sp a g e 2

Showing Some MuscleBy Doris A. Black

The supercars of the muscle era hold a special placein the hearts of many car collectors. By definition,muscle cars are recognized by their two-door, mid-sized coupe or sedan style, and large-displacement V-8engine. Even though all the major auto manufacturersproduced them, they made up only a small fraction of the total automotive out-put from Detroit. These are the ones we remember the most: the GTO, GTX,Chevy 409 and Ford Camaro Z-28.

Let’s look at a brief timeline:• 1959: The year started with the big Chevrolet Impala with its bat-wing tail enddesign, the Chrysler 300 and the Ford Fairlane.

• 1965: By this time, Detroit was pumping out dozens of muscle cars—the ChevyNova, Impala and Chevelle; the Dodge Dart; the Ford Galaxie and Mustang; thePlymouth Cuda; the Mercury Comet; the Oldsmobile 4-4-2; and the PontiacCatalina, Grand Prix and GTO. With names like Mach 1, Challenger, CycloneSpoiler, Road Runner and Eliminator, these muscle cars promised to be fast andrarely disappointed. The typical muscle car buyer of the ’60s wanted low cost, lessweight and high speed.

• 1969: By the late 1960s, there were still more models to choose from as musclecar popularity peaked. Added to the mix were the AMC AMX, Plymouth RoadRunner, Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger and Pontiac Firebird.

• 1971: Muscle car popularity started to wane, but with new styling, some contin-ued to the end of the decade. It was the last year for the hugely popular GTX.

According to the experts at Muscle Car Review magazine, the five fastestcars of this era were, in descending order: the 1966 427 Cobra, the 1966Corvette 427, the 1969 Road Runner, the 1970 Hemi Cuda and the 1970Chevelle SS454.

Today the rarest muscle cars are the Chrysler convertibles with hemiengines. The reason for their rarity is two-fold: First, the hemi engine com-manded a higher price tag than the typical muscle car buyer was willing tospend, and second, Chrysler only produced one Hemi convertible for

every 47,000 automobiles. After the convertibles, the rarest muscles cars are the1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL-1 427 2-door coupe, the 1969 Pontiac FirebirdTrans Am and the 1969 AMC AMX SS 2-door coupe. In their heyday, these carscould be purchased for somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000. Today, you’llspend quite a bit more to relive those memorable times.

Collectors are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of these classicbeauties. But no matterwhat your preference inmuscle cars, proper win-ter storage can prolongthe life of the car andprotect your investment.Experts recommend thefollowing:• Store the car indoors,as weather elements canquickly take their toll.

• Use a battery maintain-er to keep the batteryalive during winter.

• Keep the gas fresh byadding fuel stabilizer tothe tank before filling.This combination willhelp protect the engineduring winter months.

• Drain the cooling sys-tems and insert a rust-inhibiting anti-freeze forprotection against freez-ing.

• Store the vehicle onlyafter a fresh oil change.

• To protect the exterior,wash and wax the carbefore storing. Use acloth car cover to fur-ther protect the paint.

• To protect interior fin-ishes from drying winterair, apply a preservativeto the dash, seats, backsand armrests.• Keep insurance current.

Muscle cars bring backimages of a more care-free lifestyle. With theirspeed and power, theyreflect the days of youth.

Shadow Phantom®

56 MPG*

YOUR GAS STATION’SWORST NIGHTMARE?

�:+6=43+�3++*7�84�-+8�'6493*��(98�+:+6=43+�'174�;'387�84-+8�8.+�2478�498�4,�8.+/6�,9+1�(9*-+8��".+�74198/43���4;'(498�'��43*'�!.'*4;> � ��69/7+6��%/8.� ,496�-6+'824*+17�/3�496�1/3+95��8.+�!.'*4;�!5/6/8�� ��!.'*4;��.'3�842��!.'*4;��+64> '3*�8.+�75468=�!.'*4;� !���=49�)'36/*+�/3�78=1+�'3*�78/11�-+8�'3�+78/2'8+*� ��2/1+7�5+6�-'1143���,�8.'8@7�348�'�7;++8�*+'1��;+�*43@8�034;�;.'8�/7�

!546872'3@7��463+6�%&����!498.�1-43'����� ��� �� �

7546872'37)463+6.43*'�)42

��43*'@7�,9+1�+)4342=�+78/2'8+7�'6+�('7+*�43�����+<.'978�+2/7�7/43�2+'796+2+38�8+78�564)+*96+7�'3*�'6+�/38+3*+*�,46�)425'6/743596547+7�431=��&496�')89'1�2/1+'-+�;/11�:'6=�*+5+3*/3-�43�.4;=49�6/*+��.4;�=49�2'/38'/3�=496�:+./)1+��;+'8.+6��64'*�)43*/8/437�8/6+�56+7796+��/378'11'8/43�4,�'))+7746/+7��)'6-4��6/*+6�'3*�5'77+3-+6;+/-.8��'3*�48.+6�,')8467�

..4433**''��))4422 ��%�&!�%�� ��������"���&��� �"��"��������� �"��"�$�����"����������&�"�����%����� ����&�# ��%�� @!����#���"�� �#���&���43*'�'7��'3��'7�!':+6?�/)43��!.'*4;>��!.'*4;��+64>�'3*�!.'*4;��.'3842>�'6+86'*+2'607�4,��43*'��4846��4����8*����������

2291 Landfill Drive Fort Dodge - 955-4477 955-JUNK(5865)

* L ICENSED D EMANUFACTURER

OF APPLIANCES

FRANK’S AUTO & TRUCK SALVAGE

We Buy Junk Cars, Trucks & Farm Equipment

Paying Top $$$ For Scrap-Metal & Iron

(Alum, Copper, Lead)

Buy It, Sell It...call Classified 576-6721 -CONSUMER NEWS - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012 - PAGE 9

��� �������������������������������

�����������������������

11VCUS6X5C

Bus Hwy 20 E • Ft. Dodge 515-955-6000

racingunlimited.com

Didn’t you promise yourself a new bike

in 2012?

Motorcycle ManiaBy Doris A. Black

The first step in owning a motorcycle is learning how to ride one. This may sound easy, butit really isn’t. Sure, balancing on two wheels is part of the process, and if you know how toride a bicycle, you could probably keep a motorcycle from hitting the pavement. However,controlling a motorcycle and learning to coordinate the use of hand and foot movementsis a complex task, especially in traffic where unexpected situations can arise.

Safe driving is the responsibility of all bikers. It takes knowledge andskill to safely control a motorcycle which is why all motorcycleenthusiasts are required to pass a driving course in order to belicensed. Once these basic skills are mastered and the coordinationof hand and foot movements, the technique of shifting body weightand the knowledge of stopping distance becomes second nature,purchasing a motorcycle may be an option.

How does one go about buying a motorcycle? If you’re a novice,starting with a used bike is a good idea. As with purchasing any typeof motor vehicle, a motorcycle can be a hefty investment, withminor repairs costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Start bytelling your friends that you’re in the market for a used bike. If you’re patient and wait forword to get around, at least one bike worth looking at is bound to turn up. Another popu-lar avenue these days is to purchase used bikes on the Internet. EBay, for example, is a verypopular site where you can purchase a used motorcycle, but there are many otherInternet sites available as well. It is wise to shop around for the best bargain before hand-ing over your credit card.

What should you look for when buying a motorcycle? According to experts, a beginningmotorcyclist should choose a lightweight bike. Lightweight bikes are easy to maneuver intight spaces, break quicker and have faster recoverability in a prone situation. Experts sug-

gest the first bike be in the 300- to 500-pound range. Engine performance and accelerationdiffers, even among similar models. Choosing the biggest, fastest engine is not a good ideafor beginners who may accidentally cause the bike to lurch by jerking the throttle orclutch and lose control. Bikes with touchy controls should also be avoided. If you’re in themarket for a sport bike, choosing one that is 500ccs or less is the best option. Bodyworkon sport bikes can be very expensive to repair, with minor scratches costing more thanyou expect, so you might want to wait until after you pass the novice rider stage beforebuying a new one. Cruisers and touring bikes are gentle giants, usually manageable becausethe engine power is offset by the weight of the bike. And almost any engine size will do ona standard motorcycle.

Managing the cost of a motorcycle is similar to that of other roadvehicles. Good credit goes a long way and shopping around for thebest loan rates will save you money in the long run. Insurance isalso a major concern for motorcycle owners. You’ll most likely needto get full coverage, which can be very costly, depending on the sizeof the engine and the type of bodywork. Your driving record alsocomes into play for insurance quotes, so shop around for the bestrate. Carry a large deductible of at least $250 to get lower monthlypayments. Smaller bikes tend to get lower rates, so unless you real-ly have to have that top performer, opt for a smaller model.

Annual maintenance for a motorcycle can be expensive. Most need a tune-up two or threetimes a year, but some high performers may need work twice as often. To minimize annualmaintenance costs, professionals recommend riders take good care of their bikes and learnto do their own oil changes and basic checkups.

Remember, it’s best to pick a bike designed for your skill level and upgrade later after youhave become more experienced. Drive safely and the emotional thrill of owning a motor-cycle will last for years to come.

B i g B o y s a n d T h e i r T o y s p a g e 3

PAGE 12 - CONSUMER NEWS...Where Results Cost Less! - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012

Boat Design For The RookieBy Doris A. Black

In the early years boats were made of wood. Their designs were

based on the flexibility of that wood, which proved to be limiting. The

development of fiberglass opened the door for boat designers to cre-

ate new hulls, which led to the creation of new models of boats with

superior speed and seaworthiness. What model best suits your needs?

Here’s information that can help you with your decision.

The interior layout of many boats determines what type of model it

is. The runabout, the most commonly purchased boat for fun, has a

closed bow deck, windshield, two sets of forward- and rear-facing

seats that fold down, and a canopy for weather protection. Bowriders

have an open bow, walk-through windshield and the same seating as

the runabout with two additional stern seats. Bowriders provide

more room for passengers but less storage space. Center console

designs work well for the lone angler. With no additional seating, they

are perfect for holding a lot of fishing gear and are fitted with rod

holders and bait tanks. Because of the self-bailing feature, there is no

need for a canopy.

Cuddy cabins and cruisers are larger boats designed for overnight

stays. Cuddy cabins provide sleeping room, usually a small cabin with

toilet convenience and extra storage space, below deck. They are

slightly larger than any of the boats mentioned above, but smallerthan a cruiser. Cruisers often have larger below-deck areas, incorporating a galley

(kitchen complete with refrigerator and range) and dinette area for eating, in addi-

tion to sleeping quarters. They are designed for longer trips with less emphasis

placed on above-deck accommodations and more on below-deck amenities. They

are perfect for overnight water-skiing, fishing and skin-diving adventures. Day cruis-

ers are just that—boats designed with no cabin for overnight stays. Because of the

open-deck design, cockpits are larger.

There are three main hull shapes found in today’s powerboats; tri-hull, deep-V and

modified deep-V. The tri-hull actually looks like three v-shaped hulls placed side by

side. Because of the broad platform the hull creates, it is very stable and fast in

smooth water. You’ve probably seen these boats with the bow up in the air which

makes them look like they are bouncing off the water. The ride can be quite

bumpy and the passengers can get soaked with spray. Tri-hulls are perfect for

water skiing or fishing and are fun to drive. The deep-V hull is best for speed in

choppy waters due to the hull strakes. Strakes are horizontal strips placed on the

hull below the waterline. They help lift the hull and push spray out the sides when

going at high speeds. The wedge-shaped hull runs smoothly in choppy conditions

but is unstable when at rest in the same conditions. This is usually the hull shape

of the powerboats you see racing offshore. The modified deep-V is actually a com-

bination of hulls. The bow incorporates the best attributes of the deep-V by pro-

viding a smooth ride with little spray. At the stern the hull is flatter, providing bet-

ter stability at low speeds than the deep-v. Most of today’s pleasure powerboats

are of this design.

Now that you know the difference between the boat styles and hull designs, you’ll

be better equipped to determine what type of boat will best serve your needs. 522 E. State Street • Algona, Iowa 50511 1-877-295-7552 • 515-295-7552

www.ammarineinc.com

OPEN HOUSE Please Join Us

P l e a s u r e B o a t s • F i s h i n g B o a t s • P o n t o o n s

HUGE SAVINGS on all instock boats

THIS WEEKEND ONLY

Saturday, March 24th

SPRING REBATES

up to 1,000 *

5.99% * SPECIAL FINANCING

* with qualified credit

BOAT SILENT AUCTION OVER 30 BOATS!

Part ia l L i s t ing May be V iewed at w w w . a m m a r i n e i n c . c o m

Bidding Begins March 17 & Ends Saturday,

March 24 • 3:00 pm.

• F R E

E F I S H

I N G S E M I N A R S • R E F R E S H M E N T S

$ OFF

B i g B o y s a n d T h e i r T o y sp a g e 6

Buy It, Sell It...call Classified 576-6721 -CONSUMER NEWS - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012 - PAGE 13

SAVE GAS AND HAVE FUN RUCKUS 114 MPG

Starting at $2,349

PCX 125 110 MPG Starting at $3,399

750 Shadow’s 56 MPG Starting at $6,399

VT1300’s 45 MPG Starting at $9,499

Bonus Bucks on most models +

3.99% Financing (wac) = The Best Time to Buy

• Parts, accessories, and service for all makes and models.

• Tires, batteries, chrome, oil filters, air filters and oil all

available here. • Shipping to your door everyday

via UPS. • Can’t buy a new bike? Check out

our pre-owned inventory. Or let our service department

revive that old bike.

Sportsman’s Corner HWY 169 South • Algona, IA 50511

515-295-7591 sportsmanscornerhonda.com

OPEN HOUSE April 20th-21st

B i g B o y s a n d T h e i r T o y s

Your getting ready to buy an RV, maybe it’s your first RV, maybe your family has

grown and now you need a larger RV. Now is the time to choose an RV that’s

right for your family. But how do you know what RV is perfect for your family’s

size and lifestyle. There are two categories of RVs, Towable and Motorized, do a lit-

tle research to help you decide which would fit your family better.

The towable RVs that are available are: Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler Travel

Trailer, Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel, Pop-up Tent Camper, and Expandable. For

Motorhomes there are: Class A, Class C, Class B, Diesel, and Toy Hauler.

Type of RV can also be determined by how much you plan on using your RV, if you

are only going around to nearby camp grounds on the weekend and you don’t

have a big family, you may only need a Pop-up Tent Camper, Expandable, or a Class

C Motorhome. Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, and Class A Motorhomes are recom-

mended for longer camping trips and larger families, due to the fact that they can

hold up better on those long trips, plus there is more room for everyone when

you are gone for longer amount of time.

Besides the multiple types of RVs, there are multiple floor plans available. Some

floor plans will only be found in certain types of RVs. A floor plan is basically how

the inside RV is laid out. Some RVs will have a front bedroom, a rear kitchen, or a

rear living room. There are multiple ways of having a layout, but understanding

which floor plan will best suit your family is important.

Once you figure out what type of RV you want, you then need to find out how

much your tow vehicle can tow. After you find out how much your vehicle can

tow, you can decide on the size of RV you need. The size of the RV will help indi-

cate how many people it can sleep. If you need to sleep many people you might

want to look for a larger RV that has a floor plan that includes bunk beds or a

whole room for the kids with a double bunk setup.

If your family lifestyle is more active with toys such as ATVs, dirt bikes, and go

carts, maybe a floor plan is not as important as fitting all your toys into your RV.

Choosing a Toy Hauler with a large enough garage would be more of a benefit to

you. Most Toy Haulers can sleep many people, because of the garage area convert-

ing into a sleeping area with fold down beds or queen beds that drop down from

the ceiling.

There are many options out there to help you find the RV you want. Check out

the RV dealers in this section to help you find the one you like and that fits your

family best.

How to Choose the Best RV for Your Family

p a g e 7