History of the Pick-Up Truck

The pickup truck seems to have been around forever, but what is its history?

The unique style of the pick up truck has been altered in several ways, mostly for aesthetic value. Although, the first pick-up trucks were created for their functionality, the pickup was created by a poor farmer in Australia, who wrote to Ford Motor Company, stating, “Why don’t you build people like me a vehicle which I can take my family to church on Sunday, and my pigs to town on Monday?”

In October 1933 Ford Australia handcrafted their very first version of the pickup truck we know today. The designer of this first truck was Lewis Bandt, an engineer with Ford Motor, Australia. His sketches were based off of the 1925 version of the Ford Model T car. The rear of the vehicle was modified to create a wider, longer bed. In the first year of production, 34,000 pick-ups were built and sold.

After Chrysler acquired the Dodge company in early 1928, the Dodge brothers crafted their own version of the pickup truck. This version was rarely used for the public, and was purchased more for delivery and commercial use.

Formally defined as a light motor automobile with an open-top rear cargo bed, the idea swept over Australia, being grandly accepted, known then as the ‘ute’ (utility vehicle). Most Australians and South Americans still refer to pickup trucks as the ’ute’, today. Nearly all of the pickup trucks today resemble that first model, and as of 2000, over 3,370,000 pick up trucks have been sold in the United States alone.

When the pickup truck hit the markets of North America, ranchers were the first to accept the vision. Used for feeding animals, hauling lumber/fencing and towing, these ranchers and other westerners gave the pickup a portrayal of freedom and the Old West. Some ranchers began calling the pickup the ‘Cowboy Cadillac’, emphasizing the beloved culture of a useful vehicle. Texans today own fifteen percent of all pickups owned in all of North America. With that, automakers have come out with versions of the pickup truck, known as the ‘Lone Star Edition’ and the ‘Texas Edition’. Even George W. Bush was seen in Crawford Texas driving a white Ford F250 pickup truck while on vacation.

The evolution of this creation has worked into the modern SUV and bigger versions of the pickup truck; for off-roading, heavy hauling and more strenuous tasks. Although, the vision has remained, to date, companies such as Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota and Subaru have created versions of their own pick-up truck.

The military has also adapted versions of the pick-up truck for technical use and combat vehicles. Pickup trucks carry soldiers around the world, as well as carrying armor, weaponry and food. Some pickups have even been altered to include machine guns atop them and bullet-proof shielding. Having a machine gun in the front seat is possibly what spurred the term ‘riding shotgun’.

The pickup has several uses, and continues to be a top-seller in the automotive world. Whether used for camping or racing these tough-built vehicles have come a long way since 1933.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Whatever Happened To the Oldsmobile?

The Oldsmobile had seen many a great day before it became a discontinued product of General Motors. In its time it was the top selling car in the country. It was also the forerunner of the curved dashboard, something most people now take for granted. As time went by, the Oldsmobile outgrew itself and eventually was not manufactured any more.

But what is the history of the Oldsmobile? Oldsmobile was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897 and later purchased by General Motors in 1908. Oldsmobile's were first manufactured in Lansing, Michigan but later moved to Detroit after GM purchased the brand. In 1901 the car company, which was outselling all other cars, produced numerous prototypes ready for mass production when the factory caught on fire and burned to the ground, ruining all the prototypes except the Curved Dash model. It was the news of the fire, not the car, that generated interest in the Curved Dash Olds and shortly thereafter, with some positive publicity stemming from a Detroit to New York "road trip,"—the longest automobile trip made at that time—the new factory began to pump out the company's first high-volume vehicle. Mr. Olds followed up with a 1905 transcontinental race from New York City to Portland, accomplished in 45 days. It was an astonishing achievement for the day, and helped to solidify Oldsmobile's place as an automobile, which offered both innovation and confidence. It changed a lot of minds among people willing to consider trading in their horses for an automobile.


In its time, the Oldsmobile was known for its luxury vehicle the 1910 Limited Touring car. This vehicle retailed for $4,600, the same amount of money it would cost to purchase a house. Options on this vehicle included a speedometer, clock, and a full glass windshield. A limousine version was priced at $5,800. While Oldsmobile only sold 725 Limiteds' in its three years of production, the car is best remembered for winning a race against the famed 20th Century Limited train, an event immortalized in the painting "Setting the Pace" by William Hardner Foster.
The Oldsmobile was also known for pioneering the four-speed semi-automatic transmission called the "Automatic Safety Transmission. Although this accessory was actually built by Buick, it was offered in both cars, first in the Oldsmobile in 1937 and then in the Buick in 1938. This transmission featured a conventional clutch pedal, which the driver pressed before selecting either "low" or "high" range. In "low", the car shifted between first and second gears. In "high", the car shifted between first, third and fourth gears

In 1949, Oldsmobile once again was a pioneer when it introduced the Rocket engine, which used an overhead valve V8 design rather than the flathead "straight-8" design which prevailed at the time. This engine produced far more power than the engines that were popular during that era, and drivers who loved speed and stock car races, favored this vehicle.

In the 1970s, the mid-size Oldsmobile Cutlass was the division's best-selling model, and for several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was the best-selling car in America. But the sales of the Cutlass and other Oldsmobile models fell beginning in the 1990s. The brand was hurt by its image as old and stuffy, and this perception continued despite a public relations campaign in the late 1980s that proclaimed this was "not your father's Oldsmobile.

The last Oldsmobile was built on May 5, 2004 at its one remaining factory in Lansing, Michigan.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Driving Safely Through The Holidays

The holidays are upon us and as people have a million things on their mind as well as a million places to go. With this, the risk of getting into an automobile accident increases. So how can you practice driving a little more safely around the holidays? Here are a few ways you can protect yourself:


1. Pay Attention - If the other person isn't paying attention, at least you can say you were. The most common statement made after an accident is "I never saw him!" There are a few times during a collision when a vehicle can't be seen due to blind spots, but for the most part, collisions are caused by one or both drivers not paying attention. Paying attention makes it possible for you to see, recognize and avoid the hazards lurking on the road.

2. Don't Trust Anybody - Driving defensively means to never trust anybody. Never make assumptions about the other driver, such as the fact they really are going to turn because they have their blinker on or that they can see you. Anticipate the mistakes the other drive might make and be ready for them. Everybody makes mistakes, so being alert can help you not be at the fate of another's error.
3. Don't Multitask While Driving -People are trying to get more done in less time these days, especially around the holidays. If you are on the road, don't attempt to multitask. Multitasking can come in many forms.

• Driving While on the Cell Phone - It seems as if this practice has become an epidemic. Most conversations aren't so important that they can't wait until you get home. Studies have shown that people engaged in conversation on a cell phone have slower reaction times and are more likely to miss obstacles in the road. If you absolutely have to talk on your cell phone, use a hands free device.

• Applying Makeup While Driving - This one has been around for a long time and despite its dangers, women still do it. If you are running late for work or a party, don't apply your lipstick or mascara while driving or even at stoplights, it is just too hazardous and contributes to the problem of driving while multitasking.

• Eating While Driving - This is a big one and one most of us are guilty of it. You are in a hurry or on your lunch hour and don't have time to pull off to eat, so you stop through a drive through and eat while driving. Studies have shown people who are eating and driving tend to struggle in passing other vehicles or maintaining their attention to the road, making them double the risk of getting in a car accident.

• Reading While Driving - This one sounds odd but how many people look down to read something such as a text message, newspaper or map while driving? Again, looking away for even a second lends itself to dangerous driving.


There are many ways to drive safely over the holidays but if you practice the tried and true idea of just giving your driving full attention, you can help keep yourself and your family safe.




Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Towing Tips For The New and Experienced

You bought yourself a new boat or maybe a camper trailer - or it is possible you have owned one and are finally getting some vacation time to take either of these out. Whatever the case, if you haven't towed anything behind your vehicle in a while or ever, you might want to consider a few of these tips.

1. Is Your Vehicle Heavy Enough? - To determine your vehicle's towing capacity check first with your owner's manual where there will be weight ratings for towing. Many automakers put the numbers inside the driver's doorsill. In checking your towing capacity, first note the maximum gross trailer weight, then note your vehicle's maximum gross vehicle weight rating (or GVWR). Next, to get an idea of how much weight your vehicle can carry safely, in terms of occupants and cargo, subtract the curb weight from the gross weight. Newer vehicles will more clearly state in the doorsill the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers. If you discover that your item to be towed is well within the tow limit of your vehicle, don't forget to add the tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch), which is usually roughly ten percent of the total weight of the trailer. Never exceed that capacity, no matter what.

2. Load Weight Properly - Don't place all of your heaviest cargo items at the back of your vehicle nor should you load the heaviest items at either end of the trailer. Ideally, the heaviest things in the trailer you're towing should be just in front of the axle and about 60 percent of the trailer's weight should be ahead of the axle.  If too much weight is at the back of the trailer it can produce a negative load at the tongue, effectively lifting up at the hitch and creating dangerous "sway" conditions. At too-fast highway speeds, sway can very quickly lead to a sideways whip of the trailer that can pull the tow vehicle out of control.


3. Watch The Brakes - Have your brakes check a few days before your towing trip. Brakes are extremely taxed when towing. In addition, while you're driving, don't ride the brakes; dab them instead in gentle pulses to help keep them from overheating. Downshift going down hills as well as up, and make sure you start a steep downgrade at a slow, responsible speed.

4. Remember A Spare - If what you're towing has been sitting a while, it is most likely the tires have become old and cracked. Visually check your tire's tread before and during the trip, and think about getting a spare tire along with a spare wheel and wheel hub for the trailer.


5. Don't Try To Fix It Yourself - If anything goes wrong, whether it's a flat, a wheel bearing, or something more serious, don't try to fix it. Get some expert help from roadside assistance—and before the trip, make sure you're covered. Because of the additional strain on the tow vehicle, if it's not a complete fix you run the risk of doing even more damage or causing an accident. Never try to disconnect the trailer yourself on the side of a busy highway.

6. Stay Visible - Visibility is one of the biggest hurdles while towing. Not only can you not always fully see the vehicles behind you, others might not be able to see you. That's where the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer come into play, but it helps if you have a better, wider rearward view. Consider getting some towing mirrors, or even some wide-angle clip-ons.


7. Take a Test Run - Go out on a test run to make sure you aren’t having issues with sway. Set out carefully, on a familiar road (remember to swing wide for those corners), and make sure the handling and braking feel safe. Look rearward when you can for any bouncing or swaying. Safety chains or breakaway kits need to be installed, even for a short trip, so get them adjusted and make sure they have enough give in corners. If anything doesn't sound or feel right, take it to an expert and have them check over the entire setup.

8. Practice Backing Up - Backing up is intimidating, even to more experienced towers. Once the trailer's installed, practice backing up at home or in an empty parking lot. First, steer with the bottom of the steering wheel, in the direction you want to go, then when the trailer starts angling in the right direction, steer from the top of the steering wheel, gently, in the proper direction.

By practicing these few simple steps, you can have a safer and more enjoyable vacation, no matter what it is you are towing.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.