Platform Trucks: The Benefits and Uses

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Sometimes the ground is not even; the materials been transported may have awkward shapes or are very large, making it difficult to be transported by hand. The solution to all of these problems is platform trucks. These are hand trucks made of flat sheet of metal, with wheels at the base and a handle at the back so that someone can stand at the back and push it. So what are the benefits of platform trucks?

Benefits

Most high quality platform trucks are made of one piece steel frame making it strong and reliable to carry any type of loads, no matter how heavy they are. Some trucks have rubber at the top of the flat sheet that is useful in keeping objects in place during movement. Most of them have wheels that can easily swivel, so that it can be easy for the operators to turn the truck in corners.

A breaking system that is similar to the ones used in trolleys at the airport make it very easy for a platform truck to be operated with high safety. You also have numerous wheel options and casters to serve peculiar purposes. Anti- static casters and air filled casters can be fitted in other to provide safety in places of static electricity and uneven surfaces respectively. Platform trucks can be finished and constructed so it can serve diverse uses and purposes. Sides made of metal, steel and wood can be added to make it suitable for transporting fragile goods, while cradles or cages can be included so it will be easier for carrying drums or bottle kegs.

Uses of platform truck

Platform trucks are used in schools, hospitals, libraries and offices. In schools, teachers use them to transport audio visual objects from one spot to another, while nurses use them to transport food and drugs to patient in their wards. Librarian use them to make book shelving less difficult, while employees attached to the mail room use them make fast and easy distribution of correspondence. Also, caterers and restaurants use them to transport stuffs from one spot to the other.

In retails stores, employees use the trucks with multi-level shelves to transport merchandise from warehouse straight to the sales floor. They are also used to unload goods from cargo trucks into the warehouse or stores. Apart from stores, they are also found in gardens, large shops and factories. Plants can be moved easily to prevent them from getting damaged; heavy factory equipment are transported much swiftly with less effort; while fragile electronics like washing machines, TV sets and kitchen appliances can be moved around large shops and dragged to the customer’s vehicle without any problems. Ensure that you purchase a high quality platform trucks so it will serve you for a very long time.

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Source by Natalie Eastaugh

What to Do When Your Car Is Pulled Over by Police

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In general, there is no difference between the model, make and type of vehicle you choose to operate: if you intend to drive recklessly, be it behind the wheel of a car, truck, SUV, ATV, RV or motorcycle, be prepared to dish out a lot more for your vehicle’s commercial or personal insurance policy premiums. Auto quotes and rates typically escalate as a result of police summonses and collisions that you have liability for. Aside from that, there is another aspect in regard to dealings with a law enforcement officer when it comes to motor vehicles – and that is the way you conduct yourself when pulled over for a traffic infringement.

While US state legislators busy themselves with curbing the violent trend spiked across the nation in regard to police confrontations, there are those that insist education is where change begins. Ideas in fact are being brought to the table in regard incorporation of classes that teach drivers how to act and speak to a policeman or woman when pulled over for a traffic violation.

The leading insurance companies and agencies advise motorists to be courteous and respectful while following the police officer’s requests at all times. These basic guidelines can help you properly respond to an otherwise uncomfortable situation.

The Correct Way to Interact with the Law

• Immediately after noticing a police car’s signal to pull over, slow down and safely stop at the side of the road while waiting for the police officer to approach the side of your car.

• Once your car is parked on the side, roll down the driver’s window, turn off the car’s engine and switch on interior car lights. Then, place both your hands conspicuously on the wheel.

• Take out your license, registration and insurance papers only when asked to do so by the officer.

• Answer all questions posed by the police officer in a courteous, polite and respectful tone. Do not attempt to interrupt the officer. Do not quarrel with the officer.

• Never attempt to walk out of your car without being asked to do so by the officer. If you are requested to exit your vehicle by the officer, make sure to appear calm and collected so that you will not be suspected of contemplating a violent act.

• Keep in mind that you have your rights. One of them is remaining silent if you choose to do so. Nonetheless, remain civil, considerate and respectful at all times.

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Source by M Wyzanski

Restorative Cleaning: Bring Carpets Back to Life

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Restoring your customers’ carpets to like-new condition is a feat worth overcoming. Doing so will help boost customer satisfaction and increase the chances of them coming back to you in the future. Carpet cleaning services are relied upon because it helps property owners save money. Your carpet cleaning supplies and equipment are the golden ticket to saving damaged rugs from requiring expensive replacements.

The carpets that are the most hard hit happen to be those within commercial buildings. Employees and customers tread across the floors day in and day out, leaving behind soiled, dingy carpeting. If not consistently taken care of, these carpets can quickly become unmanageable. This is where your cleaning program comes in.

With a proper preventive cleaning program implemented, your customers will be able to reduce the damage done to their floors. While interim cleaning and preventive cleaning are key, they’re not sufficient for restoring carpets.

Offering Restorative Cleaning Services

Another term for this is deep cleaning – this should be done at least once or twice each year, especially after wintry, wet seasons. This is the last resort for maintaining carpets, and is frequently needed because of all the mud and debris that’s tracked in by incoming traffic. There are both portable and truck mounted carpet cleaning machines you can use for the restoration of carpets.

The Process of Restoring Carpets

Once you have the correct cleaning equipment on hand, you can begin targeting the areas of the carpet that are difficult to clean. This may include stains and spots caused by food and heavy soils. Certain areas may even be worn due to insufficient cleaning frequencies.

Here’s a quick checklist for the carpet restoration process:

  1. Begin by removing all the stains and soil from the carpet (various methods and machines can be used)
  2. Neutralize and deodorize all bacterial contaminants you find
  3. Apply a carpet protector to the surface of the carpet, using the instructions of the manufacturer
  4. Use a pre-spray that’s suitable for the carpet fibers and allow it to set for five to ten minutes
  5. Start the agitation process using a pile lifter (this will restore matted fibers and loosen up embedded soils)
  6. Use a low-moisture hot water extractor to rinse the carpet using water temperatures 120 degrees or hotter (the carpet should take no more than two to three hours to dry)

You can implement the above steps into your carpet cleaning program, using whichever equipment you deem necessary.

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Source by Jennifer Diaz

What Car Battery Should You Choose? Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), Gel Or Wet Cell

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An electrical problem that doesn’t let your car start and leaves you stuck in a parking lot or some place away from the fix that’s needed is an unwanted problem we all do our best to avoid. So what can you do to lessen the possibility of a possible unwanted situation that involves an electrical system crash in your vehicle?

First of all make sure you spend double the money on a good car battery. A lead acid battery can cost between $75 to $125 dollars. The only reason liquid lead acid batteries are the most commonplace is liquid lead acid batteries were first developed in 1859 and they are the least expensive in today’s world of automotive engine starting sources. In 1971 the sealed liquid lead acid battery was created that made it maintenance friendly.

VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) batteries include gel and absorbed glass mate which are not liquid. Gel batteries are as the name applies which is a “Gel”. AGM batteries are silicate glass fibers mixed with boron and formed into a mat that holds the electrolyte. Non liquid gel batteries were created in the late 1920’s and lead to the creation of the “Absorbed Glass Mat” batteries in 1957. The AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery was put into production in 1972 but mostly used for military applications and non vehicle applications like boats, motor homes, motorcycles and electronics. Nowadays you see more AGM batteries becoming available for use in production cars. AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries can cost from $160 to $250 but have more advantages over liquid lead acid batteries.

AGM batteries are basically used in applications where the use of the vehicle is only used now and again as in boats and recreational vehicles. The non use discharge rate is much lower in non use applications than liquid lead acid batteries. The charge rate is much faster also. Some automotive manufacturers are installing AGM batteries as their standard new car power source because of today’s higher vehicle power consumption. BMW right now is known to be the first to install AGM batteries in their 2007 models because of computer functions and braking.

AGM batteries are much better than liquid lead acid batteries but the downside of AGM batteries is you don’t overcharge them. They will charge faster with a normal output alternator up to 14.5 volts and a high output alternator is not needed. When an AGM battery is used in a non use vehicle a solar panel is recommended with a trickle charge. AGM batteries will go bad if charged over 14.5 volts. Most problems with charging AGM’s are in sports vehicles due to the rough environment they are used in. Toss away your old plug in garage battery charger and get a new one that maintains “Voltage” instead of amps. An AGM battery charger will sense a very low voltage in the battery and will start the recharge whereas an old charger does not sense low voltage and will not charge the battery.

These batteries are used in military vehicles that sit in storage for many years and start up after years in storage with no problem. I’ve read stories online where people have left their AGM batteries sitting in their garage for many years and they have retained their full charge. I use AGM batteries in my vehicles and disconnect the negative cable in the one that I don’t use that often anymore and it starts right up when I run the engine occasionally. I’ve read complaints about the AGM failing often but that’s only because of bad practices with them or using them in systems where the charging exceeds the recommended level. You can leave these batteries sitting for long periods of time without charging them but it’s recommended that a solar panel with an extremely low trickle charge be used when not in use. Again I will say from my own experiences is to disconnect the negative cable to the battery when not in use.

The AGM vs Gel and the wet cell? The AGM has thicker plates that tend to not warp that easily during deep discharges and resist sulfur buildup’s that destroy a wet cell battery. Wet cell batteries usually go bad after 4 years if they make it that length of time. The life expectancy of the AGM battery can be up to 10 years if not overcharged. Gel cell batteries are great for sports vehicles but tend to charge slower.

The Winner Is, “Absorbed Glass Mat” if you learn how to take care of them properly.

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Source by Jim Allan

Can You Make Over $100,000 a Year in the Auto Repossession Business?

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A common question in the repo industry is, “How much money do repo men make?”

If someone told you that you could make over $100,000 a year in a bad economy without a college degree, you’d think they were crazy.  But some auto repo business owners are not only doing well – they’re making six-figures a year.  When the economy does bad, they do better!

How Much Do Repo Men Make?

If you start your own auto repossession business, you can expect to earn $250 (or more) per repo’ed car.  If you repossess two cars a night, five days a week, that’s $130,000 a year.  It certainly requires hard work and determination, but it’s possible.

Repossession agents make the most money when lenders hire them to track down hard-to-find debtors – which is called “skip-tracing.”  If a debtor voluntarily gives up their car (or if they’re easy to track-down,) an agent may only make $100 for the recovery.

Repo men who work for someone else typically earn 40% of the repo fee – or $70 to $100 per recovered vehicle (on average.)

What Are The Pros and Cons of Owning Your Own Repo Business?

While it’s true repo business owners make the most money, they have to pay for gas and overhead expenses before they get paid.  And, as the motto in the repo industry goes, “no recovery, no pay.” 

Fortunately, you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment to start a repo business.  In fact, you usually don’t need a tow-truck!

That’s because many lenders keep key codes on file for every vehicle they own.  Sometimes they even keep a spare set of keys!  All you have to do is get a key made, find the car and drive it away.

You can invest in a minimal amount of equipment to get started, and reinvest your profits as your business grows.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Repo Man for Someone Else?

Although there are advantages to owning your own business, many repo agents find it easier to get started working with an established repossession company.  That’s because in some states, there are many hoops to jump through to become a licensed repossession business, including:

  1. Getting bonded and insured
  2. Competing a required amount of training (not all states require this)
  3. Familiarizing yourself with repossession, investigation and collection laws
  4. Investing in adequate equipment, computers and software for your business

In fact, many repo businesses owners got their start working for someone else!

While the repo business isn’t for everyone, if you have a tough skin, a hard work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit, it can be lucrative whether you work for someone else or yourself.  The key is getting adequate training before you head out into the field, so you can avoid common (and costly) mistakes!

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Source by Dirk Windler

Windshield Replacement – Cost Factors

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Windshield replacement can be expensive, especially if your insurance company will not pay for it. Replacing your windshield is usually covered if you have comprehensive coverage, which is other than collision, on your policy. It is best to check with your insurance company first before setting up an appointment to have it replaced. If you do have to pay for the cost of windshield replacement there are several factors involved in the final cost, which could cost over two hundred dollars. When you take your car in to have the windshield replaced, the company will first decide if it can be repaired instead of replaced. Not every cracked or chipped windshield will require replacement.

Some of the factors that are considered in the cost of windshield replacement can include:

• Size of the windshield

• Insurance coverage, because most insurance policies have a deductible that the customer has to pay before the insurance will pay, which can range from two hundred fifty dollar and more

• Additional parts that need replaced such as the rubber mounting that goes around the windshield

• The auto glass repair shop, which includes the hourly rate of doing the replacement. If you choose to go to a dealership to have the work done it will be more expansive than a regular auto glass repair ship.

• Towing to the repair shop if the windshield is so damaged it is unsafe to drive the vehicle

One of the most important factors that need to be considered is the type of glass that is used for the windshield replacement. The most expensive glass that can be used in windshield replacement is dealer glass, which is the type of glass that was used for the windshield when it was built. There are other comparable types of windshield glass such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This type of glass has to meet or exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s standards but is generally not as costly as dealer glass. The only real differences between the two are the maker, the fact that the OEM glass does not have the manufacturer’s name stamped on the glass, and the price.

There is another choice for windshield replacement glass that does not meet the same standards as OEM windshield glass but it is cheaper. This glass is called aftermarket glass. Other than the more expensive dealer glass, OEM tends to be most popular choice.

In today’s world, you may be able to save the cost of having your car towed to the auto glass repair shop by having a mobile unit come to your home to replace your windshield. The replacement does not take long but it needs a couple of hours to set up before you can drive the vehicle.

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Source by Lora Davis

Searching for Your New Home?: Carefully Consider If The Present Owner CARED

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When someone makes that often – life – changing decision, to search for a home of their own, they are often counseled about finances, credit, mortgages, location, and the best Realtor, to select, to make their efforts better and more effective. However, there are some often – considered variables, which may be include certain intangibles, etc. Since you are looking at, what for many, will be their largest, single, financial asset, as well as liability, doesn’t it make sense, to, at least, give it more thought, than you might automatically give, when purchasing a used car? For example, most of us wouldn’t consider purchasing a previously owned vehicle, without inspecting it carefully, and reviewing a CarFax report, which gives one some hint of the history, and care given by previous owners. While nothing like that is generally available about houses, use your eyes and other senses, to consider, whether, and how much, the previous owner CARED about his home, and taking care of it!

1. Choices; cleanliness; characteristics; curb appeal; cement: Avoid the emotional approach, which limits your choices, but rather attempt to objectively consider each potential house. Consider its overall cleanliness, and the care taken. Examine various characteristics, and see if they make sense, in terms of living in the house. How much curb appeal does it possess, because an owner who lacked the pride, or attention, to consider this, may have overlooked other things, as well. Look at the condition of the cement/ concrete, blacktop, etc, and whether their appears to be old cracks, which were ignored.

2. Attention; aroma: Pay attention to how the house feels to you! Do you feel like you’d like to live there? Has the previous owner paid attention to details, and maintenance? Are there any aromas/ smells, which might be some sort of warning sign, especially, in the basement, attic, or rooms adjacent to exterior walls, etc?

3. Reasonable; responsible: Don’t judge a house by the color of the walls, or the carpets, etc. Rather, focus on the overall condition of the home, and whether the owner has seemed to pay, responsible, reasonable care, to maintaining the house and property!

4. Extra; efforts; exists: Look at what exists, from the standpoint of pride of ownership and overall maintenance, not personal taste! Remember, almost everyone paints, etc, when they buy a new home. Does it appear, the homeowner exerted the efforts, to indicate a degree of pride of ownership? Is there any indication, of him, going the extra mile?

5. Delve deeply: Don’t merely trust your own eyes, ears and sense of smell. Always hire the services of a professional Home Inspector or Engineer, to give you a clearer picture of the condition of the house. Delve deeply, and ask yourself, would I be happy living there?

Beware of any house where the previous owner appeared to avoid maintenance and pride of ownership! Ask yourself if it seems, he CARED!

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Source by Richard Brody

The Ice Man – 1940

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The Ice Man Cometh

Of course no one had electric refrigerators in the 1940’s, at least not in our neighborhood. So we were solely dependent on the “Ralph Kramden” ice box. This gadget was unique and useful. A two compartment unit made out of wood. And, it was lined with steel painted white. The top compartment was usually smaller and that held the food that needed refrigeration. The bottom section was larger and held the block of ice.

The top didn’t have any shelves as I remember so food was kind of stuffed in as best you could. The bottom could if needed be used to keep things cold as well as keep the ice. No Freezer Section. If you wanted ice for drinks you just grabbed the ice pick and chipped off some ice for your drink. Or, take a large chunk wrap it in a towel and beat it with a hammer on the kitchen table. The early ice crusher was born. Let me tell you how impressed I was just with ice cubes in water. When my parents finally upgraded to a different home my Mom one day set out a pitcher of water with ice cubes in it. No holiday, no special occasion. I thought we were rich.

The whole operation depended on keeping a regular supply of ice in the ice box. The ice company provided a sign that could be hung in the front window of your house. It had four side with four different sizes of ice on each side. Our job as kids after we were told was to hang the ice sign in the window and to make sure the size needed was at the bottom. And you better not forget.

The ice man would come along in his delivery truck on some designated schedule. He would read the sign in the window. Cut a block of ice that matched the signs requirement. He had a leather sling and shoulder pad that he used to carry the cube up on his shoulder with.Our guy was lucky. We lived in a house and the ice box was in the kitchen on the first floor. Sometimes the Ice Man had to carry the block of ice up flights of stairs to people who lived in apartments. His tools were ice tongs and ice pick. and of course a strong back. Just think about this mans job. All day long up into the truck, cut a chunk of ice. Dismount load the block on your back and carry it to the Ice Box. And, ice tongs and ice picks, us kids were impressed.

You got automatic delivery if the sign was in the window. The ice man just opened the front door with the cube of ice on his shoulder and hollered out “Ice Man”. In he came found the ice box and put the new block of ice into it. Didn’t matter what was going on in the family. He just let himself in the house. And, if I remember right he got paid cash on the spot.

Along his route as he was delivering he would sound the call “Ice Man”, for those who needed ice but forgot to put up the sign. Or, the kids who forgot to do what their parents told them. If no one was around to corral him then you got no ice. And, trouble was afoot. For you.

Now there were times when thing just didn’t work out. We would run out of ice and the Ice Man wasn’t due to deliver for some time. Here’s where the advantages of having a child came in. Mom would say, “Get the wagon and go get some ice.”. I don’t know where the wagon ever came from but one became available. It was our job to go over to the Ice House and bring home a block of ice. For me that was a 10 block round trip. And, sometimes Mom would let you pick up a block of ice for a neighbor too.

Wagon in tow off you would go to get the ice. 8th and Dupont Street on the corner across from Dela Donnes Store was the Ice House. It was a 8′ X 10′ wooden shed. Lined with steel and full of ice. It was a sub station for Diamond Ice And Coal. You just asked the attendant for two 15cent blocks of ice and he hacked them off for you and with his tongs loaded them on your wagon.

Now this Ice Man was too scary for us kids. He was an aged black man. Looking back probably not paid very much in a labor intensive job. He was bent over and had a contorted body and face. I don’t remember whether he was friendly or not. I just wanted to get my ice and get out of there. When no one was buying ice he had a stool in front of the ice house he would sit on. To me he just looked menacing with those tongs and ice pick.

The trip home with ice in the summer time was a fun trip. Usually there was some change. And, I would take the change and put it on top of the ice and let it melt down into the block of ice. By the time I got home it could be several inches down into the ice. A perfect vertical column. How we got the ice cube into the house I don’t remember. We probably had a set of ice tongs at home to carry the block of ice in with.

I never relished these jobs our parents put on us. But liking wasn’t an option for our generation. We were the cheap labor and yet most of us grew up without going to jail. And we got an education that allowed us to support and raise our families. Chores were just like growing up – they just happened. The chores were there and we were expected to help.

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Source by Laurence Pitts

Applications And Advantages Of An Auto Transformer

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Power cuts and voltage variations are one of the common problems of every industry. To fight back with the problem, transformers are the only solution that is used widely in the global industries. The device is ideal for supplying the constant supply of power and also regulating the rise and fall of the voltage supply. Transformers are the stroke of the luck for the industries which are facing the energy distribution and transmission troubles. An auto transformer is an electrical device which has only one winding. It gives you a higher supply of the voltage required for proper application of the device. It uses the principle of self-induction.

Advantages Of An Auto Transformer:-

  • Less Costly: There is a huge range of the transformers available in the market and you need to choose the device for your application. But the auto transformer is known for its eco-friendly nature and affordable prices. They are actually cheaper in cost and high in performance.
  • Compact Size: Every industry is concerned about the space availability for the device to be installed and they generally avoid bulkier, big devices for installation. The device is available in the market in a compact size which can give you better results with the smaller size. It is usually employed to increase the voltage requirement for the application.
  • Voltage Regulation: The main aim of using the device is to regulate the voltage supply to provide the evenly distributed energy for the applications. The two winding device cost you more and there is more copper loss. However, auto transformers are the best at regulating voltage and less copper loss.

Application Usage Of An Auto Transformer:-

  • Power Transmission And Distribution: The device is frequently used in power applications to interconnect the systems with each other and operating with different KVA sizing. Other than this, it is used to adapt the machinery built-in the industry. It is also employed to provide the constant supply of the voltage while providing the average voltage close to the source.
  • Audio System: In the audio applications, the device is used to adapt the speakers to provide the steady voltage to the audio distribution system. It is also employed for matching the impedance.

Railways: The device is arranged to supply the steady power and are also used as the voltage regulator. It gives a small boost to the distribution cable and also corrects the drop. It is used to increase the voltage supply, but due to the single winding operation, it cannot step down the voltage supply.

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Source by Mukesh Tolani

Celebrate in Style With Vintage Wedding Cars

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If you are planning a wedding at an exclusive club or a million dollar estate, you might think about using vintage wedding cars for your wedding transportation needs. Classic and vintage cars are the perfect addition to a day filled with class and style, sophistication and luxury. Photographers will love taking the couples’ picture in front of a classic beauty with the wedding venue as a backdrop. Brides and grooms with a special affinity for classic cars will love the appeal that vintage wedding cars will bring to the day, and the memories they will create for themselves and their guests.

Transportation – Though many classic and vintage wedding cars may have contracts against driving them (or having them driven by a company driver) for long distances, most can still be used as local wedding transportation. These rentals keep their value as classics because of their uniqueness and their low mileage, which could quickly add up if each couple renting took the vehicles for long drives. Vintage wedding cars are probably best if only needed for very short distances, such as from the chapel to the reception hall down the street.

Props Only – If you find a classic car you want to rent but find that it is cost prohibitive, you might get a reduced rate for using it as a prop only. This means the car is not driven, except to the location where it will be parked. Often, the owner of the vehicle will have it hauled to the location as to preserve the car’s low mileage. When used as props, vintage wedding cars still add considerable value to your wedding celebrations. They can be used to enhance the overall look and feel of an exclusive or luxurious party, or they may simply be used in professional wedding photographs that include the couple.

Full Event Rental – Other than the other two options above, vintage wedding cars can be used during the entire wedding celebration. Though it may be hard to find a company willing to rent out a vehicle over a several day period, it can be done. Don’t expect to get a weekend celebration classic car on a small budget, however. If you are lucky enough to find a company or car owner willing to rent their vintage wedding cars for several days or more, be prepared to pay top dollar. For that money, you will enjoy transportation and the vehicle’s use as a prop at the venue or in wedding photos.

Vintage wedding cars can be rented from wedding transportation companies and from local individual vehicle owners. Be sure that no matter which vendor you use, that you have a signed contract and proof of insurance before taking possession of the vintage or classic car. Usually valued at high dollar, you will want to make sure your liability is spelled out clearly so that you do not get stuck in a situation where you need to pay a huge penalty or lose your deposit. Nothing can ruin the memory of your wedding more than dealing with financial surprises in the aftermath of it all.

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Source by Michael B Podgoetsky