PT Evolution

Things have been a little hectic here so updates have been sparse at best. Normal updates will resume shortly

The PT Cruiser Alliance has just introduced the MyPT Social Network on the website. The expansion was part of an upgrade to the user profile system. User profile pages have been upgrade to user personal home pages, allowing for user customizable additions to their page. Six user content positions have been added, personal guestbooks, blogs, user customizable page background and text colors. This allows users to create a MySpace like social networking page complete with unique URLs. Pages are located at www.ptcruiseralliance.com/USERNAME.

We've also added groups to complete the package. Users can join existing groups or start their own. Each group has their own area with bulletin and private forum sections. Groups an be open to all, by invitaion, or private only. Group admins will also be able to mass email all users within the group.

PT Cruiser Alliance

Last I looked summer was just getting started..now fall is pretty much at the door. It been a busy PT season and I haven't had much down time to write about it. Once the dust settles I'll get some organized thoughts in place and fill you in on the year.

One good piece of news the PT isn't quite dead yet. Chrysler debuted the Dream Cruise Series 5 which will be available in October.

Stay tuned I'll get back on track

Seems our Alien PT Cruiser has resurfaced again.

A new version looks to have surfaced around April 2008. This time it is a Fusion Electronics Demo Car. On June 4, 2008 The English Russia Website/Blog posted an article The Dragon Cars Mania showing the picture below  and stating a craze has begun on the construction of "Dragon Cars". This was picked up by a few other Blogs with the consensus being that this is a new second Alien PT. I however have a different theory.

I've been continuing trying to track down addition information since my last "Alien PT" article Chrysler PT Cruiser - Its Among The Strangers  from September 2006. Unfortunately, no new details... only sightings have continued for this unquie PT up until July 2007 in the Auto Expo and IASCA Circuit. All seemed to go quiet with sightings after that point.

In April 2008 the Fusion Demo Car started making appearances around Russia and the Audiobahn Demo car vanished from sight. After searching through all the IASCA and car show galleries over the past months these two cars have never appeared together and the Audiobahn car has not shown up since the Fusion car debuted.

I find that rather odd, if I was a company with two of these I'd have them double teaming events since they get huge responses from spectators. So I'll stick to my Alien Resurrection Theory

Check out the additional pictures below and compare them to the one's in the original  Chrysler PT Cruiser - Its Among The Strangers   article. There is too much exactness to details. Rims are the same, interior looks the same with new colors, event the sub enclosure and amp rack are the same. All the Alien part are identical as well. End of Story? Maybe not...continue reading.

Alien | PT Cruiser

The old site has reached critical mass so its time for an upgrade.

Stay tuned as we get ready for the next stage in PT Evolution.

If you build it will they come?

In between all of this seasons travels I started a new project.

PT Underground

“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

Alien | PT Cruiser

     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:

The Challenge: Create an elaborate Tiki Bar display which can be broken down and packed into minimal space and still allow for three passengers and luggage. Have the display intergrate into the trunk and rear deck lid. Light it if possible, always a plus in my book. Finally, have it completed in 30 days in time for the event.

The Execution: List of highlights

• Deck lid becomes a grass and hibiscus awning for the bar.
• Bar top extends out over the bumper and around the trunk opening for a more realistic look. Tri-fold design allows for it to store small as possible taking up almost no room.
• Back and side walls made from bamboo table runners made rigid with paneling trim. Walls can stay in place without any loss of usable trunk space.
• Two working mini monitors on the back wall. What bar doesn’t have TVs these days.
• Assorted bar and party lighting items.
• Miscellaneous picture and bar accessories.
• Coconut man Bartender to complete the layout.

The Results: We were quite happy with the finished product. All goals were achieved with no time to spare, seating for three, all the luggage fit, display set up and packed up without issues, intergrated within the trunk space contraints and it managed to light up.

Here’s a few pictures:

Additional detailed pictures can be found here:  Luau Lounge Gallery

Luau Lounge Video Clip

Themes

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

Reviews

     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…..

Year Two- Reality check! Life always has a way of throwing your a curve ball…see Cruisin Against MS and Return to the Beach 6.  So, year two was approached with a slightly different perspective than anticipated. “Meet the people and enjoy life”. We went into the season just wanting to have some fun…only small addtions to the car and my wife developed a tailgate display. Go forth and meet the people… I guess it’s easier when you are no longer the “new” guys. Though we made friends the first year, season two definitely had more conversation (the natural evolution of things I suppose). If you listen well you can learn alot. I tend to stay neutral on things, there is always good, bad, right and wrong for any issue. However, regardless of any issues everyone still shows a great sense of community. When someone falls, everyone comes together to help pick them up. Causes and charities tend to be focal points at many events. We also traveled a bit more. We attended a meet and greet while on vacation in Florida and traveled down to South Carolina for a larger event. Both meetings extended our friendships in th PT community. At Myrtle Beach, SC we did manage to get a bit more involved by becoming part of the parking staff. We’ll be hopefully be returning a day earlier for season three to help out a bit more. Maybe next season we’ll try to get a little more involved in things…..

The Start of Season Three- Best laid plans..I’ll stop there before things go awry. The “See the Country” season is about to begin. Five states, six to seven major events, in four months; plus The Crusin Against MS Walk and all the small stuff. Definitely a busy schedule for this season. During the down time of the winter months I contemplated how to be more involved in things and how to make a difference in the PT Community. After observing things for two years I decided to make my difference here:

We’ll see how it goes… Stay Tuned

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:

Cruisin Against MS

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

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

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.

Reflections 2005