OnScreenCars.com is proud to present our newest segment on our blog "Fan Created Rides." In commemoration of this event we're presenting the ECTO-1X. This custom 2008 Chevrolet HHR was modeled after the 1959 Cadillac Ambulance featured in the Ghostbusters movies. Jason Rawley of Fireblade Comics came up with the concept after seeing the HHR for the first time. He had intentions of designing a concept based on the PT Cruiser, but he quickly decided that the HHR was much better suited as a platform for the ECTO-1X. Jason also had help from his fellow Tampa Bay Ghostbusters group members. After months of planning and design, him and his crew built/constructed the modification.
The Rack
The modification includes a rack (much like the one on the original ECTOs). The rack is constructed out of PVC pipe mounted on a plastic board. It appears to be removable and very durable. Most of the contents of the rack are pieces of recycled office and home entertainment equipment, aka Ghostbusting Gear. Jason has included the key components of good Ghostbusting, a sniffer/binocs unit, a radome, directional antenna, etc. Note this stuff is very technical and are highly specialized pieces of equipment. Alright, all jokes aside. The light bar across the top is a great choice. He notes that it's held on by magnets, plugs into the cigarette lighter and has 30 different flash patterns. The light bar flashes amber, so he doesn't have to worry about getting in trouble with local law enforcement.
Graphics and Placement
Jason and his team did a great job with the graphics and placement. He spent months designing the layout and placement of all the graphics. In the first version of the design, you can see the caution strips running along side the bottom near the rocker panels. Later he revised design by moving the middle set of strips to the top. The revised version also has little reflectors on the bumper uprights as well. Of course to make it official, Jason put the famous "NO-GHOST" logo on the front doors and rear hatch.
Final Thoughts
I would love to own something like this. I think it's completely retro and new. Thumbs up to Jason and the team at Fireblade Comics and Tampa Bay Ghostbusters. Hope to see more from you guys in the future. May you inspire a whole new generation of Ghostbusters fans where ever you go! I think it would be really cool to see more modern retros of old tv and movie cars. This design is very clean and slick! This is the first of many Fan Created Rides here at OnScreenCars.com If you've got a Fan Created Ride pop over to our forums, register and tell us all about it! You're car might be the next to appear on our blog at OnScreenCars.com! See ya next time!
In the words of Arnold Jackson you might be saying, "What you talk'n about Willis, there wasn't a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am on Diff'erent Strokes!" Believe it or not, yes there was! During a special two part episode in Season 6. Phillip and the boys travel to Hollywood to try and win back his girlfriend, Maggie. While in Hollywood he sends Arnold and Willis to a tour a film/tv production set. The two wonder away from the tour group to find the set of Knight Rider.
As they reach the Knight Rider set, David Hasselhoff drives up in KITT. The security guard doesn't let the boys go any further. However that isn't enough to stop the determined duo from running onto the set. Arnold and Willis duck into a prop cop car and are about to be blown up. This is where the first part of the two part episode ends. Different Stroke fans had to wait till the following week to find out. However you can find the second part on YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Many '80s television shows had cross-over episodes like this one from time to time. Shows on the same network would have characters from other shows pop-up on a regular bases. It seems like you don't see this quality on newer shows. In this case Arnold and Willis show up on the set of Knight Rider. How else would two shows like Different Strokes and Knight Rider come together? I think that's part of the magic of an '80s tv show. We'll be sure to bring you more On Screen Cars action from the '80s and more! Stay tuned!
This weekend teen action movie Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief debuted. My wife and I, plus some friends went and saw it. It's a must see if you're into Greek Mythology or a fan of the book series. There was a lot of sword battles and action. Not to mention a fair amount of On Screen Cars! Today I wanted to share one of the car findings from the film. Be forewarned! The text below contains some spoilers for those who have not seen the movie! Don't say I didn't warn ya!
Spoiler Alert!
During the movie the main character, Percy Jackson and friends travel across country to collect items to aid them in their quest. The team uses different vehicles along the way. One of them being a red and white, 1966 Ford F100 Pickup Truck. The truck was used at first to help take out Medusa. Whom according to Greek Mythology has the ability to turn people to stone. The team later uses the truck to drive to Nashville, then Las Vegas. I don't want to give away too many details.
Again the truck is a 1966 Ford F100. Ford produced this body style between 1961 and 1966. This era is the 4th Generation of the Ford F-Series Pickup. The front grill designs vary from year to year. The unique 1966 grill makes it really easy to determine the year of the truck. Not to mention the Twin I-Beam emblem logo as well. The Twin I-Beam suspension was only available for this body style between 1965 and 1966. The wheels are after-market. It has the stance of a 4x4 truck. But I don't see any hub locks. The two tone, red and white combination looks great on these trucks.
Final Thoughts
If you follow the story line the truck was driven at least a 1000 miles across the country by non-experienced drivers without any problems. I'm not saying that isn't possible. But with a vehicle that old and a trip that long without a hitch is a merit in itself. When you're using well maintained equipment, I guess anything is possible. Till Next time! Keep on trucking and watch out for Greek Myths! We'll keep bringing more On Screen Cars!
Update: See one of the other cars from Percy Jackson, a Maserati 4200 GT!
Happy Valentines Day! In honor of Valentines Day, I thought I would share with you the original trailer for Herbie the Love Bug. Who's car love is bigger than Herbie the sweet little Volkswagen Beetle? I don't know how many times I watched this as a kid. I always liked Herbie and other little WV Beetles and Micro-buses. Anyways. Don't forget to check out our store or try on some OnScreenCars.com gear to help promote our site! We've got some Herbie the Love Bug stuff in the store as well! Have a great day. Watch the trailer and come back for more On Screen Cars! Show us some love!