Aftermarket action
The automotive hands of time
If you’re like Eric Clapton, who sang about ’57 Chevys in the song “Rock ’n Roll Heart,” Brian Pearson has something you might appreciate. He puts a new clock inside an actual headlight bezel from a vintage 1957 Chevrolet. Of course none of these original-equipment bezels are in mint condition, but they’ve been cleaned up and the non-chrome areas have been repainted. The $60 that Pearson charges includes one AA battery. You won’t find this item on any website, but you can contact Brian Pearson directly on his Facebook page (search: Brian Pearson rescued rust).
Better sounds for your Jeep
Many 2007-’17 Jeep Wrangler JK owners have their off-roaders equipped with the optional downward-facing speakers positioned between the roll bars to enjoy better audio. When standing outside the vehicle, much of the audio integrity is diminished. KrankItUp! From Angular Concepts solves the problem with a special set of pivoting metal brackets that allow the sound bar to be lowered so that the speakers are facing the rear. Then you can listen to your tunes when picnicking, tailgate partying, or while enjoying other leisure activities. Order KrankItUp! for $140 from www.krank-it.com.
Cleaner oil changes
Changing your own oil saves money, but the process can be messy. You could end up dropping the drain plug in the pan of dirty oil, or lose it on the garage floor. One solution is the Drain Plug Pro. Once the plug has been cracked loose, the highly magnetized flexible end of the unit locks onto the bolt from practically any angle, keeping your hands away from the oil. The plug is then removed by simply twisting the tool. Once the pan is empty, you reverse the process and tighten before refilling the crankcase with fresh oil. The Drain Plug Pro retails for $20, but online resellers — including www.amazon.com — will sell you one for less. Get product details at www.otctools.com.
New old ’Vettes
For Corvette fans who long for one of the earlier classic body styles but don’t want a fossilized classic, there’s an option. CRC Coachworks of Lakewood, Washington, will take your 1997-2013 Corvette donor car and convert it into a cool-looking replica of a 1958-’62 or 1967 roadster. Of course, these re-bodied Corvettes only approximate the originals, but with more modern drivetrains, suspensions and interiors, they’ll drive a heck of a lot better than any original. At $87,500, the conversion isn’t cheap, but you’ll wind up with a head-turning one-of-a-kind conversation piece. Full details at www.crcoachworks.com.