Aftermarket action
Bluetooth for older cars
People who own older-model automobiles are no longer stuck playing their worn-out cassettes through the original-equipment audio systems. A modern solution is at hand with the Cassette Adaptor Bluetooth from Ion Sound Experiences. The system looks just like a regular audio cassette, but when inserted into the appropriate slot, it’s a Bluetooth receiver, so long as the rechargeable battery inside is topped up (the manufacturer claims it should last for about six hours). In an instant, you can be playing your tunes from your phone or music player. A builtin microphone that hangs outside the unit also allows for hands-free phone calls. Head to www.ionaudio.com to get one for $30.
Off-roading in a Miata?
Exomotive has created an off-road buggy called the Exocet that you can build at home. All you need is a surplus 1990-2005 Mazda MX-5 (Miata). After the body panels and interior have been removed, the Excocet parts bolt onto the Miata drivetrain. Other items, including the floor, front and rear bulkheads, plexiglass side panels, fiberglass nose and assorted bits and pieces, are then installed. The basic Exocet kit starts at $7,000, but there are deluxe versions available as well as suspension-component options. Pick your kit at www.exomotive.com.
Movie-buff auto art
The artists at Texas-based Crate Style have a unique way of showing movie car stars: Posters that appear as though they’ve been splattered with paint blotches. Unusual, yes, but it does catch the viewer’s eye. Among the list of subjects is the Delorean from “Back to the Future,” the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from “Vacation,” the 1949 Buick Roadmaster from “Rain Man,” and the 1958 Plymouth Fury from “Christine,” to name just a few. The 19-by-13-inch pieces are printed on 60-pound matte paper and sell for $25 each. Examine the entire collection at www.cratestyle.com.
A cooler chiller
Beating the heat while picnicking or partying is easier with the Icybreeze cooler. It’s a 36-quart capacity ice chest with wheels and a pull handle. A fan blows chilled air — up to 35 degrees colder than the outside temperature — through a vent or flexible hose mounted on the lid. All that’s required is sufficient ice and water inside the cooler to keep the cold air coming. The three-speed fan, which runs off of the cooler’s rechargeable battery, has 2.5 to 6 hours of life, depending on the setting. The Icybreeze can also be plugged into any household current for continuous operation. Order one starting at $310 at www.icybreeze. com.