Aftermarket action
Danish in the morning
On frosty mornings, many people go searching for a cheap plastic ice scraper or use the edge of a credit card on their windshields. A more effective and elegant choice would be to pick up an Eva Solo scraper. This Danishdesign device folds up when not needed so it easily stores in your car’s glove compartment, door pocket or console. The Eva Solo has a stainlesssteel handle with a hard plastic scraper on one side and a soft rubber squeegee on the other side for wiping away assorted grime. The Eva Solo retails for $35 through online resellers including www.amazon.com.
Get a handle on it
It’s easy to accidentally let the handle of a floor jack (or a rake or garden shovel) fall against a vehicle, resulting in a nasty body ding or gash. That problem could be reduced or eliminated with Gaither’s Handle Protector. Slipping one of these non-slip synthetic rubber shields over tool handles is an inexpensive way to prevent another incident. The Handle Protector is especially important in a commercial garage environment when working on, or around, customer vehicles. Order for $13 from a number of auto supply retailers, including www. unique truck. com/p-23234gaithe rs-handle-protector. aspx.
Carbon-fiber look
Carbon fiber is used to make strong, lightweight automotive components. It’s also a fashionable way to dress up a vehicle. Dupli-Color’s Carbon Fiber Kit is a two-step spray-on paint process consisting of a base coat of graphite metallic, followed by a top coat applied over the Dimensional Effex template that gives the painted piece a 3D-like carbon-fiber finish. The $25 kit works on both metal and plastic surfaces, but for the latter Dupli-Color recommends you apply the special Adhesion Promoter spray. Order from most auto parts and department stores or visit www.duplicolor.com for full details.
A classic charge
For classic or antique vehicles, a periodcorrect battery adds authenticity. Antique Auto Battery sells an assortment of sixand 12-volt versions that look just like the originals from 1920-’74. These aren’t fake covers concealing a modern battery; they’re accurate reproductions right down to the lettering on the cases and the size and color of the caps. The only differences are that modern materials are used to produce each battery. The company also supplies the necessary cables for most North American and British makes, including Delco, Autolite, Mopar, Lucas and Willard. Each comes with a 48-month pro-rated warranty. Prices range from about $260-$280. Preview the company’s complete line at www. antiqueautobattery.com.