Aftermarket action
Protect your car’s nose
Whether your jurisdiction requires a license plate attached to the front of vehicles, it might me a good idea to install the BumpShox XL Front
Bumper Guard. More than protecting your license plate, the product is designed to provide protection from most low-impact hits, such as those that occur when parallel parking or when accidentally rubbing up against a barrier or lamppost. The product’s 14-inch-wide by- 8.5-inch-tall construction encases your plate in high-density weatherproof foam that can return its original shape after impact. The screws that come with the BumpShox XL are recessed far into the attachment holes so there are no protruding metal bits that could damage another vehicle. Prices range from $25 for the 1.5-inch-thick model, to $35 for the 2.25-inch-thick version. Purchase online at www.bumpshox.com.
Help for lost items
Anyone who has worked beneath the hood of his or her vehicle has likely dropped/misplaced more than a few nuts, bolts, screws and wrenches. One way to retrieve such items is with a Titan Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool. There are several strengths available, but the inexpensive Titan 11192 is rated to pick up five pounds. As product name implies, the overall length can be adjusted between 6.5 and 33 inches, which allows you to reach just about any small object. The magnet is fully shielded so it will only latch onto the item you’re searching for and not any stationary metal objects (the tool itself weighs about eight ounces). Order one for less than $6 from www.amazon.com.
No more rotten bodies
If you’re thinking about building a classic Model T and Model A Ford kit car, consider ordering one from a company with more than 30 years in the business. Brookville sells steel coupe, roadster and pickup bodies, along with the necessary bits and pieces to complete your project. The company will also sell you a turnkey vehicle if you choose not to build it yourself. Base prices range from $3,500 for the roadster pickup body, to $25,000 for the 1932 Model A three-window coupe body. Check out the complete line and catalog at www.brookvilleroadster.com.
Race like a pro
Here’s a product that’s so gearhead cool, you might just get it as a decoration. That would be a shame, however, since the Thrustmaster 150th Italia is a realistic replica of an actual Ferrari Formula One racing wheel. It’s specifically designed to be used in conjunction with Thrustmaster’s Racing Wheel
Stand plus a variety of racing simulation games, including X-Box, Play Station 3 and 4, and PC systems. The wheel’s built-in quick-release feature also mimics the real thing. Unless you’re a serious gamer, you’ll likely spend hours trying to learn what the various knobs, dials and buttons are for, but if Ferrari pilots can do it, then so can you. The wheel is priced in the $120 range and is available through a number of major retail outlets including www.amazon. com. For the complete list, go to www.thrustmaster.com.