Aftermarket action
Classic-looking race watches
The annual Mille Miglia (thousandmile) road race in Italy dates back to 1927 and is now exclusively for drivers of classic and vintage machinery. To commemorate the event, Willer Chronometers has created a series of unique timepieces. Each one displays a speedometer-style face inside a 44-millimeter stainless-steel case. As well, the battery-powered Seiko movements are waterproof up to five atmospheres (50 meters or 164 feet). Lastly, the perforated leather strap is made from genuine Italian leather. Each of the four Mille Miglia styles sells for an introductory price of $230 and can be purchased at www.willer.club.
Reverse engineering
Backup warning systems are common on new vehicles, but older cars and commercial vehicles can also be retrofitted. Rostra Precision Controls manufactures the Rostra Obstacle Sensing System (ROSS) that alerts drivers to obstacles that come within 12 feet of the rear and sides of their vehicles while backing up. That includes cars, buildings, trees and people and pets. The company says the motion-sensing unit uses the latest microwave technology to provide both audible and visual alerts in all weather conditions. The ROSS also remains completely hidden when installed behind a non-metal (plastic) bumper. Get full details from www.rostra.com and order for about $240 from online outlets including www.summitracing.com.
Camp like it’s the 1960s
Everyone loves the look of a classic Volkswagen camper bus, and Oregonbased Dub Box USA sells a camper version to haul to your favorite recreational spots. The fiberglass body is copied from an actual post-1967 Type 2 bus. It weighs 2,300 pounds, which is about 900 pounds less than an actual camper bus, and can be pulled by smaller vehicles. The $28,000 Dub Box Adventure II Camper is 16 feet long (including towing frame), 68 inches wide and 65 inches tall (with the lift-top roof raised). It includes an L-shaped couch that converts to double-size bed, a combination stove/sink, fresh- and gray-water holding tanks, refrigerator, mirrored wardrobe, Bluetooth stereo plus appropriate electrical connections. Options include air conditioning, roof-mounted solar panels refrigerator, retractable awning and window coverings. Details are at www.dub-box-usa.com.
Pickup to a hatchback
Most every pickup cap on the market is a rectangular-shaped box. By contrast, Michigan Vehicle Solutions has the Aero X. Admittedly designed more for style than practicality, the molded composite top comes with glass side windows plus a lockable louvered rear window that opens wide for loading and unloading cargo. It also provides protection from the sun while ensuring an unobstructed rear view. Currently, the Aero X is available only for 2015 and newer Ford F-150 pickups with 5.5- or 6.5-foot beds. The company plans to expand availability to include heavy duty and midsize Ford trucks as well as Chevrolet, GMC, Ram and Toyota models. Pricing starts at $4,000, including matched paint finishes. Get full details at www.mivehiclesolutions. com.