3 items to splurge on this week
Classic charge
If you own a classic vehicle, installing a period-correct battery can add a measure of authenticity to the overall appearance. Battery Central Mall makes an assortment of six- and 12-volt power sources that look just like those found in 1920- to- 1974-model-year vehicles. These aren’t fake covers that conceal a modern battery; they are built-to-order reproductions, right down to the lettering on the cases and the size and colour of the caps. The only differences are the modern materials used to produce each battery. Each one comes with a one-year replacement warranty and a four-year pro-rated replacement warranty. Prices vary depending on battery and vehicle type. The batteries typically cost around $380 (U.S.), plus $50 shipping to Canada. View the complete line at batterycentralmall.com.
Gearhead fashion
You are what you wear, as the saying goes. If you’re a car lover, you can display your passion with ties and scarves from Cyberoptix TieLab. The company produces a variety of neckties and bow ties that cover a variety of interests, including automotive. For example, this gearshift motif lets everyone know you’re into manual transmissions. Other tie styles depict racetrack layouts, racing stripes, vintage auto brands and auto parts, etc. Prices vary depending on the product and material. For example, gearshift ties sell for $36 (U.S.) for the microfibre version and up to $45 for those made from fair-trade silk. You can also add a wood gift box for an additional $10. Check out the designs and order at cyberoptix.com.
Cover your pads
Black dust on your vehicle’s wheels is the unsightly byproduct of disc brakes. One method of significantly reducing the problem and dressing up your vehicle at the same time is with caliper covers from MGP. The company’s products are made from aerospace-grade aluminum and use a patented clip-on fastening system. According to MGP’s website, there are “over 9,000 vehicle applications and ... new developments each week.” The covers are also powder-coated — a tough, heat-cured paint that begins as a powder — in a variety of colours and have precisionengraved logos. A typical set starts at about $200 (U.S.) for four (brand engraving is extra), plus $50 shipping to Canada, from calipercovers.com.