Aftermarket action
Get a grip under pressure
Are you still using one of those old-fashioned, hard-to-read, and somewhat-inaccurate, slidingscale pocket tire gauges? Consider a 21st-century upgrade to the Tekron 5941 Digital Tire Gauge. The ergonomically designed unit comes with an LED readout that can be easily seen in little or zero light. The nozzle also has a built-in light, making it easy for you to connect to the valve stem. Both lights will automatically shut off after 30 seconds to help keep the lithium-coin-cell battery from prematurely going dead. Lastly, the Tekton’s soft-touch surface makes it easy to grasp. Purchase one for $12 from www.tekton.com.
Shift gears at this e-store
Blipshift’s collection of humorous automotive-themed T-shirts mostly leans toward promoting fast cars in general, and manual transmissions in particular. At $15 each, they’re also affordable. But don’t stop there as Blipship also sells socks, ties, mugs, coasters, key chains and other accessories, most with shift-for-yourself themes (check out the ice-cube trays). The company also sells an assortment of unique auto-themed wall art with prices starting at $50. Shop thee merchandise assortment at www.blip shift.com.
Racy accessories
Making everyday items out of car parts isn’t new, but those made by race mechanic/engineer Nathan O’Dell of Manchester, England, are definitely unusual. The pieces mostly originate from racecars, and literally run the gamut, from paperweights, key rings, earrings and carbonfiber clocks, to a wine rack adapted from an Aston Martin aluminum engine block. Although prices for most items are modest, the wine rack will set you back in the $650 range. Note that all of O’Dell’s items are custom made so there are obviously limited quantities. You can check out the current collection at www. etsy.com (search LedonGifts, which is O’Dell’s brand).
Yes, you ‘can’ carry tools
Rampage Products has created a novel way to tote tools safely and securely. The company’s Trail Can Utility Tool Box (model # 86619) is in fact an oldschool-style jerry can, however this one flips up at the top to reveal a small removable toolbox. The side door also opens to reveal two removable drawers for storing bulkier items such as saws and drills. The inside of the door is designed with storage slots for screwdrivers. The Trail Can Utility Tool Box is 18 inches tall by six inches wide and 13 inches deep and sells for about $85 through a number of auto parts sites, including www.jegs.com as well as at www.amazon.com.