East Valley Tribune - Customize Your Car

Amazing blind-spot mirror

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Extra visibility is something we could all use.

A hitch with safety

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

If you tow a trailer, there’s a hitch . . . literally. However, your hitch can also act as a safety device, especially if it’s a Superbumper from Mohr Manufacturing Inc.

Shrink electrical woes

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Whether you’re wiring a vehicle for a trailer, installing new audio or video equipment or are restoring an old favorite, electrical problems will be high on the to-avoid list.

This coating is jet-hot

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

You can paint your headers and exhaust manifolds all you like, but they just don’t stay looking good for very long.

Handling curves with ease

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Whether you’re working on a fender, a set of wheels with all kinds of creases and seams or a wooden rocking chair, there are many uses for Soft-Sanders, which are designed for use with adhesive-backed sandpaper.

Kill cigarette-smoke odor

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

There might be no bigger turn-off than the smell of stale tobacco, food, pet odors or other nasty assaults on your olfactory senses from inside a vehicle.

Retro mirrors, new 'stangs

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It was complete coincidence that the Parts Dept. gang was inspecting a new blue Mustang convertible only to discover that the first modification the owner wanted to undertake was to change the textured factory mirrors.

(License) plated glass

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

There’s not much you can’t do to dress up your vehicle. One place where you can now get outrageously fancy is on your license-plate holder.

"Watch" this gauge cover

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It’s not the easiest job in the world to change the look of your gauges with a new cover, but thanks to US Speedo Exotic Gauges out of Flint, Mich., you’ll be more than satisfied when the job is done.

When you need more power

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

For extreme power-handling needs, there’s 18-pound UL12 subwoofer from Critical Mass out of Long Island City, N.Y. There’s a good reason the number “5000” is imprinted on the carbon-fiber cone of this 12-inch bad boy since that’s the peak power rating.

Seeing past the sun

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

When the sun is shining , your car’s visors are indispensible. However, for those regular occasions when that bright orb in the sky is rising or sinking low on the horizon, your visors often provide only minimal glare protection, usually making it difficult — not to mention downright dangerous — to be out on the road.

A carrier for the trunk

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Getting stuff from your house to the car and back can take many trips, especially if you’re camping or undertaking some other activity that requires a variety of gear.

The edge of protection

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

You've probably seen vehicles with a protective strip on the edge of the doors to prevent damage from contact with other vehicles, posts, walls and bicycles. And then again, maybe you can’t see the protective strip, which is exactly what 3M is hoping.

Old car meets new steering

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

After you’ve upgraded to bigger wheels and tires as well as the brakes to modern specs on your 1960s Chevrolet Camaro or Nova, Ford Mustang, 1963-’82 Corvette or 1955-’57 Chevrolet, what’s next? Everything that’s connected to the steering wheel, of course.

Solar powered signal lights

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

An all-too frequent type of accident occurs when drivers are unaware of other vehicles in their blind spots, that area not covered by rearview or outside mirrors. Auto Care Products, Inc. has come up with a way of widening the viewing range of your exterior mirrors as well as alerting other drivers in your blind spot that you are turning.

Beat the heat and look cool

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We’ve all seen — possibly even owned — one of those universal one-size-fits-all windshield sun blockers that are supposed to repel the heat and damaging UV rays and keep our car’s interior cooler. The only problem is they really don’t fit very well, are clumsy to use and might not be all that effective at protecting the interior. Not to mention the fact that they don’t exactly enhance your ride’s looks.

Fasten your (pants) belts!

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Yes, by all means fasten your seat belts, but we’re also talking about belts that hold up your pants.

An alarming development

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Here’s a neat package for your automobile that delivers peace-ofmind security plus the convenience of a remote starter and keyless entry.

A jack of all traits

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Lifting your car, light-duty truck or minivan in a way that you can safely work under neath is normally a two-step process.

Arms not long enough?

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The ever-handy pickup truck isn’t always that convenient. Fishing items out of the bed when they’re just out of reach is frustrating, usually requiring you to drop the tailgate and jump in. And with a tonneau cover installed, you’ll be rolling around on your back in no time flat. As well, with tall-sided pickup trucks such as the 4x4 Ford F150, you’ll be lucky if you can even see over the box sides into the bed.

Wheel weights

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

GH (as in Good Health) Wheels has a unique dual-purpose rim that caters to the fitness guru. It looks like a weight that you would put on the end of barbell and, in fact, it is. “Our patented design takes the gym to the streets.”