KEEP IT LOOKING NEW
If your vehicle is five years old, or older, you might have noticed fading on various non-metal surfaces such as bumpers, headlight covers and various trim parts. What's more, many products currently on the market really don't seem to do a great job of restoring these surfaces.
Wipe New has been specifically formulated to completely refresh these areas. The manufacturer states that one application will maintain their as-new appearance for years. Each complete kit includes three ounces of product plus applicator cloths, headlight applicator, polishing block, detail brush and protective gloves (enough to do two vehicles). If Wipe New performs as claimed, the US$36 price is likely worth every penny. Check it out for yourself at wipenew.com.
Please tell us it runs!
It does! We're not sure what you would do with a fully operational V-8 engine that's built to 1/4 scale, other than marvel at the builder's ingenuity. Gary Conley of Conley Precision Engines has been making them for more than 30 years and his latest Stinger 609 has to be seen and heard to be believed. The five kilogram V-8 displaces 100 cubic centimetres or 6.09 cubic inches (hence the name) and is available in naturally aspirated or supercharged configurations.
Each engine features a dry-sump lubrication system that uses a separate reservoir instead of a traditional oil pan, and an ignition system that works off a 12-volt starter motor. Output is rated at 5.5 horsepower for the standard V-8 and nine horsepower for the supercharged version. Prices start at US$5,700 ($7,400, supercharged V-8). For the complete story and video of a working engine go to conleyprecision.com.
Sleep in a (truck) bed
For many years, Pitman Products International has been making AirBedz inflatable mattresses that have become popular with pickup owners who use their vehicles for a variety of outdoor activities. The company's latest version, called the AirBedz Lite, is available for your truck's regular-or short-bed box, but is constructed using PVC vinyl instead of the original version's heavy-duty cloth and comes with a separate electric air pump (the cloth model comes with a built-in pump) that inflates the product to a 30 centimetre depth. A stowage bag and emergency repair kit are also included. At US$130, the AirBedz Lite costs $80 less than the original's US$210 price tag. Check out the entire product line and accessories at truckairbedz.com.
This is a shocker
There are numerous products on the market that will cover up unwanted smells in your vehicle associated with pets, kids, cigarette smoke, rotten food, skunk spray, water damage and worse. However, one application of Auto Shocker promises to completely eliminate any and all offensive stinky smells for good. Apparently this product is the choice of professional auto detailing shops and used car dealers.
Auto Shocker's primary ingredient is chlorine dioxide that uses oxygen to break up odour molecules. A single packet of Auto Shocker sells for US$25, or four packets for US$75. All the details and ordering info are available at autoshocker.com.
View our ever-evolving auto gift guide at: wheelbase.ws/ media (click the "Cool auto gift ideas" category at the right).
