Alluring AluminumIf you tend to think of billet aluminum as being hard-edged and sterile, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Sun Spec Billet Factory has recently introduced a line of aluminum parts that are anything but square. Good examples are these PCV valves, available in a slick tapered shape or a curvy art deco design. Both come with grommets, industrial PCV valves, and 3/8-inch hose barbs and can be had in a polished or satin finish. For more information on these and other aluminum parts with interesting shapes, contact Sun Spec Billet Factory, P.O. Box 907, Dept. R&C, Osage Beach, MO 65065; (573) 346-6929; www.ssbilletfactory.com.
Rack It UpWhat better way is there to top a classic woodie or wagon than with a vintage-style roof rack from Classic Racks? Using an authentic '50s design, Classic Racks feature patented "floating foot" bases that distribute weight to prevent top damage, plus polished aluminum brackets and rails, stainless hardware, and high-gloss spar wood varnish. Best of all, there's no drilling necessary to mount them. Classic Racks can be built to fit nearly any vehicle-from teardrop trailers to enclosed car haulers. The wood can be stained to better match your vehicle, and there's even a limited supply of N.O.S racks if you're looking for "patina." Rack ladders and surfboard racks are also available. For more information, contact Classic Racks, 2740 42nd Ave., Dept. R&C, Longview, WA 98632; (360) 430-8691; www.classic-racks.com.
I've Been Framed!In addition to an extensive line of quality fiberglass bodies, New Age Motorsports can build a first-rate chassis to serve as the foundation of your street rod project. This '32 Ford frame, for example, features American Stamping rails that are flush-boxed in the engine compartment and step-boxed under the body. The brake mount and X-member allow for a transmission change at any time with no welding. Heavy-wall tubing, a degreed front crossmember, and 3/16-inch wall tubing in the rear are standard. Perimeter frames to full rollers are available. For more information, contact New Age Motorsports, 501 Pepper St., Monroe, CT 06468; (203) 268-1999; www.newage-motorsports.com.
Great CrateYou already rely on Edelbrock performance parts, so why not package them in an Edelbrock crate engine. Several small-block Chevy engines are available, including this Performer RPM E-Tec EFI 350 that delivers 440 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Based on a GM ZZ short-block, the mill has a forged crank, four-bolt mains, and aluminum E-Tec heads with 170cc Vortec-shaped intake and 70cc exhaust ports, which flow 20 percent more exhaust than iron Vortecs. It's topped with Edelbrock's Pro-Flo EFI system to provide great power, throttle response, and fuel economy from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. A Digital Calibration Module lets you make adjustments from your seat without a laptop. New pricing and shipping deals make these engines more affordable than ever. For details, contact Edelbrock, 2700 California St., Dept. R&C, Torrance, CA 90503; (800) FUN-TEAM; www.edelbrock.com.
Get En-GaugedClassic looks and modern technology give you the best of both worlds in the new Street Rod Series instruments from Haneline. The clean gauge faces are available in white, black, or gold with incandescent lighting, while nostalgic numbers, lettering, and domed glass evoke memories of earlier times. The vintage looks are paired with contemporary electric operation, including an LCD readout with trip odometer on the speedo. Street Rod Series instruments include a 3 3/8-inch speedometer and tach, plus 2 1/8-inch oil, temp, fuel, and volt gauges. A 3 3/8-inch "quad" gauge, combining oil, temp, fuel, and volts, will also be available soon. For details, contact Haneline Products, 48519 Park Ave., Dept. R&C, Morongo Valley, CA 92256; (888) 878-8678; www.haneline.com.
Lights In Black SatinChrome and aluminum are fine and dandy, but sometimes you want accessories with a more subtle appearance and "strictly business" attitude. That's why So-Cal Speed Shop now offers its popular Art Deco dash knobs and switches in a satin black anodized finish. The machined aluminum knobs are easy to install and make an instant statement in any rod or custom. Knobs are available separately, while switch assemblies like this headlight switch are available in various groupings. Dimmer switches are also available, and So-Cal is busy developing other products to match. For more information, contact So-Cal Speed Shop, 1357 E Grand Ave., Dept. R&C, Pomona, CA 91766; (909) 469-6171; www.so-calspeedshop.com.
Deco DashYou've spent a lot of time making your car distinctive, so why not dress up the dash, too? This Art Deco-style insert from Hot Rods by Dean is the perfect way to bring a flat '20s- or '30s-era dash to life. Machined from billet aluminum, the inserts measure 16 1/2 inches wide, 5 15/16 inches high, and 1/2 inch thick. The center 4 5/8-inch hole takes a 5-inch gauge, while the outer holes house 2 1/8-inch dials-Tetra or Hot Rod Series from Classic Instruments are recommended. There are also two .166-inch holes for LED indicator lights. For more information, contact Hot Rods by Dean, 3615 N 35th Ave, Dept. R&C, Phoenix, AZ 85017; (800) 362-979; www.hotrodsbydean.com.
Keep Yer CoolAnyone who has every tried to cram a "10-pound" radiator into a "5-pound" grille shell knows that it just plain doesn't work. That's why the motto used by TAPP Incorporated is: "Don't make it fit; make it to fit." TAPP offers custom-built, all-aluminum radiators to fit the needs and physical parameters of your particular car. You get the weight savings of aluminum, the convenience of a custom fit, and a radiator that's specifically designed to meet your cooling needs. For more info, contact TAPP Incorporated, 3615-B Roy Farlow Rd., Dept. R&C, Sophia, NC 27350; (866) 213-2239; www.tappinc.net.