Selection Detection
It's all very well having a shifter that disguises an auto transmission as a manual, but oftentimes this leaves you guessing as to which gear you're in. That is unless you have a gear indicator, which these days will most likely be in LED form. Lokar's cable-operated billet-aluminum LED Shift Indicator unit is designed to enable it to mount to the transmission as shown, but also mount to the frame, floor pan, firewall, or inner fender. In fact, it can be mounted anywhere the 6 feet of cable can reach! There's also a remote mounting kit for locations like the trunk or behind the seat.
With a neutral safety switch built in, as well as a backup circuit, it displays the transmission position in engaged gear only, and is available for most GM, Ford, and Chrysler transmissions. The sensor kit is available separately, while the indicator kits can be had in horizontal- or vertical-dash or boot-mount versions. For more information, contact Lokar Performance Products at (877) 469-7440, or www.lokar.com.
Chevy Shine
We all know what it's like trying to source chrome or stainless trim for old cars, and the more obscure the model, the harder, and downright impossible in some cases, it is.
Chevs of the 40's just put owners of '42-48 Chevys one step closer to being able to source perfect brightwork, with the introduction of chrome or stainless gravel shields, which both protect the rear fenders and dress up the vehicle. Stainless was original equipment on the '46-48 cars, but Chevs of the 40's offers the choice. For more information, contact Chevs of the 40's at (800) 999-2438, or www.chevsofthe40s.com.
Fresh Donuts
Time was, if you were building a period ride, it took a lot of effort and time tracking down the correct pieces. Tires were a particular problem, as they can make or break the appearance of any project. In recent years, this has become easier with the re-introduction of a number of obsolete patterns and sizes.
If you run 16-inch wheels on your rod, Hurst Racing Tires has just introduced a radial 30x8x16 pie-crust slick, capped on a brand-new 235/75/16 casing. Better yet, they're available in whitewall or blackwall versions, depending on the look you're going after. For more information, contact Hurst Racing Tires at (503) 656-1572, or www.hurstracingtires.com.
EZ PCV
If you're using a late-model engine in your rod or custom that requires a PCV valve and/or breather, it can be a pain trying to make these components look neat. So, check out these new small-block Chevy valve covers from Clayton Machine Works, featuring design elements that incorporate the PCV and breather, eliminating their bulky, stuck-on appearance and almost turning them into a flush-mounted design.
The polished aluminum valve covers include the breather and PCV assembly and will clear roller rockers, while versions for center-bolt SBC applications are also available. Adding to the uniqueness is the removable center section and its surrounding frame, which can be painted, polished, or plated in numerous combinations to the owner's taste. There is also an optional carbon-fiber center section available. For more information, contact Clayton Machine Works at (256) 489-2450, or www.claytonmachine.com.
Hot Under The Collar
Keeping tabs on engine coolant temperature can prevent serious damage, yet there's often nowhere to mount a temperature sensor for a number of reasons. Whether you've just upgraded to an aluminum radiator or need to install a temperature sensor for those aftermarket gauges, let Flex-a-lite hook you up with one of these neat inline hose adapters, rather than drilling into the radiator.
Featuring two 1/4-inch NPT threaded fittings for screw-in-style temperature senders and a 1-inch brass plug, the Flex-a-lite adapters are available to fit 1-inch or 1-inch-id radiator hoses. For more information, contact Flex-a-lite at (800) 851-1510, or www.flex-a-lite.com.
Drop Shop
Your steering column is finally in and hooked up at the lower end, and you're ready for that first shakedown run, but the baling wire holding the column to the dash just ain't gonna cut it for a final installation. Sure, you could make a column drop, or use an old con rod with a bushing to match your column diameter, but why bother when Borgeson has a full line of radiused drops to fit most column diameters, and in three styles, too-open, recessed, and solid.
Machined from billet aluminum, with an adjustable swivel to compensate for different column-to-dash angles, they're available with 1-3/4-, 1-7/8-, 2-, 2-1/4-, and 2-3/8-inch-diameter holes and lengths of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 inches. The 2-3/8-inch column is even available with a notch machined to accept the GM wiring cover for a simpler installation. For more information, contact Borgeson/Mullins at (860) 482-8283, or www.borgeson.com.