Retro Rims
Stockton Wheel Service's SLT aluminum wheel brings back the Dish Mag design that was extremely popular on '60s and '70s hot rods, muscle cars, and vintage pickups. Available in sizes ranging from 15x4.25 to 17x8, they're a great way to add that retro style to your vehicle, while complementing modern tire diameters and widths.
The SLT is available in 5 on 4.5-, 5 on 4.75-, and 5 on 5-inch bolt patterns. For truck applications, the SLT is also available in 17x8, with 5 on 5.5- or 6 on 5.5-inch bolt patterns. The SLT also features a faux screw-on style, plastic center cap and comes complete with lug nuts and chromed valve stems. For more information, contact Stockton Wheel Service at (800) 395-9433 or www.stocktonwheel.com.
Form and Function
If you read our cooling system overview in the September '09 issue, you'll understand that an overflow tank is an important component, ensuring your cooling system is always full and preventing your coolant leaking onto the floor. Which is why a purpose-made tank is way better than an old beer can or similar. However, OTB Gear now offers an overflow receptacle that looks way better than even the stainless steel tanks commonly used.
Cast in A-356 aircraft-grade polished aluminum the OTB coolant tank has a ribbed design and distinctive cap, and will look especially neat when coupled with other finned aluminum accessories in the engine compartment. At just under 14 inches tall, and 2 2/3 inches in diameter, the tank holds 24 ounces, with the bottom tapped for a 1/4-inch NPT inlet fitting. The 5/8x5-inch mounting rib is tapped for two 1/4x20 bolts on 4-inch centers, though hardware is not included. The tank is also available unpolished. For more information contact OTB Gear at (909) 595-4995 or www.otbgear.com.
Double Deuce
We're sure most of you are aware of the art of Tom Fritz, but owning an original is a chance that doesn't come up too often. However, you could own a fine art poster of his work, the latest being an 18x24 lithograph printed the same size as the original Double Deuce painting on a heavy 80-pound gloss cover stock.
As a bonus, Tom Fritz has hand-signed each poster in the self-matting, 2-inch-wide black border. All you need is to slide it into an 18x24 ready-made frame, and put it on your wall! Shipped anywhere in the United States, for more information call Tom Fritz at (805) 499-1630 or www.fritzart.com.
SubDivision
Aside from a solid floorpan, the subrails are the single most important item in correctly restoring any Model 40 passenger car. The subrails serve as the mounting point for the lower door posts, rocker panels, and other bracing. Due to their location, original subrails suffer greatly from the elements. Steve's Auto Restorations (SAR) now offers exact replica subrails for your '33-34 coupe, roadster, cabriolet, or sedan.
Die stamped from heavy 16-gauge steel, these new subrails will offer the solid foundation that your project needs and deserves. Electroplating ensures a rust-free foundation for many years to come. SAR also offers the subrails assembled in their floor assembly package providing a perfect rust-free foundation to build from. For more information contact Steve's Auto Restorations at (503) 665-2222 or www.stevesautorestorations.com.
Shapely Rearend
It's long been understood that the Ford 9-inch rearend is one of the strongest that can be put under a hot rod or custom. Its strength and ability to withstand high horsepower is legendary, but supplies aren't as plentiful as they once were. They are a clean looking axle too, in part owing to the fact that the third member bolts in from the front. Winters Performance Products has taken advantage of this and came up with a rearend housing that looks cleaner, as well as infinitely more trick, than an old original.
There are two assemblies available, both with a polished housing, one with regular big-bearing flanged axles and the other with Torino big-bearing flanged axles. The assemblies include the polished 9-inch housing with steel tubes, inner tube seals, and a complete set of 31-spline flanged axles. For more information contact Winters Performance Products at (717) 764-9844 or www.wintersperformance.com.
Speed Merchants
Today we take the speed equipment aftermarket almost for granted, but in the early days of hot rodding it simply didn't exist until a dedicated band of engineers and craftsmen in the '30s and '40s started designing and manufacturing parts, working out of garages, basements, and backyards, many going on to form successful businesses through their endeavors.
Merchants of Speed is large, 240-page hardbound book by Paul D. Smith that examines the stories behind 26 such men and their companies, drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews, and includes more than 250 pictures, often from the subjects' personal collections. We won't list them all but the stories behind Thickstun, Wayne, Hilborn, Spalding, Isky, Crane, Ansen, Potvin, Offy, and Navarro are all included. Fittingly tying in with our cover this month. Barney Navarro also penned the foreword. For more information contact Motorbooks at www.motorbooks.com.