June 2010 Rod Shop

Timely Addition
You know how it is when you're finishing up a project. New paint, new chrome, new upholstery, but some of the little pieces are unobtainable and let down an otherwise-perfect job. Classic Industries just made it a little easier for owners of '63 Impalas, with this in-dash clock. It'll also fit full-size Chevy models and is an exact duplicate of the original, for perfect fit, function, and appearance. With the correct number font, colors, and markings, a quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping. Officially licensed by GM and manufactured by OER, the clock has a one year manufacturer's warranty. For more information contact Classic Industries at (800) 854-1280 or www.classicindustries.com.

Steerin' Easy
Performance Online now offers a power steering conversion kit for full-size '55-64 Chevy Bel Air, 210, 150, Impala, Biscayne, Caprice, and wagon models. Available in small- and big-block applications, it's supplied ready to paint or chrome (brackets only) and includes all hardware, though some additional items may be needed. Most kits include a 600 Series power steering gearbox, power steering pump, hose, bracket kit, gearbox mounting bracket if necessary, power steering fluid, and a limited lifetime warranty. For more information contact Performance Online at (800) 638-1703 or www.performanceonline.com.

Painless Technology
Painless Wiring can offer you luxury features in your rod or custom, with this Painless Convenience Module (PCM). It adds features we take for granted in our daily drivers to our hobby cars, such as headlight delay, dome light dimmer, and radio delay, which powers the radio until the key is removed or the doors are opened. A headlight-on warning alarm and a turn signal 150-second alarm are also included. The compact state-of-the-art electronic module is easy to install with straight forward instructions. For more information contact Painless Performance at (800) 549-4737 or www.painlessperformance.com.

Cam Again?
GM's LS engine is cropping up with increasing regularity in our types of cars, and the aftermarket has been steadily responding with performance parts. Lunati has a range of 25 new Gen III and IV LS1 Voodoo camshafts providing specific timing for numerous applications, including LS1 with carburetor, nitrous oxide, supercharger, or turbo, LS1 with L92 heads, and many more. Camshaft values range from durations of 212/223 to 255/263 degrees (at 0.050-inch), lifts from 0.550 to 0.651 inch, and lobe separation angles from 112 to 116 degrees. The lobes are designed for faster valve opening and softer landings on the valve seats. A new line of link-bar lifters is also available, for better control and higher lobe lift than is possible with the OE plastic retainers, although some of the milder grinds can still take advantage of the OE retainer.

Steel Turning
Speedway Motors' polished stainless steel Hot Rod steering column is a popular item for the company, and now the same rugged and simple design is available in plain steel, which can be easily painted to match your car's interior! Just like the stainless version, this Plain Steel Hot Rod steering column features a 1 3/4-inch-diameter steel tube and a 3/4-inch steering shaft with a Double-D end. Ball bearings at the top and bottom ensure smooth, reliable operation, while the steel quick-release hub accepts common three-bolt steering wheels and makes it easy to remove the wheel for theft deterrence or easier entry and exit. The column is available in 24-, 26-, 28-, 30-, 32-, 34-, 36-, and 40-inch lengths. For more information contact Speedway Motors at (800) 979-0122 or www.speedwaymotors.com.

Iron and Steel
Hobart's new IronMan 230 is a 250-amp MIG welder suited for mild-steel material ranging in thickness from 24 gauge to 1/2 inch, meaning it'll tackle bodywork as easily as chassis fabrication. Twelve voltage taps-seven more than previously available-provide more precise arc control, while the option of a DP 3545-20 spool gun for aluminum welding makes the IronMan 230 a versatile performer for both light industrial and hobby applications. Though it's called the 230, it's a 250-amp industrial-grade welder, replacing the 210 and 250 models in Hobart's lineup. It can deliver a 30- to 250-amp output (60 percent duty cycle at 175 amps), providing the above versatility. A robust cast-aluminum two-roll wire drive system replaces the previous plastic drive system, and a patented hub design requires no tools to adjust for a variety of spool sizes (1, 2, 10, and 45 pounds) and ensures perfect alignment of the spool and feed head. Two cable hangers mounted on the unit's side keep the power cord, MIG gun cable, work lead, and welding hood organized and out of the way, while a built-in running gear/cylinder rack is standard equipment. For more information contact Hobart Welders at (877) 462-2781 or www.hobartwelders.com.