Customizations for your ride
Custom LED surrounds
It's not just the fancy new luxury cars that have strings of LEDs around the headlight housings. Thanks to Putco, you can buy LED Dayliners, which are application-specific and not generic. Pictured here is the new LED Dayliner for the 2009 and up Ford F-150. Here, a bright string of LED lights is embedded into a chromed-aluminum frame that sticks to the stock light housing with 3M-tape backing. Included is five feet of wiring to allow hookup to your low-beam headlights or daytime running lights. Applications also include the Chrysler 300, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Chevrolet Camaro and Silverado. Head over to www.putco.com to get the details and to find a dealer.
High-perf six-speed AT
Attempting to retrofit a modern five- or six-speed automatic transmission into an older car can be fraught with headaches, from the electronics to the physical shape of the transmission that might require a lot of surgery to the floor of the vehicle and therefore the interior, to make things right. The 6X Six Speed Transmission from TCI goes does one better than simply fitting: it's also claimed to support 850 horsepower. The 6X is intended for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler applications and according to TCI, is full programmable (shift points, etc.) and is available with optional paddle shifters. In terms of performance, it's important to note that fifth gear - and not fourth gear - is a 1:1 ratio, with sixth gear as the 0.75 overdrive. This means quicker acceleration than even five- and six-speed manual transmissions with their 1:1 fourth gears. Price begins in the $5,700 range, but there's a lot to learn, so head over to www.tciauto.com.
For wheel needs
When it comes to cleaning your wheels, should you use a specific product for your wheel type, or an all-purpose cleaner? With Eagle One, the choice is yours. The company (part of Ashland Oil, the makers of Valvoline) produces a range of spray applicators for different types of wheels. For example, Mag Wheel cleaner will brighten up older-style wheels as well as chrome-plated surfaces, while Aluminum Wheel is an acid-free cleaner that's geared for polished aluminum wheels. Then there's Eagle One's Chrome Wheel one-step cleaner that's formulated to remove brake dust, grime and rust from chrome wheels while protecting the surface. And for a quick cleanup regardless of wheel type there's A2Z All-Wheel and Tire Cleaner. Each is priced in the $6-$7 range and can be purchased from most auto-parts retailers and full-line department stores (www.eagleone.com has the complete list).
Massage to go
Lengthy trips behind the wheel (or as a passenger) can be a pain in the back, regardless of how comfortable your car's seats appear to be. The Wagan Shiatsu Lumbar Massager Cushion has been designed to give you a measure of relief whenever you need it. The ergonomically designed appliance features a deep kneading massage mechanism with built-in motors that works your lower back muscles with the flip of a switch. The cushion works with both DC and AC power (adapters included). An adjustable strap secures the cushion to the back of your seat. Pricing for the Shiatsu Massager Cushion starts at about $50 (heated units cost extra). For a complete list of worldwide retailers go to www.wagan.com.
