Author: Tabitha

It’s easy to lose various small metal hardware items or tools when working on your vehicle, whether in the shop or out in the open. A magnetic holder from Lodesol could help with this problem. Just stick all the small bits that are frequently misplaced to the flexible and fluid-resistant magnetic pad. The 8.1- by- 6.6-inch holder sells for $20, but the company also has five other sizes available, topping out at the 18.75- by- 5.25-inch folding tool holder that costs US $35. Visit www.lodesol.com.

You don’t have to be a diehard Porsche lover to appreciate this awesome item. A twin-exhaust outlet and resonator from a 500-horsepower 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine found in a 911 GT3 forms the basis for this Bluetooth-enabled Soundbar Special Edition speaker. The 200-watt unit, which weighs in at 40 pounds, comes with bass and treble controls, Dolby digital decoder, LED display and a remote control. Both coaxial and optical inputs are included, as is a subwoofer output and a plaque with an assigned limited-edition number indicating which of the 500 (total production) speakers is in your possession. Purchase for $4,750 from…

Many of us have heard horror stories about travelers stranded (gridlocked) on highways because of extreme winter conditions. For these and other instances, your emergency kit should include a measure of personal protection such as the Original Puffy Blanket from Rumpl. The Portland, Ore.-based company’s products are available in an assortment of colors and designs. Each blanket also has a weatherproof and stain-resistant outer layer, and the insulation is mostly sourced from recycled materials. The Original Puffy Blanket sells for $99 and up for the one-person size, or $199 for the two-person version. Check out the full line at www.rumpl.com.

Your usual variety of power and non-power screwdrivers will work just fine for most tasks, but they might be too large for those occasional micro-sized jobs. In these instances, even a super-small manual screwdriver could be awkward to use, not to mention horribly slow since products that use small screws tend to use lots of them. The Precision Cordless Screwdriver from General Tools (item #500) might be exactly what you need to save your fingertips. This mini-flashlight-sized, battery-powered and ergonomically designed device comes with six different interchangeable slotted, Phillips and Torx bits has forward and reverse modes. Product details are…

People who must work from their vehicles usually need an assortment of electronics, tablets and various documents and assorted supplies. Keeping everything in one accessible spot is the job of the Tidify Car Seat Organizer. The item attaches to the front-seat headrest and has a padded compartment for your laptop, space for books and stationery items, and various pockets for pens and markers, etc. There are also a couple of pockets for holding beverage bottles. When work is done, the padded carrying handle helps you transport your stuff elsewhere. The Tidify sells for about $36 from www.mytidify.com.

The Decked company, based in Idaho, sells a highly functional drawer-storage unit for pickups. It comes with a pair of large lockable compartmentalized slide-out bins that are 8.5 inches deep and topped with a shelf that’s strong enough to support motorbikes, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (up to a maximum 2,000 pounds). The weatherproof storage unit fits pickups with beds ranging from 66 to 81 inches but other sizes are being developed. Prices start in the $1,450 range and there’s a three-year warranty. Get details and order info at www.decked.com.

If you own a classic vehicle, installing a period-correct battery can add a measure of authenticity to the overall appearance. Battery Central Mall makes an assortment of six- and 12-volt power sources that look just like those found in 1920- to- 1974-model-year vehicles. These aren’t covers that conceal a modern battery; they are built-to-order reproductions, right down to the lettering on the cases and the size and color of the caps. The only differences are the modern materials used to produce each battery. Each one comes with a one-year replacement warranty and a four-year pro-rated replacement warranty. Prices vary depending…

You are what you wear, as the saying goes. If you’re a car lover, you can display your passion with ties and scarves from Cyberoptix TieLab. The company produces a variety of neckties and bowties that cover a variety of interests, including automotive. For example, the gearshift motif lets everyone know you’re into manual transmissions. Other tie styles depict racetrack layouts, racing stripes, vintage auto brands and auto parts, etc. Prices vary depending on the product and material. For example, gearshift ties sell for $36 for the microfiber version and up to $45 for those made from fair-trade silk. You…

Hundreds of yards of new unused automotive coverings from numerous vehicle models were stored in a warehouse just waiting to be scooped up. Designer Kim White uses the material to make fashionable purses, handbags, belts and related accessories. White includes the year and make of vehicle for which the material was intended (1983 Camaro pictured). Prices begin at $85 for a small clutch purse and top out at about $225 for a tote-style satchel. There are plenty of styles, sizes and model years from which to choose at www.kimwhitehandbags.com.

If you’re serious about keeping your ride spotless, the Classic Car Duster from OCM could be the answer for both interior and exterior use. The extra-large dust head is made from 2.5-inch-long 100 percent cotton threads — infused with wax — which is claimed to become softer and more effective with use. It’s important to not wash the duster head, which is narrow and long (three inches wide by 13 inches long) so it can get into tight spots yet make quick work of cleanup. Just shake it out frequently. The unit’s varnished wooden handle is 9.25 inches long. When…