Author: Tabitha
Loading or unloading pickup trucks can be a difficult chore, especially those with high-stepping ground clearances. Dallas Fisher, the inventor of the Stepdaddy Ladder, and a man who has had both knees replaced, knows this all too well. His all-steel ladder anchors to the inside of the tailgate and has a grip handle for support. The ladder’s legs can be extended to the appropriate length. After use, the Stepdaddy swivels on its base and attaches to the inside of the tailgate using a special hook. The manufacturer claims that the product, which comes with a lifetime guarantee, takes about 30…
When it’s cold and/or rainy outside, or you’re just plain bored, a jigsaw puzzle is a great alternative to watching TV or playing video games. To satisfy your inner gearhead, Serious Puzzles offers an extensive lineup of automotive-themed tests of determination and patience. Included in the mix is a 1,000-piece license-plate puzzle that includes both current and older tags representing all 50 U.S. states. Serious Puzzles also carries a variety of classic-vehicle and city-themed puzzles, many of which were previously been created as poster art. Prices range from $10-$21, depending on the subject matter and whether the puzzle is of…
California Car Cover has developed a really thorough way to dry your vehicle after its bath. The California Waffleweave Towel is 27 by 36 inches and can soak up excess water by virtue of its special weave. But what really sets this product apart from ordinary towels are the stitched-on twin hand pockets. They’re designed to help you cover large surfaces while keeping your fingers from rubbing or scratching the paint and protecting your hands from sharp edges. The Wafflleweave towel costs $20 (two for $36) and is available at www.calcarcover.com.
If your car doesn’t have a blind-spot warning system like the ones frequently found in new vehicles, the Allview Mirror System (AMS) is a compelling alternative. The manufacturer states that the AMS is unlike an image-distorting convex mirror (the one containing the phrase ‘Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear’). The flat, panoramic surface on the AMS increases your rearward field of vision without any distortion to a point where you’re able to observe multiple lanes of traffic without turning your head to check the outside mirrors. In turn, this allows you to more safely merge and change lanes.…
One of the most fascinating and controversial industrialists of any time in history, Henry Ford literally put North America on wheels with his sturdy and affordable Model T. Much has been written about the man’s early beginnings, but author Henry Dominguez has instead concentrated on chronicling Ford’s final years until his death on April 7, 1947, of a cerebral hemorrhage. Dominguez’s book, The Last Days of Henry Ford, includes over 100 photos, including the only known color image of Ford. Purchase the book for $45 ($65 for a numbered and signed copy with slipcover) from www.racemaker.com.
If building models of supercars is your passion, Taras Lesko, creator of Visual Spicer, has the perfect build-it-yourself project. All you need is a color printer and the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded onto your computer to create a very credible scale replica of a Ford GT, McLaren P1, Pagani Zonda and many others. Once assembled using scissors and glue, each model is about 2.5 feet in length or 1:8 scale. You pay $9 to acquire the downloadable template and instructions (discounts applicable if you order more than one). Scope out www.visualspicer.com, watch the assembly videos on Youtube…
For people living in damp climates or for those who store their vehicles indoors during the winter, there’s a chance of musty smells, mildew and fogged-up windows when the time comes to go for a drive. One solution is the Auto Dehumidifier bag by Zarpax. According to the manufacturer, this product, which consists of a reusable bag, ‘attracts humidity like a magnet’ and will never leak its contents. Once full, an indicator dot on the bag changes color from blue (dry) to red (full). A six-minute zap in the microwave fully renews the bag. Go to www.zarpax.com for more info…
If you own a utility vehicle, you know how junky and disorganized the stowage spot behind the rear seat can get, especially when travelling with the family. The Trunk Optimizer helps to solve the problem with various see-through Oxford cloth pockets that hold a variety of small- and medium-size objects. To install, simply hang the Optimizer by the straps around the rear headrests. Pick one up for $23 from www.indigo-temple.com.
Whether you’re camping or spending a day at the beach, bring along the Road Shower 2. The product consists of a tube that’s 57 inches long that attaches to your vehicle’s roof rack. The five gallons of water you add to the tube from a standard garden hose can be pressurized (up to 18 pounds per square inch) by attaching a bicycle pump or tire inflator to the relief valve. The attached 55-inch hose and nozzle releases the contents when needed. An LCD display shows the water’s temperature. The Road Shower 2 sells for $300, including all necessary hardware at…
Like his father, Ferruccio, Tonino Lamborghini is an entrepreneur and maker of exotic products. Rather than cars, this Lamborghini is in the business of producing a line of wristwatches (among other products) that bear is famous family’s name. Lamborghini Automobiles is a subsidiary of Volkswagen. The good news is that Tonino’s timepieces are easier on the wallet; most sell in the $1,500-$2,500 range. Styles range from sport-watch chronographs with unique triangular faces and tread-like bands, to more formal looking wrist jewelry. Check out the store at www.lamborghini.it/ca_en/watches.html.