As 2009 skids to an end, it is time to stop and reflect on all the great times we've all had over the past 12 months... OK, enough of that, let's get to our holiday wishlists! Whether you celebrate around a tree covered in sparkly lights, a stand full of candles, a goat dressed in a frilly tutu, or another festivity centerpiece, we just thought you might need some suggestions on what to get us-er, we mean what to ask your family and friends for this holiday season.
Maybe you have a jolly off-roader on your shopping list and you're looking for the perfect gift. The fact is everybody has a wishlist, and we thought the stuff we're interested in just might be of interest when you get to Santa's lap this December.
Feel free to steal our suggestions. Circling them and marking with arrows before leaving this issue in your wife/girlfriend/mom's purse sometimes works. Use these suggestions as your own, and if you get the stuff we asked for, please don't write us and rub it in. That just wouldn't be nice, and you need to be nice to get more stuff next year.
Good Little Editor-in-Chief Rick Péwé
Under $50
What: Dead-blow hammer
Why I want it: Best for beating on things and not leaving a mark
How much: 20-50 bucks!
Where to get it: local hardware store; Sears, www.craftsman.com
Under $200
What: Spidertrax wheel spacers
Why I want it: So I can safely regain the Jeep's turning radius with bigger tires and widen the track easily
How much: $99.95 a pair
Where to get it: Spidertrax Off-Road,www.spidertrax.com
Under $500
What: Fixable flatty for a D.E.D. (Dirt Every Day) adventure, where my friend David Freiburger and I travel around in an old Jeep
Why I want it: Freiburger and I need a good trip
How much: You don't get much for under $500, but we've paid more for worse!
Where to get it: You! Offer us the flatty; we'll fly in, fix it, and drive it away.
Unlimited
What: 1945 Boeing B-17G bomber
Why I want it: Oh come on, why wouldn't you want it? You could use it to fly over the desert and scout for new wheeling spots! Or lay down a few tons of firepower and make your own neighborhood into a wheeling Mecca!
How much: The last one sold to a private owner was Fuddy Duddy, for about $3.5 million
Where to get it: If you find one, let me know.
Good Little Executive Editor Kevin McNulty
Under $50
What: SureFire G2 Nitrolon
Why I want it: Spending a lot of time outdoors exploring trails and camping requires a great light source. With an output of 65 to 120 lumens, this economical light is a handy tool to keep on any four-wheel-machine for nighttime repairs and inspections.
How much: $39
Where to get it: SureFire, 800.828.8809, www.surefire.com
Under $200
What: Military water can
Why I want it: Water is always necessary on the trail, especially when it comes to filling the radiator, camp cooking, or cleaning the dirt out from behind your ears. This 2.5-gallon water container can be mounted just about anywhere and hold enough water for a day or two in the wild.
How much: $139.95
Where to get it: Off Road Trail Tools, 520.579.2079, www.offroadtrailtools.com
Under $500
What: M-P Superline XD 21,000-pound winch rope, 5/16 inch by 100 feet
Why I want it: The super-strong Superline is easy to use, safe, and lightweight, and it's cool-looking!
How much: $462
Where to get it: Master-Pull, 360.714.1313, www.masterpull.com
Unlimited
What: Bestop Supertop
Why I want it: Project Scratch Built Scrambler is going to require a new top before it hits the highway. This top is made from quality material and should fit as snug as a bug on the CJ-8.
How much: $1,016 with doors
Where to get it: Bestop, 800.845.3567, www.bestop.com
Good Little Technical Editor Fred Williams
Under $50
What: Tree Trunk Protector
Why I want it: I lent mine to someone and never got it back
How much: $17-$30 depending on size
Where to get it: Clemson 4Wheel Center, www.clemson4wheel.com
Under $200
What: Grover Air Horn
Why I want it: It'll make any truck into a big rig, and it's made in the USA
How much: $126.03
Where to get it: Grover Products, 323.263.9981, www.airhorns.com or www.shop.gec-distribution.com
Under $500
What: Compressor in a Box
Why I want it: Most of my trucks are military surplus, so why not have a portable compressor in an ammo can for airing up and down? Extreme Outback Products has a dual mini air compressor in an ammo can that is perfect for a trip across Africa or just out to the back 40.
How much: $300
Where to get it: Extreme Outback Products, 866.447.7711, www.extremeoutback.com
Unlimited
What: Modified version of my '64 Jeep FC-170 Crewcab
Why I want it: It would be my dream vehicle. Built with a mandrel-bent frame built by Throttle Down Customs, a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, a four-speed Atlas transfer case, a high-pinion Dana 60 up front and a Corporate 14-bolt out back with Axletech's portal boxes and ARB Air Lockers. Coil-sprung suspension, bypass shocks, winch bumpers, and HID lights would finish off the exterior. Spruce up the interior with air conditioning, heat, satellite radio/phone/modem, and soundproofing. Basically an oddball Jeep truck built like a Unimog for expedition travel, towing my other stuff, camping out, and working from exotic locations.
How much: A 50-gallon barrel of $100 bills would be a good start
Where to get it: Throttle Down Customs, www.throttledownkustoms.com; Advance Adapters, www.advanceadapters.com; ARB www. arbusa.com; Axletech, www.motorsports.axletech.com; and more