Street Rod Parts for Your Dirt Rod Project
When building custom 4x4s there are certain OEM parts that we have to keep because we just can't do without them. Say you want to ditch the factory brake-pedal assembly. Typically you also lose your brake light as well. Leave it to the street rod world to come up with our solution in the form of this CNC-machined alternative. This brake-pressure switch turns a hydraulic brake-pressure signal into a mechanical switch to trigger your electric taillights. It can be bolted on and it comes with a weld-on steel-mounting tab as well. Units are completely assembled with -3 AN fittings, crush washers, and stainless steel mounting hardware, and are also available with 1/8-inch NPT ports. Price: $109 Contact: Profab Metalwerks, 866.683.2228, www.profabwerks.com
4WD Products 3-Gallon Aluminum air tank
4WD Products has this lightweight, blue anodized, and textured air tank available to hook up to your air system. The aluminum air tanks are lighter than similar steel versions, and feature four 3/8-inch NPT ports. The air tanks only measure out to be 21 inches long and 8 inches tall, so you'll be able to find a place to mount it easily under your 4x4's body or in the bed. Price: $89.99 Contact: 714.556.5661, www.4wdproducts.com
Become One of Three Wisemen
We all think we're experts when it comes to working on our own 4x4. But even experts will have questions from time to time, and when you do it's time to head straight for a factory service manual. We're not talking about a Haynes or Chilton's manual here-those books are alright, but they're often too broad and not specific enough to help you tackle a job that you've never done. An authentic factory service manual is like a textbook written by the engineers that designed and built your rig. Even if you have to buy one used they're worth every penny! Price: Free-a couple hundred dollars Contact: Tag sales; car dealership parts counter; eBay, www.ebay.com; or Helm Inc., 800.782.4356, www.helminc.com
FM Radio is Dead
Your FM radio is so 1945! It's time to step into the future and move up to satellite radio. Delphi makes that leap super easy with this Roady2 package that lets you add XM satellite radio to any car stereo for around $50. By sticking this tiny 3 7/8 x 2 3/8-inch receiver to your dash you'll get better sound, more choices, and fewer commercials than FM could ever offer. Of course there's also the $13 a month subscription to XM radio, but think of it like cable TV for your 4x4. Price: $50 Contact: Crutchfield, 888.955.6000, www.crutchfield.com
The Last Tool You Would Ever Buy
Tools are always a great gift, but the best ones to give are the specialized tools that no one ever buys for themselves. These aluminum AN wrenched from Summit Racing are a perfect example. Sure, you can use regular steel wrenches to assemble your AN-fitting-equipped fuel, steering, or cooler lines, but these specially designed aluminum wrenches have wide jaws that won't chew up your expensive aluminum AN fittings. They also keep you from over-tightening the AN connectors. Summit Racing sells the wrenches individually, or you can order this five wrench set (-12 through -4) that includes the soft lined case. Price: $46 Contact: Summit Racing, 800.230.3030, www.summitracing.com
Benchmade 100SH20
At our hundred-buck cap is this high-quality little fixed-blade knife from Benchmade. It's actually a dive knife, thus the H2O designation, but it's great for rough outdoor, muddy, dirty, dusty use as well. The blade is about 3 1/4 inches long, so you won't freak people out when carrying it, and features a sheep's foot tip that is extremely durable but still very sharp. We like the bright yellow Kydex handle so you can find the knife if you drop it in mud, but if you must have black, that's available as well. A Kydex sheath also comes with the knife and features a removable lash tab clip for PFD attachment. Price: $100 Contact: 800.800.7427, www.benchmade.com