Have A BallNow you can show off your personal style by topping a Lokar automatic transmission shifter with almost any aftermarket shifter knob. The company's new Shifter Knob Adapter allows the use of virtually any 3/8-16-threaded shifter knob on top of a Lokar shifter, while still maintaining safety features like positive lockout in Park and Neutral. It's designed with hidden jam nuts for a flush fit against the shifter knob, and has a chrome finish (black is also available) to blend in with the shift lever. For details, contact Lokar Performance Products, 10924 Murdock Dr., Dept. CRM, Knoxville, TN 37932; (865) 966-2269; www.lokar.com.
Way-Cool CoversChevrolet's third-generation small-block (LS1, LS6, etc.) is one of the most modern V-8s around, but PML Incorporated offers valve covers to make it look right at home in a vintage car. These sturdy cast-aluminum covers are designed for LS-series center-bolt heads and feature raised fins, internally baffled PCV/breather holes on the intake sides, and two recessed bolts per cover. They're available as-cast, powdercoated black, or polished, and are supplied with gaskets of PML's design. Using these valve covers requires relocation of the engine's coil packs-a small price to pay to look this good! For details, contact PML Incorporated, 201 W. Beach Ave., Dept. CRM, Inglewood, CA 90302; (310) 671-4345; www.yourcovers.com.
Firm FoundationGot a long, heavy Cadillac, Buick, Chrysler, or other big car (or convertible) in need of a modern foundation? Art Morrison has developed a sturdy new chassis design with 4x4-inch main framerails that can be CAD-engineered and custom built to fit your application. The beefy 'rails and strong center crossmember assembly combat chassis flex on long frames and give convertibles extra strength. The main 'rails support 2x4-inch front and rear frame sections, which can be set up with a variety of suspensions, including C5 Corvette, tubular A-arm, and air spring frontends, and triangulated or parallel four-bar rears. For details on this and other frame options, contact Art Morrison Enterprises, 5301 8th St. East, Dept. CRM, Fife, WA 98424; (800) 929-7188; www.artmorrison.com.
Get The Lead OnIs using lead for bodywork a lost art? It doesn't have to be thanks to a new instructional DVD from Steve's Auto Restorations (SAR). In "Body Leadwork, The Lost Art," master bodyman and coachbuilder Steve Frisbie demonstrates the correct techniques of leadwork, shows the tools and products you need to get started, and discusses the benefits of lead versus plastic filler while teaching how to avoid final finish problems. The SAR DVD is helpful for beginners to professionals, and is presented in simple, understandable steps. For details, contact Steve's Auto Restorations, 4440 SE 174th, Dept. CRM, Portland, OR 97236; (503) 665-2222; www.stevesautorestorations.com.
Cars, Not CultureHot rods, customs, bikes, and drag racing have always been a sanctuary for Los Angeles artist Coby Gewertz. Now he's expressing that passion with Church, a brand conveying the automotive scene with a purity that will feed the souls of the faithful who share his devotion to our blessed lady of internal combustion. "Church is ... one man's attempt to steer clear of the scene and keep the focus on the machines themselves," Gewertz says. "I have finally found a way to combine my passion for all things automotive and my endless pursuit of quality design." Eight T-shirt designs feature simple, strong designs, and Gewertz will soon be releasing a small-format, limited-edition collector's magazine and a series of ultra-limited-edition prints. For details, visit www.carsnotculture.com.
Vette SetFlaming River would like to remind you that a vintage Corvette steering wheel can look good in a variety of cars. The company's Nostalgic Corvette wheel has the style of a '53-62 Vette unit, but in a smaller 15-inch size. The stainless, laser-cut, three-spoke center is a classic design, and can be paired with a rim of powdercoated steel (red or black), paintable ABS plastic, or red or black leather. The six-bolt mounting pattern uses either the FR20155 adapter to mount on Flaming River's '53-62 Corvette column, or an OE stock-mount adapter (FR20156), and will accept a Corvette or Flaming River horn button (not included). For details, contact Flaming River, 800 Poertner Dr., Dept. CRM, Berea, OH 44017; (800) 648-8022; www.flamingriver.com.
'Bag Your BuickThe crew at Air Ride Technologies is well aware that many enthusiasts are intimidated by modifying "universal" air spring kits to fit their specific applications, so they continue to develop specific-fit kits for a wider variety of vehicles. One of the latest offerings is this CoolRide kit for the front of '57 Buicks, which may also fit other similar-vintage GM cars. The kit includes air springs and mounts, shocks and mounts, plus all necessary hardware. It will not only give your car adjustable ride height, but can also improve ride quality and handling when properly installed. For details on this and other airbag goodies, contact Air Ride Technologies, 350 S. St. Charles St., Dept. CRM, Jasper, IN 47546; (812) 481-4766; www.ridetech.com.
A Shift In TimeWhy settle for a junkyard transmission in your one-off rod or custom? TCI's Street Rodder Transmission Packages are built to deliver reliable performance, increased vehicle response, and improved durability by utilizing blueprinted Sizzler transmissions and matched torque converters with 300-400-rpm stall speed increases for better low-end performance. The transmissions incorporate higher-quality frictions, steels, and bands, as well as reprogrammed valve bodies to provide firm shifting that's not overly harsh. TCI Street Rodder packages also include a universal transmission cooler and 3 gallons of TCI RTF fluid. For details, contact TCI Automotive, 151 Industrial Dr., Dept. CRM, Ashland, MS 38603; (662) 224-8972; www.tciauto.com.