A Rolling Christmas

Feeling a bit challenged about what to get the car lover/racing fanatic/gee-gaw gatherer in the family?

Since we’re car nuts, too, we’ve gathered a variety of items that might tickle the fancy of the car nut in your life.

For integrity sake, none of the companies represented here have asked to be here, nor have they compensated us to include them in our picks. The products are here only because we like them.

1) Fix scratches yourself

The Quixx paint-repair system uses a simple process to remove scratches from your vehicle’s painted surface. For most light scratches, first rub the affected area for one to two minutes with Polish Number One. Wipe off the residue with a damp sponge and go at the area again with Polish Number Two, which brings up the shine. Deeper scratches might first require “wet sanding” (the special sandpaper is included) and possibly filling the scratch with a touch-up paint pen. You can view how-to demonstrations at www.quixx-usa.com (hyphen required). You can also call 1-305-261-6755.

2) Capturing the caps

So, just how many valve-stem caps are still on your wheels? Without caps, the valves become covered in dirt, mud and water that’s forced in the next time you go to add a little air. That leads to leaks, low pressure, unnecessary tire wear, etc. Keeping track of the caps is a little easier with Capsure Tethered Tire Caps that stay attached to the tire valve even when removed for a top up of air. At just $15 a set, they make a great stocking stuffer. Visit www.capsuretirecaps.com for more info or call 1-818-884-4669.

3) Think outside the toolbox

Who wouldn’t love to find a Chevrolet or Ford portable toolbox or Racing Bowtie Tool Chest wrapped up under the Christmas tree? GoBoxes’ new line of tool chests is patterned after the Chevrolet “bowtie” and “Blue Oval” Ford logos. There’s a version small enough to tote around in your vehicle and a much larger version that sits atop your shop bench or existing roller cabinet. GoBoxes has several other storage products you can view at www.goboxes.com. You can also call 1-419-512-0350 for more information.

4) Add a self-dimming mirror

Alphamirror, Inc., out of Beechwood, Ohio, sells a self-dimming rear-view mirror that clips on over your flip-type mirror. Prices begin at $119 and you have a choice of six colors. The best, according to Alphamirror, is the special amber tint (which sells for $10 more), which is most effective for cutting the glare from high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. Just pop in two lithium batteries (1,000 hours of battery life), clip on the mirror and you’re done. At 10.75x3.0 inches, the auto-dimming clip-on mirror provides a wide viewing area. Visit alphamirror.com to find out more information and to place your order.

5) Cruise the shop in style

A product from 4tek, based in Sonoma, Calif., the Kreepcycle has a padded seat and backrest, tool compartments . . . and chrome sidepipes and foot pegs . . . Kreepcycle retails for about $350 and is so new that it’s not yet available on the company’s Web site, www.4tek.us (not .com), so check with company before pinning all your hopes on getting one under the tree before Christmas. (1-707-996-3918.)

6) A lift for the off-roader

The Titan Exhaust Air Jack is an airbag that uses the exhaust-gas pressure from your running vehicle to fill it and thus raise your ride off the ground. There are three sizes (and lift capacities), starting at about $110. Tennessee-based Streamline International says it only takes about 30 seconds to lift a vehicle off the ground. Most interesting is how stable the vehicle is when raised. Head over to streamlineimport.com to view the many uses for the Titan jack as well a video showing how it works.

7) Lie outside the bed

Global Hammocks of Lubbock, Tex., has come up with a Trailer Hitch Hammock Chair stand that will allow two people to kick back and relax. The seven-piece steel-framed stand attaches to any square class I, II or III receiver without tools. And the sturdy frame can handle weight up to 300 pounds per chair. There a several colors and prices begin at $160 for the single-person model. For a list of dealers, head over to xchair.com or call 1-877-902-9112.

8) Kill the smell

Kill odors at the source with Auto Vaccine from OdorSCIENCE. For just $10, you get a little pouch that you place in a cup to which you add water. The New York-based company claims the highest level of antimicrobial gas releases to deeply penetrate all materials, cracks and crevices including vents. The product is patented and, according to the company, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is safe for all materials, people and pets. www.theautovaccine.com or call 1-201-634-8744.

9) Ramp up your ride

If your ride has been lowered, these ramps are a must. Brute Industries, based in Gladstone, Mich., sells long ramps with a more gradual incline and a grippy surface that’s a lot like sandpaper. At 56 inches long, the company’s Race Ramps, beginning at $200/pair, weigh just 10 pounds each and can support up to 2,400 pounds. Constructed using a patented process involving “space-shuttle-foam technology,” Race Ramps are also available in a 67-inch length. Visit www.raceramps.com or call 1-906-786-0585.

10) Stop drying your ride

Instead of drying your vehicle,. use the new Jelly Blade from The Original California Car Duster Co. This ultra-flexible product, which is made from extra-soft medical-grade silicone, has been designed to conform to nearly every bend and corner without harming glass or painted surfaces and without leaving any streaks. The Jelly Blade has a very reasonable $20 pricetag. Head over to www.calcarduster.com.

11) Sit your tail down here

The Tale Gator from Michigan-based Tail Gator Distributors, which rests on the dropped-down tailgate of your pickup, is a custom molded seating surface with a built-in air pocket so you don’t need to add foam. The product has built-in cupholders as well as a food compartment, is made from chemical-resistant plastic, comes in several colors, weighs about six pounds and retails for about $50. It’s designed to be trimmed to fit smaller tailgates, too. You can find out more at www.thetalegator.com or by calling 1-866-674-2867.

12) Polishing off your work

For $40, you can buy Enkay Polishing Systems stainless-steel polishing kit that, according to the company, provides everything that’s needed for polishing all types of stainless such as the trim on classic vehicles, usually found surrounding the front, rear and side glass. You get an assortment of buffing wheels (to be used with any standard electric drill) and four-ounce bars of black emery, brown Tripoli and Green Stainless compounds. (Instructions and a compound chart are included.) Visit www.enkaypolishing.com or call 1-718-272-5570.

13) Save your neck

The Master Design Seat Belt adjuster is a non-intrusive plastic clip that easily and permanently snaps into place on any lap belt to keep it from digging into your neck. According to its maker, the Seat Belt Adjuster has been crash-tested to meet United States Government regulations and is appropriate for adults and children weighing more than 80 pounds. A package of two adjusters costs just $4 and can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Visit seatbeltadjuster.com or call 1-800-667-4954.

14) Engine in the rec room?

Designed for mockup purposes if you’re constructing a car around an engine and for displays to showcase engine accessories, the P-Ayr’s replica engine blocks, transmissions and accessories also works as a base for a coffee table or as a conversation piece in any rec room. The broad line covers the major makes with features such as steel-sleeved threaded holes in the exact factory positions, which means easy/accurate bolt up of accessories. Prices run about $300-$500. Visit www.payr.com or call 1-800-322-3285 to order.

Wheelbase Communications is a world-wide supplier of automobile news, reviews and features. Drop them a line on the Web at www.wheelbase.ws/mailbag.html.