Toolbox

1 Replacement parts

3M's Automotive Aftermarket Division announces the addition of the 125 Micron and 200 Micron welded-in filters to its PPS brand Paint Preparation System line of disposable spray cups. The new filters from 3M offer significant time savings for technicians by improving paint flow, eliminating the need to pre-strain paint with separate equipment and enhancing overall performance, the manufacturer says.

2 Chemicals

Penray has added Universal ATF Protectant to its 2-Step Transmission Tune-Up Kit to work in optimal combination with its Professional Automatic Transmission Flush. This new and improved kit works better than ever to safely remove dirt and varnish buildup, reduce friction and wear, condition seals and O-rings, free sticky shift valves, condition all transmission parts and provide for smoother and quieter operation, according to the company.

Penray

3 Tools

Mac Tools introduces the new ⅜-inch drive 10-inch Round Head Ratchet with Comfort-Grip – XRR10PA and the new ¼-inch drive, 6-inch Round Head Ratchet with Comfort-Grip – MRR6PA. These 72-tooth count ratchets feature a compact Round Head design and 4 degrees of arc swing. In addition to a more compact head design, the dual durometer ergonomic grip is resistant to oils and solvents.

Mac Tools

4 Shop equipment

Chicago Pneumatic has introduced a new line of single and two stage reciprocating compressors with the durability, strength and performance ideal for everyday use. Chicago Pneumatic's RCP Series consists of single and two stage reciprocating compressors from 2 to 20 hp. Each CP RCP Series compressor is built on a platform of exceptional strength, with a solid cast iron cylinder, crankshaft and valve plates, according to the company.

Chicago Pneumatic

Replacement parts

Hawk Performance now offers performance brake pads for 2007 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra HD Duramax-equipped trucks. Hawk also manufactures performance brake pads for most popular light-truck diesel applications. Hawk LTS pads use a Ferro-carbon brake compound that is specifically designed for larger brake systems. LTS pads deliver significant increases in stopping power while delivering extended pad and rotor life with low dust, the company states. Hawk's Performance Ceramic brake pads are formulated to meet the ultra low dust and low noise performance of OE ceramic brake pads. They have a fade-resistant, linear friction profile that improves braking over OE and delivers a smooth engagement profile, the manufacturer adds.

Hawk Performance

Tools

Makita U.S.A., Inc., announces the release of its new 18-volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless ⅜-inch Angle Impact Wrench Kit (model BTL063). The new angle impact wrench adds to Makita's already extensive LXT Series of cordless tools featuring 18-volt LXT lithium-ion battery technology. With more than 1 foot of tool extension, the BTL063 takes the power of LXT into tough-to-reach spaces, states the company. The new BTL063 delivers impact power for a variety of fastening and loosening tasks. The Makita-built motor and impact mechanism produces 530 inch pounds of maximum torque and 0 to 3,000 impacts-per-minute (ipm), and the variable speed (0 to 2,000 rpm) delivers better control, the company adds. The ⅜-inch square drive will fit impact-rated socket sets, making the BTL063 ideal for auto repair and product assembly, states the manufacturer.

Makita U.S.A.

Diagnostic tools

The first-ever Craftsman® OBDII (onboard diagnostic) scan tool – the Craftsman CanOBD2&1® ScanTool Kit – has been introduced in the "2008-2009 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools" catalog and on sears.com/shoptools. It is expected to be on the shelves of Sears stores in August. The handheld scan tool enables automotive technicians and enthusiasts to rapidly diagnose and confirm a wide range of problems from a vehicle's advanced onboard system and components, according to the company. The new Craftsman scan tool kit troubleshoots all domestic and foreign 1996 and newer OBDII cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans, including those with CAN (Controller Area Network). The scan tool can be used to diagnose most 1982 to 1995 OBDI Ford, GM, Chrysler/Jeep and Toyota/Lexus models. It also offers OEM-level diagnostic trouble code coverage for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and Honda.

Craftsman

Accessories

Katech Performance has introduced a stainless steel short throw shifter for the 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V. The Katech Performance shifter reduces shift travel by 30 percent to help drivers be more prompt and accurate in their gear progression, states the company, adding this ultimately allows the vehicle to operate more consistently at an enhanced performance level. The company also says it has improved upon the knob fastening method with its new application.

Katech Performance

Replacement parts

As an addition to the SuperNova family of long-life LED lamps, Grote's new SuperNova LED single diode backup lamps provide the best light output, rivaling multi-diode versions, according to the company. Dovetailing on Grote's LED WhiteLight technology, utilizing surface mount automation, leveraging new diode advancements in light output and Grote's optic design capabilities has led to the ability to develop a reliable and cost-effective backup lamp solution, the company adds. The lamps, featuring standard Grote Male Pin and hard-shell terminations, are fully encapsulated in patented specially formulated potting, which provides thermal protection as well as corrosion, shock and moisture resistance.

Grote Industries

Tools

The new tie rod bushing socket (ITRS22) from Snap-on Tools is made to use where a conventional socket won't fit — on Chrysler's LH platform found on the Chrysler LHS, Concorde and 300M, as well as the Dodge Intrepid. The socket's low-profile design makes it easy to install or remove the 7/8-inch or 22-millimeter hexagon head bolts that attach the inner tie rod bushing to the rack and pinion, states the manufacturer. The chrome-plated socket provides technicians the best control with the power and durability they have come to expect with Snap-on, the company adds.

Snap-On Tools

Shop equipment

K-Tool International (KTI) has added a tire repair kit to its product line. The kit enables techs to easily and quickly repair punctures in tubeless tires, according to the company, which adds included components are designed for professional use in rugged shop environments. The kit can be used to repair tires on cars, trucks, RVs, motor homes and more, and includes two heavy-duty zinc alloy T-handle needles, one steel insertion needle, one steel spiral reamer, one 40-pack of 4-inch tire string plugs, one tub of tire plug lube and two Allen wrenches.

K-Tool International

Chemicals

For those times when mechanically fixing a blown head gasket or cracked block would cost more than the vehicle is worth, or when your customer just can't afford the work, Bar's Leaks® introduces its new professional HG-3 Head Gasket Repair Kit. Bar's Leaks Professional DiFM HG-3 Head Gasket Repair Kit was designed specifically for professional vehicle repair technicians. Its patent-pending three-step process is a complete head gasket set solution to permanently seal cracked cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, intake gasket leaks, all block leaks and other severe coolant leaks, according to the company. It works on all gasoline and diesel engines (including the Cadillac Northstar), cast iron or aluminum blocks and heads, multi-layer steel gaskets, copper head gaskets and composite head gaskets.

Bar's Leaks

Replacement parts

Melling has introduced a new oil pump for the Nissan 3.5L VQ35DE DOHC 2001-06. The M356 Oil Pump fits the 2001-04 Pathfinder, 2003-06 Murano, 2002-03 Maxima, 2002-03 Altima and 2003-05 350Z.

Melling

Tools

Have you ever had a blown fuse and had to go through 30 new fuses until you found the short? Now, you can plug in the Fuse Saver's fuse box adapter into the blown fuse socket and troubleshoot the short with 5 amp, 10 amp, 15 amp, 20 amp and 30 amp breakers. The Buzz Alert works with all amperages of the Fuse Saver. When testing with the Fuse Saver, you can hear the breaker trip with the Buzz Alert MODULE (No. 8011), the company says. Plug in-line with any Fuse Saver Breaker for an audible alert.

Fuse Saver

Replacement parts

AEM introduces its BRUTE FORCE intake system for the 2005-08 Ford F-150 5.4L V8. The largest power gains for the 21-8117D are 19 hp and 22 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm as measured on the company's Mustang Dynamometer. Dyno results and a description of AEM's dyno and temperature testing procedures, along with a list of applications, are available on the company's Web site. AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes are dyno-tested against the competition to deliver unsurpassed performance, states the company. Each system is tuned on the vehicle on the dyno to deliver maximum torque and horsepower, as well as monitor OBDII sensors, mass airflow sensor (MAF) signal voltage and fuel trims during this process to ensure that all readings are within OEM parameters, eliminating the chance of throwing a check engine light, the company says.

AEM

Shop equipment

Durham Manufacturing has introduced a new series of three-sided trucks. One of the series is without shelves, a second has one adjustable shelf, a third has two adjustable shelves and a fourth has three adjustable shelves. All models are available in four sizes, ranging from 48 inches wide by 30 inches deep to 72 inches wide by 36 inches deep. Heights are 57 inches and the three sides extend 48 inches above the base deck. Construction is heavy duty, all welded using 14-gauge steel. The sides and back have a punched diamond pattern. Holes in the sides, in 1-inch increments, permit mounting shelves at desired levels.

Durham Manufacturing

TOOLBOX: Training Programs

Spectra Premium Industries has launched a new Web-based Product Training System that's accessible to everyone. The electronic training center includes lessons and tests to assess knowledge acquired. Now, Spectra customers can use this tool as part of their employee training. The training module has been designed to enhance product and technical knowledge for all levels of automotive technicians and DIY enthusiasts.

Spectra Premium Industries

The Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) will provide online training programs to the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Educational Foundation. The ARA Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides the most up-to-date training and educational resources available for the automotive recycling industry. CCAR online programs that will be offered through the ARA Educational Foundation are "HazmatU," which trains automobile dealers and parts distribution facilities on the transportation of hazardous materials, as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and "S/P2," addressing environmental and safety issues for automotive facilities.

Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair

• Hams Management Systems Training and Consulting is offering a number of training opportunities for service providers this summer and fall. "Practical Marketing" is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28. Included are dozens of ideas and samples, most at low cost, that you can employ to increase your sales. "Efficient Shop Management" is July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will cover specific procedures, systems and checklists designed to make the management of a repair shop more efficient. Covered areas include scheduling, service recommendations, service history, staff assignments, customer writeup, RO procedures and more. On Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., "Key Numbers, Which Ones Should You Really Watch?" will be offered. It will cover the right numbers to watch and how closely to watch and track them. Finally, "Specialization, Is It Right for You?" will be presented Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are $175 each and include materials, food and drink for the day. Classes are limited to 20 students each, and many are Automotive Management Institute (AMI) approved. Hams is located near Grand Rapids, Mich. To register, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Hams Management Systems Training and Consulting

TOOLBOX: Reader's Reference

Evokat ACES Version 2.0 was released this spring by Illumaware LLC. The company debuted the software during live demonstrations for several of its top clients. More than 50 new features have been added to this cataloging tool, including increased data processing speed, which stems from the introduction of a new vehicle research component. It also includes simplified navigation capabilities that better meet the research requirements of catalog managers, the ability to map multiple parts to multiple vehicles at the same time and an "Analyze My Catalog" feature that runs data against the latest ACES cataloging standard for unmapped records, conflicting records and specific condition errors. Catalog managers now know the "health" of their catalog at all times, states the company, adding the manager's team can correct these problems online themselves. Only "good" records that meet the current ACES standard can be sent to channel partners. A large library of channel partners from Illumaware's free data network allow catalog managers to send their Legacy.

Illumaware LLC

EngineQuest (EQ), the engine parts division of AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers, has introduced its new Web site at www.enginequest.com. The Web site features out-of-production or hard-to-find automotive engine parts for import and domestic vehicles that include gas or diesel applications. The EQ Web site includes the company's complete electronic catalog of products, including exhaust manifolds (new and reclaimed), timing covers, harmonic balancers, head bolt sets, crankshafts, stock replacement and performance cylinder heads. The Web site also contains information on EQ's spec Chevy cylinder head that was chosen by the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) as an optional head for their Northern and Southern Sportmod divisions for 2008.

EngineQuest

Mitchell 1 has made second quarter 2008 updates to its OnDemand5 Manager/ManagerPlus, Version 5.9 software to support a new integration to OnDemand5.com. This updated functionality provides direct links from work orders to repair articles, technical service bulletins (TSBs), maintenance times and descriptions, fluid capacities, OEM parts and labor times. Mitchell 1's OnDemand5.com delivers comprehensive data for 1983 to current domestic and import vehicle models. It includes the new OnDemand Live feature, where users view and share real-world tips. It also provides access to clear illustrations and full-color wiring diagrams, complete diagnostics, tech bulletins and recalls, scheduled maintenance with labor times, automatic monthly data updates and OEM parts and pricing.

Mitchell 1

IPC Global Solutions has just launched its new Web site at www.ipcglobalsolutions.com. The new site presents IPC's proven capabilities in providing cost-effective filtration technology, manufacturing resources and fulfillment services to customers worldwide, the company states. It also provides detailed information about IPC Global Solutions' expertise in sourcing filtration products from the low-cost regions of the world, as well as its ability to provide supply chain management, quality assurance and logistics services on a global basis. The new Web site incorporates the latest Internet standards and interactive techniques to deliver easy navigation and exceptional user accessibility, the company adds. Visitors can quickly learn about IPC's product lines and markets along with its private label, unbranded and co-manufacturing programs.

IPC Global Solutions

All members of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) are eligible to receive a professionally designed Web page for free. The new service is the result of a partnership between TIA and ASA Tire Systems, which supplies software to the tire industry. The initiative includes customizing the color of the page and spaces on the page for contact information and rotating color images. Additionally, members' Web pages will be built for search engine optimization; they also will have the ability to obtain a customized e-mail address and will receive assistance with registering their company's domain name. TIA members can find out more about this service by contacting Erik Croswell at (866) 210-6717.

Tire Industry Association

TOOLBOX: PromoPrograms

Sunpro announces that it is the official tach and gauge sponsor of the 2008 "Hot Rod" Magazine Power Tour and part of a muscle car giveaway. Throughout the eight-day tour, which kicks off at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Little Rock, Ark.) on June 7, Sunpro also will give showgoers the chance to win an original muscle car — a 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T, armed with a 440 Magnum V8 (375 hp; 480 foot-pounds of torque) and Sunpro gauges. The classic MOPAR is the grand prize in the Actron and Sunpro "Muscle Car Sweepstakes." The contest will run through Nov. 30. Entry forms are available at events where Sunpro exhibits at and stores where Sunpro and Actron brand products are sold, including Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Pep Boys and Sears. At each Power Tour stop, Sunpro will display the restored '69 Coronet. For tour stop details, visit www.hotrod.com. For more information, visit www.musclecarsweepstakes.com.

Sunpro

Professional technicians have a chance to win a VIP trip to a NASCAR race weekend when they enter the "Raging Mechanic" video contest. The videos should depict a difficult brake service situation, and the winner will be determined by online voting. The contest, sponsored by NUCAP Industries Inc. and supported by major aftermarket brands, was inspired by a series of popular NRS brakes TV commercials last fall. One featured a mild-mannered mechanic who finally loses his cool over poor brake quality. The Raging Mechanic video contest seeks the same sort of irreverent, unique look at brake service situations that come up in the shop on a daily basis, according to the company. The RagingMechanic.com Web site was launched to provide a forum for mechanics to discuss repair business, products, repair procedures, training tips and problems they commonly see.

NUCAP Industries Inc.

MAHLE Clevite is celebrating its new identity in NASCAR with a special "Find Clevite" promotion. The contest, being held online at www.FindClevite.com, concludes Oct. 25. The grand prize winner will receive a NASCAR VIP Weekend for two at a 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup event. In addition to the trip to the VIP Weekend, winners could receive a GPS system, among other prizes. Complete program rules are available at www.FindClevite.com.

MAHLE Clevite