Toolbox

Jan. 1, 2020
Penray's line of automotive cooling system products includes Penray Professional 2-STEP Cooling System Re-Charge Kit, Cool Tec®2, Cool Prep, Automotive Coolant Test Strips, Automotive Extended Life Coolant Test Strips, Penray Universal 3-W
new products car parts repair shop tools repair shop equipment lifts vehicle chemicals replacement parts

Chemicals

Penray's line of automotive cooling system products includes Penray Professional 2-STEP Cooling System Re-Charge Kit, Cool Tec®2, Cool Prep, Automotive Coolant Test Strips, Automotive Extended Life Coolant Test Strips, Penray Universal 3-Way Test Strips, Pencool® 3000 Cooling System Treatment for Diesel Engines and Pencool 2000 Cooling System Treatment for Diesel Engines.

For more information, visit www.penray.com.

Penray

Replacement parts

Bendix® Fleet MetLok® brake pads offer stopping power even under high temperatures and extreme operating conditions, according to the company. The severe duty friction material is integrally molded and utilizes a robust attachment method that provides increased resistance to lining-plate separation. They include slots and chamfers to mirror the original equipment design.

For more information, visit www.bendixbrakes.com.

Bendix

Shop equipment

Four Seasons Inc. offers a lightweight and portable recovery/recycling unit (part No. 69509) geared toward mobile service. The unit is 24 pounds and utilizes a new valve-less ⅓ HP oil-less compressor. It has an "On the Run" self-cleaning valve, which does not have to be turned off when switching from the recovery to self cleaning setting. It features a built-in filter drier with a moisture indicator and a suction gauge.

For more information, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Four Seasons

Diagnostic Tools

Superchips announces coverage on the 2008 GM 5.3L in Flashpaq (part No. 2825) and Cortex (part No. 2950) performance programmers. Vehicles covered are the 2006 to 2008 Chevy Impala SS, Chevy Monte Carlo SS, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP and 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super. Users will see three-tenths of a second improvement in 0 to 60 times with up to 15 WHP and 14 foot-pounds of torque.

For more information, call (407) 585-7000 or visit www.Superchips.com.

Superchips

Shop equipment

Lisle Corporation has introduced a new grounding clamp: Grounding Clamp – Lisle 55400. This tool provides technicians with a better ground connection, states the company, which adds the clamp can be used with circuit testers, continuity testers, multimeters and other testers when a good ground is needed. A sharp tip on the clamp penetrates rusted or painted metal surfaces.

For more information, call (712) 542-5101 or visit www.lislecorp.com.

Lisle Corporation

Replacement parts

The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2008 Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500 6.0L (part no. 63-3067) increases horsepower by 11.44 hp at 4,500 rpm over the stock GM intake configuration, according to the company. To achieve such a performance increase, K&N replaces the truck's original intake assembly — including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design. Protecting the chrome top cone-shaped air filter, and isolating it from engine heat, is a powder coated aluminum heat shield that replaces the truck's stock air box. As it passes the filter, air travels through a K&N Roto-Molded Polyethylene Tube that is formed and shaped, in the design phase, to drive a more laminar flow of air to the truck's V8 engine.

For more information, visit www.knfilters.com.

K&N

Chemicals

Cyclo Industries Inc. introduces its new Metal Parts Protector, a heavy-duty corrosion protector for metallic surfaces. The company reports it can weatherproof and waterproof as the impermeable formula protects from salts, chemicals and rock/gravel abrasion. The convenient aerosol sprays transparent film that seeps into seams and crevices for ultimate protection. The special formula displaces water and will not attract dust, according to the company, adding it offers pliable protection that does not crack, chip or sling off, but can still be removed with solvent when needed.

For more information, visit www.cyclo.com.

Cyclo Industries Inc.

Shop equipment

OTC, an SPX® brand, has introduced the Smart Battery Charger and Maintainer (P/N 3176), designed to quickly and efficiently charge and maintain all types of serviceable 12-volt lead acid batteries widely used on cars, motorbikes and other vehicles. The new 3176 tool is fully controlled by an internal microprocessor unit that offers reliable battery detection and automatic charge management, according to the manufacturer. Once connected, the charger helps maintain proper battery voltage and prevents damage to the electronic control module (ECM), the company adds. The OTC 3176 also is ideal for maintaining the charge levels of batteries in storage or that receive occasional use.

For more information, call (800) 533-6127 or visit www.otctools.com or www.spx.com.

SPX/OTC

Replacement parts

Scosche Industries has introduced a new dash kit for the Nissan Rogue. Shipping started in August, and the NN1644B "Custom Kit, Factory Fit" installation kit will fit the 2008 Nissan Rogue. For a seamless installation of an aftermarket head unit, the NN1644B is designed to accommodate an ISO Double DIN mount. The NN1644B is painted dark gray to match the factory dash and is made of high strength ABS material. Designed to match the factory contour, the NN1644B also offers custom installations a perfect fit, states the company.

For more information, visit www.scosche.com.

Scosche Industries

Chemicals

AMSOIL now offers three new premium synthetic racing oils specially formulated to withstand the rigors of high-performance and racing applications: AMSOIL Dominator® Synthetic 5W-20, 10W-30 and 15W-50 racing oils. All three Dominator Racing Oils feature the same additive package, the company states, providing maximum durability in multiple viscosities. The shear-stable formulation was engineered to provide maximum horsepower without sacrificing engine protection. The proprietary friction modifier in Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils reduces friction for maximum power and cooler engine temperatures, resulting in improved lap times and longer-lasting equipment, the company adds.

For more information, call (800) 777-8491 or visit www.amsoil.com.

AMSOIL

Shop equipment

Thomas & Betts - HVAC Division (REZNOR) announces the addition of Models RA-250 and RAD-250 Waste Oil Heaters to its line of products specifically designed for recycling used oils into free shop heat. The Model RA is a standard unit space heater, while the Model RAD is a ductable furnace, designed for ducting heat to wherever it is needed. Both models are rated for 250,000 BTU input. A full, swing-out door, large service panels and convenient maintenance/service shelf provide easy access to the combustion chamber and heat exchanger. The RA-250 and RAD-250 models can be ceiling suspended or supported above the Reznor Workbench Fuel Tank, forming a practical and convenient Waste Oil Recycling Center, according to the company.

For more information, call (800) 695-1901, ext. 2, or visit www.reznorheaters.com.

REZNOR

Accessories

The Universal BedRug Mat™ from Wise Industries Inc. can be installed in any pickup truck — but why stop there? Wherever you need a carpet-like surface that's soft, won't stain and is easy to clean, that's where the Universal BedRug Mat can be. Like the original BedRug® bedliner, the Universal BedRug Mat is made from rugged polypropylene fiber bonded to a bottom layer of polypropylene foam. It looks and feels just like plush carpet but oil, chemicals and mud won't damage it, according to the company. Unlike the BedRug bedliner, it is not contoured to fit a specific truck bed. The mat comes as an untrimmed, rectangular (5.5 foot by 8 foot) section of BedRug material.

For more information, call (800) 462-8435 or visit www.bedrug.com.

Wise Industries Inc.

Shop equipment

Matco Tools now offers Valve Seal Pliers, model No. KL012661. The company reports that the long slim gripping end reaches deeply recessed valve seals and the flared handle end improves technician grip. The tools allows you to replace valve seals with or without removing the cylinder head and is excellent for four-valve engines. The universal design is for use on foreign and domestic engines.

For more information, visit www.matcotools.com.

Matco Tools

Shop equipment

OK Spark USA, Inc. introduces the new OK Spark™ spark plug sensor, an easy-to-use tool that allows professional technicians to quickly detect both spark and ignition without removing the plugs from the engine. The OK Spark spark plug sensor uses exclusive Plasma Energy Event Recognition™ (PEER) technology to check for the presence of an electrical arc in the engine, the company states. A portable, hand-held tool, the OK Spark product saves shops time and money by verifying, in real time, that the spark plug is igniting while in the engine. The OK Spark spark plug sensor features an industrial-grade design with overmold grips and can work in any engine that uses a spark plug.

For more information, visit www.okspark.com.

OK Spark USA, Inc.

Replacement parts

Spectre is offering Muscle Car Cold Air Intake Kits – the first and only cold air induction kits ever offered for vintage and modern muscle cars, race cars, hot rods, street rods and custom applications, according to the company. These kits bring the advantages of cold air induction to muscle cars of the 1960s and '70s, fat-fendered cars, hot rods and everything in between. Cold air intake systems have long been utilized by racers because they understand that cold air equals more power. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the incoming air temperature is reduced, the engine will gain 1.5 to 2 percent in both torque and horsepower using a Speed by Spectre Muscle Car Cold Air Intake Kit, the company adds.

For more information, visit www.SpeedBySpectre.com.

Spectre

Tires

Continental's ContiPremierContact features a Tri-net Silica tread compound for improved traction in dry, rainy and winter driving conditions, according to the company. Long tread life with lower rolling resistance for increased fuel economy is another benefit. Also, an ultra-wide, four-groove tread pattern provides a luxurious ride with better braking and stability, while Acoustic Alterra Technology provides greater comfort and minimal noise even at higher speeds, according to the company.

For more information, visit www.conti-online.com.

Continental

Diagnostic tools

Forget your laptop computer and hand-held tuners, Professional Products has engineered and designed a user-friendly engine management system (EMS). The Professional Products Stage 2 EMS is so versatile that it can run TBI, multi-port and even forced induction EFI systems with up to 30 psi of boost, the company states. To use the device, drive the vehicle for about 30 minutes and the Smart-Tune technology simply tunes the engine while you drive. Professional Products Stage 2 EMS utilizes a wide-band O2 sensor to continually tune and adjust the engine for varying conditions and driving styles. It can drive 16 high-impedance or eight low-impedance injectors. Installation is simple too, with a minimum number of wires that are clearly labeled and fitted with OE-style GM connectors, according to the company.

For more information, visit www.professional-products.com or call (323) 779-2020.

Professional Products

Shop equipment

Coats says its Model 4050 Center Post Tire Changer is super fast and super powerful. All operations — bead loosening, demounting, mounting and inflation — are performed in the same position. A contoured tabletop provides proper rim support, and a 7.5 gallon surge tank is 50 percent larger than competitive models to achieve the necessary inflation power. The changer is versatile enough to handle a variety of tire and rim combinations, especially in high volume shops.

For more information, visit www.ammcoats.com.

Coats

Shop equipment

This fall, Leatherman will introduce a line of LED flashlights. The new Serac™ line of keychain and pocket-size LED lights will provide users with the highest performance-to-size ratio available, at a pocketbook-friendly price point, states the company. There are three models: the S1, S2 and S3. The power regulation design was configured in such a way that only one battery is necessary for operation of up to 100 lumens (S3 model). The Serac S1 and S2 are keychain-size flashlights, the S1 delivering 6 lumens and the S2 delivering 5 and 35 on its two settings. The Serac S3 is a pocket-size flashlight, and at only 3.2 inches and 2.6 ounces, it delivers a powerful 7, 43 and 100 lumens on its three settings.

For more information, visit www.leatherman.com.

Leatherman

Replacement parts

EngineQuest® (EQ® ) has introduced a new replacement cylinder head for the Chevy 327/350, made from the highest grade cast iron. Designed to fit 1955 to 1986 model Chevy vehicles, the new head is available in either a 67 CC or 76 CC combustion chamber with either a 2.02 or 1.94 intake valve and uses a straight positioned spark plug. Utilizing flow cast technology, this high performance cylinder head improves on the original design with a thicker deck for added strength, hardened exhaust seats for greater resistance to cracking and a redesigned water flow system for improved thermal conductivity.

For more information, call (800) 426-8771 or visit www.eqcylinderheads.com.

EngineQuest

Replacement parts

Fidanza is now offering a budget clutch and flywheel combination, Fidanza 1.0 Budget Package (No. 381500), which includes a 1.0 level clutch and a nodular iron flywheel (157-tooth ring, 50 ounce imbalance), as well as the pressure plate, release bearing, alignment tool and all necessary mounting hardware. Fidanza's 1.0 clutch has a holding capacity of up to 350 pound feet of torque to the wheels, the company adds. The clutch assembly's pressure plate is a high clamp load unit that produces 2,400 pounds of clamping force (stock unit = 1,700 pounds) while engagement remains like stock, according to Fidanza.

For Fidanza product information, visit www.fidanza.com.

Fidanza

Shop equipment

Durham Manufacturing Company offers 24 Rotabin® units with overhead shelving, 36 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 7 feet high, occupying 216 square feet, states the company. In comparison, it offers Rotabin units that consist of a series of circular shelves that revolve independently of one another mounted in stacks on a vertical stem or axle and operate on the lazy-Susan principle. In a typical small parts storage area, 72 conventional shelf units, 36 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 7 feet high, occupy an area of 216 square feet. Six aisles add 324 square feet for a total of 540 square feet with 218 linear feet of shelf frontage to be walked.

For more information, visit www.durhammfg.com.

Durham Manufacturing

Replacement parts

CARDONE reports that its goal is to be the first to offer coverage on late-model applications. The company has thousands of calipers in its A1 CARDONE reman program and recently extended its coverage to include the Dodge Sprinter. Dodge Sprinter 2500 includes 14 part numbers that make up the Friction Choice program, 10 part numbers that make up the Bolt-on Ready (loaded) program and covers more than 130,000 vehicles in the U.S. The Dodge Sprinter 3500 covers 14 part numbers that make up the Friction Choice program, 10 part numbers that make up the Bolt-on Ready (loaded) program and covers more than 40,000 vehicles in the U.S.

For more information, visit www.cardone.com.

CARDONE

Wheels

Mickey Thompson's Classic II wheel presents attractive styling that includes a highly polished finish plus polished hand holes. The truck wheel has a high load rating; it features the M/T stamp of quality and carries a limited lifetime guarantee. A chrome center cap is included along with a hub center ring for late-model Chevrolet/GMC applications, the company states.

For more information, visit www.mickeythompsontires.com/wheels.

Mickey Thompson

Shop equipment

Durham Manufacturing Company has altered the dimensions of its wire, hose and tubing dispenser to more readily accommodate six spools up to 6 inches in diameter. Measuring 19 9/16 inches wide by 7 ¼ inches deep, the unit is now 11 15/16 inches high in the front and 13 3/32 inches high in the back. Fabricated of steel featuring all welded construction, within the unit, accessible by means of a hinged cover, is a two-shelf area where spools are positioned. Wire, hose and tubing is then manually drawn through six 1-inch diameter grommets in the front of the unit and can be conveniently cut to desired length.

For more information, call (800) 243-3774 or visit www.durhammfg.com.

Durham Manufacturing

TOOLBOX: Training Programs

• The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has awarded 93 students more than $130,000 in scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year. Sophomores enrolled in two-year universities or colleges and students in vocational or technical schools have received $1,000. Graduates and undergraduates with at least a junior standing at a four-year school received $2,000 to $4,000. To qualify for the scholarships, each student must have a minimum 2.5 grade-point average and be enrolled in an accredited university, college or proprietary program. Although SEMA affiliation is not a requirement of the scholarships, added consideration is given to employees of, and relatives of employees at, SEMA member companies. The complete list of 2008 scholarship winners is posted at www.sema.org/scholarship . Students who are interested in applying for scholarships from SEMA's Memorial Scholarship fund during the 2009-2010 academic year should contact [email protected] or visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT MARKET ASSOCIATION

Automotive Technical Support Services presents Ford 6.0L D.I.T. Diesel: Powerstroke Troubleshooting as its next course offering. The class is Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Automotive Retailers Association, No. 1-8980 Fraserwood Court, Burnaby, British Columbia. The seminar will include Powerstroke systems operation, Powerstroke subsystem strategies and operating systems, how to diagnose and repair the most common fault codes, various engine control system components, troubleshooting shortcuts to increase your efficiency, information on how a "memory code" may be a "hard fault," how to analyze actual case studies in order to become more effective with your diagnostic skills and technical tips, Technical Service Bulletin info and other "need to know" information. The course will be led by Mike Cleary, an eight-time award winning Ford Motor Company Certified Senior Master Technician and Powerstroke Engine Specialist. To register and for fee information, contact Rob Kruper at ARA by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling (604) 432-7987.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

TOOLBOX: Reader's Reference

  • DENSO Sales California has released the 2008 Wiper Blade catalog (No. WB-CAT-0608) for its First Time Fit® wiper blade line. The expanded catalog includes more than 160 new applications covering nearly 219 million vehicles in operation. The catalog covers automotive, light truck and van applications and includes wiper blade sizes ranging from 12 inches to 28 inches long. DENSO First Time Fit wiper blades are the same blades used on original equipment and feature advanced dual-rotary cutting to ensure a precision wiping edge and cleaner wipe, states the company. To obtain a copy of the 2008 wiper blade catalog or any other DENSO catalog, contact your local DENSO representative or call (888) 96-DENSO or visit www.densocorp-na.com.

DENSO SALES CALIFORNIA

  • The Car Care Council reminds aftermarket companies and organizations that it's time to order copies of the new Car Care Guide for Fall Car Care Month in October. Orders can be placed by visiting the Car Care Council Web site at www.carcare.org and clicking on the "Car Care Guide" link on the home page. The new Fuel Economy section covers the parts of the car that need proper maintenance in order to maximize efficiency and save money at the pump. It recommends typical service intervals and includes questions customers can ask you. The new section on Environmental Awareness explains how motorists can do their part to protect the environment in terms of driving habits and vehicle maintenance. This section has tips on Driving Green and lists the components of a vehicle that should be routinely checked to make sure a car's performance is as environmentally friendly as possible. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

CAR CARE COUNCIL

  • Hella, Inc., the North American aftermarket subsidiary of automotive lighting and electronics supplier Hella, has just released its new 2008-2009 Lighting Spare Parts Catalog. The 84-page catalog includes a variety of OEM quality replacement parts for various Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, SAAB, Toyota and Volkswagen models. The catalog also features complete application listings with parts photos and ordering details, as well as an OEM part number cross reference. Hella offers three guarantees with its range of replacement lighting products: best functionality, optimum fit and lasting customer satisfaction, the company states. All of the replacement parts in the catalog are made to the same specifications and quality standards as the parts Hella makes for its OE customers around the world. For more information, visit www.hellausa.com.

HELLA, INC.

TOOLBOX: PromoPrograms

  • Snap-on Diagnostics has added Training Solutions to its Web site www.diagnostics.snapon.com . This new program consists of product training videos for Snap-on diagnostic platforms, including MODIS™, SOLUS PRO™, Vantage PRO™ and ETHOS™. The intent of Training Solutions is to provide quality product training that is available to professional technicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when it is most convenient for them. TechEd Advanced courses are also available to expose technicians to the more challenging uses of their diagnostic tool, including case studies and examples of difficult diagnosis and solutions. TechEd Advanced courses are offered for a reasonable cost, the company states.

SNAP-ON DIAGNOSTICS

  • Raybestos®, in partnership with WIX® filters, has decided to reward loyal customers with the Raybestos Rookie Racing School. These private, exclusive one-day schools are being held at the country's finest road courses and circle tracks, where participants "get buckled in" to experience the excitement of driving former Bondurant Racing race-prepped Ford Mustang GTs. Classroom and on-track professional instruction is provided by the Jeff Gordon/ Mario Andretti Racing School. Class attendees learn advanced driving skills, proven racing techniques and endure extreme braking exercises, including threshold braking. In addition, trackside brake, chassis and filtration technical/engineering lessons prove how the products used on the street also perform to a high-degree on the track. Upcoming classes will be held in Chicago (Sept. 4), New Jersey (Sept. 18), Las Vegas (Sept. 22), Talladega (Oct. 6) and Charlotte (Oct. 13). For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

RAYBESTOS, WIX

  • There is still time to enter the Aloha Sweepstakes from Federated Auto Parts. To be eligible, a shop must be enrolled as a Federated Car Care Center member by Oct. 15. All Federated Car Care Center members as of Oct. 15, are automatically enrolled to earn a chance in the Aloha Sweepstakes. The grand prize of the 2008 Federated Aloha Sweepstakes program is an all-expense paid, seven-day Hawaiian cruise for two. In addition, hundreds of other prizes will be awarded, including a laptop computer, Nintendo Wiis, Garmin GPS systems and Nintendo DS Lites. For more information, visit www.federatedautoparts.com.

FEDERATED AUTO PARTS

  • Rancho is offering a new "4Play" promotion this fall. The new promotion will reward consumers with the season's top suspension accessory — the Rancho MyRide™ Wireless Remote Tuning System — after the purchase of four qualifying Rancho RS9000XL™ and/or Rancho QuickLIFT™ shock absorbers. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, consumers who purchase any four RS9000XL and/or QuickLIFT units will earn a free MyRide Wireless Controller (a $259 value). The promotion is available on qualifying RS9000XL shocks and massive 2.75-, 2.38-or 2.18-inch diameter shocks. Rancho also is including qualifying QuickLIFT shocks in the 4Play promotion. Redemptions must be postmarked by Nov. 17. For more information, call (800) 218-1596 or visit www.GoRancho.com.

RANCHO

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