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Gerry's Garage Talk: Stocking Stuffers for Street Rodders
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Posted by mlfulton Thu Dec 2, 2004 22:40:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments With the holidays coming, your thoughts may be turning to possible stocking stuffers for your favorite street rodders. There are quite a few things that I would like to see in my stocking this Christmas. Being that I'm building a 1932 Ford 3-window coupe, I am in need of a lot of goodies for that car.

The first suggestion that comes to mind is a gift certificate from a local street rod shop. This is an important stocking stuffer because the guys need any excuse to shop.

Small things can add up fast in terms of cost, so kind of hint around with your rodder and find out what is on his or her wish list. (Yes, guys, there are a lot of gal street rodders out there. I know a few and they are just as enthusiastic about their cars and street rods as we are. In fact one I know has more street rod Hot Wheels than I do!)

Some things to ask about include goodies like billet air conditioning brackets, polished air conditioning compressors, stainless hoses, billet power steering brackets, even power brake and alternator brackets. Chrome or billet air cleaners and new carburetors with chrome plating are good, too. Even stainless steel radiator hose covers with billet ends make good stocking stuffers.

Colored plug wires with billet plug wire looms and distributor caps will finish off the engine under the hood. A gift certificate from the local nut and bolt store is always appreciated because we are always looking for that special nut or bolt to get the job done. Billet radiator caps are reasonably priced and sometimes are the last thing on the rodders' mind.

Exterior goodies include a set of 16-, 17- or 18-inch mag wheels, tires, chrome lug nuts, turn signal indicators, neat door handles or shaved door handle kits, even the small "STREET ROD" emblem, V-8 emblems, billet grills, lowered headlight bars, chrome front shocks, front and rear bumpers.

The stereo system is always an area that is up to the individual. I just like a simple system that includes a CD player and some nice speakers that don't blow you or your ear drums out of the car. A neat steering wheel and polished billet steering column help set off the interior, too.

A set of dash gauges are a matter of personal taste, as well. The gauges can be a simple set of old-fashioned Stewart Warner gauges or even Dakota digital gauges for that futuristic look.

Ladies, one way to a rodder's heart a good wax job for his street rod. If you don't want to do it for him, you can always go to the local car wash and get a gift certificate for a complete detailing and wax. Guys, you can always consult with the ladies on the interior colors for the upholstery, door panels, and carpet. The exterior paint is always a point of discussion and it is up to each of us to decide which color is best. But remember, if it isn't RED, it isn't a hot rod.

Other items that are a necessity are a good transmission shifter, light switches, turn signal tilt wheel dress-up kits, a good clock (something that is often forgotten when doing the interior), door handles, interior lights, sun visors with a light and a mirror, and electric windows. And last but not least is the exhaust sound; a good set of 3-inch exhaust pipes with mufflers that have that low rumble sound are a must.

I hope these ideas help with your holiday shopping. As a street rodder, I always appreciate a little something in the stocking to help me finish off or improve my street rod in time for the next year's rodding season, so happy shopping!

For your calendar, don't miss the Dec. 12 Greater Bakersfield Toy Run and Canned Food Drive benefiting the Salvation Army. To participate, you'll need to donate one new unwrapped toy and one non-perishable food item, or pay a $20 registration fee. Participants are assembling from 9 am to 9:55 am at Beach Park, 21st Street and Oak, and will ride to the Kern County Fairgrounds. Call 661-832-3045 for more information.

Until next time,
Gerry Byron

E-mail Gerry at gwbyron2@yahoo.com

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