FROM RUSSIA – TO SHOREHAM – WITH LOVE!

Sound deadening and heat-protective materials have become very popular with kitcar enthusiasts in recent years and for good reason.

Trust me, there are some complete rubbish products out there that don’t deaden sound and definitely don’t prevent heatsoak although by the same token there are some great ones available. Dynamat or anything from DEI anyone?

Another product that I have been hearing good things about lately hails from Russia and is called STP Bomb Aero made by a company called Standartplast. It’s available in the UK though from Heritage Parts Centre.

STP Bomb Aero uses bitumen-based technology using what is described as aero More >

TOP OFF YOUR ZETEC WITH A ZAKSPEED

New from that Ford parts meister, Dave Colledge at Retroford is this glorious new cam cover for the Ford Zetec emblazoned with the legend ‘Zakspeed’ on it

It is cast from LM25-grade heat-treated aluminium alloy and fits both ‘silver’ and ‘black’ top Zetec engines.

The Northamptonshire-based company already produces similar Zakspeed covers for BDA, BDG and BDT engines.

An easy-peasy install it simply replaces your original Zetec cam cover (including your oil cap) it comes complete with a baffle-plate and breather although you’ll need a set of Dave’s BDA-style HT leads.

Available now at £364.40 inc VAT via www.retroford.co.uk or at the other end of More >

WINTER DRIVING IN FRANCE? USEFUL INFO

If you are planning to drive your vehicle in France between now and March 31, this piece might be of interest to you.

A new law – that many French people don’t even seem to know about – came into force in France recently. Of the 96 French Departments, about 50 of them now require that ANY car must be equipped with winter tyres – or carry at least two snow chains or ‘socks’ onboard – between November 1-March 31 annually.

Failure to do so will result in a fine of €135 and you won’t be able to carry on with your More >

BENNY AND THE WASHER JETS?

Another useful tool to keep in your toolbox or overall pocket is this universal windscreen washer jet adjuster from Laser Tools (part number 8091).

As well as the standard jet adjusting tube and cleaning needle, the tool is supplied with interchangeable heads that let you adjust the special jets fitted to various production cars.

The handle features an internal hexagon and magnet to ensure the interchangeable heads are held securely in place during use.

You’ll wonder how you did without it! Available now from your local Laser Tools stockist, typically priced at £50.02 inc VAT) Always remember to check for the best prices More >

NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!

With the Clarke range of Garage/Workshops, available from Machine Mart you can protect your pride and joy from the elements this winter in a tight fit, well-lit, protected environment.

Using a heavy-duty advanced cover that is triple-layered, waterproof, fully UV treated for long term protection against sun, rain and wind, you can guarantee that you are investing in a product built to last. A drum-tight finish is provided through ratchet tight cover tensioning.

This range is easy to install through-bolt together hardware and joint supports with a powdercoated steel frame for optimum durability and stability. With various anchoring options, they can be erected More >

RUST BLOCKER

I like the penetrating sprays made by XCP™ Protection and I was interested to hear about their latest product called Clear Coat. It is a rust blocker available in a 400ml aerosol or 500ml trigger spray and is an easy-to-apply coating and equally (and importantly) easy to remove. Dunno about you, but I hate sticky gloop.

It is ideal for keeping bare metal and components corrosion-free and is ideal for kitcar use on chassis and engine parts for example.

It can also be used on chromium-plated parts meaning it’s good at keeping pesky road salt and crud at bay in winter months.

The More >

PLUG IT IN

New from Autosparks are these new bulkhead injection moulded plugs to suit Ford wiring harnesses.

Another useful service they offer is the reproduction of obsolete plugs and they can easily copy one of your existing plugs by 3D printing it. The plug is drawn and converted to a computer file and they print a button – just ‘loike’ magick!

Prices vary but the best bet is to get in touch via www.autosparks.co.uk or call them on 0115 949 7211 ENDS.

LIFE WITH THE LYONS. HAVE A COFFEE!

I not only love the restoration work carried out by the Lyons father and son team (Michael and David) at their very smart garage in County Clare, but I LOVE their style.

They’ve grasped the lifestyle aspect of what they do and like to have a bit of fun. In all seriousness, their range of coffee is first class. I’m well into their MG Beans! They’ve just added a load of new ones including BeansMW, DBean5, Javaguar Beans, Mercedes Beans, Mini Beans and the limited edition LG66 Beans. All are priced at €15.

As a little extra special item ideal for Christmas the More >

GET IN THERE

Quite often access to a fastener is obstructed by another component, this could be on an engine, gearbox or perhaps behind the dashboard. You can just about get a hex (or Star® or spline) bit onto the fastener but not quite, and there is a danger of breaking the bit if you force it.

Laser Tools to the rescue with this Ball-End Socket Bit Set (part number 8048) which offers a comprehensive twenty-piece set of long, ball-ended socket bits in metric hex, Star and spline profiles. The ‘ball’ design means that the bit will fit snugly at up to a 25° More >

CHARGE CARD

Buying for the tools and machinery fanatic in your life can be tricky! Trying to work out what they need, or what they’ve already got, can be a real mystery.

Combine that with the difficulty of buying for Christmas, when you want to really treat them and go above and beyond the usual pairs of socks or bottles of beer, and you’ve got yourself a really stressful situation!

If you’re stuck for gift ideas this Christmas … why not let them choose for themselves with a Machine Mart gift card?

Machine Mart gift cards and E-Vouchers can hold any value from £20 to £500 More >

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