Toolbox

1. Replacement Parts

The NAPA Select is a high performance battery that's built to last, according to the company. Delivering maximum starting and accessory power, NAPA Select batteries stand up to even the most demanding vehicles, states NAPA, who adds the reserve capacity provides critical power for on-board accessories, computers and emergency needs.

2. Accessories

The Sunpro® Sport ST™ Value Pack (CP7931) features Sunpro's new 5-inch Sport ST Tachometer and includes a StyleLine™ oil pressure gauge, water/oil temperature gauge and a trim-to-fit universal double gauge pod in which to mount them. All Sunpro tachs incorporate vibration-proof, air-core meter movement to ensure the pointer responds rapidly to system changes for a precise reading. An adjustable swivel foot allows for mounting at any angle.

3. Shop Equipment

Mohawk Lifts announces an update of the model System I. The 10,000-pound capacity, clear floor lift, System I incorporates Mohawk's patented hydraulic synchronization. The System I features a low 3 ½-inch arm height to allow total clear floor design with adjustable height, overhead hydraulic lines, all position mechanical and hydraulic safeties and automatic locking arms. Truck and van adapters are included.

4. Replacement Parts

Grote has added the Per-Lux LED to its WhiteLight Work Lamp line. It features a glass lens with chemical-and corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing. A side screw adjusts the lens tilt for optimal beam pattern evenness. The light pattern is brighter and provides more effective coverage through more pattern options than other market offerings, according to the company.

Replacement Parts

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. has launched a comprehensive FAG brand hub and wheel bearing program for the U.S. automotive aftermarket. The premium-quality line includes a full range of components, from tapered bearings to fully integrated hub units. Built to the same exacting standards as FAG original-equipment products, the company says these wheel end components deliver premium-quality materials and manufacturing, original-equipment fit and performance, integrated sensors (where applicable) and fully-integrated rolling units. The FAG program includes more than 650 SKUs, covering 95 percent of the North American vehicle population.

Diagnostic Equipment

Snap-on Diagnostics has made upgrades in its Software Bundle 8.2 that performs the purge and seal test on 1998-2006 GM vehicles with Class II communications. This is a new feature that has been added to the 8.2 software that was not available in previous software editions. The company says that with MODIS™, SOLUS PRO™, SOLUS™ and the MT-Series Scanner™, technicians are able to verify if leaks are present in the system or if the fuel tank pressure sensor is defective within minutes. With the 8.2 upgrade, technicians have 2007 model year vehicle-communications coverage for the major OEMs, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu and Subaru.

Chemicals

Hylomar USA Inc., announces the new product launch of HyloCool Thermal Barrier Gel. HyloCool is a blue thermal barrier gel for use in welding. The product keeps the heat only where it is needed by blocking the flow of heat during welding, brazing and soldering operations, the company states. This water-soluble gel will adhere to horizontal and vertical surfaces, even upside-down. The effect lasts until the gel evaporates, leaving behind no mess. The process works through evaporative cooling. HyloCool will not stain metal, according to the company. It can be removed with a damp cloth, or with steel wool.

Shop Equipment

Scotch Performance Masking Tape 233+ is the ideal masking solution for body shops when working with either solvent-based or waterborne paints, according to the company. The signature green masking tape from 3M is specially treated to be water resistant, providing a sharp paint edge without lifting, slivering during removal or leaving adhesive residue behind. Scotch Performance Masking Tape 233+, along with all the other 3M masking solutions, provides exceptional performance when used with waterborne liquids, the company adds.

Replacement Parts

Jiffy-tite® Quick Connect Fluid Fittings now are available to provide a safe leak-proof seal and unsurpassed performance, even under the most extreme racing conditions, allowing changeovers or checks to the fuel to occur in seconds, not minutes, the company says. Made of lightweight, 6061-T6 aluminum, brass valves and stainless steel ball bearings, they are corrosion resistant for long life and feature a ribbed collar that provides a slip-proof grip, the manufacturer adds.

Chemicals

Permatex, Inc. has added Hylomar Universal Blue Racing Formula Gasket Dressing & Flange Sealant to its gasketing line. This non-chlorinated, gel-based sealant is specially formulated to remain flexible and tacky after application, even when exposed to high engine temperatures, according to the company. It is designed for use with all pre-cut gaskets and head gaskets, and can also be used as a sealant for machined flanges and threaded parts. Hylomar's adhesive properties, vibration resistance and high temperature range (-60 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) make it ideal for use in high performance and heavy-duty applications. Hylomar's non-running formula allows easy application on vertical or underside applications, the company says.

TOOLBOX: Training Programs

• Registration for the 2008 Car Care Council Women's Board summer meeting is under way. The meeting is at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston from June 4-5, and is geared toward consumer education and encouraging women to enter the industry. Members can download a registration form from the Women's Board Web site. Registration includes a group dinner on June 4 and breakfast, lunch and a cocktail reception on June 5, as well as a presentation from keynote speaker John Passante, The Organizational Development Group, on creating a positive culture in your workplace. A Boston Duck Tour is also included in the fee. The complete agenda will be available soon on the Women's Board Web site. Women's Board members will also meet in their work group committees, which include scholarship, membership and special programs, recruitment and new members, consumer education and industry relations, to develop strategies and tactics for 2008.

CAR CARE COUNCIL WOMEN'S BOARD

• The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association Financial Services Group (MFSG) will hold its 12th annual Educational Seminar May 14 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Romulus, Mich. The seminar is a member benefit and is open to all MFSG subscribers and members of MEMA's three market segment associations, AASA, HDMA and OESA. The seminar begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. with lunch provided. Session topics include financial tools by JP Morgan, deduction management and other collection tools by Cforia Software, overview of the original equipment industry by OESA and overview of the aftermarket by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA).

MEMA

Shop Equipment

Hunter's HawkEye HS401CM movable console-mounted sensors provide a cost-effective tool to increase productivity by enabling shops to perform alignments in multiple bays using one system, the company says. With a movable system that rolls easily from bay to bay, a technician can work more efficiently by starting the next alignment on the schedule in another bay as the final service steps are being completed on a vehicle that has just been aligned. The HS401CM sensors feature a vertical camera lift with a 40-inch range of motion to accommodate additional lift height, or to work with the vehicle lowered to the floor.

Replacement Parts

Katech Performance knows the first step to enhancing the durability of production LS engines is to upgrade the connecting rod bolts. Compatible with the LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6 and LS7, Katech's new replacement (and reusable) connecting rod bolt is a simple and cost-effective form of insurance against failure, the company says. The Katech Performance bolt is a direct replacement for the factory bolt in powder metal or titanium connecting rods. In LS7 blocks, no clearance machining is required, because of the bolt head's shorter length. It is made of H11 alloy steel with a thread of M9x1.0. Other measurements are head, 14 mm and 12 point.

TOOLBOX: Reader's Reference

• Bosch's comprehensive new 2007/2008 Spark Plug catalog (No. 221101-2007/08) covers virtually all domestic and import automotive, light truck and van applications as well as motorcycle, small engine, lawn mower, industrial and commercial applications, plus diesel glow plugs. The catalog covers Bosch's entire portfolio of premium spark plugs, including Platinum Ir Fusion®, Platinum+4, Platinum+2, Platinum Plus and Super Plus. This catalog provides applications listed by make/ year/model/engine. Also included in the catalog is a spark plug buyer's guide with part and plug number, year and principal applications for all spark plugs in the Bosch portfolio. A UPC/UCC cross-reference section follows the buyer's guide, the company says. It features 20 pages of technical information, including detailed heat range descriptions and selection recommendations, spark plug wear analysis illustrations, reasons for various plug sizes and instructions on spark plug installation.

BOSCH

• SAE International is publishing the first English translation of a landmark German book on brake technology. Edited by Bert Breuer and Karlheinz Bill, "Brake Technology Handbook" is a comprehensive reference guide on brakes and brake systems. The book covers the engineering fundamentals, requirements, design, construction, components and functions of brakes for vehicles in the automotive, commercial vehicle, off-highway, motorsports and aerospace industries. Subjects covered include mechatronics, materials, processes, simulation, testing, safety and reliability, service and repair, friction and noise and future developments. Featuring contributions from more than 75 braking experts, "Brake Technology Handbook" is a resource for engineers, technicians, researchers and students.

SAE INTERNATIONAL

• Repair Shop Websites designs Web sites for the automotive industry. The company says it can put your shop on the World Wide Web with less hassle and expense. Web site packages start at $99 per quarter. Each site is customizable and professionally done to maximize your shop's image on the Internet. The company says there are no long-term contracts or commitments required.

REPAIR SHOP WEBSITES

• ATE, part of the Interior Division of Continental Corporation, has released its 2008 ATE PremiumOne® Aftermarket Brake Products catalog. The 450-page catalog features more than 10,000 additional domestic, Asian and European applications for model years 1980 to 2008. The primary product categories listed include pads, rotors and hydraulics, as well as various brake fluids, tools, and other parts assortments. The 2008 catalog also features comprehensive hydraulics coverage for European applications. ATE hydraulic products are designed and manufactured to original equipment specifications.

ATE

Accessories

Rostra Precision Controls Inc. has introduced a RearSight® back-up camera system for the 2008 Nissan Titan and 2008 Ford F-150. The new RearSight system (part No. 250-8036) is designed to assist drivers in avoiding back-up accidents. Rostra's kit features a 0.5 Lux shrouded CCD color camera that mounts in the license plate section of the truck. The camera has a 150-degree, anti-fog lens and a waterproof case. A 3.5-inch TFT-LCD monitor equipped with a hidden dashboard-mounting bracket provides drivers with a wide angle view behind the truck. The screen has three video inputs and a reverse override function. Professional installation is recommended.

TOOLBOX: PromoPrograms?

• Continental Tire North America, Inc. is keeping its customers on the road with more than just tires this spring. Now through June 16, consumers who purchase four Continental-brand tires valued at $499 or more will receive a free Magellan® Roadmate™ 1200 GPS system. The company also will give away a new Range Rover Sport as the Grand Prize in its new "Ultimate Adventure" Sweepstakes. Customers can enter to win the Range Rover Sport, customized by West Coast Customs; first prize is a TREK mountain bike, and second prize is a Canon 40D camera. Participants can enter in-store or online at www.contisweeps.com. No purchase is necessary to enter the sweepstakes. The Web site also offers customers an incentive to upload their own personal adventure story and picture to be entered into a drawing for a set of tires.

CONTINENTAL TIRE NORTH AMERICA, INC.