ArcaMax

Is there a "car guy" (or gal) on your holiday shopping list? If there is - but you don't have a clue about what they might like for Christmas - the following shopping list might be helpful:

Vehicle Security Lock Box ($99.95) - If you're military (or law enforcement) or carry a weapon or anything valuable you'd like to keep secure while in your vehicle, this heavy-duty, stainless steel - and fully portable - lock box is just the ticket. Removable box slides into fixed pad that's hard mounted to the vehicle's trunk, floor or under dash. From AutoAnything: call 1-800-874-8888.

Police siren alarm clock ($19.95) - Crikey! It's the cops! The law eventually catches up with all of us - even in our sleep. Here's the perfect gift for the gearhead with one too many tickets under his belt. From the What on Earth catalog: call 1-800-945-2552 and ask about item number AY9322.

Desktop Stirling compression/expansion engine ($379.95) - Full functional miniature Stirling engine works exactly like the full-size Stirling engines of the early 19th century. Heated air actuates a single cylinder engine, which in turns drives a flywheel at up to 5,000 RPM. From Hammacher Schlemmer: call 1-800-321-1481 and ask about item number 76096

Cable operated/remote hose clamp pliers ($39.99) - Anyone who works on modern cars - which often have very tight engine compartments that can make getting at things like radiator/heater hoses a real challenge - will love this helpful tool. It makes loosening - and tightening - hard to reach hose clamps a snap. From Sears: order online or pick up in-store. Ask for item number  00947390000. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Piston beverage cooler ($18.99) - The ultimate way to keep your favorite beverage chilled at your next tailgate party or NASCAR weekend. Shaped like a current Nextel Cup stock car engine's piston and emblazoned with Dale Jr.'s number 8. From Unusual Automotive Online at 1-330-807-2216.

Emergency Travel tool kit ($39.99) - This compact, easy to store kit contains everything short of a tow truck. The 7"x11 1/2 " case contains jumper cables, essential hand tools (nine-piece socket set, screwdriver set and pliers) as well as fuses, electrical tape, disposable gloves and "Emergency!" sign. From Narcisasgifts.

V-Twin Deltran Battery Tender ($169.95) - Many bikers have more than one bike - and keeping both their batteries charged up during the off season can be a hassle - unless you have a battery tender that can charge two bikes at the same time. This tender's also stylish - with a case shaped like a 90 degree V-twin motorcycle engine - with built in sound chip, too!  From Deltran at 386-736-7900.

Trailer hitch mini vault ($69.95) - Here's a clever way to securely stash small items such as a spare key, cash or credit card inside your vehicle's trailer hitch receiver. Installs in seconds withno special tools required. Locking drawer has 10,000 possible key combinations for security. From AJ Prindle - call 1-800-780-9356 and ask about item number 12429.

Jelly Cell Mate ($9.95) - A great way to keep a cell phone, sunglasses or radar detector from sliding around - without sticker pads, magnets, suction cups or permanent mounts of any kind. Keep clutter in place - without damaging your dashboard. Available from Highway One.

Back-A-Line back support ($49.95) - The perfect gift for the rider on your list who enjoys long rides - but not the sore back that often comes with it. Back-A-Line belt not only supports the back but helps maintain proper posture to prevent fatigue and stiffness. Comes in six sizes to fit waistlines from 26" to 48"; available from Cyclegadgets: call 877-742-3438.

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.