Ladies and gentlemen, please start your drool sacks, introducing the all new 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK350.  The 09 SLK is boasting some higher performance numbers and a slightly touched up styling.  The convertible shown below is ready for summer and for those lucky enough to own one, it's leaving people breathless in it's path.

One of the few complaints about the new SLK350 is the new transmission, which replaced the manual of last year.  The 7G-Tronic Manu-matic is not terrible, but still not a traditional manual that lets you rip through the gears...grinding if necessary.

Smart Car cartoon t shirt Mercedes Benz Fortwo City    US $9.95

Mercedes Benz 300SL cartoon t shirt 300 SL gullwing    US $9.95

Danser55 I paid for my Doctors Mercedes Benz T shirt    US $9.95

Porsche BMW Mercedes Audi German Autobahn t shirt    US $11.50

Classic Mercedes Benz T Shirt Metallic Silver on Black    US $12.99

Holy moly, if you cannot afford the real thing, why not just purchase a simulator for a fraction of the cost.  It looks like one of the most 'Watched' items on eBay today is a full motion Helicopter and Airplane simulator.  At a whopping $10,100 and reserve yet to be met, it's an expensive investment to never leave the ground.

Generally this would be a nice addition to a typical arcade, if they have the room, but what about those wealthy kids?  Hell, if I had the dough to throw down I guarantee I'd be PayPalin some money over right now and fast since there is less than an hour left in this auction.

Ford Motor Company, which sponsors the hit television show American Idol, will be unveiling their newest Focus.  The new Ford Focus Coupe is supposed to be sportier, get 35 miles per gallong, and come Sync-Equipped.

Below you will see the pictures of the Focus Ford will be unveiling at American Idol:

Ford Focus on eBay

Ford Focus SE ZX4 2006 FORD FOCUS SE ZX4    US $8,700.00

Ford Focus Saleen 2005 Ford SALEEN S121 Focus Super Clean    US $200.00

Ford Focus ZTS 2004 FORD FOCUS ZTS LOW MILES LEATHER NON SMOKER    US $6,900.00

Paul McCartney has recently been quoted as being 'horrified' that his fuel saving, earth loving, tree hugging, green car has left a monstrous carbon foot print.  According to the AP, Lexus gave Paul McCartney a new Lexus 600h hybrid car as a gift because he was promoting it's greeness.  All fine and dandy, but instead of shipping the vehicle the environmental way, they opted to Air freight it, leaving a carbon foot print equal to that of a car with a typical combustion engine and driving it 300 times around the world.

The way I look at it, if he's seriously concerned with the carbon foot print his little $158,000 gift has left I'd be first in line to sell him Lexus 600h carbon credits.  As you can see from the picture below of the car Paul McCartney was given, it's expensive to be green, especially when it's all in vain. lol

Lexus Merchandise on eBay

Lexus GS430 Blue 2006 Diecast 1 64 164    US $1.99

LEXUS exquisite metal key ring key chain 2    US $.90

Stereoscopic Metal Lexus Keychain Ring Free Box    US $.98

To continue my postings on customizing a vehicle, I thought I talk a little bit about the risks and rewards of purchasing a new or used crate motor off of ebay.  If your projects are anything like mine, then I know you are thinking about scrapping what you got and starting fresh and often times that can be the best answer to a Gremlin hiding out in the walls of that old block.  On the other hand, purchasing a crate motor off of eBay does come with a few costs and risks.

Things to consider when buying a crate motor off of ebay:

• Shipping Costs - Often times a crate motor will need to come truck line, so make sure it can be shipped to a business and have a loading dock or forklift.  Having a good business place to receive will save you hundreds of dollars.
• Compatibility - Yes, it might be exactly what you are looking for, but will it bolt up to your frame with minimal engineering?  Furthermore, will the transmission bolt up to the crate motor or even be able to handed the potentially higher horsepower numbers?
• Freight Claims - Stuff gets damaged in shipping, trust me I know, but as the buyer it's your responsibility to inspect before signing clear.  Freight lines are sticklers for NOT paying if the bill was signed free and clear.  Make sure and note any potential damage, therefore covering even concealed damage.
• Seller Reputation - Sue me, but I don't want to be the first person to test the reputation of a seller with a few thousand dollar purchase, to place in my prized ride.  Make sure that others are happy with their purchase, not just at immediate signing, but also after they have it installed and fired up.

Get the most out of your crate motor off ebay by covering your bases from the topics above and remember you can never be too careful.  Also, communication is key, often times professional motor builders will happily discuss options with you on the phone before purchase so that you are buying what you expect and not necessarily the 1000hp monster you have in your head. (drivability anyone?)  Ebay can be a great place to get started on that budget build up in your garage and the core is their huge selection of crate motors for almost any application.

502 CID AIR CLEANER DECAL for BBC crate motor    US $3.00

GMPP 350 330 HP CRATE MOTOR NODULAR IRON CRANKSHAFT    US $119.00

Chevrolet Crate Motor Chrome Air Cleaner w filter New    US $15.00

Here at The-Grayline we do not always cover the custom angle of out automotive love.  Personally, I hate myself for that, because customizing is what brought me to love autos of any time, the want, need, and ability to make it my own.  So, I started checking out what people were most into during the month of April and it looks like Rat Rod's on eBay took the cake.

Right now on eBay there are over 3,600 parts, accessories, and cars that fit the description of Rat Rod.  Furthermore rat rod is one of the top 10 searched queries in all of eBay motors, just above Mustangs I might add.  But why not, a rat rod is the original customized vehicle, dating back to the early 50's or later and sporting a mish mash of parts and primered paint.

Furthermore, those on a shoe string budget could afford the parts and accessories to make their own Rat Rod.  That's where eBay comes into place, it's made the gathering of assorted parts easier, since it's one HUGE garage sale of rat mobiles.  Maybe I should get started on my Rat Rod project this summer.

Chevrolet COUPE COUPE 1947 CHEVROLET COUPE RAT ROD or HOT ROD no reserve    US $99.00

Chevrolet Other Pickups 1941 46 chevy truck cab for Rat Rod project    US $200.00

Chevrolet 56 Chevy Water truck 4 speed 6 cyl flat bed Rat rod    US $200.00

Chevrolet CHEVROLET 1947 CHEVROLET 2 DR COUPE PARTS CAR RAT ROD    US $900.00

Chevrolet Other Pickups 1942 chevorlet truck rat rod military army chev project    US $200.00

Every spring I get just as excited as the next person to hit the open road with my motorcycle of choice, or rather what's available to me. However, my wife always has to remind me to get my motorcycle helmet, generally I manage to forget.  But this year it will be different, mainly because I've been reminded of how dangerous it is out there, no thanks to a few friends and family already subjected to accidents. (thank god none too serious)

In many cases, the accident could have been much, much worse, but thanks to their motorcycle helmets they will not have any long term damage. Pretty much a wounded ego and a big hospital bill will be all they have to show for their carelessnesses. Remembering a helmet shouldn't be a chore and with today's technology finding a motorcycle helmet that fits my personality is easier than ever.

The technology has enabled motorcycle helmets to develop a personality of their own and be more comfortable. Hell, just the other day I was driving down the expressway next to a crotch rocket rider with a mohawk helmet.  If they ahve those, surely there is something out there to fit my lax style, or lack thereof.

So please, motorcycle riders, take this post as your only needed reminder. PUT ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE HELMET BEFORE GOING RIDING!

Helmet Mohawk Suction Cup Spikes for Motorcycle Helmets    US $3.95

Motorcycle helmet mohawk spike mohawks helmets 3 spikes    US $6.95

toy resin Shift knob Skull biker helmet german Mohawk    US $8.00

The Original Hairy R Helmet Mohawk Red    US $9.95

motorcycle dirtbike atv helmets mohawks helmet mohawk S    US $9.00

Honda has announced that they are enjoying the increase in small car sales and the demand forced Honda over 135,000 vehicle sales in April. That's a whopping 6.9% increase from the same time last year and in a time when other manufacturers are struggling with the economy.

Sales of the Honda Accord were up 19.7% and the little Civic up 17.2%. The increase almost blanketed the different vehicles offered by Honda, including their small pick up trucks. However, sales with their SUV lineup has suffered slightly, with the Honda Element and Honda Pilot. I'm sure they are hoping that their 2009 Honda Pilot will help turn those sales figures around.

HONDA Business Card Holder    US $.01

Tour Master tool bag Harley Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasak    US $.01

Large Vega Honda Street Bike Helmet Red Black    US $.01

There are too many factors that play into a Mercedes ability to be sexy. The power, the poshness, the price tag, and the new 09 Mercedes SL63 AMG delivers on all accounts.  The well-to-do will have a hard time passing up this sexy roadster, which just screams power and subtlety.

The 2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG will come with a potent 518 horse power V-8, which screams push me to the limit.  Although it's got the gumption to tear it up on the track, it also does so in style and sophistication you'd be used to in a Benz.  The 2 seater 2009 Mercedes will make guys jealous and women swoon, at home on the track or the quick trip to Wal-Mart...or wherever the super rich shop.