The Grayline » Accessories http://the-grayline.com The fine line of automotive news and opinion. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:17:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 en Cobra Radar Detector http://the-grayline.com/2008/08/04/cobra-radar-detector/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/08/04/cobra-radar-detector/#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:31:50 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=348 ShareThis

]]> Yes, I have been known to break the speed limit, yes I've had to live with high risk insurance for the first 8 years of my driving life.  However, I have never been in an accident, so I'm a prime person to need a quality radar detector, but I have no idea what is the best radar detector.  Furthermore, I'm of the mindset that if you can't drive 85 mph on the interestate you don't belong behind the wheel, but that's another story anyway.

My research on radar detectors has brought me to a Cobra brand radar detector, which is also capable of detecting laser.  The Cobra XRS-9440 to be exact has caught my attention, mainly because of it's price, and it's brand new on the market.  It promises it's technology will help future proof itself since it is already capable of reading KU Band, even though it's not used in the US yet.

Does anyone have an inexpensive Radar Detector that they could recommend?

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/08/04/cobra-radar-detector/feed/ Photo Keychain Gifts http://the-grayline.com/2008/07/22/photo-keychain-gifts/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/07/22/photo-keychain-gifts/#comments Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:47:42 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=292 ShareThis

]]> Photo Keychain

Photo Keychain

If you are like me then you struggle to come up with an idea to get the women in your life gifts.  Often times for me if I get flowers it looks like I'm up to something, so generally that's a no go.  My wife and I had a daughter about 10 months ago and we can't get enough pictures of her, so I thought about getting my wife a gift she can carry around with her everywhere she goes...pictures of our daughter in a photo keychain.

First of all a photo keychain is right up my alley, since everyone has to carry keys on them, might as well show off our little one at the same time.  It puts that picture at a moments reach to show off to people who may or may not care to see. lol  Plus there are photo keychains available in digital form that allow you to carry multiple pictures in the same little package.

Right now one of the most popular photo keychain available on the market is a 1.5" lcd display and enough storage to contain over 100 pictures.  The photo keychain also comes in a variety of colors and different styles to fit your own mojo.  The best part is these little gems can be purchased for as little as $12.99 in most places or you can find a deal on a photo keychain on eBay.

Photo Key Chain on eBay

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/07/22/photo-keychain-gifts/feed/ Pontiac Fiero Parts http://the-grayline.com/2008/07/14/pontiac-fiero-parts/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/07/14/pontiac-fiero-parts/#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:44:04 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=272 ShareThis

]]> How is the Pontiac Fiero still so popular?  I'm still struggling to see how this once throw away car still has a market for parts, accessories, and people looking to buy a used Fiero.  My only guess is because there are an endless amount of modofications you can make the Fiero.  Furthermore you can find a Fiero Car, Fiero GT, and Fiero Kits on eBay all day long and for cheap.

Another potential theory is that it's a great grease monkey starter car.  The Fiero is small, easy to work on, and if you happen to junk your Fiero engine you can always start on another one.  Probably the harder things to find would be a Fiero GT, which with the right Fiero kit can go up for up to $25,000.  Ouch!  So if you have a new son about to turn 16 and looking for a cheap car to customize, no matter what your budget, I'd suggest finding a used Fiero to work on.

Fiero Parts on eBay

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/07/14/pontiac-fiero-parts/feed/ Custom LED Interior Light Kit http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/21/custom-led-interior-light-kit/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/21/custom-led-interior-light-kit/#comments Thu, 22 May 2008 01:17:26 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=140 ShareThis

]]> In another edition of our customizing posts, I decided to discuss a popular customizing tool (I was never into), the LED interior light kit. These kits add quite a bit of flair to the inside of a show car in just the right place, because these LED lights stay cool, produce a lot of light, and are small enough to install almost anywhere. These interior LED light kits are taking over the car shows and many successful customizers have been using them for some time.

Blue LED Light Kit

Red LED Light Kit
Another thing that makes these LED Light Kits so popular with the kid's is that they are very inexpensive and allow for a BIG customized look. Furthermore it's possible to get interior LED Light Kits for almost any color to match any customization job you are trying to do.

Check out the LED Light Kits on eBay:

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/21/custom-led-interior-light-kit/feed/ Crate Motors On eBay http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/12/crate-motors-on-ebay/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/12/crate-motors-on-ebay/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 19:18:41 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=126 ShareThis

]]> 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.

Ford V10 68L crate motor F250 F350 F450 V 10 Ford V10 68L crate motor F250 F350 F450 V 10 Paypal US $2,378.32 1h 45m
22 ECOTEC CRATE MOTOR NEW 22 ECOTEC CRATE MOTOR NEW Paypal US $1,800.00 9h 21m
305 crate motor 305 crate motor Paypal US $600.00 10h 3m
]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/12/crate-motors-on-ebay/feed/ Rat Rod On eBay http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/09/rat-rod-on-ebay/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/09/rat-rod-on-ebay/#comments Fri, 09 May 2008 14:47:05 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=125 ShareThis

]]> 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.

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/09/rat-rod-on-ebay/feed/ Time For Motorcycle Helmets http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/07/time-for-motorcycle-helmets/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/07/time-for-motorcycle-helmets/#comments Wed, 07 May 2008 19:06:15 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=124 ShareThis

]]> 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!

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/07/time-for-motorcycle-helmets/feed/ Corbeau Racing Seats http://the-grayline.com/2008/04/16/corbeau-racing-seats/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/04/16/corbeau-racing-seats/#comments Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:05:32 +0000 admin http://the-grayline.com/?p=107 ShareThis

]]> Buying Corbeau Racing Seats can make your car go from daily driver to serious business. However, just because you spring for the Corbeau Racing seat, doesn't necessarily mean you have to have to drive the wheels off of your ride. Thanks to a competitive market in the racing seat niche, it's possible to get a good deal on some quality seats and Corbeau is a leader in the industry you can trust.

What's great about Corbeau is that they offer seats with comfort and function both in mind. It's almost like getting a new car when you set back in a seat that holds on to you around corners AND is comfortable at the same time. As of this posting it's possible to pick up a set of black Corbeau Racing seats for as little as $91.00 each. From time to time you mind find a good deal on a used Corbeau Racing seat, but if you are on the fence, go ahead and spend the dough on a new set, you'll appreciate it down the road. No pun intended. ;)

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