Wanted: Gift Suggestions for Shade Tree Mechanics

Dear Dr. Jim

I am writing you for some suggestions for Christmas and birthday presents.

What I have in mind would be items that shade tree mechanics might be needing to keep the family car in good shape.

They fix my car too, Ima Goode, Indiana resident

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Dear Ima,

There are over ten thousand nice items in various auto parts stores and catalogs.  I would recommend without blushing NAPA Auto Parts stores.  There probably is one near you, we have three close by located in three different towns in three directions from our home.

You can do mail order or shop on line from most of these companies as well.  NAPA provides me with a calendar every year.  Check these of mine (link).

What to buy?

1.  Shop around at the stores

2.  Go on the Internet

3.  Try from this list I got from eMail.  They may laugh at the idea of some too  (I won't vouch for every item on this list):

"Automotive Gift Suggestions... Just in Time for Last Minute Christmas Shopping!

If you have an "automotive minded" person in your life, these gift suggestions should be considered.

1. Tire Air Change Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to change the air in your tires. This highly recommended but often overlooked maintenance item is much easier now. Remember to change your air every 3000 miles or twice a year. $25

2. Blinker Fluid. You knew it existed but, WOW, is this stuff hard to find. 4oz bottle. $12

3. Synthetic Blinker Fluid. Better yet! 4oz bottle. $24

4. Light Bulb Filaments. Why throw away a perfectly good turn signal or stop light bulb when you can just install a new filament? Premium Filaments, made in the USA! $1 each.

5. Manifold Heat. Yes, your exhaust manifold should be HOT. If it's not, you may need this item. Sold by the pound. $3.50

6. Steering Wheel Gaskets. All SIZES available! Email for specific application. From $9.99

7. Tie Rod Tensioner. Is your tie rod limp? Tension it with T-50! $14.99

8. Alternator Batteries. (4 required, replace them all!) From $2.99

9. Fan Belt Buckles. Specify brass or chrome. Gold available special order. $14.99

10. Muffler Bearing Manual. Print version $59.95

11. Muffler Bearing Manual. CD version $49.99

12. Universal Muffler Bearing Tool Kit $105.59

13. Muffler Bearing Hi Temp Synthetic Lube (the only kind we sell!) $40.24

14. Muffler Bearings From $19.95

15. Muffler Bearing Gasket Kits From $9.99

16. Momentum (required for tackling some off road obstacles). Sold by the lb-ft/sec $0.50

17. Microsoft Windows Eliminator. If your car or truck begins to run poorly, (long time to start, frequent crashes, etc.), it's computer, (ecm, ecu, black box, etc.), may have become infected with this nasty computer virus. This product will safely remove the virus. $199

18. Mirror Image Flipper Film. Did you know that the image you see in your rear view mirrors are reversed! This is a manufacturing flaw that the auto companies have kept secret for years as the recall would cost BILLIONS! This film can be cut and placed over any mirror to correct the image. Now you'll be able to read signs in the rear view mirror! $5 per square ft."

Some of our readers may have suggestions of their own too.  Caveat, I will not vouch or check donated suggestions out.  As with all donated and Internet help, I would ask your regular certified mechanic about all suggestions, even mine.

Ima, I hope this helps,
as usual, Dr. JIM

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then, "Please ask your question or leave your comment now!" (Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

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