News

EARS AND NOSE

Single-ear and twin-ear hose clamps are commonly used on both air and fluid lines, as they are ideal for demanding applications involving both soft or hard rubbers and plastics. The design also ensures a uniform clamping compression around the circumference of the hose clamp. The correct way of securing this sort of clamp is with a dedicated pair of hose clamp pliers, like this example from Laser Tools, part number 8261.

These are heavy-duty pliers, designed for fitting medium-sized single and twin-ear clamps, closed and open-ear type O-clamps and Oetiker-style clamps. The design allows minimum clamping effort for the operator while More >

YOU’RE A DIAMOND YOU ARE!

Diamondbrite has just unveiled its latest money-saving combo pack just in time for the festive season; the rather appropriately named Christmas Pack – offered at the special price of £39.49 until December 20, including free UK mainland delivery (normal price – £52.65).

From the firm behind Europe’s most successful dealer-applied paint and interior protection systems, the new Christmas Pack contains five products.

First up is Lift Off, a citrus-powered, multi-purpose deep cleaning and degreasing pre-wash for targeting tough traffic film, grease, brake dust, road grime, bug splats, bird droppings and tar and oil spots; an essential in any car care collection whatever More >

POTENT POWER IN A LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE

Our friends at Merlin Motorsport are well-versed in servicing the racing fraternity with various performance and go-faster components, although they have also long been a favourite for kitcar enthusiasts.

Among their product line-up are Odyssey Extreme Batteries ideal for motorsport but also for lightweight kitcars and they are an excellent choice, both lightweight and powerful and built to withstand the extremes of racing and hardcore trackday or road use.

Their increased vibration resistance allows them to endure the constant pounding, extreme heat and vibration which performance engines can generate.

When charging your Odyssey battery there are a few considerations to take into account. More >

FREE-STANDING MAN

With days getting darker earlier, it can be troublesome to find enough time and light in a day to get done what you need to!

Machine Mart stocks a wide range of free-standing work lights and floodlights to help keep you in action over the winter months.

Their lights are all portable and have an IP44, IP54 or IP65 rating, making them suitable for internal or external use.

They are supplied on a strong, sturdy tripod or with a useful carry handle meaning the range can be used for a variety of purposes.

The Clarke COB10CR is a rechargeable work-light, offering a 650lumen floodlight More >

GET A BOOST THIS WINTER

Launch UK has unveiled its newest jump pack, the ESP-150 Battery Booster Jump Starter, in time for the winter season.

According to the AA, a flat battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns in the UK – especially in winter as the cold temperatures cause the battery to slow down and affects its ability to hold a charge.

In perfect timing for the winter season, Launch UK has introduced its new jump starter ready for those moments when a vehicle just won’t start. The ESP-150 Battery Booster is easy to use, store and charge.

Very portable it has a battery More >

RETRO LOOK FOR MAZDA MX-5

New from Farnham-based Retro Car Style is a fiendishly clever body conversion for the Mazda MX-5 that gives it a ‘retromod’ look.

You can mix and match the choices by selecting a new front-end panel (£550), rear panel (£545), Bootlid (£400) or you can go for the full kit package at £1495.

In addition to the GRP parts as you remove the MX-5’s lighting, you will need to source new 7in headlights, indicators, side-lights and rear light lenses. Optional extras would be fog lights, reversing lights and third brake light.

A quick session on the websites – or on the blower – of More >

12 VOLT HEALTH CHECK

As a quick, easy, convenient and accurate method of checking vehicle battery health, Laser Tools have recently introduced their Battery Tester (part number 8206).

This is a compact unit that accurately tests battery health and cranking and charging voltages. Enter the battery details from the battery label and the results are displayed on the easy-to-read LCD screen. The CCA (cold cranking amps) figure can be used to predict the lifetime of the battery, which is displayed by a level-bar indicator on the screen.

With easy-to-understand instructions, engine start voltage can also be measured as well as charging (alternator) voltage. Accurate to +/-0.05V More >

CROSSFLOW 711M PISTONS

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This 0.060in oversized piston was originally designed for Ford Crossflow 711M engines with flat (non-chambered) heads (introduced in August 1970) and Fiesta 821M engines. This 1.3-litre piston can also be used as an upgraded part in 1.6-litre engines as the smaller chamber in the piston will raise compression to approximately 10.3:1.

Available as part number 18647/060 at £49.75 each inc VAT

Further details via 0208 554 2281 or www.burtonpower.com ENDS.

GOOD CHEER FROM THE MAGIC MAN

Must be that time of year again!

Are you looking for Christmas gift inspiration? Merlin Motorsport sells over 25,000 parts, components and accessories for all forms of motorsport and for the kitcar enthusiast.

MERLIN MOTORSPORT GIFT VOUCHER 

Redeem vouchers on racing parts or their workshop services. Comes with a gift card.

More from www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk or 01249 782 101 ENDS.

LOCK UP YOUR MINI’S A-SERIES

Many Classic Mini – and Mini-based kitcar – owners will be planning an overhaul during the winter so the time is right to take a look at this handy tool.

Mini Spares has a Flywheel Locking Tool that bolts where the starter motor fits to secure the flywheel in place during the removal of the flywheel bolt/crank pulley etc on you’re A-Series engine.

An assistant to hold it in place is no longer a requirement!

The tool will prevent the flywheel from turning without causing any damage at all. It’s certainly a better solution than an old screwdriver jammed in place!

Order as part More >

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