New Gear: 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Model, Piston Clock Desk Art, and Custom Car Painting On A Budget

1969 DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA 

HEMMINGS • 800-227-4373 X 79550 • HEMMINGS.COM/STORE • $114.99

One of the most revered Mopar muscle cars of all time is the rare, one-year-only homologation-special Dodge Charger Daytona. Based on the 1969 Charger, this model had a production run limited to just over 500 examples, and it could be optioned with the legendary 426-cu.in. Hemi V-8. A new addition to the Hemmings Store is this 1:18-scale die-cast model of a black Charger Daytona (item AMM1310) with an accurate rendition of the Hemi under its opening hood. This winged warrior, produced by Auto World, sports factory-optional whitewall tires on black steelies with dog-dish hubcaps. Its doors open to reveal a white bucket-seat interior with a console-mounted, Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission. The instrument panel has legible gauges, and the undercarriage looks true to life with a torsion-bar front suspension and overspray along the rockers. The Dodge’s bright trim is faithfully rendered, as are the flush-mounted backlite and tall, white-painted wing that worked with the nose cone to enhance this model’s top speed. It’s a worthwhile investment for the Mopar faithful and classic-NASCAR fans, alike. 

PISTON CLOCK 

BEN’S AUTOMOTIVE DECOR • 805-712-9942 • BENSAUTODECOR.COM • $89 

True gearheads love to surround themselves with automotive memorabilia of all kinds. The clever Ben Harvey —a U.K.-born, California-based automotive technician-turned-craftsman—finds new purpose for old car parts; he takes used mechanical automotive components and turns them into practical works of art. A genuine old piston makes an excellent base for a timepiece, as his Piston Clock with White RPM Gauge Face shows. The analog clock that’s nestled in the bearing insert hole of the polished, clearcoat-protected connecting rod and piston assembly has the sporty look of a tachometer, giving new meaning to the term “Tic Toc Tach.” These hefty timepieces measure around 9-inches tall, their piston bases measure about 4-inches across, and they’re perfect for display on a bookshelf, a desk, or in the garage. Shipping is free to U.S. addresses. Visit the B.A.D website to see many other artful automotive-based products this family firm sells, including lighting, engine-block coffee tables, barware, and more.

CUSTOM CAR PAINTING ON A BUDGET 

CARTECH INC. • 800-551-4754 • CARTECHBOOKS.COM/SA511 • $34.95 

While many automotive hobbyists will happily pick up a wrench and tackle their own mechanical repairs, very few have the knowledge, equipment, and courage needed to pick up a spray gun and paint their vehicles. As with any craft, there are steps one must follow to achieve the best possible result; applying custom paint finishes can be successfully accomplished if you take the time to ensure the environment and equipment are up to spec, to properly prepare the vehicle’s bodywork, and to budget enough materials and time to do the job properly.  

Professional painter Rick Bacon and motoring writer Dennis W. Parks teamed up to create this 176-page softcover (ISBN 9781613256930) for CarTech’s Performance How-To series. Through eight chapters, they offer novices frank, factual advice on how to approach this crucial work, with helpful discussions of material quality—where you can safely economize—and best-practice techniques (including things like how to mask to create custom details). This book is heavily illustrated with descriptively captioned color photos. It’s an important and encouraging read for anyone who’s considering taking on this work in the hope of achieving a paint job they can be proud of.

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