SEMA: Viper-powered 1944 Mack fire truck is one wild ride
Friday, 4 November 2011, 1:00 am

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics

While we generally spend most of our time at SEMA walking through the halls of the convention center, there's some pretty impressive cars outside, as well. Take this wild 1944 Mack fire truck, for example.

Built by Tom Stark of Precision Designs, the truck has been fitted with a 2005 Viper SRT10 V10 engine mated to a Dodge 48RE automatic transmission. The stock Mack axle remains up front, but the rear suspension and axle from a 2008 Ram truck resides out back. Other features include Dodge Ram SRT10 brakes, 24-inch American Force wheels and custom leather seating.

Lest you think this is just a show truck, Stark tells us that the owner plans to actually drive the thing. He is even going to make the trek from his home in Kansas City to the Goodguys Nationals in Columbus, Ohio come July.

You can see the Viper-powered 1944 Mack fire truck in detail in the gallery above.

Viper-powered 1944 Mack fire truck is one wild ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Drew Phillips

SEMA: Chevrolet Corvette ZR59 mixes classic styling with ZR1 power
Friday, 4 November 2011, 12:31 am

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Chevrolet

It takes a lot to stand out at SEMA, but while we were walking through the endless halls of the Las Vegas convention center this 1959 Chevrolet Corvette easily caught our eye.

Dubbed the Corvette ZR59, the car has been given a complete Pro-Touring makeover with a custom Art Morrison chassis and a hand-built metal and fiber glass body. Under the hood is a Corvette ZR1 LS9 V8 producing 750 horsepower, and additional modern components include a Corvette C6 suspension, Wilwood disc brakes and Tremec T56 six-speed transmission. The interior is just as impressive with a hand-fabricated dash, center console and gauge cluster.

You can check out the Corvette ZR59 in detail in the high-res gallery above.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR59 mixes classic styling with ZR1 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Drew Phillips

SEMA: Xtreme Outfitters Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Call of Duty: Black Ops is charitably awesome
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 11:59 pm

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, SUV, Jeep, Toys/Games, Military, Specialty, Off-Road

The standard Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition is an impressive piece of machinery by any standard, but if you're looking for something with a little more bite, Xtreme Outfitters may have what you're looking for. The company has created a custom Wrangler just for the Army Rangers. The stock drivetrain was pulled in favor of a Burnsville 5.7-liter Hemi V8 conversion paired to a five-speed automatic transmission while the standard axles were scrapped for a Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear from Dynatrac. A TeraFlex four-inch long arm kit with provides a little extra lift, while Fox 2.0 performance shocks ensure that this Wrangler can soak up whatever terrain you decided to conquer.

Smittybilt provided a set of XRC armor fenders, an SRC stinger bumper and a rear XRC bumper with an adjustable tire mount, some of which have been decorated with shots from a 9mm pistol. Xtreme Outfitters also worked with BMF for a set of pre-production Novakane 17x9-inch wheels.

Inside, the Wrangler uses custom lighting from Rigid Lighting and Katzkin custom two-tone leather seats embroidered with the Ranger logo. Xtreme Outfitters has donated the Wrangler to the Army Rangers to be auctioned off to benefit veteran Rangers. Raffle tickets are $25 a piece, and you can enter as many times as you like. Xtreme Outfitters says that the total build tallies up to around $150,000, though all of the decommissioned firearms spread around the cabin aren't part of the deal. Head over to the Rangers site for more information.

Xtreme Outfitters Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Call of Duty: Black Ops is charitably awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Zach Bowman

Wheeeeee!: Google's 'Do A Barrel Roll' Trick
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 9:15 pm

Go to Google, type in 'do a barrel roll'. The page barrel rolls. This isn't rocket surgery, folks.GoogleandGoogle (this one should auto-roll for you)Thanks to Tarkin, Boogie Jon and bb, who don't use Google for anything but reading the autofill responses when they're bored. That...wow, that's some serious f***ing boredom.

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | (author unknown)

SEMA: Icon Derelict 1952 Chevrolet Business Coupe looks even cooler in the flesh
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 8:45 pm

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Chevrolet, Specialty

Icon was kind enough to roll out two vehicles at SEMA 2011 including the company's latest Derelict project. We found this 1952 Chevrolet Business Coupe is a welcome sight among the flashy, polished-to-death SEMA masses. With its Art Morrison chassis, completely reworked suspension, CNC-machined steelie reproduction wheels and a 430-horsepower aluminum General Motors 6.2-liter V8 engine, Icon's latest Derelict is nothing short of a SEMA masterpiece. The level of execution and attention to detail on the vehicle, from the glass bottle burp tank to its buffalo and alligator seat covers, is phenomenal.

Icon has already produced a handful of Derelict projects; vehicles with original patina and reworked engine and chassis components. The company says that it can perform the same service on any vehicle from the 1930s to the 1970s. Judging from strong reader response to our earlier post on this vehicle, you've already gone gaga right along with us based on the press shots alone. Here's your chance to get a little closer to the restomod action with our in-person gallery.

Icon Derelict 1952 Chevrolet Business Coupe looks even cooler in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Zach Bowman

Another Day, Another Volcanic Lightning Cloud
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 8:30 pm

Dammit Sauron, I already told you -- the Ring has been destroyed!This is a picture of Cordon del Caulle erupting in Chile. It's not the first time we've seen lightning in the ash clouds of volcanoes here on Geekologie, it's just the first one that looks like a tornado FROM HELL. Impressive, devil, but if you even think about dropping a house anywhere near me I'll jam that trident so far up your ass you're gonna have five horns.Picture [yahoonews]Thanks to Matt, who swears the guy next to him in an airport bathroom stall had this coming out of him. Oh good lordy.

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | (author unknown)

Video: Freestyle motorcycle riding in the French Alps film is gorgeous
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 8:15 pm

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle

Of the world's innumerable natural wonders, the French Alps are particularly spectacular. Stretching along the border between France and Italy, the mountain chain offers exceptional vistas and, for braver folk, incredibly challenging terrain. Freestyle trials rider Julien Dupont recently brought a few friends out for a day of playing in the mountains, and Ride the World Productions tagged along to film the whole event. The camera crew spent some time playing with its own toys, including a camera-equipped Air Drone remote-control helicopter.

The result is one very well-shot, very well-edited video of some impressive freestyle motorcycle riding. Watching Dupont work his magic with mountain and machine is a real treat, and it makes us itch for a little time in the saddle ourselves. Hit the jump to check out the full video for yourself. You can also poke around the RTWprod YouTube page for more clips of awesome riding.

Continue reading Freestyle motorcycle riding in the French Alps film is gorgeous

Freestyle motorcycle riding in the French Alps film is gorgeous originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Zach Bowman

Hey Bub, Learn How to Make Metal Wolverine Claws for Five Bucks
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 4:23 pm

Anyone who is anyone knows that if your life is being threatened the first thing you should do is weaponize yourself. Now, what better to go at your foe than a pair of functionally dangerous metal wolverine claws. Best of all, they only cost $5 to make. Not too shabby for the poor man's geek weapon.

[ source and how to make ]

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | khz

SEMA: AEV Wrangler Brute Double Cab
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 4:01 pm

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Truck, Jeep, Specialty, Off-Road

American Expedition Vehicles has broadened its Jeep Wrangler pickup conversion offerings with the new Brute Double Cab. Offered as a turn-key conversion, the vehicle features a combination of stamped-steel and composite body panels for an OEM-level fit and finish. Using a combination of structural adhesive and welding, AEV says it has managed to reduce noise and vibration in the cabin and ensure the longevity of the build. While the original AEV Brute bore a stamped-steel bed, the company has switched to a new composite design that is both lighter and more durable than its predecessor.

Using carbon fiber outer skins, beefy reinforced fiberglass innards and a foam core, the company says that the new kit weighs in at around 200 pounds. That's nearly 200 pounds lighter than the old one.

AEV is currently running a cost analysis to determine how much the conversion will set you back. The Brute Double Cab on display at SEMA 2011 also benefited from the company's 6.4-liter V8 Hemi conversion, complete with a special stamped-steel hood. In addition, Dynatrac served up a special set of axles for the build, including a heavy-duty Dana 44 up front and a Dana 60 rear. Sounds good to us.

AEV Wrangler Brute Double Cab originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Zach Bowman

Classic: I Work Well With Deadlines
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 12:00 pm

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Cheezburger Network

You Know, Like Nunchuck Skills, Bow Hunting Skills, Sword Dancing Skills
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 12:52 am

Sit back and watch the sword skills and then introduce some beer drinking synchronized weapons dancing while grandma sits back and watches like a pro. Incredible. God damn I <3 the internet.

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | khz

Get In the Van
Wednesday, 2 November 2011, 6:00 pm

Hi everybody, Today is National Van Day. Never read of it? It’s because it is a holiday I just made up. Take that, calendar! You think you tell me when I can, and when I can’t celebrate! National Van Day is a celebration of wonders that vans bring to our lives, and how totally not creepy people who drive vans are. It can also be a celebration of singer and reality TV star David Van Day (or as I now call him David Van-Day), but that’s completely up to you.

View This Poll

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Cheezburger Network

Proper LAN Party Party Attire
Wednesday, 2 November 2011, 5:00 pm

View This Poll

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Cheezburger Network

Roadeo: A game about a road versus a car
Wednesday, 2 November 2011, 5:30 am

Regardless of who claims to have had the idea originally, we're totally on board with Roadeo, a game that pits asphalt against automobile. One player controls the road while the other tries to keep the car on the road. As you can see in the video above, it's easier read than done.

Now for the best part: you can totally play it right now. All you have to do is grab a friend, share the keyboard, and you're good to go. We've already ruined three friendships today playing it, but your mileage may vary.

Roadeo: A game about a road versus a car originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | David Hinkle

Comic for November 2, 2011
Wednesday, 2 November 2011, 5:00 am

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | (author unknown)

Board Eraser Turns Chalk Dust Into New Chalk
Tuesday, 1 November 2011, 8:30 pm

This is a conceptual chalkboard eraser that sucks in the dust from the board and makes new pieces of chalk with it. No clue how much dust it takes to actually create a fresh stick, but my guess is at least twice what it'd collect in a lifetime.

As you erase the board, the Chalkeeper has a tiny vacuum motor that sucks up all of the dust and stores it inside the handle. That by itself would be a big improvement over the usual chalky mess, but this concept goes one step further by combining the chalk dust with heat and water to mold new chalk sticks.

This is actually a pretty genius idea if you think about it because 1. chalk is cheap as f*** 2. I can't remember the last time I even saw a chalk board and 3. the third world nations that actually still use chalkboards clearly have a budget for chalk-recycling erasers. Million dollar ideas, people.This eraser magically turns chalk dust into new chalk sticks [dvice]Thanks to The Professor, who still uses a chalkboard when he teachers because he likes the sound it makes when he's writing. You're sick.

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | (author unknown)

Touch ALL the Things
Tuesday, 1 November 2011, 8:00 pm

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Cheezburger Network

Video: Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit debuts at SEMA
Tuesday, 1 November 2011, 5:02 pm

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, SUV, Videos, Jeep

Considering how long the Jeep Wrangler has been in production, we're surprised that nobody thought of this sooner. The Jeep enthusiasts at Omix-Ada Inc. have designed what they're calling the world's first power folding soft top kit for the beloved Wrangler, which can be fitted to any 2007-2012 model year four-door model. (The company says a kit for the two-door Wrangler is expected to arrive later in 2012.)

The Rugged Ridge package comes complete with a vinyl top, power top frame, hydraulics, wiring harness and installation pack, and the top itself includes a zip-out, removable, tinted rear window. Omix-Ada says the whole kit comes ready to install with "no fuss or mess."

We can't help but notice that the top looks sort of flimsy during operation, but nevertheless, it's a neat aftermarket tweak to one of the most iconic off-roaders ever to grace our roads (and trails). We're not sure how well the hardcore purists will receive something like this, but there are plenty of people buying four-door Wranglers as lifestyle vehicles, too. Check out a pair of videos after the jump showing the power folding top in action, along with Omix-Ada's press release.

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit debuts at SEMA

Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit debuts at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Steven J. Ewing

Quick Spin: Icon Bronco
Monday, 31 October 2011, 4:57 pm

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, SUV, Ford, Specialty, Design/Style, Off-Road, Quick Spins

Resurrecting Ford's Iconic 4x4 With Style



"The watch industry is a very interesting parallel in that none of us need watches anymore," Jonathon Ward, founder of Icon 4x4, offers as a metaphor for his latest project. "The secret to them succeeding and prospering and furthering their design efforts in the modern market is in the execution - making the execution distinct and purposeful and bespoke. We are trying to take that unnecessary ethic from other industries and evolve it into niche transportation."

In other words, Ward knows that his custom creations are superfluous, but like timepieces, people appreciate them for more than just their practical use. We count ourselves in that group, as we've previously sampled the Icon CJ3B and found it to be more than the sum of its parts.

The company's latest project is the Icon Bronco. After completing the development of the FJ series and the aforementioned CJ3B, Ward has turned his unique perspective to Ford's legendary off-roader from the 1960s and 70s. Icon will officially debut this Bronco at SEMA in Las Vegas later this week, but when Ward called us up earlier this month and asked if we wanted a sneak preview, we jumped at the chance. With the Bronco needing to maintain its like-new condition for the show, however, we would be limited to a short jaunt around the city streets of his facility in Van Nuys, CA. That would have to do, though, as we were eager to see what sort of unique details and materials Ward's team has implemented into the Bronco's design.

Continue reading Icon Bronco

Icon Bronco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | Drew Phillips

Definition
Monday, 31 October 2011, 4:28 am

Marching band (noun) - Another form of abstinence.

Source: Mike's shared items in Google Reader | (author unknown)