Gift ideas for the DIYers and auto enthusiasts on your list from the RockAuto.com catalog!

Restore the look and functionality and provide reliable protection with a new Keyless Entry Remote Case (found under the "Electrical" category for specific vehicles).

Make maintenance jobs easier with core shop equipment such as Absorbent Pads, Dollies, Creepers, Mechanic's Tools or Tool Boxes (found under the "Garage Equipment" category of the "Tools & Universal Parts" tab).

Roll back the years and spruce up the interior with a new Steering Wheel Cover, Seat Covers, Spare Tire Cover or Gauge Kits (found under the “Tools & Universal Parts” tab in the "Interior" category; also listed under "Interior" for some specific vehicles in the RockAuto.com catalog).

Not sure which parts or tools are needed now or down the road? A RockAuto Gift Certificate, available for any amount, will let your car enthusiast choose the parts or tools they need.

RockAuto is pleased to announce an expansion of Remote Starter Kits in the RockAuto.com catalog. RockAuto now offers Remote Vehicle Starter Kits from Autotecnica and Mopar for a range of Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford (2011-2014 F-150), Jeep and Ram vehicles.

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a pre-warmed or pre-cooled vehicle. The Remote Starter Kits provide the same functionality as factory-installed remote start; two vehicle keys with an extra button for remote start. Mopar kits are the original equipment (OE) parts. Installation instructions are included and/or are available on RockAuto's pages for specific kits.

Find vehicle-specific Remote Starter Kits in the "Ignition" category of the RockAuto.com catalog.

AllPar.com is a forum community dedicated to Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, AMC owners and enthusiasts. Join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance and more!

If you are the administrator or member of a forum and you would like to see your website featured in an upcoming newsletter and receive a discount code to share with your members, contact marketing@rockauto.com.

In college, back in the 70s, I had an old beat-up '57 Chevy. Its most redeeming quality was that it ran---at least most of the time!

One hot Texas, 100 plus degree day, I knew that the battery was all but drained, but not to worry. I had plenty of friends that would help me push-start it. About noon, we started out. Since there were five of us, I was not needed to push - just steer.

We pushed it a block; it did not start. We pushed it around the corner and down another block; it did not start. The guys were getting really tired, and it was HOT! Finally, when we had gone all around the block and were back at our original starting point, one of the guys yelled, "Do you have the key on?"

Without replying, I sheepishly turned on the key. BOOM! it went, as all that unburned gasoline exploded out the tailpipe.

I was looking in the mirror, and you should have seen those guys dance around with the most panicked looks on their faces. I also heard some words that I cannot repeat here!

Moral, if it will not start, always make sure the key is turned on!

Gary in Texas

Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please email your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the RockAuto catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!

Vegan leather was an interior upholstery option on which of these vehicles?

A. 1971-1973 Ford Mustang
B. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
C. 2010 Blue Bird All American school bus
D. all the above

Answer below

Conventional (top), Cable and Pre-mounted Window Regulators

It seems like a lot of new car door designs assume the owner has a heated garage to keep the car in and/or lives in a warm climate. Features such as elegant electric door handles and windows that automatically lower a centimeter so doors close effortlessly may not be the best choices when the car is encased in a sheet of ice.

Door parts including the cable type window regulators common on newer cars can wear out faster when operated in freezing temperatures. The load on cables and pulleys increases as the motor strains to move glass that is frozen to door seals. Cold plastic pieces may become more brittle. If the window motor spins its gear or shaft, but the window just moves erratically, if at all, then a cable or other component of the window regulator may have snapped, crumbled or stripped.

Car manufacturers likely chose cable window regulators because they are lighter, less expensive and often easier to install on the assembly line compared to conventional regulator designs that use metal arms, a large gear and strong spring. That means many cable window regulators are relatively easy for DIYers to replace as well. Disassembly typically entails removing the door panel, unplugging electrical connectors, unbolting and removing the window glass, unbolting the window regulator and pulling it out of the door. Read the repair manual (found under "Literature" at RockAuto.com) to see specific instructions for your car, SUV or truck.

Cable window regulators are very similar on many makes/models, but you might still be surprised after taking a door panel off. A newer Toyota will likely still have a conventional window regulator (metal arms, gear, spring). A KIA might have a conventional window regulator or it might have a cable regulator pre-mounted to a large plastic inner door liner. The window motor on a Subaru might be permanently built into the structure of the cable window regulator. Satisfy your curiosity and reduce surprises by seeing the Window Regulator, Window Motor and/or Window Regulator & Motor Assembly for your specific vehicle under "Interior" in the RockAuto.com catalog.

I personally will keep driving my 1992 Dodge B250 van in frigid weather because it has lots of doors. At least one of them will not be frozen shut. There is nothing smart or automatic about its windows and they can stay closed until spring...

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

To read more of Tom's articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page.

I am the proud owner of this 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Special that has approximately only 150,000 miles on it. What makes this car particularly special is the fact that it has been in our family its entire life, now 71 years. It is in family photos dating prior to my birth in 1953! It was purchased by my grandmother in New Orleans, and I began driving the car at age 16 and used it during high school and college.

The engine is the 217 cubic inch with a 3 speed on the column. I completed a 10-year restoration in the 90s, though the car was in excellent original condition. I performed most of the restoration myself, with the exception of the engine overhaul and the body work. The wear on the engine after 42 years was minor, and many of the original parts were re-installed. The grille is the original chrome. All the stainless-steel trim is original to the car, and I buffed it to get the desired finish. The bumpers were re-chromed. One other interesting note, the "Green Bullet" was in the 1990 movie “Tune in Tomorrow” which was filmed in New Orleans.

Those who are fortunate to have a classic car from this era know the joy I felt every hour I spent restoring the ‘50 and now during the ongoing country road cruises. I was continually reminded of the craftsmanship, quality and engineering that went into the car as I dismantled and reassembled it. The enjoyment now is to drive it (only on days when the sky is clear) and to recall the many memories of family outings in the car. RockAuto sourced brake, ignition, electrical, cooling and engine parts are integral to keeping my Chevy running as smoothly as she does.

Bill in Georgia (RockAuto customer for over three years)

Share Your Hard Work
Do you purchase parts from RockAuto? If so, RockAuto would like to give you the opportunity to have your car or truck possibly featured in one (or occasionally more) of our publications such as the monthly newsletter, collector magnets, RockAuto social media or other commercial use. New, old, import, domestic, daily driver, trailer queen, classic, antique, we want to see them all! For submission instructions and tips for taking pictures of your car, please visit our Photography Tips & Submission Info page

Vegan leather was an interior upholstery option on which of these vehicles?

A. 1971-1973 Ford Mustang
B. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
C. 2010 Blue Bird All American school bus
Answer: D. all the above (What used to be called a vinyl interior may be referred to as vegan leather, leatherette or another marketing term on newer vehicles. Newer vinyl fabrics look more like leather, better dissipate heat/moisture, may include recycled plastics and offer other advantages compared to the vinyl seats and tops on our favorite cars from the '60s and '70s.)

Back up to trivia question